Every Man Dies Alone, by Hans Fallada; translated by Michael Hofmann; afterword by Geoff Wilkes

Very, very interesting. Written just after WWII, and taking place in early parts of the war (beginning when Germany invaded France and moving forward about two years), it focuses on the people who live in one apartment building in Berlin and how day-to-day life twisted in upon itself under the Nazi regime. It takes awhile to realize, but it's really about the lengths people go to live with themselves. Reading this along side "Crime and Punishment" would be fascinating.

Astonishingly good, with some clunky translation in parts. And the afterword is quite helpful as well.

The Laughter of Dead Kings, by Elizabeth Peters

Oh how I adore Peters! In her latest, she returns to update the story of Vicki Bliss and "John Smith" and sends them to Egypt to rescue King Tut's mummy.

And of course the Peabody/Emerson crew is involved, peripherally; after all, we're talking about their stomping grounds. There is a surprise appearance from someone else...I'm not giving it away, though.

Lightweight fun, though I think if you don't know the characters already you're not going to get much out of this book. However, I will be listening to this one on CD to pick up the nuances and insider hints a second time through will bring.