Crocodile on the Sandbank [Dramatized Adaptation]

Amelia Peabody [Dramatized Adaptation] #1

by Elizabeth Peters, Nanette Savard (Narrator), Michael Glenn (Narrator)

The unshakeable Amelia Peabody embarks on an Egyptian adventure armed with self-confidence, a journal to record her thoughts, and, of course–a sturdy umbrella. On her way to Cairo, Amelia rescues young Evelyn Barton-Forbes, who has been abandoned by her scoundrel lover. Together the two women sail up the Nile to an archeological site run a pair of handsome brothers.

Strange visitations, suspicious accidents, and a botched kidnapping convince Amelia that there is a plot afoot to harm Evelyn. Now Amelia finds herself up against an unknown enemy–and perilous forces that threaten to make her first Egyptian trip also her last...

Adapted from the novel and produced with a full cast of actors, immersive sound effects and cinematic music!

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Audiobook, Adventure

Audible Audio

Published June 11, 2025

About the author

Elizabeth Peters is a pen name of Barbara Mertz. She also wrote as Barbara Michaels as well as her own name. Born and brought up in Illinois, she earned her Ph.D. in Egyptology from the University of Chicago. Mertz was named Grand Master at the inaugural Anthony Awards in 1986 and Grand Master by the Mystery Writers of America at the Edgar Awards in 1998. She lived in a historic farmhouse in Frederick, western Maryland until her death.

Reviews

[Sophia]

It has been several years since I picked up the first book in this series and fell in love with the bossy, eccentric Miss Peabody and irascible Professor Emerson, their Egypt and the mystery and mayhem that always seems to arrive with them. This time around I was delighted to experience Graphic Audio’s Dramatized Adaption featuring a full cast, music, and sound effects.

My full review will post on my Instagram page, @sophiarose1816 on 3.27.26.

[Mel (Daily Prophecy) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the characters and the dramatized effect. The voices threw me off a little, since Elizabeth is around 28 and is voiced by an older British lady that makes her sound like she is in her 60's. Lucas and Emerson also sounded really similar.

The story itself is fun, a little slow but entertaining enough. The whole mystery around the mummy and the growing romances, I had a good time.

[Stella · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read the Amelia Peabody series several times and listened to the narrator, Barbara Rosenblat, read them a hundred more.
This is a favorite “feel good” series of mine not because it is exceptionally well-written but because I like spending time with the characters. They are like good friends. Our friends, and ourselves, have some annoying characteristics but we love them. Like when Amelia harangues Emerson about his hat and other choices, Ramses about his speech and his lengthly explanations (of which Amelia is a master,) and the servants’ vowels and diphthongs!
My interest in Egyptology began with Elizabeth’s books. I have read numerous factual books and articles about ancient Egypt. I have learned lots of facts and some vocabulary from Elizabeth Peters’ Peabody series. Vocab words include, mastaba, wadi,mrhbaan, and serdab, for a few.
Both dramatizations I have read so far have followed the dialog and story 100%. The atmosphere and characters are true to the one’s Elizabeth created. I have only one complaint. The sounds they use for walking are so phony! I can picture two people in an old-timey-before-TV studio clacking sticks together to approximate the sound of shoes! 👞 👠🥿
Can’t wait for the new one to come out Wednesday, October 22, 2025! The Mummy Case. Ramses plays a bigger part in this one because he is older.

[Meredith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been reading this series over and over again for the past 3 decades. The humor, bravado, intrigue and romance are off the charts. Even 50 years later, this book still delights me.

I was thrilled to discover that Graphic Audio is producing full cast narrations, and I absolutely loved this experience. Nanette Savard voices Amelia Peabody, and her narration is impeccable. Amelia’s outrage, humor, curiously and stubbornness are on point. Michael Glenn is perfectly cast as Radcliffe Emerson - the growliness, the hot temper, the arrogance.

I can’t wait to continue the GA versions!

[Shannan · Rating 3 out of 5]

In general, I would say this is a very good dramatization of the book. The actors did very well, the soundtrack and sound effects were just the right volume, and they stuck to the original work perfectly. But given how much I love these books, it's not surprising that I'd find some faults in it - though they're of such a shallow nature that I almost feel absurd that they bothered me so much.

Essentially, I just think that the actors who voiced Amelia, Emerson, and Lucas sounded too old. All three of them sounded more like they were somewhere in their 50s, even though Amelia's 32, Emerson's 29, and Lucas is somewhere in his 20s. The actors portrayed the characters very well, but the fact that they sounded more like snooty elders rather than the energetic youths they are (at this point in the series, anyway), did detract from some of the fun for me. Also, Lucas and Emerson's voices sounded too similar, which made it a little confusing during the scenes where they were together.

Lastly, I think I would've preferred if Amelia's voice actress didn't also do the narration. I mean, it makes sense that she would - it's written from first person, after all - but in this format, having the same voice go directly from narration to dialogue could be confusing and it wasn't always clear if she was talking to the audience or the characters. Maybe there are other things that could've been done to make the distinction more obvious, but different actors is the first that comes to my mind - odd though it may be for a first person narrative to do.

Again, I adore these books, and this was a loving and faithful adaptation of the original, but in spite of their skill, the voices for Amelia and Emerson still left me wanting.

[Yvonne Fortin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Super cute story

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent adaptation!

[Cathy Nunn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perfect for fans of old time radio dramas. The first book in the series, so it was nice to see where it all started.

[Shelia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I LOVE this series. These newly recorded enhanced recordings are fun!

[Cacophony · Rating 5 out of 5]

The voice actors for this dramatization are just spot on. The really bring the whole story to life and add another layer of enjoyment.

[Lissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

mostly good but Evelyn cries through all her lines at the end of the book which is annoying. The mens voices sound too much alike.