**edited 12/12/13 
 I've never really understood why people try to decide what books they would bring if they were trapped on a desert island, because (1) it's a little unlikely in our current issues with overpopulation, (2) even if it occurred, I suspect you wouldn't be able to plan ahead, and (3) I'll bet you'd just end up stuck with trashy beach reads. So let's just say that when the zombie apocalypse comes, I'm definitely going to make sure I have some Elizabeth Peters books in my basement or bomb shelter, preferably on audio (more on that later), but I'll take it as print if necessary. 
 Due to my disapproval of GR's new and rather subjective review deletion policy, 
 The rest of my (rather verbose and quote-filled) review is posted over here at Booklikes.