Laughter of Dead Kings (Vicky Bliss, No. 6) by Elizabeth Peters
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Book Reviews of Laughter of Dead Kings (Vicky Bliss, No. 6)
Book Review: Very Pleased, Wish there were more to come.
Summary: 4 Stars
I had just recently discovered the Vicky Bliss series and when I had finished Night Train to Memphis (#5) I had discovered this book was soon to be published. I could not wait; ordered it, and then picked it up on it's release date.
I liked this book very much in the sense it has the usual characters. As in all previous books, they are facing the opposing side with wit and perseverance. This book has it's adventure as well, but I dare say that it lacked some of the adventure that Silhouette in Scarlet (#3) and Trojan Gold (#4). For that reason alone I rated it 4 stars. I had feverishly tore threw some of the other above mention Vicky Bliss mysteries but more or less has a nice, meandering read with this one. I am so sorry to see Vicky go and I will miss having these characters about. I will agree with some of the other reviews...Schmidtt was wonderful, same 'ol likeable guy, but John was not quite as charming and likable, and was actually kinda dry Yet in the end he always holds all the answers. I do not read the Amelia Peabody series, (maybe oneday) so the connection was not meaningful tom me. Definitely worth the read.
I do recommend at least reading Trojan Gold and Night Train to Memphis before reading this book, they pick up on the same people and themes and a reader would be completly lost without the background information.
Book Review: Laughter of the Dead Kings--Vintage Peters (aka Mertz.) Vickie Bliss novel
Summary: 4 Stars
One of my favorite teachers of Egyptology, Professor Barbara Mertz,(aka Elizabeth Peters) makes this fictional Vicky Bliss series fun. "Laughter of the Dead Kings" contains all the usual Peter's devices--careful sleuthing, fascinating travelogue information, Egyptian dynastic historical facts, quick thinking ripostes, and humor-- to achieve her goal: an enjoyable novel. My only quibble is probably personal: I tire of heroines who savor the flawed "hero" with a more-than-questionable past; even those who have admirable pasts too often are annoying egoists--entertaining, of course, but annoying. Also, this was not a "can't-put-it-down" type novel, which is probably a good thing if one wants to read only a few chapters before bedtime. However, this particular story tended to drag a little (for me.) Having said that, I found it fun reading and would highly recommend it to those who enjoy this genre.
Addendum: those interested in Egyptology should make it a point to obtain Metz's non-fictional books on anything related to Egypt's past. She not only is an entertaining and extremely readable writer, but she really knows her stuff and writes very clear and understandable history. She also offers clear discussion of differences of opinion. And as is her way, always with touches of humor (I have to party with this gal!)
Book Review: She's Baaack!
Summary: 4 Stars
I have to admit to being an avowed fan of Vicky Bliss ever since the first novel she appeared in, but I really, really loved it when she hooked up with her on again off again lover, Sir John Smythe, particularly Trojan Gold and Night Train to Memphis. So, I was really yearning for another in their continuing bumpy road to romance. And although this book had some good points, I was somewhat disappointed in that it seemed lacking in the snap and dash of the others in the series. I would've loved to heard more of her crossing swords with John's mother, but that was only just touched on, and the characters seemed to lack some of the panache of previous novels. A nice twist was the connection to the Emersons (even if it was just a tad bit contrived) and her beloved Herr Doctor Schmidt's surprising talent. I won't reveal the talent here, but suffice to say I sadly underestimated the old boy! All in all, it was an entertaining read, but not of a caliber of Night Train To Memphis, although in typical Peters fashion she did leave Vicky and John dangling at the end. One can only hope she brings them back with more of the sass and style of earlier efforts.Book Review: A nice ending for the Vicky Bliss series and a hint at more Amelia Peabody
Summary: 4 Stars
'Laughter of Dead Kings' is worthy entry into the Vicky Bliss series. In the preface, the author writes about the 'current now', which inserts the central character into the time the book was published without aging her. Readers will notice differences in the events and technology within the series that began in the early 1970s. However, it is easy to pick up again from 'Night Train from Memphis' and just enjoy a good story told. This time John must clear himself of the blame for the theft in broad daylight of a famous Egyptian mummy. Vicky and Schmidt lend a hand and murder and danger insue. It is a good novel, not as witty as the others and the bad guys were easier to identify, but still an entertaining read. There is a sense that this is the last book on Vicky Bliss. For those who have read all the Amelia Peabody books, look out for references to the lady archaeologist, answers to there relevance to Sir John and some delightful hints that there may be one or more books about the famous Emersons in the future.Book Review: A happy ending. Worth the wait.
Summary: 4 Stars
I loved this book. I have been a fan of Vicky/John and Schmidt since the beginning. As a long, long time fan of MPM books, this was a satisfying return to much loved characters. I thoroughly enjoyed revisiting amateur sleuth Vicky's world.
The mystery and story line were not as in depth or detailed as previous vicky books, but it was still a far better read than most.
I thank Ms Mertz for penning another mysterious escapade across Egypt and a happy ending for 2 of my very favorite fictional characters.
Sadly, this is probably the last in series, but it did wrap up a couple of 14 year loose ends nicely. And if by some chance there's another book in the future, it too will be on my auto-buy list.
I highly recommend this author, all her books are well written, with excellent attention to background information and pertinent trivia.
I have every Vicky Bliss and Amelia Peabody book on my keeper shelf.