The Laughter of Dead Kings by Elizabeth Peters

     This book, #6 in the Vicky Bliss series, was written a good 10 years after #5 was written, yet Vicky is just the same as ever. The world around her has changed, of course, but, as the author says: "So how do we  writers explain the inconsistencies and anachronisms? We don't. We can't.  . . . Ignore them as I have and place yourself in the "current now."  No problem! I  very much enjoyed this final installment in the story of Vicky Bliss, John Tregarth and their companions.
 
     "Who stole one of Egypt's most priceless treasures?" the inside flap of this book asks. Well, since we know that John has gone straight (for Vicky), it can't be him, right? But that's not what many other important people (and many powerful criminals) think. Now John must prove that he didn't steal this treasure and to do that he must find out who did and he must get it back.

     Of course, John and Vicky are an acknowledged pair by now, so she accompanies him as he gets deeper and deeper into the mystery. They are also joined by some old friends from previous adventures, as well as our lovable and increasingly amazing Anton Schmidt. And just to add a little touch of sentimentality, the author ties herself and her Amelia Peabody characters into the storyline--kind of a fun addition.

     I'm sorry to see this series end; I've enjoyed it so much. I still find it interesting (and doubtful?) that John and Vicky--both so dysfunctional in their personal relationships--can possibly find any sort of a happily-ever-after. Seems like Vicky can never quite trust John. And she's so casual about their relationship still. She holds herself apart, even as he doesn't (or does he?). Hm. I think this book is too fluffy to bear a lot of analysis :). It requires a high degree of departure from reality to get into. But that's what I really like about Elizabeth Peters. She makes that unbelievability so engaging, so entertaining, so much fun!

Bad language: mild cursing, some profanity as well
Sex: Yup. No sex scenes or any other titillating descriptions. Vicky and John have been in and out of each other's beds since book 2 in the series. You know, cuz that's what we independent and liberated women do. Ahem. Sigh.