I've just finished re-reading several Elizabeth Peters books. For those of you who are unfamiliar with her work, in my opinion she was one of the best mystery writers of my era.

Although her "Amelia Peabody" series may not be considered "classics", her stories are incredibly entertaining and her characters can stand toe to toe with anything Agatha Christie could create.

Amelia Peabody Emerson is a nineteenth century, well bred, intelligent, attractive and fearless female archaeologist. Her illustrious, impetuous and intellectually brilliant husband, Radcliff Emerson is described as being devastatingly handsome, wildly courageous and hilariously devoted to his wife and son.

Together while exploring the ancient pyramids and tombs of Egypt they discover intrigue, mummies and mayhem - the mayhem usually created by their equally brilliant, precocious and adventurous young son Walter Peabody Emerson, a.k.a. Ramses.

All of this is charmingly and elegantly written with incredible taste, humor and a must read for mystery fans everywhere.