The Painted Queen

Elizabeth Peters was a trained Egyptologist who wrote historical mysteries, most notably the Amelia Peabody series. Her books, such as The Snake, the Crocodile, and the Dog, are known for their archaeological detail and sharp humor.

Joan Hess was a mystery writer who specialized in humorous stories about amateur sleuths and small-town life. She edited the anthology Tales of Obsession and wrote several long-running series set