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Amelia Peabody #13
Lord of the Silent
Undeterred by world war and enemy submarines, Amelia Peabody -- Grandmaster Elizabeth Peters's indomitable archaeologist-sleuth -- once again sets sail for Egypt, where ghosts of an ancient past and specters of a present-day evil hover silently over an inscrutable land.
With son Ramses, his wife, Nefret, and a few unwelcome additions in tow, the elder Peabody-Emersons embark on a dangerous sea voyage to Alexandria, ultimately ending up in Cairo for their annual excavations. But in this autumn of 1915 the exotic, alluring city is not what it used to be. Cairo has been transformed into an armed camp teeming with enemy agents, and shockingly bold tomb robbers are brazenly desecrating the ancient sites.
Amelia's foremost priority is to prevent the War Office from pressing Ramses into service again, on the same sort of job that almost cost him his life the previous year. But in these terrible days of global conflict and relentless skullduggery, no place in Egypt is safe. Even remote Luxor provides no guarantee of safety, especially after Amelia discovers a fresh corpse resting in an ancient tomb.
The grim discovery presages further trouble for the Emersons, as the sinister conundrum pulls them all into a bubbling morass of corruption, intrigue, and international espionage deeper and more fiendish than any they have hitherto encountered. Death follows death, with abduction and an assault on Amelia herself intensifying the chaos of a world at war.
Yet there is an even darker danger in store for the Emersons. Can it be that one of Amelia's oldest and most dangerous adversaries will intervene to alter the family's destiny? Tantalizing clues suggest that this may be so and point toward an archaeological discovery of unparalleled importance -- and the resurrection of a voice that has been silent for millennia.
With son Ramses, his wife, Nefret, and a few unwelcome additions in tow, the elder Peabody-Emersons embark on a dangerous sea voyage to Alexandria, ultimately ending up in Cairo for their annual excavations. But in this autumn of 1915 the exotic, alluring city is not what it used to be. Cairo has been transformed into an armed camp teeming with enemy agents, and shockingly bold tomb robbers are brazenly desecrating the ancient sites.
Amelia's foremost priority is to prevent the War Office from pressing Ramses into service again, on the same sort of job that almost cost him his life the previous year. But in these terrible days of global conflict and relentless skullduggery, no place in Egypt is safe. Even remote Luxor provides no guarantee of safety, especially after Amelia discovers a fresh corpse resting in an ancient tomb.
The grim discovery presages further trouble for the Emersons, as the sinister conundrum pulls them all into a bubbling morass of corruption, intrigue, and international espionage deeper and more fiendish than any they have hitherto encountered. Death follows death, with abduction and an assault on Amelia herself intensifying the chaos of a world at war.
Yet there is an even darker danger in store for the Emersons. Can it be that one of Amelia's oldest and most dangerous adversaries will intervene to alter the family's destiny? Tantalizing clues suggest that this may be so and point toward an archaeological discovery of unparalleled importance -- and the resurrection of a voice that has been silent for millennia.
404 pages, Hardcover
First published May 1, 2001
397 people are currently reading
3127 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 367 reviews
April 27, 2020
I find I am enjoying these books even more now that Ramses is grown up and married, and the action is shared between him, Nefret, Amelia and Emerson. Together they make quite a team.
The book is, as usual, full of shootings and murders in the desert, and our heroes spend much more time investigating and saving each other from harm than in doing archeology. Somebody appears to have returned from the dead, the war continues with its associated spying, new characters are introduced, and an amazing new artifact is discovered by chance.
I can see lots of great possibilities for the next book!
The book is, as usual, full of shootings and murders in the desert, and our heroes spend much more time investigating and saving each other from harm than in doing archeology. Somebody appears to have returned from the dead, the war continues with its associated spying, new characters are introduced, and an amazing new artifact is discovered by chance.
I can see lots of great possibilities for the next book!
July 18, 2019
July 2019: What a joy this book is, with so many characters coming back to visit and be part of the action. It is positively beautiful to see how Peters reforms our favorite MC. This is the book, though, where Amelia and Emerson become so thoroughly themselves that they are nearly caricatures. In fact, Nefret’s comments on “Mother” are so spot-on that you start to see Amelia in a less pleasant light than earlier. It’s a mark of Peters’ exponential growth as an author that the characters are so softened and more real here, and she even hits the historical change in attitudes that changed people in WWI. And Barbara Rosenblat, as usual, speaks so many unique characters it is unbelieveable. She MUST have sold her soul to be so great. Read on Hoopla through my public library.
Aug 2017: I wish I were Barbara Rosenblat.
Aug 2017: I wish I were Barbara Rosenblat.
January 21, 2019
The Emersons are eager to return to their beloved Egypt, war or no war. When British Intelligence comes calling on Ramses again, the entire family emphatically respond with a resounding no! They head off to their dig site minus David, who is still recovering and needs to be at home with Lia and the baby, plus Sennia, her nurse, Horus and Gargery! The Emersons are surprised to discover evidence of theft in the ancient ruins once again and Ramses surprises a would-be attacker. The elder Emersons, eager to protect their boy, send the newlyweds on a honeymoon to Luxor to avoid danger. Unfortunately, danger follows the Emersons wherever they go, whether it be Cairo or Luxor. With a nosy, romantic, female reporter hot on their trail, the Emersons must resort to secrecy and lies again. They must learn to trust each other to protect their loved once and solve the mystery.
This story is not so grim as it sounded from the description. It took me a little while to get into it but once they arrived in Egypt, the story got off to a rollicking start and didn't stop until the very end. I thought the villain seemed obvious but there were so many factors involved that I was sure I had been wrong. The fun is more in the adventure anyway. I wasn't surprised at the big plot twist. Emerson and Ramses deduced the secret from the clue and I guessed too, however, I was still quite shocked. I would have marked the book 5 stars if it were not for this suspension of disbelief. This story also features a marked change in the narrative. The elder Emersons take the subplot while the younger Emersons have the bulk of the middle of the novel. I thought this would bother me because I adore Amelia, but I really liked having the dual adventure and getting to know Ramses and Nefret better.
Amelia is still Amelia -formidable, clever, and reckless. She's learned to be less reckless over the years and she has also learned to show her emotions towards her son more. She's Victorian and can't help being a bit buttoned up, plus Ramses was such a difficult child. Her openness allows Ramses to open up more too and become more affectionate with his parents. He's still brooding and moody but darling Nefret can talk him out of it. Nefret is a chip off the Aunt Amelia block- feisty, clever and devoted to her man. Nefret is more open and loving than Aunt Amelia and pushes Ramses not to be so bottled up. The younger couple are from a different generation where rules have changed and people, especially Anglo-Egyptians, are less stuffy. Emerson "Father of Curses" is kept from going off the deep end here by his family. He seems terrifying but I like how he's a softy inside. I don't like how susceptible he is to young feminine wiles though. I suppose it comes from being a doting father/great-uncle. Sennia is shaping up to be a true Emerson. She's a spoiled brat at times but like Aunt Nefret, she has a pure heart and is sweet and loving. Many of the book's funniest scenes are when Sennia is around, especially when she has Gargery and Horus to try to protect her. I was chuckling out loud when they were in the scene.
There are so many other familiar secondary characters here. Gargery the butler insists on coming with the Emersons. He's an old man but eager for adventure and devoted to protecting his family. He adds a lot of comic relief to the story. Horus the cat is a beast. He too adds comic relief to the story. Daoud, Selim, Kadija, Fatima and the rest also add some humor with their unwavering devotion to the Emersons. Kadija is awesome! The Vandergelts finally show up as a family. Katherine is a bit prim but she's trying to protect her son the best she can and Amelia understands Katherine's concerns. Cyrus is still a golly gosh Texan eager to get digging to discover the riches of Ancient Egypt. Another old character who plays a major role is Miss Margaret Minton. Yes her journalism is "yellow" and her prose a lurid shade of purple, but I actually had sympathy for her. Digging deeper, she reveals the gender inequalities and limited roles for women of the middle class in the early 1900s. A spinster, she longs for love but must support herself. As a female journalist, opportunities are limited and so she makes a living any way she can. I found myself having a great deal of respect for her. Also returning are members of the archeological community: William Amherst. At first glance he seems a shy, nervous sort. I suspected him of villainy given the Emersons' past history. To find out if he is or isn't, read the book. I did not like the Swiss archaeologist Alain Keuntz. He's too quick to brag and too charming to the ladies.
The new characters here are Bertie, Katherine Vandergelt's son, returning from the war with injuries and shell shock. I like his character and how he develops in this novel. Whether he stays likeable depends on his interest. My favorite new character is Jumana. She's so curious, bright and eager to learn. My heart breaks at her fate and I hope with Nefret's help she can achieve her dream of becoming an Egyptologist. Her brother Jamil is not so enjoyable. He's stupid and lazy and I suspected he was up to no good.
While occasionally the author steps out of the story to have the characters relate recent past events and current events, current readers should pay attention. It's fascinating to see how the terrorist groups of today came to be.
This is another fabulous entry in the series. I can't wait to read the next one! Sadly, it probably won't be until the end of the year or next year.
This story is not so grim as it sounded from the description. It took me a little while to get into it but once they arrived in Egypt, the story got off to a rollicking start and didn't stop until the very end. I thought the villain seemed obvious but there were so many factors involved that I was sure I had been wrong. The fun is more in the adventure anyway. I wasn't surprised at the big plot twist. Emerson and Ramses deduced the secret from the clue and I guessed too, however, I was still quite shocked. I would have marked the book 5 stars if it were not for this suspension of disbelief. This story also features a marked change in the narrative. The elder Emersons take the subplot while the younger Emersons have the bulk of the middle of the novel. I thought this would bother me because I adore Amelia, but I really liked having the dual adventure and getting to know Ramses and Nefret better.
Amelia is still Amelia -formidable, clever, and reckless. She's learned to be less reckless over the years and she has also learned to show her emotions towards her son more. She's Victorian and can't help being a bit buttoned up, plus Ramses was such a difficult child. Her openness allows Ramses to open up more too and become more affectionate with his parents. He's still brooding and moody but darling Nefret can talk him out of it. Nefret is a chip off the Aunt Amelia block- feisty, clever and devoted to her man. Nefret is more open and loving than Aunt Amelia and pushes Ramses not to be so bottled up. The younger couple are from a different generation where rules have changed and people, especially Anglo-Egyptians, are less stuffy. Emerson "Father of Curses" is kept from going off the deep end here by his family. He seems terrifying but I like how he's a softy inside. I don't like how susceptible he is to young feminine wiles though. I suppose it comes from being a doting father/great-uncle. Sennia is shaping up to be a true Emerson. She's a spoiled brat at times but like Aunt Nefret, she has a pure heart and is sweet and loving. Many of the book's funniest scenes are when Sennia is around, especially when she has Gargery and Horus to try to protect her. I was chuckling out loud when they were in the scene.
There are so many other familiar secondary characters here. Gargery the butler insists on coming with the Emersons. He's an old man but eager for adventure and devoted to protecting his family. He adds a lot of comic relief to the story. Horus the cat is a beast. He too adds comic relief to the story. Daoud, Selim, Kadija, Fatima and the rest also add some humor with their unwavering devotion to the Emersons. Kadija is awesome! The Vandergelts finally show up as a family. Katherine is a bit prim but she's trying to protect her son the best she can and Amelia understands Katherine's concerns. Cyrus is still a golly gosh Texan eager to get digging to discover the riches of Ancient Egypt. Another old character who plays a major role is Miss Margaret Minton. Yes her journalism is "yellow" and her prose a lurid shade of purple, but I actually had sympathy for her. Digging deeper, she reveals the gender inequalities and limited roles for women of the middle class in the early 1900s. A spinster, she longs for love but must support herself. As a female journalist, opportunities are limited and so she makes a living any way she can. I found myself having a great deal of respect for her. Also returning are members of the archeological community: William Amherst. At first glance he seems a shy, nervous sort. I suspected him of villainy given the Emersons' past history. To find out if he is or isn't, read the book. I did not like the Swiss archaeologist Alain Keuntz. He's too quick to brag and too charming to the ladies.
The new characters here are Bertie, Katherine Vandergelt's son, returning from the war with injuries and shell shock. I like his character and how he develops in this novel. Whether he stays likeable depends on his interest. My favorite new character is Jumana. She's so curious, bright and eager to learn. My heart breaks at her fate and I hope with Nefret's help she can achieve her dream of becoming an Egyptologist. Her brother Jamil is not so enjoyable. He's stupid and lazy and I suspected he was up to no good.
While occasionally the author steps out of the story to have the characters relate recent past events and current events, current readers should pay attention. It's fascinating to see how the terrorist groups of today came to be.
This is another fabulous entry in the series. I can't wait to read the next one! Sadly, it probably won't be until the end of the year or next year.
April 13, 2011
Will that guy never die? It was over the top before, and now it's becoming absolutely ridiculous. The mystery in this novel was extra confusing this time, as there were multiple things going on, and it was hard at times to unwrap which ones mattered and which ones didn't. I loved seeing Ramses and Nefret start their life together, and figure out how to make their marriage work. And I am glad Sethos came back, because I really do like him. The only person I really don't like is Margaret Minton - she's so pushy and annoying! I realize that for the Emersons to maintain a family relationship with Sethos eventually, he will need to let go of his obsession with Amelia and fall in love with someone else, but does it have to be Margaret? Ugh.
Also, I'm really enjoying the extra narration provided by Ramses and Nefret's journal, which seem to take up almost half of this novel. I gives us a nice perspective on the elder Emersons, especially Amelia, and it's nice to see how affectionate they have all become.
Also, I'm really enjoying the extra narration provided by Ramses and Nefret's journal, which seem to take up almost half of this novel. I gives us a nice perspective on the elder Emersons, especially Amelia, and it's nice to see how affectionate they have all become.
May 15, 2011
This was a weak 4* for me, but how can you not enjoy Amelia's arrogant self-assurance and acerbic wit?! I think I could learn to enjoy being growled at by Emerson even when he's not in one of his amorous moods! And I'm glad to see that the roles of Ramses & Nefret continue to grow.
August 28, 2017
I'm in the process of re-reading the entire Amelia Peabody series again, from start to finish in one go. They are still some of my favorite books. They must be read with tongue firmly inserted in cheek. It also helps to have an interest in and some knowledge of Colonial-era exploration narratives, fiction like that of H. Rider Haggard, Orientalist studies, the competitive acquisitive zeal of western museums at the turn of the century, and the "gentlemen archaeologists" of the 19th century who brought more treasure-hunting fever than academic and historical interest to their digs. That is to say nothing of the insight into early seeds and outbreaks of unrest in the Middle East that find their way into the middle and later novels in the series. Add to this impressive list of "ingredients" a dash of early feminism, British upperclass manners, interesting plots, and especially the academically sound Egyptian history from a legitimate scholar (Elizabeth Peters had a PhD in Egyptology from the Oriental Institute at the University of Chicago) and you have the very best in historical fiction, enclosed within adventurous and funny plots led by engaging and memorable characters who, though immensely more enlightened than many of their time, nonetheless remain realistic people OF their time, seeing the world through glasses tinted by their own culture and class. Though they attempt to rise above prejudice, they cannot quite entirely do so. Elizabeth Peters showed immense wisdom of the human condition in this aspect of her characterizations, reminding us all that we cannot even be aware of - much less remove - ALL of our preconceptions through which we see the world around us. Even the best of us - like Amelia - can continually peel back the layers of lenses through which we see the world.
All these philosophical, aesthetic, academic, and historical reasons for loving the series are thus topped off with depth of characterization, imaginative storytelling, fast-paced plotting, excellent word-crafting, and an overall affectionate humor about the human condition - the whole coming together even better than the sum of its parts to make it one of my favorite series of all time. I might add that it's a series that I've read and re-read multiple times, something that I almost never do.
To be fair, my one criticism about the series is that the non-chronological nature of the last few books gets a bit confusing even to me, someone who's read them multiple times. They're still very enjoyable, but holding the timeline and chronology of events in my head is not always easy. I plan to tackle the compendium "Amelia Peabody's Egypt" soon to see how that clears things up. Nonetheless, I'm waiting with bated breath for the book Elizabeth Peters was finishing at the time of her death to be published. I think it would be a great tribute to her career to publish it posthumously.
I have been really surprised when friends I've recommended the series to haven't been as enthusiastic as I am about Amelia Peabody. I think I can attribute that to the fact that my first go-round of the series was on audiobook and Barbara Rosenblat and Grace Conlin did such a marvelous job of giving the series the proper amount of irony and tongue-in-cheek humor and updated H. Rider Haggard-style adventure, that even today when I read the series I hear it in their voices in my head. If you are having trouble connecting, then, I recommend listening to at least the first several books on audiobook. It wouldn't hurt to do some quick Wikipedia research on Colonialism, Egyptology, Howard Carter, Wallace Budge, Orientalism, H. Rider Haggard, museum-sponsored archaeology of the latre 19th & early 20th centuries (especially the competitiveness between the British Museum & the Metropolitan Museum of Art(, WWI, pre-WWII espionage, dismantling of the Ottoman Empire... anything relating to history of the 19th century to early 20th century. All will add to your enjoyment of the novels as well as your appreciation for how deftly Elizabeth Peters wove history and real people throughout her fiction.
All these philosophical, aesthetic, academic, and historical reasons for loving the series are thus topped off with depth of characterization, imaginative storytelling, fast-paced plotting, excellent word-crafting, and an overall affectionate humor about the human condition - the whole coming together even better than the sum of its parts to make it one of my favorite series of all time. I might add that it's a series that I've read and re-read multiple times, something that I almost never do.
To be fair, my one criticism about the series is that the non-chronological nature of the last few books gets a bit confusing even to me, someone who's read them multiple times. They're still very enjoyable, but holding the timeline and chronology of events in my head is not always easy. I plan to tackle the compendium "Amelia Peabody's Egypt" soon to see how that clears things up. Nonetheless, I'm waiting with bated breath for the book Elizabeth Peters was finishing at the time of her death to be published. I think it would be a great tribute to her career to publish it posthumously.
I have been really surprised when friends I've recommended the series to haven't been as enthusiastic as I am about Amelia Peabody. I think I can attribute that to the fact that my first go-round of the series was on audiobook and Barbara Rosenblat and Grace Conlin did such a marvelous job of giving the series the proper amount of irony and tongue-in-cheek humor and updated H. Rider Haggard-style adventure, that even today when I read the series I hear it in their voices in my head. If you are having trouble connecting, then, I recommend listening to at least the first several books on audiobook. It wouldn't hurt to do some quick Wikipedia research on Colonialism, Egyptology, Howard Carter, Wallace Budge, Orientalism, H. Rider Haggard, museum-sponsored archaeology of the latre 19th & early 20th centuries (especially the competitiveness between the British Museum & the Metropolitan Museum of Art(, WWI, pre-WWII espionage, dismantling of the Ottoman Empire... anything relating to history of the 19th century to early 20th century. All will add to your enjoyment of the novels as well as your appreciation for how deftly Elizabeth Peters wove history and real people throughout her fiction.
September 25, 2014
Could I give my dear Amelia Peabody any other rating?:D
October 26, 2011
I am a latecomer to the Amelia Peabody mystery series. Beginning my acquaintance with #13 in the series, I didn't feel lost at all. I was soon enveloped in the bustling family and busy excavations of Amelia Peabody Emerson, her handsome and erudite archeologist husband Radcliffe Emerson, and their growing family and extended Egyptian family. Set in Egypt around World War I, the books apparently always involve murders, thefts involving precious tomb artifacts, political intrigue, and even espionage. Amelia, Emerson, friends and family are a daring bunch, up to the adventures and courage required to solve crimes even while risking life and limb. All in all this was a charming and lively book. What surprised me and was an added bonus was the realistic and complex relationships among family members and Amelia's (and her family's) liberal views on women's rights (important, I guess, to a series narrated by a female).
October 12, 2020
Trigger warnings: death, war, death of a family member (in the past), knife injuries.
I love the characters in this series so much, although as things have progressed into World War I, I have to admit that I enjoy Ramses and Nefret's story MUCH more than Amelia and Emerson's. Anyway, the mysteries are always slightly ridiculous but I don't really care because it's just fun to spend time in this world with these characters and their hijinks.
I love the characters in this series so much, although as things have progressed into World War I, I have to admit that I enjoy Ramses and Nefret's story MUCH more than Amelia and Emerson's. Anyway, the mysteries are always slightly ridiculous but I don't really care because it's just fun to spend time in this world with these characters and their hijinks.
February 1, 2013
This is book #13 in the Amelia Peabody series, and the stories and the characters never get dull or disappoint! I love this series as much now as I did when I read the very first book!
What's great about the stories now is that with Ramses and Nefret grown up and married to each other, there are now four formidable Emersons instead of just two in the elder couple of Amelia and Emerson. The interplay between the four as they all adjust to the fact that the "children" are now grown and just as clever and resourseful as the parents creates entirely new and hilarious situations to enjoy for the reader.
Of course, as is always the case with the Emersons, murder, mayhem and drama follows them everywhere, and this installment is no different. This season, the Emersons find when they return to Egypt, that it appears someone is impersonating "The Master Criminal" [who readers of the series will know died in Amelia's arms at the end of the previous book, after it being discovered who he actually was - you'll have to read the book to find out!] and so the family begins to investigate.
The mystery is interesting and clever, and with four Emersons instead of just two running around Egypt utterly heedless of danger the entertainment factor is doubled.
I absolutely adore this series! Elizabeth Peters has not only created, but manages to further develop and enhance these characters in a perfectly natural and wonderful way with each succeeding installment of the series. I look forward to the next installment!
What's great about the stories now is that with Ramses and Nefret grown up and married to each other, there are now four formidable Emersons instead of just two in the elder couple of Amelia and Emerson. The interplay between the four as they all adjust to the fact that the "children" are now grown and just as clever and resourseful as the parents creates entirely new and hilarious situations to enjoy for the reader.
Of course, as is always the case with the Emersons, murder, mayhem and drama follows them everywhere, and this installment is no different. This season, the Emersons find when they return to Egypt, that it appears someone is impersonating "The Master Criminal" [who readers of the series will know died in Amelia's arms at the end of the previous book, after it being discovered who he actually was - you'll have to read the book to find out!] and so the family begins to investigate.
The mystery is interesting and clever, and with four Emersons instead of just two running around Egypt utterly heedless of danger the entertainment factor is doubled.
I absolutely adore this series! Elizabeth Peters has not only created, but manages to further develop and enhance these characters in a perfectly natural and wonderful way with each succeeding installment of the series. I look forward to the next installment!
April 21, 2011
More fun with the Emerson-Peabodys: another nice little murder mystery amid the scenic background of the tombs of ancient Egyptian royalty, which are still being doggedly explored despite the worries and inconveniences of a World War. As long as you don't expect this book to be as amazing as the previous one, He Shall Thunder in the Sky, you should be entertained.
I have never grown tired of what serves as romantic banter between Emerson and Peabody. Peters has done a wonderful job depicting this long-married, querulous, yet deeply passionate couple.
However, despite the fireworks between Ramses and Nefret in the last couple of books, I'm afraid that they are rather dull as a romantic couple. ("It might make a nice little hobby to kiss you in every tomb in Luxor," says the ardent lover.) Ramses's personality is submerged in all the kissing.
Still, a fun book, and I look forward to the next one.
Spoiler:
I have never grown tired of what serves as romantic banter between Emerson and Peabody. Peters has done a wonderful job depicting this long-married, querulous, yet deeply passionate couple.
However, despite the fireworks between Ramses and Nefret in the last couple of books, I'm afraid that they are rather dull as a romantic couple. ("It might make a nice little hobby to kiss you in every tomb in Luxor," says the ardent lover.) Ramses's personality is submerged in all the kissing.
Still, a fun book, and I look forward to the next one.
Spoiler:
June 8, 2020
He Shall Thunder in the Sky, the previous installment, was epic, but this was so incredibly cosy. The characters are in peril for all of three pages and I loved going back to this happy family, with Nefret and Ramses stealing the show as the main couple. Absolutely loved seeing Nefret being a doctor, the addition of baby Sennia and of a Spoiler Character turned good. This is Amelia Peabody at its best - adventures, a familiar setting, and the best cocoon a book can offer. Gorgeous stuff.
December 17, 2020
"If you do not tell us the truth, the Sitt Hakim will fetch her parasol." The fellow's eyes rolled back into his head, and he slumped over in a faint.
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As always, this is another stellar volume in the Amelia Peabody series. Someone rather interesting pops up again, causing all sorts of scenes filled with witty mayhem. And the charming (one of a kind) Christmas scene ranks among my favorite moments in the book.
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As always, this is another stellar volume in the Amelia Peabody series. Someone rather interesting pops up again, causing all sorts of scenes filled with witty mayhem. And the charming (one of a kind) Christmas scene ranks among my favorite moments in the book.
September 28, 2021
I am a firm believer in psychology when it agrees with my own opinions.
This Peabody novel felt kind of scattered and rambling to me, and I found myself wishing that the page count were cut in half. Still, any time spent with the Emerson clan is a great time, and I enjoyed it. My favorite scene is when Ramses and his mother are finally able to say “I love you” to each other (but, of course, without actually saying those three words “I love you”).
Ramses threw up his hands. “All right, Mother, you win. Try not to—oh, confound it, you know what I mean to say. Nefret isn’t—er—she isn’t the only one I care about.”
One of his hands had come to rest on my shoulder. I patted it affectionately. “And your father is not the only one I care about. Look after one another, and don’t let him do anything foolish. I know the signs. He is up to something.”
“Unlike you?”
I decided to ignore this.
I listened to the audio book narrated by Barbara Rosenblat, and she is just as talented and brilliant and hilarious as ever.
This Peabody novel felt kind of scattered and rambling to me, and I found myself wishing that the page count were cut in half. Still, any time spent with the Emerson clan is a great time, and I enjoyed it. My favorite scene is when Ramses and his mother are finally able to say “I love you” to each other (but, of course, without actually saying those three words “I love you”).
Ramses threw up his hands. “All right, Mother, you win. Try not to—oh, confound it, you know what I mean to say. Nefret isn’t—er—she isn’t the only one I care about.”
One of his hands had come to rest on my shoulder. I patted it affectionately. “And your father is not the only one I care about. Look after one another, and don’t let him do anything foolish. I know the signs. He is up to something.”
“Unlike you?”
I decided to ignore this.
I listened to the audio book narrated by Barbara Rosenblat, and she is just as talented and brilliant and hilarious as ever.
January 2, 2016
Too much padding in this one. The plot gets bogged down, and Ramses and Nefret can be slightly nauseating when they’re being romantic and calling each other “darling.”
But the return of Sethos plot is fun.
The best parts involve Emerson and the snarky, outrageous, exasperated, funny things that come out of his mouth. That’s never getting old.
But the return of Sethos plot is fun.
The best parts involve Emerson and the snarky, outrageous, exasperated, funny things that come out of his mouth. That’s never getting old.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 2, 2016
Absolutely nothing of import plot-wise happens in this book, and it is SO DELIGHTFUL. I don't want mysteries from the Peabody-Emersons; I want 400 pages of overwrought feelings and ludicrous heroics. That this chapter in their story comes with bonus relationship development (saying they love each other! growing respect for each others' abilities!) is icing on the cake.
July 10, 2022
07/10/22: Another relisten. I still love this book!
May 23, 2024
Lord of the Silent by Elizabeth Peters is the 13th book in the Amelia Peabody series. The Emersons continue their archaeological excavations in Egypt only to find themselves in the midst of tomb robberies and murders. A delightful adventure told from both Ramses amd Amelias points of view. The best part is seeing the family grow and develop and catching up with old friends. It was fun to see Amelia's parasol has taken up legendary status with just the threat of it enough to make villians cower. A highly entertaining and enjoyable history cozy mystery with outstanding audio narration.
December 28, 2011
After the mighty awesomeness that was He Shall Thunder in the Sky, any book Elizabeth Peters might write would have its work cut out for it. Thunder is so clear a culmination of the Ramses/Nefret love story that in many ways it serves as an admirable stopping point for the series. It would be somewhat unfair to Lord of the Silent and its immediately following book, Children of the Storm, to call them afterthoughts. But Silent definitely takes the Emerson saga into a new phase, one that loses something of the charm of many of the previous books while at the same time still having charm of its own to offer.
Like many of the later Amelia Peabody books, this one brings back characters we've seen before. This time around we got Margaret Minton, last seen in Book Five, Deeds of the Disturber, annoying the devil out of Kevin O'Connell. She is of course much older at this point, though in some ways not particularly more mature--because her entire plot arc involves her reacting to a surprise encounter with none other than Sethos himself. This being a series with a long tradition of pairing off side characters along with the main action, it'll probably surprise no new readers to this series that at least on the part of Miss Minton, the encounter proved quite romantic. Nor will anyone who read Thunder be surprised that this book, in playing out Sethos' reaction to the woman chasing him, continues the whole concept of reforming the erstwhile Master Criminal. It's inevitable, really, given what Margaret's previous appearance in the series had established about her resemblance to Amelia--and, of course, Sethos' own attachment to same. It's a nice touch on Peters' part. (Though at the same time, I must admit to being vaguely disappointed, since he's one of the liveliest characters in the entire cast, and the idea of reforming him is almost ridiculous. As Sethos himself snarkily observes!)
Meanwhile, fans of Ramses may find it almost disappointing that now that he's won Nefret, the resolution of that romantic tension fundamentally changes the position of those two characters in the overall framework of the series. There's good stuff here with the British government being desperate to pull Ramses back into intelligence work, and Ramses adamantly refusing with his family's staunch support. Nor can I really speak against the value of exploring how the newly married younger Emersons' relationship develops, given that similar exploration between Amelia and Emerson has of course defined the heart of this entire series. But Ramses is not his father, no matter how kindly the advice of his parents in marital matters might be meant, and so some readers may find that the passages where Ramses and Nefret explore their new married state drag a bit in comparison to the rest of the book.
There's some fun here as well exploring the character of young Sennia, and the introduction of Jumana and her brother Jamil expands the cast a bit, providing good contrast between a young woman who wants to prove herself and her reprobate, lazy brother. And there's still enough substance to Peters' writing here that unlike later novels in the series, this one's still a pretty solid read. Three stars.
Like many of the later Amelia Peabody books, this one brings back characters we've seen before. This time around we got Margaret Minton, last seen in Book Five, Deeds of the Disturber, annoying the devil out of Kevin O'Connell. She is of course much older at this point, though in some ways not particularly more mature--because her entire plot arc involves her reacting to a surprise encounter with none other than Sethos himself. This being a series with a long tradition of pairing off side characters along with the main action, it'll probably surprise no new readers to this series that at least on the part of Miss Minton, the encounter proved quite romantic. Nor will anyone who read Thunder be surprised that this book, in playing out Sethos' reaction to the woman chasing him, continues the whole concept of reforming the erstwhile Master Criminal. It's inevitable, really, given what Margaret's previous appearance in the series had established about her resemblance to Amelia--and, of course, Sethos' own attachment to same. It's a nice touch on Peters' part. (Though at the same time, I must admit to being vaguely disappointed, since he's one of the liveliest characters in the entire cast, and the idea of reforming him is almost ridiculous. As Sethos himself snarkily observes!)
Meanwhile, fans of Ramses may find it almost disappointing that now that he's won Nefret, the resolution of that romantic tension fundamentally changes the position of those two characters in the overall framework of the series. There's good stuff here with the British government being desperate to pull Ramses back into intelligence work, and Ramses adamantly refusing with his family's staunch support. Nor can I really speak against the value of exploring how the newly married younger Emersons' relationship develops, given that similar exploration between Amelia and Emerson has of course defined the heart of this entire series. But Ramses is not his father, no matter how kindly the advice of his parents in marital matters might be meant, and so some readers may find that the passages where Ramses and Nefret explore their new married state drag a bit in comparison to the rest of the book.
There's some fun here as well exploring the character of young Sennia, and the introduction of Jumana and her brother Jamil expands the cast a bit, providing good contrast between a young woman who wants to prove herself and her reprobate, lazy brother. And there's still enough substance to Peters' writing here that unlike later novels in the series, this one's still a pretty solid read. Three stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 3, 2017
I gave this 4* two years ago, and can just about do the same this time. Perhaps the plot leaves a little to be desired, but the fun is in the usual cast of characters and their loving but acerbic interplay.
The G R blurb:
"For archaeologist Amelia Peabody and her family, the allure of Egypt remains as powerful as ever, even in this tense time of World War. But nowhere in this desert land is safe -- especially for Amelia's son Ramses and his beautiful new wife Nefret. Treachery and peril are pursuing the two young lovers across the length and breadth of this strange, exotic world, strengthening a bond of passion and devotion that only death can sever. And the grim discovery of a recent corpse in a tomb where it does not belong is pulling Amelia deeper into a furious desert storm of intrigue, corruption, kidnapping, and murder -- and toward dark revelations that threaten to awaken the past...and alter the family's destiny."
The G R blurb:
"For archaeologist Amelia Peabody and her family, the allure of Egypt remains as powerful as ever, even in this tense time of World War. But nowhere in this desert land is safe -- especially for Amelia's son Ramses and his beautiful new wife Nefret. Treachery and peril are pursuing the two young lovers across the length and breadth of this strange, exotic world, strengthening a bond of passion and devotion that only death can sever. And the grim discovery of a recent corpse in a tomb where it does not belong is pulling Amelia deeper into a furious desert storm of intrigue, corruption, kidnapping, and murder -- and toward dark revelations that threaten to awaken the past...and alter the family's destiny."
October 22, 2023
We meet Jumana, who wants to be an Egyptologist, and Bertie, Cyrus's stepson who decides that he wants to be an Egyptologist after meeting Jumana! Old friends / enemies return, but their roles change. Nefret and Ramses are now married and learning to sort out their relationship. The Emersons have their hands full dealing with their extended family, their servants, archaeological work and the Great War, but in the end they triumph of course, anf celebrate a merry Christmas!
May 22, 2013
Maybe not fair of me to rate this book high just because I love the series so much. These books are so enjoyable to me. They never get old or disappoint. I love that here we have Ramses (ah, Ramses) and Nefret honeymooning on the family dahabeeya (how romantic is that?) Enabling them to have some separation from the 'folks, while yet remaining near enough to fully participate and abet in all of the exciting happenings that follow the Emerson family through their beloved Egypt. Way to go, Gang!
September 5, 2014
For as entertaining as it was to read about Uncle Sethos being manhandled by the Emerson women and as joyous it was to have Ramses and Nefret finally together, this one was kind of a snore for me. I do appreciate the additional perspective of Ramses and Nefret especially when it comes to Amelia. We are so used to getting only her version that it is refreshing to see it through someone else's eyes.
November 14, 2018
Elizabeth Peters you absolute f*ing Queen!!!
I have no words for this book other than: "He's back!".
I was so damn happy I shouted it 😂. The plot is quite good, as usual. But what made me love it so much was the family dynamics. S. is an absolute prick, pardon my French, but at the same time is utterly an Emerson 😍. Who would have said I'd fall for him this much?!?
Ramses is, like is father, the absolute husband goals!
I have no words for this book other than: "He's back!".
I was so damn happy I shouted it 😂. The plot is quite good, as usual. But what made me love it so much was the family dynamics. S. is an absolute prick, pardon my French, but at the same time is utterly an Emerson 😍. Who would have said I'd fall for him this much?!?
Ramses is, like is father, the absolute husband goals!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 1, 2017
I mean... Is there a person out there who hates the dynamic duo of Ramses and Nefret?
November 26, 2023
This is the thirteenth book in the Amelia Peabody series. It's nearly Christmas 1915 and the Emersons are in Egypt. Ramses, who has refused to do more work for British intelligence, is newly married. When one of the men from his earlier work attempts to murder him, he and Nefret are sent to Luxor to check out thefts of antiquities and, hopefully, get him out of danger while Amelia and Emerson try to find out who wants Ramses dead.
But Luxor is no safer for Ramses and Nefret. Rumors of the reappearance of the Master Criminal and further attempts on Ramses' life along with persistent rumors of a marvelous new find all keep Nefret and Ramses busy.
Despite their vows to each other, both sets of Emersons are keeping secrets from the other and each are convinced that this is keeping the other pair safe. For example, the younger Emersons are aware that the Master Criminal who supposedly died in Amelia's arms after a heroic action is actually still alive and rebuilding his criminal enterprise in Luxor.
It isn't until both sets of Emersons reunite in Luxor that the mysteries are solved.
I enjoyed this episode which seems weighted to the younger Emersons' viewpoint and provided a lot of action including the Master Criminal. I am becoming quite a fan of the Master Criminal. The plot was twisty as is the case when the subject matter includes spies and thieves and political activities.
But Luxor is no safer for Ramses and Nefret. Rumors of the reappearance of the Master Criminal and further attempts on Ramses' life along with persistent rumors of a marvelous new find all keep Nefret and Ramses busy.
Despite their vows to each other, both sets of Emersons are keeping secrets from the other and each are convinced that this is keeping the other pair safe. For example, the younger Emersons are aware that the Master Criminal who supposedly died in Amelia's arms after a heroic action is actually still alive and rebuilding his criminal enterprise in Luxor.
It isn't until both sets of Emersons reunite in Luxor that the mysteries are solved.
I enjoyed this episode which seems weighted to the younger Emersons' viewpoint and provided a lot of action including the Master Criminal. I am becoming quite a fan of the Master Criminal. The plot was twisty as is the case when the subject matter includes spies and thieves and political activities.
July 10, 2021
Loved it once again, but did find it challenging to keep track what was going on and where at times so this book did not quite earn a full Five. But I was certainly highly entertained.
It was nice seeing Ramses and Nefret gradually mature, as well as the development of other relationships within the large family...
It was nice seeing Ramses and Nefret gradually mature, as well as the development of other relationships within the large family...
November 14, 2024
This one was excellent! It had all the elements to please everyone: Ancient Egypt archaeology; romance galore, on several generations; betrayal; a presumably dead competitor/villain, back to life; war complications; and more! It also had subtle bigotry and condemnation of it. Oh, did I mention that the females, of multiple generations, were generally ahead of the guys? Naturally all ended happily. And onto the next title! Thank goodness I didn’t start till the series was complete!
September 11, 2018
Another wonderful Amelia Peabody and Family archeology mystery! Set among the fascinating tombs and cliffs of 1915’s Egypt, our protagonists must unmask a murderous thief before he makes off with antiquities and leaves more bodies in his wake.
May 29, 2019
Love Amelia Peabody books. Lord of the Silent is definitely a sequel to her (my favorite of all her books), He Shall Thunder from the Sky. Do read Thunder before reading Lord of the Silent.
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