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Amelia Peabody #2
The Curse of the Pharaohs
Victorian Amelia Peabody continues to journal her Egypt adventures, toddler Ramses left in England. Husband Radcliffe Emerson's old friend Lady Baskerville fears a curse killed her husband Sir Henry, and soon engages the attentions of American Cyrus. The will funds continued excavation. But a lady dressed in white floats, flutters, spreads fear, and more death.
307 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 1981
1133 people are currently reading
5827 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Peters
178 books3,296 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 1,823 reviews
May 27, 2016
So the other day I got into a mock fight with some Goodreader's over the relative merits of Ms. Elizabeth Peters and her "Amelia Peabody" series. For the uninitiated over the course of the series Mrs. Amelia Peabody Emerson, her cranky but brilliant Egyptologist husband Emerson, their semi-psycho brilliant son Ramses, adopted daughter Nefret and a host of other's who wander in and out of the narrative wander around Victorian era Egypt discovering tombs and solving murders and eventually getting mixed up in the things like World Wars, espionage and political upheaval in the Middle East. All the books are told from Amelia's POV and she's a very, very dry British woman ahead of her time who firmly believes herself the smartest person in the room.
I swear I remember this series really, really fondly from my youth and I got a huge kick out of listening to the first in the series Crocodile on the Sandbank on audio a week ago. Its the story of how Emerson and Amelia meet and its spooky and fun and very English.
Which is why I'm kind of baffled by how bizarre The Curse of the Pharaohs is.
Several years have passed and Amelia and Emerson are petitioned by Lady Baskerville who's "archaeologist" husband (read: rich guy who liked Egypt stuff) has just died as a result of what everyone thinks is a curse on the tomb "he" (read: actual archaeologists who work for him) had just found. She wants Emerson to take over the excavation. After several chapters of debate and preparation the Emerson's are off to the Valley of the Kings and a stay at Lady Baskerville's mansion where it quickly becomes obvious that someone is trying to put an end to any plans for the excavation of whatever lies in the tomb.
It also becomes obvious that all the supporting players in this story are totally frickin' bonkers. The Emerson's are immediately surrounded by a cast of "wacky neighbors" who do nothing for the plot but muddy the waters and act bizarre. There's a crazy, obese old woman who just kind of shows up dressed as a nightmarish version of an Egyptian Queen who's always blind drunk and very insistent that Emerson is her reincarnated lover, her simpering, constantly weeping daughter who served no purpose to the actual story that I could figure out other than to provide a point of contention for no less then three suitors who are all vying for her hand. One of them is a German expert in something Egypt related, one of them is a Yankee (who says thing like "yeehaw" and "golly gee wilikers"), and one of them is a reporter who keeps writing inflamatory articles about the Emerson's in his rag of a paper. There's another guy too initially but he gets hit over the head and spends most of the book unconscious (thank god).
Still with me?
So right there's been a murder...maybe. No one actually thinks Lord Baskerville was murdered until his former assistant also turns up dead and then some more people die but its also happening in the midst of the crazy drunk obese woman being crazy and the love triangle and archaeology stuff so forgive me if I've kind of lost the plot.
Because that's what happens here. The plot totally vanishes in favor of a really bizarre sort of slapstick, "Abbott and Costello Meet the Mummy" kind of situation. Amelia and Emerson start competing to see who can solve the various mysteries first going so far as to poison and shoot at each other and Emerson at one point puts on this insane Egyptian themed "phatasmagoria" that's apparently supposed to draw the murderer out? Like why aren't they working together to solve a series of frickin' MURDERS?!
Basically everyone involved in this is deeply, deeply insane. Its just a crazy, madcap "adventure" that doesn't have a real focus. I don't know if Peters was on like a second novel high where she thought she had to up the ante and make everything bigger and louder and crazier but the result is almost incomprehensible!
I have no idea what happened here. At all.
I swear I remember this series really, really fondly from my youth and I got a huge kick out of listening to the first in the series Crocodile on the Sandbank on audio a week ago. Its the story of how Emerson and Amelia meet and its spooky and fun and very English.
Which is why I'm kind of baffled by how bizarre The Curse of the Pharaohs is.
Several years have passed and Amelia and Emerson are petitioned by Lady Baskerville who's "archaeologist" husband (read: rich guy who liked Egypt stuff) has just died as a result of what everyone thinks is a curse on the tomb "he" (read: actual archaeologists who work for him) had just found. She wants Emerson to take over the excavation. After several chapters of debate and preparation the Emerson's are off to the Valley of the Kings and a stay at Lady Baskerville's mansion where it quickly becomes obvious that someone is trying to put an end to any plans for the excavation of whatever lies in the tomb.
It also becomes obvious that all the supporting players in this story are totally frickin' bonkers. The Emerson's are immediately surrounded by a cast of "wacky neighbors" who do nothing for the plot but muddy the waters and act bizarre. There's a crazy, obese old woman who just kind of shows up dressed as a nightmarish version of an Egyptian Queen who's always blind drunk and very insistent that Emerson is her reincarnated lover, her simpering, constantly weeping daughter who served no purpose to the actual story that I could figure out other than to provide a point of contention for no less then three suitors who are all vying for her hand. One of them is a German expert in something Egypt related, one of them is a Yankee (who says thing like "yeehaw" and "golly gee wilikers"), and one of them is a reporter who keeps writing inflamatory articles about the Emerson's in his rag of a paper. There's another guy too initially but he gets hit over the head and spends most of the book unconscious (thank god).
Still with me?
So right there's been a murder...maybe. No one actually thinks Lord Baskerville was murdered until his former assistant also turns up dead and then some more people die but its also happening in the midst of the crazy drunk obese woman being crazy and the love triangle and archaeology stuff so forgive me if I've kind of lost the plot.
Because that's what happens here. The plot totally vanishes in favor of a really bizarre sort of slapstick, "Abbott and Costello Meet the Mummy" kind of situation. Amelia and Emerson start competing to see who can solve the various mysteries first going so far as to poison and shoot at each other and Emerson at one point puts on this insane Egyptian themed "phatasmagoria" that's apparently supposed to draw the murderer out? Like why aren't they working together to solve a series of frickin' MURDERS?!
Basically everyone involved in this is deeply, deeply insane. Its just a crazy, madcap "adventure" that doesn't have a real focus. I don't know if Peters was on like a second novel high where she thought she had to up the ante and make everything bigger and louder and crazier but the result is almost incomprehensible!
I have no idea what happened here. At all.
February 18, 2017
I enjoyed this less than the first book in the series, partly because a lot of it was so similar to that book. An archaeological dig is in peril due to local superstitions about a curse, exacerbated by disappearances, ghostly sightings and deaths. If I hadn't just read the first book last month, I might have liked it better.
I also missed some of the cast from the first book. Walter and Evelyn were absent, and there were no new characters who balanced the intensity of Amelia and Emerson (which is needed, I think) or that I really cared about. There was lots of shouting and arguing, all very humorously, but I wished there was more about the excavation and less of the people. I was actually thankful when Amelia used her parasol on one of the characters!
Now to the mystery. Amelia is sure she knows who is behind all the dead bodies, but we don't get many clues along the way, and don't know what she's thinking until all is revealed. There were enough possible culprits that I really had no idea who it was until the end, but I didn't feel like I had enough information to figure it out, so the mystery was a bit lacking. It was more like a suspense novel with an abundance of 'calm in the face of calamity' and witty conversation along the way.
All that said, I still found Amelia and Emerson entertaining, even if they are a bit over the top. And the 19th Century Egyptian archaeology setting is fun. I think I just need to wait longer between installments so that I don't mind the recycled elements. That, and expect the mystery to be solved for me by mysterious logic and intuition behind the scenes because it's more about Amelia being right than the mystery itself.
I also missed some of the cast from the first book. Walter and Evelyn were absent, and there were no new characters who balanced the intensity of Amelia and Emerson (which is needed, I think) or that I really cared about. There was lots of shouting and arguing, all very humorously, but I wished there was more about the excavation and less of the people. I was actually thankful when Amelia used her parasol on one of the characters!
Now to the mystery. Amelia is sure she knows who is behind all the dead bodies, but we don't get many clues along the way, and don't know what she's thinking until all is revealed. There were enough possible culprits that I really had no idea who it was until the end, but I didn't feel like I had enough information to figure it out, so the mystery was a bit lacking. It was more like a suspense novel with an abundance of 'calm in the face of calamity' and witty conversation along the way.
All that said, I still found Amelia and Emerson entertaining, even if they are a bit over the top. And the 19th Century Egyptian archaeology setting is fun. I think I just need to wait longer between installments so that I don't mind the recycled elements. That, and expect the mystery to be solved for me by mysterious logic and intuition behind the scenes because it's more about Amelia being right than the mystery itself.
November 11, 2017
The second book in the series and I enjoyed it every bit as much as I did the first.
It's the two main characters who absolutely make these books. There is Amelia Peabody who believes herself to be the most intelligent person in any room - and sometimes she is, just not always. Don't try to tell her that though! She is one of those fabulous Victorian women who went out as explorers, riding camels (or donkeys in this case) in the desert and crawling around in hot, dirty excavations in totally unsuitable clothes. She also has the driest and best sense of humour which she uses mostly to spar with her husband Emerson. Some of their conversations are really laugh aloud funny. They make a very good team and a delightful example of a well married couple.
The story is Agatha Christie like. People keep turning up dead, there are clues aplenty, most of them red herrings and at the end there is a gathering of characters where the whole affair is explained. I needed that because I did not have a clue what was happening. My failure, not the author's:)
This was a real pleasure to read and I am looking forward to the next one.
It's the two main characters who absolutely make these books. There is Amelia Peabody who believes herself to be the most intelligent person in any room - and sometimes she is, just not always. Don't try to tell her that though! She is one of those fabulous Victorian women who went out as explorers, riding camels (or donkeys in this case) in the desert and crawling around in hot, dirty excavations in totally unsuitable clothes. She also has the driest and best sense of humour which she uses mostly to spar with her husband Emerson. Some of their conversations are really laugh aloud funny. They make a very good team and a delightful example of a well married couple.
The story is Agatha Christie like. People keep turning up dead, there are clues aplenty, most of them red herrings and at the end there is a gathering of characters where the whole affair is explained. I needed that because I did not have a clue what was happening. My failure, not the author's:)
This was a real pleasure to read and I am looking forward to the next one.
September 14, 2021
It was fun to be back with Victorian adventurers and archaeologists, Radcliffe Emerson and Amelia Peabody. Now married with a young son, nicknamed Ramses, they are living in London and looking forward to the time when their son is old enough to take with them to Egypt. However, when archaeologist Lord Baskerville in murdered while working on the excavation of a tomb near Luxor, Emerson is hired by lady Baskerville to continue his work. After arranging to leave Ramses with friends in England, Amelia joins Emerson, working on the dig while also trying to find out who murdered Lord Baskerville.
Emerson and Peabody are such great characters. Peabody is the quintessential Victorian adventuress, dressing in comfortable clothing, taking on any one who would harm her and pitching in with the men to do the hard work required during the dig. She is also the perfect partner for Emerson and their relationship works so well on all levels, with mutual respect, intelligent conversation and witty banter. Ramses is also shaping up to be an entertaining addition to the team and I'm looking forward to the time when he can join his parents in their adventures.
Emerson and Peabody are such great characters. Peabody is the quintessential Victorian adventuress, dressing in comfortable clothing, taking on any one who would harm her and pitching in with the men to do the hard work required during the dig. She is also the perfect partner for Emerson and their relationship works so well on all levels, with mutual respect, intelligent conversation and witty banter. Ramses is also shaping up to be an entertaining addition to the team and I'm looking forward to the time when he can join his parents in their adventures.
March 9, 2019
.
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.
This tale commences five years after the previous book concluded. It produced such a comically, vivid picture that it had me laughing out loud. I have finally found a clean book series that provides wit, humor, and tons of new words to devour. The reuniting of Radcliff and Amelia Emerson with their precocious eight-month-old son, after a five-month separation, bewildered Emerson and Amelia. They were deeply disturbed by a strange roaring noise that increased in volume as they neared the nursery. To paraphrase the commentary . . .
Sitting bolt upright in the middle of the floor was a baby. It was impossible to make out its features. All one could see was a wide cavern of a mouth, framed in black hair . . . I was struck at once by its shape, which was virtually rectangular. Most babies I had observed, tended to be spherical . . . . . . It's ample mouth split into a smile that produced dimples in both cheeks and displayed three small white teeth. "Mama, up, up, UP!"
This historical romance inspires clean and wholesome entertainment with a cast of quirky characters working together to catch a murderer and solve this historical mystery at an excavation of an ancient Egyptian tomb, filled with Egyptian antiquities. This time the willful and witty duo, comprised of Radcliff and Amelia, are involved in catching another murderer at another excavation of an ancient Egyptian tomb ...
The author expresses herself so dramatically that it captures the reader's attention. 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 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.
This is a historical romance that inspires clean and wholesome entertainment, bringing Radcliff and Amelia Emerson out of retirement. Each book in the series is a stand-alone mystery which can be read without previous knowledge. However, the characters age throughout the series and events in previous books (including spoilers concerning some of the main characters) are referenced in later books. I am enjoying this clean book series immensely, I thoroughly enjoyed soaking up the wit, humor, and tons of new words waiting to be devoured. In my opinion, any romantic insinuations were referred to 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.
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.
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.
This tale commences five years after the previous book concluded. It produced such a comically, vivid picture that it had me laughing out loud. I have finally found a clean book series that provides wit, humor, and tons of new words to devour. The reuniting of Radcliff and Amelia Emerson with their precocious eight-month-old son, after a five-month separation, bewildered Emerson and Amelia. They were deeply disturbed by a strange roaring noise that increased in volume as they neared the nursery. To paraphrase the commentary . . .
Sitting bolt upright in the middle of the floor was a baby. It was impossible to make out its features. All one could see was a wide cavern of a mouth, framed in black hair . . . I was struck at once by its shape, which was virtually rectangular. Most babies I had observed, tended to be spherical . . . . . . It's ample mouth split into a smile that produced dimples in both cheeks and displayed three small white teeth. "Mama, up, up, UP!"
This historical romance inspires clean and wholesome entertainment with a cast of quirky characters working together to catch a murderer and solve this historical mystery at an excavation of an ancient Egyptian tomb, filled with Egyptian antiquities. This time the willful and witty duo, comprised of Radcliff and Amelia, are involved in catching another murderer at another excavation of an ancient Egyptian tomb ...
The author expresses herself so dramatically that it captures the reader's attention. 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 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.
This is a historical romance that inspires clean and wholesome entertainment, bringing Radcliff and Amelia Emerson out of retirement. Each book in the series is a stand-alone mystery which can be read without previous knowledge. However, the characters age throughout the series and events in previous books (including spoilers concerning some of the main characters) are referenced in later books. I am enjoying this clean book series immensely, I thoroughly enjoyed soaking up the wit, humor, and tons of new words waiting to be devoured. In my opinion, any romantic insinuations were referred to 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.
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.
September 1, 2021
Reading this again with my daughter. We started it on our flight to Boston for our 2021 mother/daughter trip. It's fun to laugh together over the drama. This afternoon, we are resting in our hotel room, and making cups of tea to sip with biscuits while listening.
Here is an example of the lovely descriptive language:
"A magnificent sunset turned the reflecting water to a shimmering scarf of crimson and gold..."
And here are examples of what we enjoy most about this series, the vibrant relationship between the lead characters, husband and wife Radcliffe Emerson and Amelia Peabody Emerson:
"Emerson was sulking because I had insisted we take a carriage from the house to the quay. No man but Emerson would have considered walking across the fields in full evening kit, much less expect me to trail my red satin skirts and lace ruffles through the dirt; but Emerson is unique. When he behaves irrationally it is necessary to be firm with him."
"I pinched Emerson. "If you say just one of the words that are in your mind...." I hissed, leaving the threat unspecified. "I'll keep quiet if you will," Emerson replied. His shoulders were shaking and his voice quivered. "And try not to laugh," I added. A stifled whoop was the only answer."
Here is an example of the lovely descriptive language:
"A magnificent sunset turned the reflecting water to a shimmering scarf of crimson and gold..."
And here are examples of what we enjoy most about this series, the vibrant relationship between the lead characters, husband and wife Radcliffe Emerson and Amelia Peabody Emerson:
"Emerson was sulking because I had insisted we take a carriage from the house to the quay. No man but Emerson would have considered walking across the fields in full evening kit, much less expect me to trail my red satin skirts and lace ruffles through the dirt; but Emerson is unique. When he behaves irrationally it is necessary to be firm with him."
"I pinched Emerson. "If you say just one of the words that are in your mind...." I hissed, leaving the threat unspecified. "I'll keep quiet if you will," Emerson replied. His shoulders were shaking and his voice quivered. "And try not to laugh," I added. A stifled whoop was the only answer."
January 4, 2018
Such a fun read! I loved every page of it. Who doesn't love a feisty heroine and a good murder mystery that will keep you on the edge of your seat guessing until the very end?
May 1, 2016
Warning: this review will involve spoilers for those who haven't read the previous book!
Five years have supposedly passed since the events of the series opener, Crocodile on the Sandbank. (Many of the comments in my review of that one, www.goodreads.com/review/show/83042190 , are relevant here as well.) This would give us the date of 1889, with Amelia now 37 years old. By the close of the first book, she and Radcliffe Emerson were married (so strictly speaking, she's now Amelia Emerson, but he still calls her "Peabody" as a nickname), and expecting their first child. He's now a precocious toddler, with an out-sized personality like his dad's (his real name is Walter, after Emerson's brother, but he's nicknamed Ramses after the flamboyant Ramses II). Parenthood has kept the couple in England, though chafing to return to their beloved Egyptian archaeological work. But now, they're unexpectedly called back to the latter. Rich archaeology patron Lord Baskerville ("of the Norfolk Baskervilles, not the Devonshire branch;" it's no mystery that Peters is an Arthur Conan Doyle fan, and we have a "Charles Milverton" here too!) has made headlines with the discovery of a possibly royal tomb in the Valley of the Kings --and with his sudden and mysterious death the night after the tomb door was breached. The popular press is playing up the idea of supernatural ancient curses, particularly since the archaeologist working for him is now missing. Baskerville's widow, who was acquainted with Radcliffe years ago, now appeals to him to take charge of the excavation. And not all the mysteries he and Amelia will need to unravel are those of the ancient past!
Unlike the one in the first book, the mystery here definitely involves murder. It's also much more challenging; here, I didn't spot the culprit from the outset. (I had my suspicions as the book wore on, but I was still left guessing until the denouement.) One aspect of the resolution doesn't hold up well logically, but it's a secondary one; strictly speaking, this is a four-and-a-half star read on that account, but I rounded up.
Again, Peter's characterizations are very well-drawn. Amelia's drily-humorous, deadpan narration can be an absolute scream in places; especially reading the early parts, set in England, I laughed out loud in several places (which I didn't do with the first book). Both the milieus of Victorian England and late-19th century Egypt are brought to masterful life here, and the author does a wonderful job in making use of actual ancient Egyptian mythology and lore and incorporating some real-life archaeological references into the tale.
Amelia's character is the make-or-break factor here. Some readers (including my son-in-law, and a Goodreads friend who's reviewed this book) don't like her at all; and they aren't without reason for their reaction. She's got a hefty element of vanity and bossiness in her make-up, she's highly opinionated, and not as always right in her opinions as she complacently thinks she is; and she's not above trying to make herself seem more clever than she actually is. (Granted, she is smart --but she's not infallible.) Reverse sexism is one of her pet prejudices (she thinks much more highly of her husband than she does of most males, but they engage in plenty of one-upmanship with each other). And Catholic readers won't appreciate her passing comment about "the idolatrous practices of Popery" --though most English Protestants in 1889 shared her attitude. I mentioned in reviewing the first book that she doesn't like guns; in the intervening five years, she's learned to carry one in the field whether she likes it or not (and in an environment that's literally crawling with poisonous snakes, jackals, hyenas, and tomb robbers, that's a necessity), but she has a lot more to learn before she'll be a good example of safe and responsible handling of one.
For all that, though, she's a kind person who cares about the happiness of others around her, and wants to do her honest best to promote it; she's a much more doting mom than she lets on; she's not incapable of self-criticism; her guts, endurance for hardship, and willingness to sacrifice for others' needs are second to none; and it's obvious that she and Emerson really love each other to the core of their being, underneath all of their competition and occasional bluster --she'd die for him in a heartbeat, and he would for her. (In fact, in the one instance here where her usual cool head in an emergency deserts her, it's because she's frantic with fear for his safety.) So I can totally see why some book characters and some readers find her abrasive --but I can also totally see why Radcliffe loves her! She's the sort of rare literary creation who's one of a kind; you have to accept her and appreciate her as she is --sometimes wanting to give her a high five, sometimes wanting to scold her, occasionally laughing at her (or with her). But however you're reacting, she's apt to entertain you. This is one series I'm definitely going to continue to follow!
Five years have supposedly passed since the events of the series opener, Crocodile on the Sandbank. (Many of the comments in my review of that one, www.goodreads.com/review/show/83042190 , are relevant here as well.) This would give us the date of 1889, with Amelia now 37 years old. By the close of the first book, she and Radcliffe Emerson were married (so strictly speaking, she's now Amelia Emerson, but he still calls her "Peabody" as a nickname), and expecting their first child. He's now a precocious toddler, with an out-sized personality like his dad's (his real name is Walter, after Emerson's brother, but he's nicknamed Ramses after the flamboyant Ramses II). Parenthood has kept the couple in England, though chafing to return to their beloved Egyptian archaeological work. But now, they're unexpectedly called back to the latter. Rich archaeology patron Lord Baskerville ("of the Norfolk Baskervilles, not the Devonshire branch;" it's no mystery that Peters is an Arthur Conan Doyle fan, and we have a "Charles Milverton" here too!) has made headlines with the discovery of a possibly royal tomb in the Valley of the Kings --and with his sudden and mysterious death the night after the tomb door was breached. The popular press is playing up the idea of supernatural ancient curses, particularly since the archaeologist working for him is now missing. Baskerville's widow, who was acquainted with Radcliffe years ago, now appeals to him to take charge of the excavation. And not all the mysteries he and Amelia will need to unravel are those of the ancient past!
Unlike the one in the first book, the mystery here definitely involves murder. It's also much more challenging; here, I didn't spot the culprit from the outset. (I had my suspicions as the book wore on, but I was still left guessing until the denouement.) One aspect of the resolution doesn't hold up well logically, but it's a secondary one; strictly speaking, this is a four-and-a-half star read on that account, but I rounded up.
Again, Peter's characterizations are very well-drawn. Amelia's drily-humorous, deadpan narration can be an absolute scream in places; especially reading the early parts, set in England, I laughed out loud in several places (which I didn't do with the first book). Both the milieus of Victorian England and late-19th century Egypt are brought to masterful life here, and the author does a wonderful job in making use of actual ancient Egyptian mythology and lore and incorporating some real-life archaeological references into the tale.
Amelia's character is the make-or-break factor here. Some readers (including my son-in-law, and a Goodreads friend who's reviewed this book) don't like her at all; and they aren't without reason for their reaction. She's got a hefty element of vanity and bossiness in her make-up, she's highly opinionated, and not as always right in her opinions as she complacently thinks she is; and she's not above trying to make herself seem more clever than she actually is. (Granted, she is smart --but she's not infallible.) Reverse sexism is one of her pet prejudices (she thinks much more highly of her husband than she does of most males, but they engage in plenty of one-upmanship with each other). And Catholic readers won't appreciate her passing comment about "the idolatrous practices of Popery" --though most English Protestants in 1889 shared her attitude. I mentioned in reviewing the first book that she doesn't like guns; in the intervening five years, she's learned to carry one in the field whether she likes it or not (and in an environment that's literally crawling with poisonous snakes, jackals, hyenas, and tomb robbers, that's a necessity), but she has a lot more to learn before she'll be a good example of safe and responsible handling of one.
For all that, though, she's a kind person who cares about the happiness of others around her, and wants to do her honest best to promote it; she's a much more doting mom than she lets on; she's not incapable of self-criticism; her guts, endurance for hardship, and willingness to sacrifice for others' needs are second to none; and it's obvious that she and Emerson really love each other to the core of their being, underneath all of their competition and occasional bluster --she'd die for him in a heartbeat, and he would for her. (In fact, in the one instance here where her usual cool head in an emergency deserts her, it's because she's frantic with fear for his safety.) So I can totally see why some book characters and some readers find her abrasive --but I can also totally see why Radcliffe loves her! She's the sort of rare literary creation who's one of a kind; you have to accept her and appreciate her as she is --sometimes wanting to give her a high five, sometimes wanting to scold her, occasionally laughing at her (or with her). But however you're reacting, she's apt to entertain you. This is one series I'm definitely going to continue to follow!
July 20, 2016
3.5
I want to quote V. Gingerich's wonderful review because it says it all.
"The Curse of the Pharaohs is all about voice: Amelia Peabody’s voice. This detective, Egyptologist, and mother of one narrates with wit and humor, puncturing Victorian decorum with her steel-tipped parasol, amazing the reader with her (sometimes stupid) bravery and her unique way of both adoring and defying her Egyptologist husband."
"Elizabeth Peters is Agatha Christie in an ancient Egyptian wig and headdress. Same train travel, same cast of startlingly unlikable characters (the kind where you want each of them to be the villain), same tea tables and crumpets (yes, tea, even in during an Egyptian heatwave), same twists and side alleys."
Above all, I love the way Peters writes. She combines humor, quaint turns of phrase, fantastic vocabulary, a little romance and detailed atmosphere in a well told mystery. I love that she addresses the reader - so unique. I enjoyed the introduction of Ramses in this second of the series. It is hard to believe she could make a toddler so quirky and interesting. She paints such vivid and dimensional characters. I thought her relationship with Emerson would lose some spice now that they are married but no! It is as funny and endearing as ever.
Only giving this a 3.5 though as it much of it seemed to repeat scenarios from the first book. Also, the plethora of murders was overboard for me. It was hard to take them seriously after a point. And some bits just lagged. It won't discourage me from going on in the series though. Her writing is totally unique.
I want to quote V. Gingerich's wonderful review because it says it all.
"The Curse of the Pharaohs is all about voice: Amelia Peabody’s voice. This detective, Egyptologist, and mother of one narrates with wit and humor, puncturing Victorian decorum with her steel-tipped parasol, amazing the reader with her (sometimes stupid) bravery and her unique way of both adoring and defying her Egyptologist husband."
"Elizabeth Peters is Agatha Christie in an ancient Egyptian wig and headdress. Same train travel, same cast of startlingly unlikable characters (the kind where you want each of them to be the villain), same tea tables and crumpets (yes, tea, even in during an Egyptian heatwave), same twists and side alleys."
Above all, I love the way Peters writes. She combines humor, quaint turns of phrase, fantastic vocabulary, a little romance and detailed atmosphere in a well told mystery. I love that she addresses the reader - so unique. I enjoyed the introduction of Ramses in this second of the series. It is hard to believe she could make a toddler so quirky and interesting. She paints such vivid and dimensional characters. I thought her relationship with Emerson would lose some spice now that they are married but no! It is as funny and endearing as ever.
Only giving this a 3.5 though as it much of it seemed to repeat scenarios from the first book. Also, the plethora of murders was overboard for me. It was hard to take them seriously after a point. And some bits just lagged. It won't discourage me from going on in the series though. Her writing is totally unique.
September 21, 2020
Five years of marriage have taught me that even if one is unamused by the (presumed) wit of one's spouse, one does not say so. Some concessions to temperament are necessary if the marital state is to flourish. And I must confess that in most respects the state agrees with me. Emerson is a remarkable person, considering that he is a man.
A second outing for Amelia, one of my favourite fictional characters, despite all her uncritical parroting of the strictures of the British Empire... With her trusty parasol in hand, now supplemented with a revolver (!), nothing and no-one can get the better of our trusty heroine as she and Emerson are faced with multiple murders at an archeological dig in the Valley of the Kings.
It's noticeable that the banter between Amelia and Emerson is spikier and funnier than in the later books where they can become a bit saccharine, and there's more archaeology in this one than in the first book. We also get a brief introduction to the divinely precocious Ramses, left behind in England, and meet some of the characters who become perennials later in the series: Abdullah, Vandergelt, Daoud, Kevin O'Connell.
Hilarious and feel-good escapism that nods at H. Rider Haggard and Sherlock Holmes with one eye on Christie's archaeological mysteries.
June 21, 2017
***2017 Summer Lovin’ Reading List***
It’s official—I adore Amelia Peabody-Emerson! Modern feminist sensibilities injected into a Victorian heroine. She loves her husband and her son, but she needs some mental stimulation and some physical labour to keep her occupied.
I loved that Radcliffe and Amelia have nicknamed their precocious son Ramses after the demanding and flamboyant Pharaoh. He takes after both of his parents, needless to say, in his intelligence and his firm opinions! I appreciate Amelia’s (sometimes unwarranted) self-confidence and her delight at being able to escape the boredom of motherhood and running a household. What could possibly be better than returning to Egypt to explore a newly discovered tomb with her beloved husband? Well, achieving that task while still having cooling baths at days end and tea whenever necessary, that’s what!
Peters manages to give us plenty of potential murderers and lots of unusual characters to provide intrigue and comedy. Amelia brandishes her parasol with abandon and barges her way to a solution with panache!
It’s official—I adore Amelia Peabody-Emerson! Modern feminist sensibilities injected into a Victorian heroine. She loves her husband and her son, but she needs some mental stimulation and some physical labour to keep her occupied.
I loved that Radcliffe and Amelia have nicknamed their precocious son Ramses after the demanding and flamboyant Pharaoh. He takes after both of his parents, needless to say, in his intelligence and his firm opinions! I appreciate Amelia’s (sometimes unwarranted) self-confidence and her delight at being able to escape the boredom of motherhood and running a household. What could possibly be better than returning to Egypt to explore a newly discovered tomb with her beloved husband? Well, achieving that task while still having cooling baths at days end and tea whenever necessary, that’s what!
Peters manages to give us plenty of potential murderers and lots of unusual characters to provide intrigue and comedy. Amelia brandishes her parasol with abandon and barges her way to a solution with panache!
May 13, 2023
Ich mag die Amelia Peabody-Serie von Elizabeth Peters sehr. Also jetzt, während ich versuche, mein Deutschverständnis zu verbessern, lese ich diese Serie noch einmal in deutscher Übersetzung. Es macht wieder einmal genauso viel Spaß, dieses zweite Buch auf Deutsch wie auf Englisch zu lesen.
January 8, 2013
This book picks up a few years after the first; by now, Amelia and her husband have been married for several years and have a young child. Their mutual love for their son has prevented them from returning to Egypt for further excavations, since they are concerned about his health. Ultimately, a young widow of a fellow explorer offers them a chance they cannot resist, and Amelia and Emerson find themselves back in Egypt.
I enjoyed the first book in the series, but if the successive books in this set of mysteries goes on in this way, I have no interest in continuing. It's more or less a cottage mystery, set in Egypt. They are meant to be a light read, but good god, I find Emerson so fucking annoying. Yeah, I know he's hotheaded and devoted to his work, but does he really need to be screaming, ranting, and raving every other sentence he utters? The first book was enjoyable and Emerson did not grate on me as much, since it was the introduction of a character and so one could give him some room for levity. I had hoped that marriage and Amelia's calmer voice has instilled some rationality into her husband. Nope. He's still as grating and annoying as usual. The mystery was all right, if rather forgettable, with your usual set of characters: the handsome suitor, the bluff and genial foreigner, the mysterious beauty, the annoying hangers-on. The entire book was not memorable; I don't think I can distinguish between the mystery in this book and the previous one a day after reading it, the plot was too forgettable. I find myself not too compelled to read the next books.
I enjoyed the first book in the series, but if the successive books in this set of mysteries goes on in this way, I have no interest in continuing. It's more or less a cottage mystery, set in Egypt. They are meant to be a light read, but good god, I find Emerson so fucking annoying. Yeah, I know he's hotheaded and devoted to his work, but does he really need to be screaming, ranting, and raving every other sentence he utters? The first book was enjoyable and Emerson did not grate on me as much, since it was the introduction of a character and so one could give him some room for levity. I had hoped that marriage and Amelia's calmer voice has instilled some rationality into her husband. Nope. He's still as grating and annoying as usual. The mystery was all right, if rather forgettable, with your usual set of characters: the handsome suitor, the bluff and genial foreigner, the mysterious beauty, the annoying hangers-on. The entire book was not memorable; I don't think I can distinguish between the mystery in this book and the previous one a day after reading it, the plot was too forgettable. I find myself not too compelled to read the next books.
February 3, 2023
Huh.... I don't get why Elizabeth Peters destroyed much of what was amazing about Amelia Peabody.
I got worried when she got married that, it would change her. It did... now she is kind of a jerk to most people. Her witticisms have become more bitchy snark than intelligent diatribe. Her comments about motherhood are meant to be humorous... I think, but really they are just selfish and appalling.
There is hope for the future of this series, and the mystery was still good and well-written. I loved Amelia so much in the first book. I am holding out hope that she will redeem herself in the future.
2-2.5 Stars.
I got worried when she got married that, it would change her. It did... now she is kind of a jerk to most people. Her witticisms have become more bitchy snark than intelligent diatribe. Her comments about motherhood are meant to be humorous... I think, but really they are just selfish and appalling.
There is hope for the future of this series, and the mystery was still good and well-written. I loved Amelia so much in the first book. I am holding out hope that she will redeem herself in the future.
2-2.5 Stars.
July 13, 2025
Wonderful series.
January 2, 2021
The second Amelia Peabody mystery takes place some years after the first. Amelia is now married to Emerson and they have a young son, Ramses. Meanwhile, Emerson’s brother, Walter, is married to Evelyn and they are happily filling their nursery. However, although Emerson is besotted with the precocious Ramses, both he and Amelia are somewhat bored.
Amelia is following a newspaper story about passionate Egyptologist Lord Henry Baskerville; cursed as he opened a tomb in the Valley of the Kings. Two days later he was found dead and his archaeologist vanished. However, Amelia’s musings are interrupted by the arrival of Lady Baskerville, the widow, who begs Emerson to take over the excavation. With Ramses taken for a visit to his doting aunt and uncle, Emerson and Amelia head back to their beloved Egypt.
Before long, the intrepid pair find themselves embroiled in a mystery involving curses, attempts on Emerson’s life, eccentric characters, secret identities and murder. The actual mystery is fairly weak, but the characters are fun and the story enjoyable. I enjoyed this more than the first in the series and look forward to reading on.
Amelia is following a newspaper story about passionate Egyptologist Lord Henry Baskerville; cursed as he opened a tomb in the Valley of the Kings. Two days later he was found dead and his archaeologist vanished. However, Amelia’s musings are interrupted by the arrival of Lady Baskerville, the widow, who begs Emerson to take over the excavation. With Ramses taken for a visit to his doting aunt and uncle, Emerson and Amelia head back to their beloved Egypt.
Before long, the intrepid pair find themselves embroiled in a mystery involving curses, attempts on Emerson’s life, eccentric characters, secret identities and murder. The actual mystery is fairly weak, but the characters are fun and the story enjoyable. I enjoyed this more than the first in the series and look forward to reading on.
May 19, 2024
Easy, light reading. It's been awhile since I've read Ms. Peters. I liked the story & cast of characters but thought the writing was naive (although there were some great vocabulary words). I also didn't like Amelia speaking directly to the reader at times, it was off-putting. It's a well-worn premise: A Victorian-era archaeological dig in Egypt is plagued with mysterious deaths, accidents, missing persons, & ghostly apparitions attributed to a curse for desecrating the tomb.
Radcliffe Emerson & Amelia Peabody are bored with their lives in England & miss the excitement of Egypt. They are soon off to take over the excavation (leaving their young son nicknamed Ramses, REALLY?!) and quickly come to the conclusion that the curse is a hoax being perpetuated by a young journalist. Amelia also is convinced that victim #1, Lord Baskerville(interesting choice for a name) was murdered & not by some evil spirit. So the real story begins. The ending is very Sherlockian in how the murder is revealed.
Radcliffe Emerson & Amelia Peabody are bored with their lives in England & miss the excitement of Egypt. They are soon off to take over the excavation (leaving their young son nicknamed Ramses, REALLY?!) and quickly come to the conclusion that the curse is a hoax being perpetuated by a young journalist. Amelia also is convinced that victim #1, Lord Baskerville(interesting choice for a name) was murdered & not by some evil spirit. So the real story begins. The ending is very Sherlockian in how the murder is revealed.
May 21, 2025
¿3'75⭐? YOUTUBE / INSTAGRAM
La segunda entrega de los Misterios de Amelia Peabody da comienzo 5 años después del final del primero. Amelia está casada, ha sido madre y ha vuelto a Inglaterra, pero tanto ella como Emerson anhelan volver a Egipto y a las excavaciones. Hasta que se les presenta la oportunidad y la aceptan.
A partir de ese momento, los misterios son constantes, algunos más pequeños (como la figura blanca que parece rondar de noche por los alrededores de las casa) y otros más grandes, como la incógnita de si lord Baskerville fue asesinado o no. De hecho, aquí, al contrario de lo que sucedió en el primer libro, sí tenemos cadáveres recientes y no solo momias antiguas.
En lo que se refiere al misterio, me ha gustado mucho que vuelva a girar alrededor de una excavación, porque es una ambientación que me encanta. Además, la autora nos presenta a un grupo numeroso de personajes que pululan alrededor y consigue que acabes sospechando de todo el mundo en un momento u otro. La resolución me ha parecido muy satisfactoria, pero confieso que me gustaría que desarrollara más las teorías a lo largo de la historia. El tema es que Amelia y Emerson son tan diferentes en algunos aspectos como idénticos en otros, y resulta que ambos son tercos como mulas y siempre quieren llevar la razón. Por este motivo, se pasan el libro presumiendo ante el otro de que saben lo que está pasando pero en ningún momento exponen sus teorías, porque quieren "ganar" la competición de detectives que se montan ellos solitos. Y esa competitividad tiene su gracia, pero de cara al lector es como que no desarrollan sus sospechas y te pasas el libro sin tener claro lo que verdaderamente piensan.
Por seguir hablando de los personajes, reconozco que Emerson tiene unos prontos que no me agradan demasiado (aunque intento recordar que estos libros se escribieron hace muchos años), pero lo cierto es que lo compensa con el amor devoto que siente hacia Amelia, y que además es recíproco. La verdad es que me gusta mucho ver a una pareja tan enamorada.
Sin embargo, confieso que he echado de menos a Evelyn y Walter, que en este segundo libro solo salen de pasada, y que ha habido algunos personajes muy estereotipados (Lady Baskerville) que me han dado algo de perecita.
No obstante, en conjunto he vuelto a disfrutar mucho de esta aventura de Amelia y ya estoy deseando que nos saquen el siguiente tomo. Y si necesitáis más incentivos, que sepáis que la mismísima Sarah J Maas lo valoró en Goodreads con 4 estrellas😂
La segunda entrega de los Misterios de Amelia Peabody da comienzo 5 años después del final del primero. Amelia está casada, ha sido madre y ha vuelto a Inglaterra, pero tanto ella como Emerson anhelan volver a Egipto y a las excavaciones. Hasta que se les presenta la oportunidad y la aceptan.
A partir de ese momento, los misterios son constantes, algunos más pequeños (como la figura blanca que parece rondar de noche por los alrededores de las casa) y otros más grandes, como la incógnita de si lord Baskerville fue asesinado o no. De hecho, aquí, al contrario de lo que sucedió en el primer libro, sí tenemos cadáveres recientes y no solo momias antiguas.
En lo que se refiere al misterio, me ha gustado mucho que vuelva a girar alrededor de una excavación, porque es una ambientación que me encanta. Además, la autora nos presenta a un grupo numeroso de personajes que pululan alrededor y consigue que acabes sospechando de todo el mundo en un momento u otro. La resolución me ha parecido muy satisfactoria, pero confieso que me gustaría que desarrollara más las teorías a lo largo de la historia. El tema es que Amelia y Emerson son tan diferentes en algunos aspectos como idénticos en otros, y resulta que ambos son tercos como mulas y siempre quieren llevar la razón. Por este motivo, se pasan el libro presumiendo ante el otro de que saben lo que está pasando pero en ningún momento exponen sus teorías, porque quieren "ganar" la competición de detectives que se montan ellos solitos. Y esa competitividad tiene su gracia, pero de cara al lector es como que no desarrollan sus sospechas y te pasas el libro sin tener claro lo que verdaderamente piensan.
Por seguir hablando de los personajes, reconozco que Emerson tiene unos prontos que no me agradan demasiado (aunque intento recordar que estos libros se escribieron hace muchos años), pero lo cierto es que lo compensa con el amor devoto que siente hacia Amelia, y que además es recíproco. La verdad es que me gusta mucho ver a una pareja tan enamorada.
Sin embargo, confieso que he echado de menos a Evelyn y Walter, que en este segundo libro solo salen de pasada, y que ha habido algunos personajes muy estereotipados (Lady Baskerville) que me han dado algo de perecita.
No obstante, en conjunto he vuelto a disfrutar mucho de esta aventura de Amelia y ya estoy deseando que nos saquen el siguiente tomo. Y si necesitáis más incentivos, que sepáis que la mismísima Sarah J Maas lo valoró en Goodreads con 4 estrellas😂
September 7, 2012
On this listen of this old favourite I was truly appreciative of Peters' skill as an author. The book is told as if it were Amelia Peabody's journal, but still Peters manages very cleverly to give us several views of all the wild twists and turns in the story. We aren't limited to Amelia's viewpoint because although she is a keen observer she isn't very self aware, and though she is very intelligent she often draws the wrong conclusions. It not only makes for an interesting puzzle it makes for some fine comedy as well.
In this book Emerson is invited to take over a supposedly cursed archeological dig, and Amelia sets about discovering who is behind the sabotage & murders. This is the book where Bastet is introduced (I'd forgot that she comes so early in the series!) and the excellent narrator, Barabara Rosenblat, has a field day with all the different accents: English, German, shady-fortune-telling-lady, et al. A pure delight.
In this book Emerson is invited to take over a supposedly cursed archeological dig, and Amelia sets about discovering who is behind the sabotage & murders. This is the book where Bastet is introduced (I'd forgot that she comes so early in the series!) and the excellent narrator, Barabara Rosenblat, has a field day with all the different accents: English, German, shady-fortune-telling-lady, et al. A pure delight.
May 23, 2023
In book 2 of the series about five years have passed. Emerson and Amelia (who he still calls 'Peabody') are missing their ramshackle Egyptian experience but tied to England because of their son, since the climate of Egypt is not thought good for children. An offer comes up for Emerson to take over management of an archaeological dig into what appears to be an undiscovered tomb in the valley of the Kings (note, this is about 35 years or so before the real life discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb there). They finally decide to go and they leave the child with Emerson's brother and his wife, their friend from book 1. The vacancy in Egypt has arisen because wealthy Lord Baskerville died unexpectedly, but leaving provision in his will for the work to continue, and his archaeologist has disappeared. An Irish newsman is soon peddling stories of a curse which becomes problematic during the story as the local people are all too ready to believe it.
Amelia takes a disliking to the widowed Lady Baskerville who seems rather too manipulative in getting men to dance attendance on her. They settle in at a house built by Lord Baskerville within walking distance of the valley, accompanied by Abdullah, their foreman, and other men who have previously worked for them and are loyal. But a local Islamic cleric is opposed to their presence, and trouble looms from the notorious village of tomb robbers. Further complications arise from the presence of a young woman, Mary, chiefly because of her alcoholic and half-demented mother who thinks she is a reincarnation of an Ancient Egyptian Queen and Emerson is her husband - though she keeps changing her mind about which King he formerly was - plus two young men on the archaeological team who are rivals for Mary's affections. The journalist also is a would-be lover of Mary's, and eventually inveigles his way onto the team as a series of deaths occur, staff desert and they find themselves shorthanded to keep the tomb guarded against robbers and also protect Lady Baskerville and Amelia (the latter insisting she doesn't need protection). Amelia at least has her trusty stout parasol and has acquired a revolver, though is a bit unreliable with it. Her conviction that Lord Baskerville's death wasn't natural seems born out when actual murders occur, though her ideas about the culprit shift during the story.
Amelia is her usual opinionated self, and always feels she is right even when she isn't, though this is offset by her kindness to others. The tempestuous marriage between her and Emerson is revealed to have a deep love behind it, even if both parties won't show that in public, and this is clear whenever the life of either is endangered - which happens frequently. The colonialist attitudes of book 1 are not quite as grating: at one point, Amelia points out that the Arab watchman who was killed was also a human being and she is just as keen to bring his killer to justice as she would be for a European victim.
The comedy element continues, with their son Walter, nicknamed Ramesses a prodigal archaeologist in the making, and the slapstick appearances of Mary's mother. I didn't work out who the murderer was and enjoyed the story, not least the wry nod to the presence of Tutankhamun's tomb. The remains of a robber is found in the one they are excavating, who was wearing a pendant with that King's cartouche - Amelia remarks it's just as well that it isn't Tutankhamun's tomb as given his minor status that would be a real let-down! Altogether, I would rate this at 4 stars
Amelia takes a disliking to the widowed Lady Baskerville who seems rather too manipulative in getting men to dance attendance on her. They settle in at a house built by Lord Baskerville within walking distance of the valley, accompanied by Abdullah, their foreman, and other men who have previously worked for them and are loyal. But a local Islamic cleric is opposed to their presence, and trouble looms from the notorious village of tomb robbers. Further complications arise from the presence of a young woman, Mary, chiefly because of her alcoholic and half-demented mother who thinks she is a reincarnation of an Ancient Egyptian Queen and Emerson is her husband - though she keeps changing her mind about which King he formerly was - plus two young men on the archaeological team who are rivals for Mary's affections. The journalist also is a would-be lover of Mary's, and eventually inveigles his way onto the team as a series of deaths occur, staff desert and they find themselves shorthanded to keep the tomb guarded against robbers and also protect Lady Baskerville and Amelia (the latter insisting she doesn't need protection). Amelia at least has her trusty stout parasol and has acquired a revolver, though is a bit unreliable with it. Her conviction that Lord Baskerville's death wasn't natural seems born out when actual murders occur, though her ideas about the culprit shift during the story.
Amelia is her usual opinionated self, and always feels she is right even when she isn't, though this is offset by her kindness to others. The tempestuous marriage between her and Emerson is revealed to have a deep love behind it, even if both parties won't show that in public, and this is clear whenever the life of either is endangered - which happens frequently. The colonialist attitudes of book 1 are not quite as grating: at one point, Amelia points out that the Arab watchman who was killed was also a human being and she is just as keen to bring his killer to justice as she would be for a European victim.
The comedy element continues, with their son Walter, nicknamed Ramesses a prodigal archaeologist in the making, and the slapstick appearances of Mary's mother. I didn't work out who the murderer was and enjoyed the story, not least the wry nod to the presence of Tutankhamun's tomb. The remains of a robber is found in the one they are excavating, who was wearing a pendant with that King's cartouche - Amelia remarks it's just as well that it isn't Tutankhamun's tomb as given his minor status that would be a real let-down! Altogether, I would rate this at 4 stars
May 6, 2020
When Lord Baskerville, a noted amateur archaeologist dies in Egypt, his widow chooses Emerson to carry on his mission. Naturally Emerson demurs - he can't leave Amelia or their beloved three-year-old holy terror Ramses - or can he? Emerson and Amelia are both bored with Victorian gentry life and miss the thrill of their work in the Middle East. They place Ramses in the loving Care of Evelyn and Walter's nursery and off they go. Amelia is certain that Lord Baskerville did not die of natural causes, for marked on his forehead was the Uraeus (the stylized, upright form of an Egyptian cobra used as a symbol of sovereignty, royalty, deity, and divine authority in ancient Egypt). There's also the small matter of his missing archeologist excavator. Emerson thinks there's nothing afoot and dismisses the native superstitions about Pharaohs' curses the English press, led by Kevin O'Connell, seem to enjoy. Amelia is determined to solve the mystery and prove herself to Emerson. She's also determined to play matchmaker and get to the bottom of a romantic triangle. Emerson wishes she'd just put safe and sound. This is one battle of the sexes that fans of the first book won't want to miss.
I liked this book so much more than the first one. There's more humor in it, for one thing, and the mystery was very hard to figure out. There are a large number of suspects in this story and I didn't figure it out. When I was up in the wee hours of the early morning, I had to skip ahead to find out who the murderer was before I could sleep. I was a little surprised at the reveal. The motive was very weak and the events that transpired seemed stupid in comparison to some of the other theories. The Egyptian history parts seemed based on King Tut's tomb, opened in the 1920s. There's less complicated facts thrown out at the reader because most of us are familiar with King Tut. Emerson and Amelia don't find him all that important or interesting in the grand scheme of things but their work is important in understanding and preserving Egyptian history so they persist. The Victorian British snobbery is present but toned down a lot from the first book so it's palatable for a modern audience.
The characters in this story are top-notch. Amelia is more human and more feminine. She still has a good head on her shoulders but she's strong-willed enough to defy her husband when he tries to keep her safe. She reminds me of Lady Julia Gray but more together. Amelia has some very funny scenes. I just love the relationship between Amelia and Emerson. We get to know him much better in this book. He has some hidden depths that only Amelia sees regularly. He surprised me. Amelia and Emerson are a very loving couple but anything more than kisses and buttons popping is fade to black. Their son, Ramses, takes the cake. He is so precocious and such a little tyrant, he reminds me of my younger niece. Ramses needs boarding school -pronto!
The other really funny character is Madame Berengaria. I don't really know what her deal was, attention maybe, but she was really really funny with her Egyptian reincarnation pronouncements. I did not like Lady Baskerville pretty much for the same reasons Amelia didn't. She put me off from the start and it was obvious she meant to have Emerson to herself. The other characters include an American millionaire, who, judging from his speech, might currently be from New York, but was raised in the West or Texas. There's also an Irish reporter who would do anything for a story; a lovestruck German lexicographer; Mary, a devoted daughter and talented artist, and Bastet, the cat.
This book must be read after the first or start here and go forward but not backwards. There are spoilers.
*****************************
reread April-May 2020
This was a fun reread! I had completely forgotten most everything except the beginning scenes in England and the fantasia at the end. I never remembered whodunit but I had my suspicions from the get-go. I wasn't surprised by the reveal. I still think the motive is kind of lame but the method of murder is unusual and sneaky.
I really like the Egyptian history built into the story. I kept looking up references online. The mummies mentioned in the end could not have been found by the Emersons, at least not that early and one was only found recently. It drives me crazy that they were SO CLOSE to King Tut's tomb and abandoned the Valley of the Kings because they thought they wouldn't find anything. If they weren't interested in Tutankhamen, then they shouldn't have been jealous of Howard Carter.
I adore Amelia and Emerson as always. It's so good to be back in Egypt with them. I lost count of the number of times Emerson loses his temper and they ahem kiss and make up. I love it when they do that. I really like seeing the softer side of Emerson and how Abdullah knows Emerson regards Amelia as a treasure worth more than a fountain of gold.
I disliked the stereotypes. I still think Cyrus sounds like he's from Texas not New York but he could be a transplant. Amelia shows her ignorance about the United States by referring to the flag as "the Stars and Bars" (that made me wince) and the anthem as "O Beautiful America" (that made me laugh). Cyrus is very stereotypically American but I know him well from later books so I know he has a good heart and isn't a brash, greedy businessman. Kevin O'Connell is also a stereotype. He sounds like a leprechaun when he speaks. The Arabs portrayed here are ignorant, superstitious, greedy thieves and drug addicts. Thank goodness for Abdullah and Daoud. (Is Daoud his nephew, as is stated here or his son? Or is this a different Daoud?) Abdullah is always faithful, dutiful and hard working even without Emerson's curses.
I also disliked the young lovers triangle. Mary is insipid but I feel sorry for her to have such a horrible mother. (I wonder if . The photographer is a nice young man but he sure seems like he's hiding something. He doesn't have any knowledge or interest in Egyptology at all. The German, Karl, is dull but seems nice enough. He shows flashes of understanding that make me think he's hiding his awareness of the situation. Lady Baskerville is the type of woman easily figured out by other women like Amelia but overlooked by men. How did she get her widow's weeds so quickly and why is she always flirting, fainting and calling Emerson by his first name? She's up to no good even if she turns out not to be the chief villain. (No spoilers in that last comment).
In light of later years, I did find little Ramses annoyingly precocious yet sweet in his enthusiasm for archaeology. This is the only time he acts like a normal boy digging in the compost pile, tracking dirt all over the house and showing off his smelly treasure to ladies. The rest of the time he's overly precocious, especially when he's with Evelyn and Walter. Being the son of two intelligent and formidable parents, he seems to have inherited a double dose of intelligence. I wish Evelyn and Walter had chosen to resume joining Emerson and Amelia in Egypt and not turned into boring stay-at-home parents. They have three children in 5 years! Good gad! as Emerson says!
On to the next until Amelia and Emerson head into the west! (NO NO say it ain't so! They live forever and ever!)
I didn't like the e-pub edition. The formatting puts weird hyphens were they didn't belong and it was confusing trying to look up the Egyptology references because of it.
I liked this book so much more than the first one. There's more humor in it, for one thing, and the mystery was very hard to figure out. There are a large number of suspects in this story and I didn't figure it out. When I was up in the wee hours of the early morning, I had to skip ahead to find out who the murderer was before I could sleep. I was a little surprised at the reveal. The motive was very weak and the events that transpired seemed stupid in comparison to some of the other theories. The Egyptian history parts seemed based on King Tut's tomb, opened in the 1920s. There's less complicated facts thrown out at the reader because most of us are familiar with King Tut. Emerson and Amelia don't find him all that important or interesting in the grand scheme of things but their work is important in understanding and preserving Egyptian history so they persist. The Victorian British snobbery is present but toned down a lot from the first book so it's palatable for a modern audience.
The characters in this story are top-notch. Amelia is more human and more feminine. She still has a good head on her shoulders but she's strong-willed enough to defy her husband when he tries to keep her safe. She reminds me of Lady Julia Gray but more together. Amelia has some very funny scenes. I just love the relationship between Amelia and Emerson. We get to know him much better in this book. He has some hidden depths that only Amelia sees regularly. He surprised me. Amelia and Emerson are a very loving couple but anything more than kisses and buttons popping is fade to black. Their son, Ramses, takes the cake. He is so precocious and such a little tyrant, he reminds me of my younger niece. Ramses needs boarding school -pronto!
The other really funny character is Madame Berengaria. I don't really know what her deal was, attention maybe, but she was really really funny with her Egyptian reincarnation pronouncements. I did not like Lady Baskerville pretty much for the same reasons Amelia didn't. She put me off from the start and it was obvious she meant to have Emerson to herself. The other characters include an American millionaire, who, judging from his speech, might currently be from New York, but was raised in the West or Texas. There's also an Irish reporter who would do anything for a story; a lovestruck German lexicographer; Mary, a devoted daughter and talented artist, and Bastet, the cat.
This book must be read after the first or start here and go forward but not backwards. There are spoilers.
*****************************
reread April-May 2020
This was a fun reread! I had completely forgotten most everything except the beginning scenes in England and the fantasia at the end. I never remembered whodunit but I had my suspicions from the get-go. I wasn't surprised by the reveal. I still think the motive is kind of lame but the method of murder is unusual and sneaky.
I really like the Egyptian history built into the story. I kept looking up references online. The mummies mentioned in the end could not have been found by the Emersons, at least not that early and one was only found recently. It drives me crazy that they were SO CLOSE to King Tut's tomb and abandoned the Valley of the Kings because they thought they wouldn't find anything. If they weren't interested in Tutankhamen, then they shouldn't have been jealous of Howard Carter.
I adore Amelia and Emerson as always. It's so good to be back in Egypt with them. I lost count of the number of times Emerson loses his temper and they ahem kiss and make up. I love it when they do that. I really like seeing the softer side of Emerson and how Abdullah knows Emerson regards Amelia as a treasure worth more than a fountain of gold.
I disliked the stereotypes. I still think Cyrus sounds like he's from Texas not New York but he could be a transplant. Amelia shows her ignorance about the United States by referring to the flag as "the Stars and Bars" (that made me wince) and the anthem as "O Beautiful America" (that made me laugh). Cyrus is very stereotypically American but I know him well from later books so I know he has a good heart and isn't a brash, greedy businessman. Kevin O'Connell is also a stereotype. He sounds like a leprechaun when he speaks. The Arabs portrayed here are ignorant, superstitious, greedy thieves and drug addicts. Thank goodness for Abdullah and Daoud. (Is Daoud his nephew, as is stated here or his son? Or is this a different Daoud?) Abdullah is always faithful, dutiful and hard working even without Emerson's curses.
I also disliked the young lovers triangle. Mary is insipid but I feel sorry for her to have such a horrible mother. (I wonder if . The photographer is a nice young man but he sure seems like he's hiding something. He doesn't have any knowledge or interest in Egyptology at all. The German, Karl, is dull but seems nice enough. He shows flashes of understanding that make me think he's hiding his awareness of the situation. Lady Baskerville is the type of woman easily figured out by other women like Amelia but overlooked by men. How did she get her widow's weeds so quickly and why is she always flirting, fainting and calling Emerson by his first name? She's up to no good even if she turns out not to be the chief villain. (No spoilers in that last comment).
In light of later years, I did find little Ramses annoyingly precocious yet sweet in his enthusiasm for archaeology. This is the only time he acts like a normal boy digging in the compost pile, tracking dirt all over the house and showing off his smelly treasure to ladies. The rest of the time he's overly precocious, especially when he's with Evelyn and Walter. Being the son of two intelligent and formidable parents, he seems to have inherited a double dose of intelligence. I wish Evelyn and Walter had chosen to resume joining Emerson and Amelia in Egypt and not turned into boring stay-at-home parents. They have three children in 5 years! Good gad! as Emerson says!
On to the next until Amelia and Emerson head into the west! (NO NO say it ain't so! They live forever and ever!)
I didn't like the e-pub edition. The formatting puts weird hyphens were they didn't belong and it was confusing trying to look up the Egyptology references because of it.
May 30, 2013
I liked this second book in the Amelia Peabody series better than the first book. Amelia and Emerson have been married for a several years now and are the parents of a young son. However, they are both going a little stir crazy after having given up their expeditions in favor of being hands on parents. So, when an opportunity arises to unearth a possible treasure trove in Egypt and solve a murder, the temptation is too much for the couple. They place their son in the capable hands of their relatives and go on another adventure.
Emerson is a riot. The chemistry between him and Amelia is charming, despite Emerson's gruff manner. The cast of characters were also unique and the in depth descriptions of Egypt, which the author obviously has experienced first hand, puts the reader right there along with the characters in the story.
Overall a solid A .
Emerson is a riot. The chemistry between him and Amelia is charming, despite Emerson's gruff manner. The cast of characters were also unique and the in depth descriptions of Egypt, which the author obviously has experienced first hand, puts the reader right there along with the characters in the story.
Overall a solid A .
August 2, 2018
3 stars
Enjoyable listening for a car trip. I prefer how the narrator portrayed Amelia in book 1 as an indomitable and smart female. I also prefer Emerson in book 1. I do have books 3 and 4 in audio - they were on sale. I will listen to them.
Enjoyable listening for a car trip. I prefer how the narrator portrayed Amelia in book 1 as an indomitable and smart female. I also prefer Emerson in book 1. I do have books 3 and 4 in audio - they were on sale. I will listen to them.
March 18, 2012
Luxor Temple, Egypt (Luxor was the ancient city of Thebes).
★★★☆☆ (This is a review of the audiobook.) This one didn’t do it for me. Loved the first one in the series (which I both read and listened to), also narrated by Barbara Rosenblat. However, this one put me to sleep repeatedly - literally! I had to keep starting over and over again. I don’t think it was the narration as much as the storyline. It just didn’t grab me like the first one did. Ms. Rosenblat does a nice job on the various accents and Ramses as a baby, toddler, etc., and gruff Emerson’s bluster. Still. . . I’ll continue with this series, as I love Amelia.
★★★☆☆ (This is a review of the audiobook.) This one didn’t do it for me. Loved the first one in the series (which I both read and listened to), also narrated by Barbara Rosenblat. However, this one put me to sleep repeatedly - literally! I had to keep starting over and over again. I don’t think it was the narration as much as the storyline. It just didn’t grab me like the first one did. Ms. Rosenblat does a nice job on the various accents and Ramses as a baby, toddler, etc., and gruff Emerson’s bluster. Still. . . I’ll continue with this series, as I love Amelia.
March 17, 2016
I enjoyed the story in this second book much more than the first. I loved Amelia performing a flying tackle to save her husband from getting hurt. I laughed so many times at how she describes and talks about people. I will definitely keep listening to this series.
May 8, 2025
Fue divertido estar de vuelta con los aventureros y arqueólogos victorianos, Radcliffe Emerson y Amelia Peabody. Ahora casados y con un hijo pequeño, Ramsés, viven en Londres y esperan con ansias el momento en que su hijo tenga la edad suficiente para llevarlo con ellos a Egipto. Sin embargo, cuando el arqueólogo Lord Baskerville fue asesinado mientras trabajaba en la excavación de una tumba cerca de Luxor, Emerson es contratado por Lady Baskerville para continuar su trabajo. Después de hacer arreglos para dejar a Ramsés con amigos en Inglaterra, Amelia se une a Emerson, trabajando en la excavación mientras también intenta averiguar quién asesinó a Lord Baskerville.
A diferencia del primer libro, el misterio aquí definitivamente involucra el asesinato. También es mucho más desafiante; aquí, no detecté al culpable desde el principio. Tuve mis sospechas a medida que avanzaba el libro, pero aún así me quedé adivinando hasta el desenlace.
En poco tiempo, la intrépida pareja se ve envuelta en un misterio que involucra maldiciones, atentados contra la vida de Emerson, personajes excéntricos, identidades secretas y asesinatos.
En conclusión, un segundo libro de la serie que he disfrutado mucho y que sin duda te animo a leer ya que pasarás un par de tardes muy entretenidas.
A diferencia del primer libro, el misterio aquí definitivamente involucra el asesinato. También es mucho más desafiante; aquí, no detecté al culpable desde el principio. Tuve mis sospechas a medida que avanzaba el libro, pero aún así me quedé adivinando hasta el desenlace.
En poco tiempo, la intrépida pareja se ve envuelta en un misterio que involucra maldiciones, atentados contra la vida de Emerson, personajes excéntricos, identidades secretas y asesinatos.
En conclusión, un segundo libro de la serie que he disfrutado mucho y que sin duda te animo a leer ya que pasarás un par de tardes muy entretenidas.
February 24, 2010
Reviewed for THC Reviews
The Curse of the Pharaohs was another fun installment in the Amelia Peabody mystery/adventure series. The story begins with Amelia and Radcliffe Emerson enjoying the bliss of married life back in England, but their seemingly idyllic existence isn't exactly placid thanks to an incredibly precocious four-year-old running amok. At the same time, life holds no real challenge for Emerson who is now a professor of archeology at the university and Amelia who has been reduced to motherhood and the occasional tea party which she loathes. Both of them deeply yearn for their beloved Egypt and all the mysteries and antiquities that she holds, so when the opportunity to return presents itself, they jump at the chance. Of course, murder and mayhem ensue while Amelia and Emerson attempt to excavate a tomb which they believe may belong to a Pharaoh.
Amelia and Emerson are still in fine form, and I enjoyed their newfound interactions as a married couple. In public, they employ their acerbic tongues to amusing effect with lots of witty bantering which could sometimes be quite fun to read. In private, they eagerly and generously share their affection and passion for one another (without details of course), but their tender feelings are still quite apparent even in veiled euphemisms. I loved that Amelia and Emerson trust each other explicitly and seem to have a healthy marriage free of any jealousies. I also like how they can tease each other without hurt feelings and understand each other completely. Even though their individual personalities differ quite a bit from mine and my husband's, I could still relate to their relationship quite well. Amelia and Emerson are just a really fun and entertaining couple to read about.
Individually, Emerson and Amelia each has a very strong personality that has certain elements which can be a little off-putting, but at the same time rather endearing. Emerson is as blustery and irascible as he was in the first book, yet he always manages to command the respect of everyone around him. I like that he regards Amelia as his intellectual equal, his partner not only in life but in the work they both love so much. He has also turned into a doting papa to their little son, Ramses. I couldn't help but laugh at this big galoot being reduced to babbling baby talk to an infant. It was just too cute. Amelia, on the other hand, seemed almost as aloof toward Ramses as Emerson was adoring of him which rather confused me. While I didn't doubt that she cared for her son, Amelia calling Ramses “it” for a short time in infancy and her seeming lack of any compunction toward leaving him for long periods of time to go on digs was a little hard for me to understand. Most of the time Amelia didn't seem to like Ramses very much, however, I will allow that perhaps this was all meant more in jest, and was simply a little too subtle for me to appreciate. Otherwise, Amelia is a fully admirable character that I really liked. She has a very no-nonsense attitude about most everything, but certainly isn't immune to emotions where her beloved husband is concerned. She is also brave, adventurous, has a mind like a steel trap, and is readily sympathetic toward both man and beast alike. I was quite amused by Amelia's disdain for societal conventions. She is definitely a geek of the first order, and I can very much relate to her inability to talk to society women because of their lack of knowledge on the topics that interest her most. Overall, I really like both Emerson and Amelia and think that they are a very well-matched couple.
As with Crocodile on the Sandbank, the first book of the series, The Curse of the Pharaohs seemed to take a little time to build momentum. It started out a bit slowly, but as the story progressed and got into the mystery, there was more action and lots to speculate about. I admit I only half guessed the answer to the puzzle by the time it was revealed. I missed Walter and Evelyn a little, although they appeared briefly at the beginning of the book. However, there was a very large, international and quite colorful cast of new supporting characters, along with at least one Egyptian character, Abdullah, who returned from the first book. Sometimes, I felt like it was a few too many players, as I initially had a hard time keeping all of them straight, but I eventually figured them all out. There were also quite a few flirtations going on, in particular between a certain young lady and her multiple suitors. I thought I had figured out who she should be with, only to be completely and utterly wrong. On the one hand, it was nice to be surprised, and while I wouldn't have wanted the author to make the object of the girl's affections completely obvious, I also had not necessarily felt the chemistry building between the couple, which made it a little anti-climactic for me. Overall, in spite of a few minor weaknesses, The Curse of the Pharaohs was a pleasant diversion with strong characters, an enjoyable mystery to solve and a beautiful exotic setting, with a touch of romance and the fun of an archaeological dig on the side. It doesn't really have any objectionable elements to speak of, which in my opinion would make it suitable for mystery aficionados of all ages, including teens and more sensitive readers. There are currently 18 books in the Amelia Peabody mystery series with The Curse of the Pharaohs being the second book. I definitely look forward to picking up the third book, The Mummy Case, the next time I'm in the mood for a mystery story.
The Curse of the Pharaohs was another fun installment in the Amelia Peabody mystery/adventure series. The story begins with Amelia and Radcliffe Emerson enjoying the bliss of married life back in England, but their seemingly idyllic existence isn't exactly placid thanks to an incredibly precocious four-year-old running amok. At the same time, life holds no real challenge for Emerson who is now a professor of archeology at the university and Amelia who has been reduced to motherhood and the occasional tea party which she loathes. Both of them deeply yearn for their beloved Egypt and all the mysteries and antiquities that she holds, so when the opportunity to return presents itself, they jump at the chance. Of course, murder and mayhem ensue while Amelia and Emerson attempt to excavate a tomb which they believe may belong to a Pharaoh.
Amelia and Emerson are still in fine form, and I enjoyed their newfound interactions as a married couple. In public, they employ their acerbic tongues to amusing effect with lots of witty bantering which could sometimes be quite fun to read. In private, they eagerly and generously share their affection and passion for one another (without details of course), but their tender feelings are still quite apparent even in veiled euphemisms. I loved that Amelia and Emerson trust each other explicitly and seem to have a healthy marriage free of any jealousies. I also like how they can tease each other without hurt feelings and understand each other completely. Even though their individual personalities differ quite a bit from mine and my husband's, I could still relate to their relationship quite well. Amelia and Emerson are just a really fun and entertaining couple to read about.
Individually, Emerson and Amelia each has a very strong personality that has certain elements which can be a little off-putting, but at the same time rather endearing. Emerson is as blustery and irascible as he was in the first book, yet he always manages to command the respect of everyone around him. I like that he regards Amelia as his intellectual equal, his partner not only in life but in the work they both love so much. He has also turned into a doting papa to their little son, Ramses. I couldn't help but laugh at this big galoot being reduced to babbling baby talk to an infant. It was just too cute. Amelia, on the other hand, seemed almost as aloof toward Ramses as Emerson was adoring of him which rather confused me. While I didn't doubt that she cared for her son, Amelia calling Ramses “it” for a short time in infancy and her seeming lack of any compunction toward leaving him for long periods of time to go on digs was a little hard for me to understand. Most of the time Amelia didn't seem to like Ramses very much, however, I will allow that perhaps this was all meant more in jest, and was simply a little too subtle for me to appreciate. Otherwise, Amelia is a fully admirable character that I really liked. She has a very no-nonsense attitude about most everything, but certainly isn't immune to emotions where her beloved husband is concerned. She is also brave, adventurous, has a mind like a steel trap, and is readily sympathetic toward both man and beast alike. I was quite amused by Amelia's disdain for societal conventions. She is definitely a geek of the first order, and I can very much relate to her inability to talk to society women because of their lack of knowledge on the topics that interest her most. Overall, I really like both Emerson and Amelia and think that they are a very well-matched couple.
As with Crocodile on the Sandbank, the first book of the series, The Curse of the Pharaohs seemed to take a little time to build momentum. It started out a bit slowly, but as the story progressed and got into the mystery, there was more action and lots to speculate about. I admit I only half guessed the answer to the puzzle by the time it was revealed. I missed Walter and Evelyn a little, although they appeared briefly at the beginning of the book. However, there was a very large, international and quite colorful cast of new supporting characters, along with at least one Egyptian character, Abdullah, who returned from the first book. Sometimes, I felt like it was a few too many players, as I initially had a hard time keeping all of them straight, but I eventually figured them all out. There were also quite a few flirtations going on, in particular between a certain young lady and her multiple suitors. I thought I had figured out who she should be with, only to be completely and utterly wrong. On the one hand, it was nice to be surprised, and while I wouldn't have wanted the author to make the object of the girl's affections completely obvious, I also had not necessarily felt the chemistry building between the couple, which made it a little anti-climactic for me. Overall, in spite of a few minor weaknesses, The Curse of the Pharaohs was a pleasant diversion with strong characters, an enjoyable mystery to solve and a beautiful exotic setting, with a touch of romance and the fun of an archaeological dig on the side. It doesn't really have any objectionable elements to speak of, which in my opinion would make it suitable for mystery aficionados of all ages, including teens and more sensitive readers. There are currently 18 books in the Amelia Peabody mystery series with The Curse of the Pharaohs being the second book. I definitely look forward to picking up the third book, The Mummy Case, the next time I'm in the mood for a mystery story.
September 23, 2021
It is nearly 3 years since I read the first in the series. I remembered liking it enough that I would continue, but apparently I wasn't in a rush. These are written in the first person by Amelia. I had forgotten how funny she is! I thought as I read that the humor is broad, sometimes bordering on farce. I will quote my own review of Crocodile on the Sandbank in saying of Amelia: "Opinionated and forthright, she is the epitome of a domineering woman and yet she is kind, endearing and - almost - selfless." Nothing has changed in this:
Hopefully it won't be another 3 years before I get to the next in the series, but I've been on a book-buying spree lately (do you hear me Amazon?) so I have a considerable backlog. This is another 4-stars.
Five years of marriage have taught me that even if one is unamused by the (presumed) wit of one's spouse, one does not say so. Some concessions to temperament are necessary if the marital state is to flourish. And I must confess that in most respects the state agrees with me. Emerson is a remarkable person, considering that he is a man. Which is not saying a great deal.One of the supporting characters in this is a large woman who drinks excessively and who is generally obnoxious. She has an adult daughter, another supporting character. That "Madame" is unappreciated by everyone is an understatement. As to the daughter, Amelia says:
She was smiling, but it was a sad smile; the bright lights of the salon showed the shabbiness of her frock and the weary lines in her young face. I immediately removed her from my list of suspects. The fact that she had not yet exterminated her mother proved that she was incapable of violence.I think there is more of a mystery in this installment than in the first of the series. Still, there is a lot of Egypt and Egyptology. The setting matters! The time period is not crystal clear, but it is worth noting that the surname of the first victim is Baskerville. There is no overt tie to Conan Doyle but there is a reference to him and to other authors of the day and I have assumed this is very early 20th Century.
Hopefully it won't be another 3 years before I get to the next in the series, but I've been on a book-buying spree lately (do you hear me Amazon?) so I have a considerable backlog. This is another 4-stars.
August 12, 2020
I always feel let down when I read this book right after the first one. It's still a good mystery, and I can enjoy Amelia's strong voice, but it lacks so much of what I love in the first installment. For one thing, I don't find this book as amusing and fun as the first was. And I really miss that tight circle of Amelia and her three cohorts who battle it out against unknown forces through most of the first. Then, because this book comes second it doesn't feel as creative or surprising as the first did; there's a lot of "same old stuff" about this story. And lets be honest, I want more of Emerson and Amelia's personal life, and you don't get that once they leave England.
I think the greatest problem is that this book is loaded with new characters who are mostly stereotypes and aren't very nice. The only I one I really like is Cyrus, and he gets better in later books, too. Others are just annoying - like Kevin. With a smaller cast in the first book you really got to know and understand the characters, but here they come and go like pigeons in a park, and I care about as much about them. Fortunately I know that the series gets better than this, so I put up with its problems and excesses, enjoy Amelia and Emerson cutting a wide swath through Egypt, and move happily forward.
I think the greatest problem is that this book is loaded with new characters who are mostly stereotypes and aren't very nice. The only I one I really like is Cyrus, and he gets better in later books, too. Others are just annoying - like Kevin. With a smaller cast in the first book you really got to know and understand the characters, but here they come and go like pigeons in a park, and I care about as much about them. Fortunately I know that the series gets better than this, so I put up with its problems and excesses, enjoy Amelia and Emerson cutting a wide swath through Egypt, and move happily forward.
June 12, 2016
Fun in the sun with Amelia and Emerson as death comes on swift wings to Victorian archaeologists.
When I was young I thought archaeology would be like this. It's not. Archaeology is sitting in a muddy field, in the rain, drawing stones.
The book is good fun, the plot trots along nicely with big nods to Sherlock Holmes, Madame Blavatsky, and the opening of King Tut's tomb.
Thankfully the author refrained from saying 'wonderful things', but I'm sure she's just saving it for a future episode.
Pretty sure I'll read the next one.
When I was young I thought archaeology would be like this. It's not. Archaeology is sitting in a muddy field, in the rain, drawing stones.
The book is good fun, the plot trots along nicely with big nods to Sherlock Holmes, Madame Blavatsky, and the opening of King Tut's tomb.
Thankfully the author refrained from saying 'wonderful things', but I'm sure she's just saving it for a future episode.
Pretty sure I'll read the next one.
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