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Amelia Peabody #6
The Last Camel Died at Noon
Bestselling author Peters brings back 19th-century Egyptologist Amelia Peabody and her entourage in a delicious caper that digs up mystery in the shadow of the pyramids.
368 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1973
525 people are currently reading
3907 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Peters
185 books3,314 followersElizabeth 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 830 reviews
December 5, 2018
Elizabeth Peters takes a slightly different direction in her sixth book and pays homage to Sir Henry Rider Haggard. Thus The Last Camel Died at Noon (you have to love that title!) is a romantic adventure in the style of King Solomon's Mines. It is great!
Of course we are still treated to Amelia's personal opinions of her actions which I always feel are very much her own view and maybe not based in reality! The relationship between the Emersons is as delightful as ever as is their constantly entertaining repartee. Ramses is an absolute gem. And now it appears he might be gaining a sister.
As usual I am already looking forward to the next book.
Of course we are still treated to Amelia's personal opinions of her actions which I always feel are very much her own view and maybe not based in reality! The relationship between the Emersons is as delightful as ever as is their constantly entertaining repartee. Ramses is an absolute gem. And now it appears he might be gaining a sister.
As usual I am already looking forward to the next book.
September 8, 2018
Let me tell you a bit about that 19th Century fictional feminist Amelia Peabody. “…I always try to become friendly with the women, in hope of instructing them in the rights and privileges to which their sex is morally entitled.” She spins her recollections in the first person with an almost encyclopedic knowledge of Egyptology and archeology.
And let Peabody tell you about her brilliant and pretentious husband. "Professor Radcliffe Emerson, F.R.S., F.B.A., LL.D. (Edinburgh), D.C.L. (Oxford), Member of the American Philosophical Society, et cetera, preeminent Egyptologist of this or any other era, was frequently to be encountered in unusual, not to say peculiar, surroundings. Will I ever forget that magical moment when I entered a tomb in the desolate cliffs bordering the Nile and found him delirious with fever, in desperate need of attentions he was helpless to resist? The bond forged between us by my expert nursing was strengthened by the dangers we subsequently shared; and in due course, Reader, I married him. Since that momentous day we had excavated in every major site in Egypt and written extensively on our discoveries. Modesty prevents me from claiming too large a share of the scholarly reputation we had earned, but Emerson would have been the first to proclaim that we were a partnership, in archaeology as in marriage."
Emerson, also known as “The Father of Curses,” their son, Ramses, and a new cast of characters are off up the Nile to Nubia. The plot involves both an old acquaintance who was last heard from fourteen years previously, and the opportunity to look at some ancient sites. Treasure was not the objective as Ramses explains: “The goal of proper excavation…is not treasure but knowledge. Any scrap of material, no matter how insignificant, may supply an essential clue to our understanding of the past. Our primary purpose here is to establish the original plan, and, if possible, the relative chronology…”
Barbara Mertz got her degree in Egyptology from the University of Chicago about the time I was born. She seems to have had a fascination for mysteries and crime and her books (20) about Amelia Peabody were written with the pen-name Elizabeth Peters. Each book (in order) is intended to represent one yearly expedition in search of knowledge of antiquities. They begin in the last two decades of the 19th Century. There is plenty of opportunity for “Peters” to share her knowledge of the various Egyptian dynasties; their customs; their gods; their dress; their cosmetics; their eating habits; their social organization; etc. For the most part, this enhances her stories.
There was more thriller than mystery to this novel and, for me, that was just fine. I enjoy these journeys into antiquity but once every decade or so is enough to satisfy. 3.5*
And let Peabody tell you about her brilliant and pretentious husband. "Professor Radcliffe Emerson, F.R.S., F.B.A., LL.D. (Edinburgh), D.C.L. (Oxford), Member of the American Philosophical Society, et cetera, preeminent Egyptologist of this or any other era, was frequently to be encountered in unusual, not to say peculiar, surroundings. Will I ever forget that magical moment when I entered a tomb in the desolate cliffs bordering the Nile and found him delirious with fever, in desperate need of attentions he was helpless to resist? The bond forged between us by my expert nursing was strengthened by the dangers we subsequently shared; and in due course, Reader, I married him. Since that momentous day we had excavated in every major site in Egypt and written extensively on our discoveries. Modesty prevents me from claiming too large a share of the scholarly reputation we had earned, but Emerson would have been the first to proclaim that we were a partnership, in archaeology as in marriage."
Emerson, also known as “The Father of Curses,” their son, Ramses, and a new cast of characters are off up the Nile to Nubia. The plot involves both an old acquaintance who was last heard from fourteen years previously, and the opportunity to look at some ancient sites. Treasure was not the objective as Ramses explains: “The goal of proper excavation…is not treasure but knowledge. Any scrap of material, no matter how insignificant, may supply an essential clue to our understanding of the past. Our primary purpose here is to establish the original plan, and, if possible, the relative chronology…”
Barbara Mertz got her degree in Egyptology from the University of Chicago about the time I was born. She seems to have had a fascination for mysteries and crime and her books (20) about Amelia Peabody were written with the pen-name Elizabeth Peters. Each book (in order) is intended to represent one yearly expedition in search of knowledge of antiquities. They begin in the last two decades of the 19th Century. There is plenty of opportunity for “Peters” to share her knowledge of the various Egyptian dynasties; their customs; their gods; their dress; their cosmetics; their eating habits; their social organization; etc. For the most part, this enhances her stories.
There was more thriller than mystery to this novel and, for me, that was just fine. I enjoy these journeys into antiquity but once every decade or so is enough to satisfy. 3.5*
July 19, 2019
..
Mrs. Amelia "Peabody' Emerson demonstrates her charming wit and eccentric humor. This series produced such a comically, vivid picture of this family with their superior attitudes, geological adventures, and warped mystery-solving spats. that they each had me laughing out loud. I have finally found a clean book series that provides me with wit, humor, and tons of new words to devour. This is a historical book in the series is a stand-alone mystery which can be read without previous knowledge. I am enjoying this clean book series immensely,
This is the sixth book of the series and by this time, Ramses was ten years old. This amazingly precocious child accompanied his active and intelligent parents on another trip to Egypt for the winter season, where they are personally acquainted with many of the locals. This child is so advanced, that he knows more about the secret place than his highly educated parents if not more sometimes, which is totally incomprehensible, but extremely entertaining. Of course, let's not forget that each book includes a young pair of lovers that need assistance, at least in Amelia's mind. But this time, they were on a mysterious mission to locate a well-known married couple that had disappeared in that general area many years ago, which is how the Emerson family became captives in an unknown city Yet they were treated like royalty the majority of their visit there. The mystery leads to suspense and intrigue to the adventure, focusing on the Emerson families unique relationships in helping them deal with their circumstances.
This historical mystery delivers clean and wholesome entertainment with a cast of quirky characters. Amelia has the utmost respect, desire, and love for her dear husband, Emerson, even though they enjoy their witty banter and try to outdo one another. This book revealed an adventure in an unknown city in Egypt, where the Emersons were held hostage. In the end, there was a disgusting display of savagery when there was a bloody battle of swords. Her mental powers were increased by the tension and her clarity of the situation became clear.
The author expresses herself so dramatically that it captures the reader's attention and keeps you enrapt. Just when you may begin to feel a little lost or bored, her personal outburst, usually toward Emerson or Ramses, will recapture your attention, or she might strike someone with her trusty parasol and then, just continue the story. She has a distinct way of portraying each intrinsically humorous experience, giving the reader a unique and uncommon perspective to observe. What a unique experience being held hostage with her husband and the inspector this time. Ms. Peters is the only one who could aptly describe it the way she was able to.
In my opinion, any romantic insinuations were referred to as charmingly in a discreet manner. Although this book does not always follow the social protocol, instead of taking leaps in many directions, the entertainment delivers great entertainment. The sparkling gems of dry wit were fabulous and plenty to be had! Oddly enough, there will most assuredly be reviews all over the chart for this writing, depending on the different perspectives from multi-faceted readers.
I listened to this gem of a story through Hoopla, which I access through my local library. It is thrilling when I discover that a series I enjoy in audio as much as I did this one, by the talented and versatile narrator, Susan O'Malley.
Elizabeth Peters is quite the storyteller and expresses herself so dramatically that it captures the reader's attention and compels them to journey on. Just when you may begin to feel a little lost or bored, her personal outburst will recapture your attention, or she might strike someone with her trusty umbrella, defend those she loves with her pistol, or slash away at whatever offends. I was delighted with the notes within the book to the reader to explain what the author was trying to convey. I hope you enjoy this experience s much as I did!
You may be interested in more of this author's many other novels in the future. She writes under her pen names Elizabeth Peters, Barbara Michaels, and her real name - Barbara Mertz.
Mrs. Amelia "Peabody' Emerson demonstrates her charming wit and eccentric humor. This series produced such a comically, vivid picture of this family with their superior attitudes, geological adventures, and warped mystery-solving spats. that they each had me laughing out loud. I have finally found a clean book series that provides me with wit, humor, and tons of new words to devour. This is a historical book in the series is a stand-alone mystery which can be read without previous knowledge. I am enjoying this clean book series immensely,
This is the sixth book of the series and by this time, Ramses was ten years old. This amazingly precocious child accompanied his active and intelligent parents on another trip to Egypt for the winter season, where they are personally acquainted with many of the locals. This child is so advanced, that he knows more about the secret place than his highly educated parents if not more sometimes, which is totally incomprehensible, but extremely entertaining. Of course, let's not forget that each book includes a young pair of lovers that need assistance, at least in Amelia's mind. But this time, they were on a mysterious mission to locate a well-known married couple that had disappeared in that general area many years ago, which is how the Emerson family became captives in an unknown city Yet they were treated like royalty the majority of their visit there. The mystery leads to suspense and intrigue to the adventure, focusing on the Emerson families unique relationships in helping them deal with their circumstances.
This historical mystery delivers clean and wholesome entertainment with a cast of quirky characters. Amelia has the utmost respect, desire, and love for her dear husband, Emerson, even though they enjoy their witty banter and try to outdo one another. This book revealed an adventure in an unknown city in Egypt, where the Emersons were held hostage. In the end, there was a disgusting display of savagery when there was a bloody battle of swords. Her mental powers were increased by the tension and her clarity of the situation became clear.
The author expresses herself so dramatically that it captures the reader's attention and keeps you enrapt. Just when you may begin to feel a little lost or bored, her personal outburst, usually toward Emerson or Ramses, will recapture your attention, or she might strike someone with her trusty parasol and then, just continue the story. She has a distinct way of portraying each intrinsically humorous experience, giving the reader a unique and uncommon perspective to observe. What a unique experience being held hostage with her husband and the inspector this time. Ms. Peters is the only one who could aptly describe it the way she was able to.
In my opinion, any romantic insinuations were referred to as charmingly in a discreet manner. Although this book does not always follow the social protocol, instead of taking leaps in many directions, the entertainment delivers great entertainment. The sparkling gems of dry wit were fabulous and plenty to be had! Oddly enough, there will most assuredly be reviews all over the chart for this writing, depending on the different perspectives from multi-faceted readers.
I listened to this gem of a story through Hoopla, which I access through my local library. It is thrilling when I discover that a series I enjoy in audio as much as I did this one, by the talented and versatile narrator, Susan O'Malley.
Elizabeth Peters is quite the storyteller and expresses herself so dramatically that it captures the reader's attention and compels them to journey on. Just when you may begin to feel a little lost or bored, her personal outburst will recapture your attention, or she might strike someone with her trusty umbrella, defend those she loves with her pistol, or slash away at whatever offends. I was delighted with the notes within the book to the reader to explain what the author was trying to convey. I hope you enjoy this experience s much as I did!
You may be interested in more of this author's many other novels in the future. She writes under her pen names Elizabeth Peters, Barbara Michaels, and her real name - Barbara Mertz.
February 1, 2013
This was another great installment in the Amelia Peabody series! Usually, my favourite part is the snappy reparte between Amelia and Emerson, with whatever mystery or mayhem they're trying to solve being secondary. But in this outing, the actual story was pretty fascinating.
The Emerson family become caught up in the mystery involving a long-ago friend of Emerson's who disappeared with his young, beautiful wife years ago, while trying to find a lost civilization. A note has been delivered to the family, suggesting that they are still alive after all this time. Through a typically convoluted set of circumstances, the Emersons end up leading the expedition to find and rescue them.
But, as is always the case when the Emersons are involved, things go awry. The Emersons - including Ramses, who continues to be hilariously precocious and a thorn in his mother's side - not only find the lost civilization, but become either guests or captives - depending on who you listen to.
In order to leave, they must figure out the complicated politics and intrigues related to the competition for who will become the next king of the civilization. Needless to say, both Amelia and Emerson are in their usual fine, interfereing form as they attempt to not only help the right king to ascend, but to figure out a way to not be put to death and get to go home to England.
As always, Elizabeth Peters writes a wonderful story, with the main characters on full display with all their delightful quirks, and the supporting characters interesting, likeable and well-developed. I loved this story!
The Emerson family become caught up in the mystery involving a long-ago friend of Emerson's who disappeared with his young, beautiful wife years ago, while trying to find a lost civilization. A note has been delivered to the family, suggesting that they are still alive after all this time. Through a typically convoluted set of circumstances, the Emersons end up leading the expedition to find and rescue them.
But, as is always the case when the Emersons are involved, things go awry. The Emersons - including Ramses, who continues to be hilariously precocious and a thorn in his mother's side - not only find the lost civilization, but become either guests or captives - depending on who you listen to.
In order to leave, they must figure out the complicated politics and intrigues related to the competition for who will become the next king of the civilization. Needless to say, both Amelia and Emerson are in their usual fine, interfereing form as they attempt to not only help the right king to ascend, but to figure out a way to not be put to death and get to go home to England.
As always, Elizabeth Peters writes a wonderful story, with the main characters on full display with all their delightful quirks, and the supporting characters interesting, likeable and well-developed. I loved this story!
March 23, 2016
I actually had to join Good Reads just to review this book. I have frequently read reviews on here and appreciate the reviews in general. In the case of this book, I do not understand the great reviews for The Last Camel..which is many times cited as being the 'best of the series.' For perspective, I love mysteries of all kinds and historical fiction. I never met a Barbara Michaels book which I did not LOVE. Hard to believe this is the same author. This book was just boring to me. It seemed as if the same thing happened over and over (mysterious, dangerous journeys down dark passages where nothing important ever happened.) Several times I thought I had lost my place and was rereading a previous chapter, but No, the scenarios were just too similar. I actually like the premise of the story and the setting was interesting, but the plot toooo slowing and repetitive. Then there are the characters. I am sorry, but I found them obnoxious and ridiculous. I have to question the author's own happiness and self confidence because it seems the entire novel was devoted to proving how sexually alluring the heroine was. A man, married many years to the same woman, who daily spews forth constant declarations of how his wife is the most wonderful, amazing, sexy woman in the world is hard to believe. Then there is the fact that he absolutely cannot keep his hands off her and that sex is the only thing on their minds, even when their own child is missing and in grave danger....? Let's not worry about our 10 year old son, whom the King has decided to kill, let's hurry to our room and have sex because Emerson's muscles looked so masculine in his sweaty struggle.??? A mother who NEVER acts out of concern for her child, but only out to concern for herself and her husband is not only difficult to believe, but also difficult to like and to tolerate. The only reason I kept going with this book is because people here loved it so much, but I never 'got to the good part' as another reader so aptly put it.
July 20, 2016
Con un ritmo trepidante, es una digna historia de Amelia Peabody y su familia.
Reconozco que a lo que se refiere a estas aventuras no puedo ser imparcial. Desde que cayó una en mis manos hace años las adoré. Pero no fue hasta el año pasado que me animé a leerlas todas y en orden.
Creí que echaría algo en falta a Sethos porque adoro a ese personaje, pero ni siquiera me ha dado tiempo a darme cuenta de que, como en la anterior, este no aparece en esta aventura. ¿Cómo echarlo de menos cuando tenemos a los Emerson descubriendo una civilización sumida en las antigüas tradiciones faraónicas e inmersos en una lucha de poder por el trono, entre otras cosas?
En fin, que me ha encantado, frente al anterior que no me terminó de gustar, este me recordó por qué me encanta estos libros y por qué de pequeña quería ser arqueóloga o historiadora.
Reconozco que a lo que se refiere a estas aventuras no puedo ser imparcial. Desde que cayó una en mis manos hace años las adoré. Pero no fue hasta el año pasado que me animé a leerlas todas y en orden.
Creí que echaría algo en falta a Sethos porque adoro a ese personaje, pero ni siquiera me ha dado tiempo a darme cuenta de que, como en la anterior, este no aparece en esta aventura. ¿Cómo echarlo de menos cuando tenemos a los Emerson descubriendo una civilización sumida en las antigüas tradiciones faraónicas e inmersos en una lucha de poder por el trono, entre otras cosas?
En fin, que me ha encantado, frente al anterior que no me terminó de gustar, este me recordó por qué me encanta estos libros y por qué de pequeña quería ser arqueóloga o historiadora.
March 20, 2025
One of my favourites in the series so far! Adventures with Amelia and Emerson are always a good time!
October 20, 2018
Golly, I’d forgotten what a masterpiece this is (even better read by Barbara Rosenblat.) Amelia et famille undertake a Rider Haggard plot to find a missing treasure hunter/archaelogist, Willie Forth, reluctantly. Peters plays with those adventure novel plots magnificently, and though the book can be read without knowing those trash classics, it’s SO MUCH BETTER when you have some background as to why we hang around for so long before things get going, have odd mystical elements, and The Ceremonies, The vaguely-Racist-but-certainly-Colonialist view of the Other, etc. This is the best Amelia Peabody of the series to that point, even if it eschews mystery for adventure, because Peters was so very careful with just about everything.
I’m so glad to be repeating these (hopefully in “chronological” rather than published order) on audio. They are pure joy.
I’m so glad to be repeating these (hopefully in “chronological” rather than published order) on audio. They are pure joy.
February 10, 2026
The Last Camel died at Noon by Elizabeth Peters is the 6th book in the Amelia Peabody Mystery series. The Emersons are asked to look for a missing acquaintance from 14 years ago who had disappeared in the desert with his new wife searching for a lost civilisation after a message and map is received by their relatives. An extremely entertaining adventure. Amelia Peabody's thoughts and expressions are wonderful and quite forward and she always has her umbrella handy to assist in an attack. Emerson, the father of curses, plays an outstanding role in using his strength and intellect and precocious Ramses, now 10 years old, is superb as always. This is the book where we meet Nefret and learn her story. Lots of fun as well as educational with plenty of harrowing moments.
June 8, 2010
The plot of this one didn't do much for me, but I nonetheless enjoyed another expedition with the Emerson-Peabodys. They continue to amuse me, and there's a particularly touching bit when the family has a closer than usual brush with death. And of course, the Egyptian scenery is always interesting.
I like that this book begins at a crisis point, then flashes back to tell how the family arrived there. It was a nice departure from the usual linear storytelling in this series.
I hope to one day see Ramses tell his mother (once, anyway) to shut up and let him finish a sentence.
I like that this book begins at a crisis point, then flashes back to tell how the family arrived there. It was a nice departure from the usual linear storytelling in this series.
I hope to one day see Ramses tell his mother (once, anyway) to shut up and let him finish a sentence.
April 26, 2016
I really liked this story. I think it is my favorite one too. It seemed more complex and there was a lot of Egyption archeology information going on throughout. Lots of difficult names to keep track of, was the only complaint I had. There were some great lines between Amelia and her husband!
July 1, 2020
This is the sixth book in the Amelia Peabody series. I found it a little long. I listened to it on audio, read by Susan O’Malley who is fine, but cannot hold a candle to Barbara Rosenblat. Alas, I am subject to what is available via Overdrive and Hoopla.
In a nod to the novels of H. Rider Haggard, we find the Emersons in a “lost” civilization somewhere in the desert of Nubia. In this oasis, a British adventurer and his wife are believed to have found rescue some 14 years earlier. Others believe the couple are dead. The rest is pretty much like any Amelia Peabody mystery. They are very formulaic. I can only read them a year at a time, otherwise the sameness would be too overwhelming for me personally. I also echo goodreads reviewer Jamie Collins in the hope that someday Ramses is able tell his mother to shut up and let him finish a sentence
In a nod to the novels of H. Rider Haggard, we find the Emersons in a “lost” civilization somewhere in the desert of Nubia. In this oasis, a British adventurer and his wife are believed to have found rescue some 14 years earlier. Others believe the couple are dead. The rest is pretty much like any Amelia Peabody mystery. They are very formulaic. I can only read them a year at a time, otherwise the sameness would be too overwhelming for me personally. I also echo goodreads reviewer Jamie Collins in the hope that someday Ramses is able tell his mother to shut up and let him finish a sentence
November 5, 2024
Sixth in the Amelia Peabody amateur sleuth in an historical mystery series and revolving around an overly assertive feminist archeologist and her renowned husband. The focus is on a Lost City and a lost couple, Willoughby Forth and his wife.
In 1991, The Last Camel Died at Noon was nominated for the Agatha Award for Best Novel.
My Take
This was an unexpected diversion from Egypt into the Sudan and an Allan Quartermain-style tale that begins ahead of itself. Yep, Peters drops us into an advanced bit of action and then takes us back to the start. And it's allowing Peabody to live an adventure straight out of H. Rider Haggard's books, lol, with all the floridity of Victorian prose.
It's too true. The servants do know everything, lol.
Why would being fat hinder one's intellect?
Peters uses first person protagonist point-of-view from Peabody's perspective. Lol, it's not hard to keep up with everything going on, as Peabody just has to be in on everything.Thankfully, Emerson and Ramses are just as fascinated with understanding different cultures, their psychologies, and languages as she is.
Peters does have a habit of commenting on the perniciousness of the English public school system using Ramses' need for a balanced education. The poor treatment of women is another theme, and I can't blame Peters for taking this up. Every mention Peabody makes about how men view women is too true, and not just back in her day. I do like her descriptions of rational dress. It's certainly led to our blue jeans and T-shirts. I can't help but wonder what Peabody would make of today's fashions . . .
I will admit that Peabody is an aggressive know-it-all who doesn't hesitate to advise everyone on how to do anything. She is so annoying! And yet, she does have a good heart. I do have to laugh as she berates Ramses for doing what she does.
Betrayals abound and there's action a'plenty with the Emersons tugged back and forth. There were a few events that had me wondering what Peters was thinking. I mean, does Peabody really think her son wouldn't survive in those tunnels?? Gimme a break.
Ramses is a dichotomy between fastidious and filthy, brilliant and average, tolerant and intolerant. He's not the only dichotomy, for words are carefully chosen to explain what happened to the Forths, etc., speaking the truth but with shades of meanings.
On the negative side, Peters is quite confusing about Gebel Barkal and those comments made about the perverse Blacktower that seem to have come out of nowhere.
There's quite a bit of history on the wars in the Middle East of the 1800s.
Like any culture, there are prejudices, greed, kindnesses, compassion, and desires with the Cush as prejudiced as the West. It's a fascinating investigation by the Emersons (and I'm definitely including Ramses), for they are fascinated by other cultures, noting the negatives and positives of each (including their own), and they do promote knowledge as opposed to fame and fortune.
Oh, there's power in The Last Camel Died at Noon. That of ascending a throne for political power with Peabody and Emerson wondering about the extent of the power of the city's women as opposed to the hideous restrictions for commoners.
I wonder what happens to the girl...
The Story
Viscount Blacktower is firm in his belief that his son still lives and is insistent that the Emersons find him. His grandson, Reginald, is equally insistent.
It's a hunt that will lead the Emersons to a Lost City intent on preserving itself yet warring between the competing priesthoods of Osiris and Amon.
It's a point of honor now, well, okay, a need to know that pushes the Emersons into investigating the fate of the Forths.
The Characters
Amelia Peabody Emerson, a.k.a. Sitt Hakim, prides herself on her intelligence, practicality, and her medical abilities. Professor Radcliffe Emerson, FRS, FBA, LLD (Edinburgh), DCL (Oxford), Member of the American Philosophical Society, etc., a.k.a. the Father of Curses, is her equally forthright husband. The usually filthy Walter "Ramses" is their ten-year-old beyond precocious son who can speak Arabic like a native abd read three different scripts of Ancient Egyptian, Latin, Hebrew, and Greek. The cat Bastet is firmly attached to Ramses ( The Curse of the Pharaohs , 2). Their home base in England is Amarna Manor in Kent. Gargery is their butler; Rose is the parlormaid and, in truth, Amelia's second-in-command who adores Ramses; Mrs Bates is the cook; and, John is one of the footmen.
England
Walter Emerson is Radcliffe's younger brother and as brilliant in language as his brother is in excavation. Walter married Evelyn, the granddaughter and heiress of the Duke of Chalfont and Amelia's best friend. They now have five children: Raddie, John and William, Amelia, and the baby.
Frank Griffiths is one of Walter's rivals. Wallis Budge works for the British Museum as the Keeper of Egyptian and Assyrian Antiquities, acquiring artifacts, usually illegally. Professor Petrie has gotten married.
The Honorable Reginald Forthright is desperate to learn the fate of his uncle. Franklin, Viscount Blacktower, is Reginald's grandfather as well as a patron of archeological subjects. Willoughby "Willie" Forth is one of Blacktower's sons, the heir, and an explorer who was always a few months late. Willie married Miss Wright in 1883.
Egypt
The Academy for Young Gentlemen, in Cairo, refused to accept Ramses as a student. Assouan is a depot for military supplies and commanded by Captain Pedley, an old acquaintance of Emerson's.
By 1885, Haifa had been established as the southern frontier of Egypt. Captain Buckman is in charge. Sheikh Mahmud al-Araba is a friend of Emerson's.
The Sudan
Emerson is convinced that the region of Napata, Gebel Barkal, near Merawi, is where the first capital of Cush is located. Meroë is the second capital (and yet Peters also makes it sound as if Merawi and Meroë are the same). Near Sanam Abu Dom, a small village, is HQ for the Frontier Field Force of the Egyptian Army commanded by General Rundle. Sheikh Mustapha abd Rabu is another of Emerson's friends. Yussuf. Slatin Pasha, a.k.a. Rudolf Carl von Slatin, had served as governor of Darfur. Captain Griffith is in charge of the military camels.
The people on the Emersons' excavation team at Nuri includes Mohammed, Ahmet, Kemit, and Akinidad, the latter two are of the native Nilotic peoples. The people on the Forthright team include Ahmed, who is an excellent cook, and three Nubians, including Daoud.
The Lost Oasis,
. . . a.k.a. the City of the Holy Mountain, where two princes stand by to inherit: Prince Tarekenidal "Tarek" Meraset (he's the son of the king's wife Shanakdakhete) and Prince Nastasen Nemareh (son of Amanishakhete, who is their Candace, their queen). Count Amenislo is one of Tarekenidal's brothers, the son of Lady Bartare. Tabirka had been one of Tarek's favorite brothers.
The Handmaidens of the Goddess Isis are veiled at all times and tend to patients. Amenitere, a.k.a. Princess Amenit, is the First Handmaiden. Others include Mentarit and Maleneqen. Murtek is the Royal Councillor, High Priest of Isis, and the First Prophet of Osiris. Pesaker is the royal vizier, uncle to the princes, and High Priest of Aminreh, a.k.a. Amon-Re. Nefret is the daughter of Willie Forth and his wife; Nefret is considered the reincarnation of Isis.
Guards include Captain Harsetef and his men who are claimed by the Father of Curses. The Heneshem, a.k.a. Hemet netcher Amon, has three?? tools: the Voice; the Hand, their executioner; and, the Concubine.
The rekkit are the original people of the Holy Mountain and have been enslaved by the Cush, who refer to them as rats. The Friend of the Rekkit is willing to help the Emersons escape.
1897
Kitchener is Sirdar of the Egyptian Army.
1884
This was Peabody's first trip to Egypt. Mohammed Ahmed Ibn el=Sayyid Abdullah had proclaimed himself the Mahdi, a religious leader. His place was taken by Khalifa Abdullah el-Taashi. The Baggara were nicknamed the Fuzzy-Wuzzies for their hairstyle. General Gordon was being besieged in Khartoum. General Hicks was on his way to Kordofan in 1883.
This story is based on a legend about the sons of Cush who marched toward the setting sun. Lepsius visited the site in 1844 and is the only qualified scholar. Heinrich Schliemann discovered Troy. Ferlini brought jewelry back from Meroë 50 years ago. Zerzura is the place of the little birds. Sir Harold Carrington, a neighbor in Kent, loves foxhunting.
The Cover and Title
The cover is oranges, black, and gold. The black is the background with a two-tone horizontal striped band of orange and brown on the left and right. At the top is a testimonial and an info blurb; both in white. Below that (with a cutout on either side for the author's name) is the author's name in a pale embossed gold. Below that is a narrow gold band ending in arrow points with the series info in black. Below that in the bottom half of the cover is a graphic of a lonely desert in oranges overseen by a beautiful blue sky which also serves as the background for the title in white.
The title references the early part of the story when The Last Camel Died at Noon, leaving the Emersons at the mercy of the desert.
In 1991, The Last Camel Died at Noon was nominated for the Agatha Award for Best Novel.
My Take
This was an unexpected diversion from Egypt into the Sudan and an Allan Quartermain-style tale that begins ahead of itself. Yep, Peters drops us into an advanced bit of action and then takes us back to the start. And it's allowing Peabody to live an adventure straight out of H. Rider Haggard's books, lol, with all the floridity of Victorian prose.
It's too true. The servants do know everything, lol.
Why would being fat hinder one's intellect?
Peters uses first person protagonist point-of-view from Peabody's perspective. Lol, it's not hard to keep up with everything going on, as Peabody just has to be in on everything.Thankfully, Emerson and Ramses are just as fascinated with understanding different cultures, their psychologies, and languages as she is.
Peters does have a habit of commenting on the perniciousness of the English public school system using Ramses' need for a balanced education. The poor treatment of women is another theme, and I can't blame Peters for taking this up. Every mention Peabody makes about how men view women is too true, and not just back in her day. I do like her descriptions of rational dress. It's certainly led to our blue jeans and T-shirts. I can't help but wonder what Peabody would make of today's fashions . . .
I will admit that Peabody is an aggressive know-it-all who doesn't hesitate to advise everyone on how to do anything. She is so annoying! And yet, she does have a good heart. I do have to laugh as she berates Ramses for doing what she does.
Betrayals abound and there's action a'plenty with the Emersons tugged back and forth. There were a few events that had me wondering what Peters was thinking. I mean, does Peabody really think her son wouldn't survive in those tunnels?? Gimme a break.
Ramses is a dichotomy between fastidious and filthy, brilliant and average, tolerant and intolerant. He's not the only dichotomy, for words are carefully chosen to explain what happened to the Forths, etc., speaking the truth but with shades of meanings.
On the negative side, Peters is quite confusing about Gebel Barkal and those comments made about the perverse Blacktower that seem to have come out of nowhere.
There's quite a bit of history on the wars in the Middle East of the 1800s.
Like any culture, there are prejudices, greed, kindnesses, compassion, and desires with the Cush as prejudiced as the West. It's a fascinating investigation by the Emersons (and I'm definitely including Ramses), for they are fascinated by other cultures, noting the negatives and positives of each (including their own), and they do promote knowledge as opposed to fame and fortune.
Oh, there's power in The Last Camel Died at Noon. That of ascending a throne for political power with Peabody and Emerson wondering about the extent of the power of the city's women as opposed to the hideous restrictions for commoners.
I wonder what happens to the girl...
The Story
Viscount Blacktower is firm in his belief that his son still lives and is insistent that the Emersons find him. His grandson, Reginald, is equally insistent.
It's a hunt that will lead the Emersons to a Lost City intent on preserving itself yet warring between the competing priesthoods of Osiris and Amon.
It's a point of honor now, well, okay, a need to know that pushes the Emersons into investigating the fate of the Forths.
The Characters
Amelia Peabody Emerson, a.k.a. Sitt Hakim, prides herself on her intelligence, practicality, and her medical abilities. Professor Radcliffe Emerson, FRS, FBA, LLD (Edinburgh), DCL (Oxford), Member of the American Philosophical Society, etc., a.k.a. the Father of Curses, is her equally forthright husband. The usually filthy Walter "Ramses" is their ten-year-old beyond precocious son who can speak Arabic like a native abd read three different scripts of Ancient Egyptian, Latin, Hebrew, and Greek. The cat Bastet is firmly attached to Ramses ( The Curse of the Pharaohs , 2). Their home base in England is Amarna Manor in Kent. Gargery is their butler; Rose is the parlormaid and, in truth, Amelia's second-in-command who adores Ramses; Mrs Bates is the cook; and, John is one of the footmen.
England
Walter Emerson is Radcliffe's younger brother and as brilliant in language as his brother is in excavation. Walter married Evelyn, the granddaughter and heiress of the Duke of Chalfont and Amelia's best friend. They now have five children: Raddie, John and William, Amelia, and the baby.
Frank Griffiths is one of Walter's rivals. Wallis Budge works for the British Museum as the Keeper of Egyptian and Assyrian Antiquities, acquiring artifacts, usually illegally. Professor Petrie has gotten married.
The Honorable Reginald Forthright is desperate to learn the fate of his uncle. Franklin, Viscount Blacktower, is Reginald's grandfather as well as a patron of archeological subjects. Willoughby "Willie" Forth is one of Blacktower's sons, the heir, and an explorer who was always a few months late. Willie married Miss Wright in 1883.
Egypt
The Academy for Young Gentlemen, in Cairo, refused to accept Ramses as a student. Assouan is a depot for military supplies and commanded by Captain Pedley, an old acquaintance of Emerson's.
By 1885, Haifa had been established as the southern frontier of Egypt. Captain Buckman is in charge. Sheikh Mahmud al-Araba is a friend of Emerson's.
The Sudan
Emerson is convinced that the region of Napata, Gebel Barkal, near Merawi, is where the first capital of Cush is located. Meroë is the second capital (and yet Peters also makes it sound as if Merawi and Meroë are the same). Near Sanam Abu Dom, a small village, is HQ for the Frontier Field Force of the Egyptian Army commanded by General Rundle. Sheikh Mustapha abd Rabu is another of Emerson's friends. Yussuf. Slatin Pasha, a.k.a. Rudolf Carl von Slatin, had served as governor of Darfur. Captain Griffith is in charge of the military camels.
The people on the Emersons' excavation team at Nuri includes Mohammed, Ahmet, Kemit, and Akinidad, the latter two are of the native Nilotic peoples. The people on the Forthright team include Ahmed, who is an excellent cook, and three Nubians, including Daoud.
The Lost Oasis,
. . . a.k.a. the City of the Holy Mountain, where two princes stand by to inherit: Prince Tarekenidal "Tarek" Meraset (he's the son of the king's wife Shanakdakhete) and Prince Nastasen Nemareh (son of Amanishakhete, who is their Candace, their queen). Count Amenislo is one of Tarekenidal's brothers, the son of Lady Bartare. Tabirka had been one of Tarek's favorite brothers.
The Handmaidens of the Goddess Isis are veiled at all times and tend to patients. Amenitere, a.k.a. Princess Amenit, is the First Handmaiden. Others include Mentarit and Maleneqen. Murtek is the Royal Councillor, High Priest of Isis, and the First Prophet of Osiris. Pesaker is the royal vizier, uncle to the princes, and High Priest of Aminreh, a.k.a. Amon-Re. Nefret is the daughter of Willie Forth and his wife; Nefret is considered the reincarnation of Isis.
Guards include Captain Harsetef and his men who are claimed by the Father of Curses. The Heneshem, a.k.a. Hemet netcher Amon, has three?? tools: the Voice; the Hand, their executioner; and, the Concubine.
The rekkit are the original people of the Holy Mountain and have been enslaved by the Cush, who refer to them as rats. The Friend of the Rekkit is willing to help the Emersons escape.
1897
Kitchener is Sirdar of the Egyptian Army.
1884
This was Peabody's first trip to Egypt. Mohammed Ahmed Ibn el=Sayyid Abdullah had proclaimed himself the Mahdi, a religious leader. His place was taken by Khalifa Abdullah el-Taashi. The Baggara were nicknamed the Fuzzy-Wuzzies for their hairstyle. General Gordon was being besieged in Khartoum. General Hicks was on his way to Kordofan in 1883.
This story is based on a legend about the sons of Cush who marched toward the setting sun. Lepsius visited the site in 1844 and is the only qualified scholar. Heinrich Schliemann discovered Troy. Ferlini brought jewelry back from Meroë 50 years ago. Zerzura is the place of the little birds. Sir Harold Carrington, a neighbor in Kent, loves foxhunting.
The Cover and Title
The cover is oranges, black, and gold. The black is the background with a two-tone horizontal striped band of orange and brown on the left and right. At the top is a testimonial and an info blurb; both in white. Below that (with a cutout on either side for the author's name) is the author's name in a pale embossed gold. Below that is a narrow gold band ending in arrow points with the series info in black. Below that in the bottom half of the cover is a graphic of a lonely desert in oranges overseen by a beautiful blue sky which also serves as the background for the title in white.
The title references the early part of the story when The Last Camel Died at Noon, leaving the Emersons at the mercy of the desert.
May 20, 2023
The Last Camel Died at Noon
3.5 Stars
In their latest adventure, Amelia, Emerson and their son, Ramses, find themselves abandoned in the Nubian desert after the death by poisoning of their final camel. The reason for their predicament lies in a mysterious letter sent to Viscount Blacktower, ostensibly from his eldest son, who vanished along with his bride in Sudan a decade earlier. While suspicious of the Viscount's request that they find his missing family members, Amelia and Emerson are intrigued by the map accompanying the letter and embark on the quest, where they encounter the solution to an ancient mystery and an enemy bent on greed and revenge.
This installment in the series is structured rather differently as it is divided into two sections. Book 1 focuses on the events in England and Sudan leading up to the Emersons' misadventure in the desert while Book 2 revolves around their rescue and subsequent discovery of a .
Elizabeth Peters's historical research is excellent, and she smoothly incorporates the details of the British conquest, the Mahadist Uprising, and the Kitchener Campaign to recapture lost territory within the flow of the narrative. Moreover, the allusions to the works of H. Rider Haggard add another layer of enjoyment to the story.
The mystery is where the plot fails to resonate. First, the pacing is too slow, and the details are interspersed between other, more compelling elements such as the revelation of the the conflict between and the Emersons' plans to . Second, it is difficult to care about the lost British heir and his bride as readers are not provided with sufficient details about them to evoke sympathy or empathy. Finally, the explanation at the end feels more like an afterthought rather than a significant part of the story.
The true highlight of the book is, as always, the dynamics between Amelia and Emerson and the humor of Ramses' antics - he is really beginning to grow on me.
On a final note, the audiobooks in the series have two narrators - Susan O'Malley and Barbara Rosenblatt. I have been listening to the O'Mally versions, but sadly this is the last one, as the rest are Rosenblatt versions. While other listeners seem to adore her, I've had problems with her in the past. Hopefully, I will be able to get used to her and continue with the series.
3.5 Stars
In their latest adventure, Amelia, Emerson and their son, Ramses, find themselves abandoned in the Nubian desert after the death by poisoning of their final camel. The reason for their predicament lies in a mysterious letter sent to Viscount Blacktower, ostensibly from his eldest son, who vanished along with his bride in Sudan a decade earlier. While suspicious of the Viscount's request that they find his missing family members, Amelia and Emerson are intrigued by the map accompanying the letter and embark on the quest, where they encounter the solution to an ancient mystery and an enemy bent on greed and revenge.
This installment in the series is structured rather differently as it is divided into two sections. Book 1 focuses on the events in England and Sudan leading up to the Emersons' misadventure in the desert while Book 2 revolves around their rescue and subsequent discovery of a .
Elizabeth Peters's historical research is excellent, and she smoothly incorporates the details of the British conquest, the Mahadist Uprising, and the Kitchener Campaign to recapture lost territory within the flow of the narrative. Moreover, the allusions to the works of H. Rider Haggard add another layer of enjoyment to the story.
The mystery is where the plot fails to resonate. First, the pacing is too slow, and the details are interspersed between other, more compelling elements such as the revelation of the the conflict between and the Emersons' plans to . Second, it is difficult to care about the lost British heir and his bride as readers are not provided with sufficient details about them to evoke sympathy or empathy. Finally, the explanation at the end feels more like an afterthought rather than a significant part of the story.
The true highlight of the book is, as always, the dynamics between Amelia and Emerson and the humor of Ramses' antics - he is really beginning to grow on me.
On a final note, the audiobooks in the series have two narrators - Susan O'Malley and Barbara Rosenblatt. I have been listening to the O'Mally versions, but sadly this is the last one, as the rest are Rosenblatt versions. While other listeners seem to adore her, I've had problems with her in the past. Hopefully, I will be able to get used to her and continue with the series.
December 29, 2008
I pecked away at the first half of this novel, dutifully reading a few pages a day—not high praise for a mystery novel. Of the various elements that can keep a reader engaged, (plot, character, theme, etc.), the only one that worked for me was setting. I was intrigued with insights into problems of survival in the Sahara, as well as information regarding ancient Egypt and archeology (which I presume was, to some degree, authentic). The plot picked up toward the end, and I was able to get engaged enough to finish the book.
However, I found Amelia too self-congratulatory, her husband Emerson a brutish bore, and their son Ramses pedantic and unrealistic. I had no particular desire to get to know the characters well and very little emotional investment in their survival. In the first chapters, no plausible reason was given for why several camels dropped dead, one after another, and it occurred to me they might have died of boredom.
Elizabeth Peters’ books fill considerable shelf space at my favorite used book store, so I can only assume that she has an audience. The chemistry just isn’t right for me, though, and I doubt if I’ll pick up another of her books any time soon.
However, I found Amelia too self-congratulatory, her husband Emerson a brutish bore, and their son Ramses pedantic and unrealistic. I had no particular desire to get to know the characters well and very little emotional investment in their survival. In the first chapters, no plausible reason was given for why several camels dropped dead, one after another, and it occurred to me they might have died of boredom.
Elizabeth Peters’ books fill considerable shelf space at my favorite used book store, so I can only assume that she has an audience. The chemistry just isn’t right for me, though, and I doubt if I’ll pick up another of her books any time soon.
November 9, 2020
A still very enjoyable 2020 re-read.
The usual ebullient Amelia Peabody diary, this time of an expedition in 1897 to an unknown wadi and civilisation in Nubia.
For aficionados of this series (as I am), this sixth book is a key episode. The first appearance of the fourth, key, character.
The usual ebullient Amelia Peabody diary, this time of an expedition in 1897 to an unknown wadi and civilisation in Nubia.
For aficionados of this series (as I am), this sixth book is a key episode. The first appearance of the fourth, key, character.
March 26, 2020
The Emersons journey into H. Rider Haggard territory in this wonderful romp of a book. Very little actual Egyptology in this one, although Peters draws on her encyclopedic knowledge of the ancient world to create a lost civilization that speaks ancient Meroitic and observes many of the customs and living practices of the ancient Egyptians.
Unconstrained by actual events, Peters gives free rein to her imagination and Emerson gets to burst his shirt buttons even more than usual as he fights actual battles (superbly, of course). I missed the Egyptian settings and the archeology, but who can resist a lost city? I really must read King Solomon's Mines and She: A History of Adventure and then read this one AGAIN to have a good giggle at how much Peters has drawn from the Haggard books.
And of course this is where we meet Nefret. In this book she's little more than a two-dimensional character, but since this is a re-read I know what's coming. I must say that re-reading this series is even more fun than reading it the first time and I can't wait to get started on The Snake, the Crocodile and the Dog. Perfect escapism in the pandemic of 2020.
Unconstrained by actual events, Peters gives free rein to her imagination and Emerson gets to burst his shirt buttons even more than usual as he fights actual battles (superbly, of course). I missed the Egyptian settings and the archeology, but who can resist a lost city? I really must read King Solomon's Mines and She: A History of Adventure and then read this one AGAIN to have a good giggle at how much Peters has drawn from the Haggard books.
And of course this is where we meet Nefret. In this book she's little more than a two-dimensional character, but since this is a re-read I know what's coming. I must say that re-reading this series is even more fun than reading it the first time and I can't wait to get started on The Snake, the Crocodile and the Dog. Perfect escapism in the pandemic of 2020.
June 26, 2021
I have been avoiding reading anything on my tbr by listening to this series pretty much constantly. Barbara Rosenblatt narrates with great enthusiasm and superb humor, and they are just fun.
After so many books one might get tired of the same characters, turns of phrases, and Egyptian themes - but Peters mixes it up again in interesting fashion. For the first time, the book is not in straight linear order, but starts in the middle: our manly, mascular and endearingly cursing hero; the determined, quick-thinking and parasol-wielding heroine; and their precocious, ingeniously cunning child are stuck in the middle of the desert. Peters presents the rest of the story in a linear fashion.
The book has two distinct parts: the first part is similar to the previous books, as far as the usual yearly expedition to Egypt goes. The second part of the book is entirely new: Peters envisions a secret kingdom, hiding in a forgotten oasis in the desert, where the old Egyptian customs, religion, and political intrigue still survives. She reconstructs rituals and dynastic struggles that echo old Egyptian texts and archeological evidence - and of course the Emersons find themselves smack in the middle of it all.
While Peters is still using some of the formula, she is aware of it, amd makes self-referential comments. Emerson constantly grumbles about the romantic notions of what ladies read in novels, while the story shamelessly follows the exact romantic notions - princes, fearless heroism, mysterious rituals, hidden secret land, noble vs greed, rescuing of maidens, perilous journeys, daring escapes… you name it. I also enjoyed that she used Rameses’ tendency to disappear as an advantage this time.
Overall I feel like not reading much lately and I very much enjoy listening to these. While Peters retains the banter of the characters, she is able to put a new twist on the story each time - at least so far.
After so many books one might get tired of the same characters, turns of phrases, and Egyptian themes - but Peters mixes it up again in interesting fashion. For the first time, the book is not in straight linear order, but starts in the middle: our manly, mascular and endearingly cursing hero; the determined, quick-thinking and parasol-wielding heroine; and their precocious, ingeniously cunning child are stuck in the middle of the desert. Peters presents the rest of the story in a linear fashion.
The book has two distinct parts: the first part is similar to the previous books, as far as the usual yearly expedition to Egypt goes. The second part of the book is entirely new: Peters envisions a secret kingdom, hiding in a forgotten oasis in the desert, where the old Egyptian customs, religion, and political intrigue still survives. She reconstructs rituals and dynastic struggles that echo old Egyptian texts and archeological evidence - and of course the Emersons find themselves smack in the middle of it all.
While Peters is still using some of the formula, she is aware of it, amd makes self-referential comments. Emerson constantly grumbles about the romantic notions of what ladies read in novels, while the story shamelessly follows the exact romantic notions - princes, fearless heroism, mysterious rituals, hidden secret land, noble vs greed, rescuing of maidens, perilous journeys, daring escapes… you name it. I also enjoyed that she used Rameses’ tendency to disappear as an advantage this time.
Overall I feel like not reading much lately and I very much enjoy listening to these. While Peters retains the banter of the characters, she is able to put a new twist on the story each time - at least so far.
January 3, 2025
I don't know if it was the kidnapping of a boy, the part of Africa, or dealing with Jebe-Barkal (Gebe Barkal in this novel). Still, I was constantly thinking of a book from Jacqueline Carey's Kushiel series that was published in 2003 obviously this is older, but I have to wonder if some of th inspiration came from this.
Ramses continues to be my favorite character, and at least Amelia wasn't hating motherhood quite so much.
The mystery was fun, and the pacing was great and adventurous.
My favorite quote
"Acting upon my impulses has always been one of my characteristics."
4 Stars
Ramses continues to be my favorite character, and at least Amelia wasn't hating motherhood quite so much.
The mystery was fun, and the pacing was great and adventurous.
My favorite quote
"Acting upon my impulses has always been one of my characteristics."
4 Stars
September 25, 2021
I really enjoyed this episode of Amelia's adventures. There's the humour, the wonderful characters, Amelia's quips & conclusions. Add to that an adventure of intrigue and mystery.....and you have a wonderfully entertaining read.
December 28, 2025
UPDATE: May 22, 2019. This is my second re-listen to the book and the following review still holds.
This is the first time I've re-read this sixth entry in the Amelia Peabody mystery series. While in love with the series by the time I first read this book, it wasn't one of my favorites, so I was a bit nervous about it in an audio re-read. As always, the narrator Barbara Rosenblat is fantastic, giving each character a unique, appropriate voice.
The beginning of the book dragged a bit for me, as it retraces how the Emersons got to the point of being without water, dehydrated, with all of their camels dead in the middle of the desert. However, once the family gets to the mysterious mountain city, my interest picked up. Parts of the remainder of the story are reminiscent of over-the-top old adventure stories, but it held my interest. And the last 20% or so was wonderful.
In this book we're first introduced to a young Nefret, who comes to play a pivotal role in the remainder of the series.
Overall, I'd give this a B-, and can recommend it to fans of the series.
NOTE: Another audio re-listen finished on 06/23/20. My review still stands.
November 11, 2022: Another re-listen. After taking a lot of Egyptian history and archaeology courses over the past year, it's amazing how much more I got out of this book! My review still stands, but I stand in awe of Ms. Peters for all of the facts she tosses in about ancient Egypt throughout the book.
December 28, 2025: Another re-listen. Everything I've written before still holds.
This is the first time I've re-read this sixth entry in the Amelia Peabody mystery series. While in love with the series by the time I first read this book, it wasn't one of my favorites, so I was a bit nervous about it in an audio re-read. As always, the narrator Barbara Rosenblat is fantastic, giving each character a unique, appropriate voice.
The beginning of the book dragged a bit for me, as it retraces how the Emersons got to the point of being without water, dehydrated, with all of their camels dead in the middle of the desert. However, once the family gets to the mysterious mountain city, my interest picked up. Parts of the remainder of the story are reminiscent of over-the-top old adventure stories, but it held my interest. And the last 20% or so was wonderful.
In this book we're first introduced to a young Nefret, who comes to play a pivotal role in the remainder of the series.
Overall, I'd give this a B-, and can recommend it to fans of the series.
NOTE: Another audio re-listen finished on 06/23/20. My review still stands.
November 11, 2022: Another re-listen. After taking a lot of Egyptian history and archaeology courses over the past year, it's amazing how much more I got out of this book! My review still stands, but I stand in awe of Ms. Peters for all of the facts she tosses in about ancient Egypt throughout the book.
December 28, 2025: Another re-listen. Everything I've written before still holds.
July 8, 2016
Fun reread. This is Elizabeth Peters' love letter to the novels of H. Rider Haggard. I've never read any of those, but to judge by this homage, they must be rip-roaring!!
Emerson, Amelia, and their precocious son Ramses get drawn in to a search for a missing explorer and his wife, rumored to have found a lost civilisation in the western Egyptian desert.
They find themselves living every archaeologist's dream... observing firsthand A LIVING ancient nation. But there's much more than scholarly pursuit at hand. They find themselves squarely in the middle of a power struggle of the royal class. Meanwhile, desperate to find a way out of this lost oasis, they still have to figure out if there's anything left of the old explorer and his wife.
Plenty of slight Gothic touches, adventurous thrills, running around in tunnels, and general fun. This book contains one of my favorite Amelia quotes, "If all else fails, we will simply have to drug our attendants, overpower the guards, raise the oppressed peasants to arms, and take over the government."
I quite recommend this.
Emerson, Amelia, and their precocious son Ramses get drawn in to a search for a missing explorer and his wife, rumored to have found a lost civilisation in the western Egyptian desert.
They find themselves living every archaeologist's dream... observing firsthand A LIVING ancient nation. But there's much more than scholarly pursuit at hand. They find themselves squarely in the middle of a power struggle of the royal class. Meanwhile, desperate to find a way out of this lost oasis, they still have to figure out if there's anything left of the old explorer and his wife.
Plenty of slight Gothic touches, adventurous thrills, running around in tunnels, and general fun. This book contains one of my favorite Amelia quotes, "If all else fails, we will simply have to drug our attendants, overpower the guards, raise the oppressed peasants to arms, and take over the government."
I quite recommend this.
February 28, 2021
As this series progresses, I've been concerned that it would suffer the fate of other similar series, in that each installment would feel just like the last, with minor alterations. I'm happy to say that while this book maintains the characteristics of what makes it so charming, it was different enough to be engaging. The Last Camel takes our intrepid crew to war-torn Sudan, in search of a missing couple who may or may not have been swallowed up by the desert. Star-crossed lovers, high priestesses and Egyptian princes abound. These books are really best enjoyed in sequence, as some of the in-jokes may not be as appreciated in a stand alone fashion. And while there is very little mystery, or fear that our heroes will meet an untimely end, there is a familiarity and coziness that makes one want to grab the next book as soon as you finish the last.
August 6, 2017
Aunque las aventuras de Amelia Peabody, Radcliffe Emerson y su pequeño hijo me gustan muchísimo, hay un punto negativo en sus libros; por momentos es un poco tedioso de leer, ya que la autora utilizó muchos de sus propios conocimientos en arqueología para escribir estas maravillosas historias, pero, a veces son tan demasiado técnicos y precisos en sus descripciones que se vuelven aburridos. Eso sí, las escenas de acción, los procesos de deducción y las tramas y subtramas son buenísimos y claro, ya he hablado antes sobre los diálogos entre los protagonistas: ¡sublimes!
Es una serie que no tiene desperdicio, apenas voy en el número séis, espero que los demás que faltan (alrededor de diez) no desmerezcan.
Es una serie que no tiene desperdicio, apenas voy en el número séis, espero que los demás que faltan (alrededor de diez) no desmerezcan.
January 11, 2009
In this book, the author has taken a departure from her usual style to pay homage to her heroine's favorite author, Rider Haggard, who wrote such classics as "King Solomon's Mines." It's a fun romp through the desert with less archeology than adventure.
June 16, 2017
This book, for me, is were the series took a downward turn. I did not like the introduction of Nefret, and the plot was a departure from the usual archaeology driven story lines of the previous books in the series.
April 4, 2021
The Emerson-Peabodys are back to their investigations. Since the British Army has pushed into the Sudan, Emerson insists they investigate the ancient city of Napata, which is thought to be a precursor to Egyptian civilization. Their plans are interrupted by yet another aristocrat. Lord Blacktower wants Emerson to find his long-lost son who disappeared in the Sudan 14 years ago. Lord Blacktower's grandson, Willoughby Forthright, believes his grandfather is crazy and the evidence presented is faked. Emerson knows at least one piece of evidence is real but he has no intentions of giving up his work or life in pursuit of the missing explorer. Of course events in the Sudan send the Emerson-Peabodys off on an adventure they never dreamed of and may never return from.
This is the most incredible, breathtaking adventure for the Emerson-Peabodys! It starts off with a bang. Amelia and family are lost in the desert, deserted by their servants who took off with food and water, and the last camel has died. Amelia then back tracks to tell us how they got there and what happens next. I could NOT put this book down. I had a hard time keeping all the country borders and ancient civilizations straight. I also didn't understand everything about the co-opting of ancient traditions but the illustrations helped. The political intrigue was complicated and felt a bit cliched. I wasn't entirely surprised by the big revelation at the end but what had happened was a surprise. The story dropped Willoughby Forthright and Amelia and Emerson didn't seem too concerned with him. He pops up again way too late. I had already forgotten him.
The one thing that really bugged me about Amelia and Emerson in this novel was that no matter how progressive they are, they are still strongly influenced by their Victorian British values and they try to impose those values on to a civilization that doesn't value the same things they do. That never ends well which the Emerson-Peabodys should know. Ramses is growing up and he's less loquacious. Now I have trouble distinguishing his speeches from his parents. I actually found myself missing the young precocious Ramses.
There are too many new characters to mention. To tell you what I think of them would spoil the plot. I wasn't thrilled with any of them and found them all hard to keep track of. I wasn't sure what they meant at the end about Lord Blackpool and what they intend to do about their unexpected discovery. I can't wait to see what they get up to next!
Reread March-April 2021
I didn't enjoy this reread as much as I did the first time around. As Amelia pointed out, we wouldn't be reading her journal if she died!
I enjoyed being with the Emersons again. We'll see if I have time for another reread before the weather gets too warm to want to read about Egypt!
This is the most incredible, breathtaking adventure for the Emerson-Peabodys! It starts off with a bang. Amelia and family are lost in the desert, deserted by their servants who took off with food and water, and the last camel has died. Amelia then back tracks to tell us how they got there and what happens next. I could NOT put this book down. I had a hard time keeping all the country borders and ancient civilizations straight. I also didn't understand everything about the co-opting of ancient traditions but the illustrations helped. The political intrigue was complicated and felt a bit cliched. I wasn't entirely surprised by the big revelation at the end but what had happened was a surprise. The story dropped Willoughby Forthright and Amelia and Emerson didn't seem too concerned with him. He pops up again way too late. I had already forgotten him.
The one thing that really bugged me about Amelia and Emerson in this novel was that no matter how progressive they are, they are still strongly influenced by their Victorian British values and they try to impose those values on to a civilization that doesn't value the same things they do. That never ends well which the Emerson-Peabodys should know. Ramses is growing up and he's less loquacious. Now I have trouble distinguishing his speeches from his parents. I actually found myself missing the young precocious Ramses.
There are too many new characters to mention. To tell you what I think of them would spoil the plot. I wasn't thrilled with any of them and found them all hard to keep track of. I wasn't sure what they meant at the end about Lord Blackpool and what they intend to do about their unexpected discovery. I can't wait to see what they get up to next!
Reread March-April 2021
I didn't enjoy this reread as much as I did the first time around. As Amelia pointed out, we wouldn't be reading her journal if she died!
I enjoyed being with the Emersons again. We'll see if I have time for another reread before the weather gets too warm to want to read about Egypt!
December 28, 2019
This was one of my favourites in the series. The stakes are incredibly high and the scene referenced in the title moved me so much. I don't think I've seen Amelia, Emerson and Ramses in such peril before but the humour makes it all safe and cozy - even in the most desperate of situations, our beloved characters find a way to be funny and that's what I love most about this series. Incredibly well done.
December 8, 2018
This is one of the more humorous Amelia Peabody books in my opinion. I love all the adventures Ramses finds himself in, and in this book he escapes through hidden tunnels when his parents are being held "hostage" by one of the villains in the story. Great historical Egypt locations too. And Emerson and Amelia are still hot for each other. Love it.
May 1, 2018
I’m not sure this is really 4 Stars, I just enjoy the light-heartedness of the series so much
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