Three Complete Amelia Peabody Mysteries: Crocodile On The Sandbank, The Curse Of The Pharaohs, The Mummy Case

Amelia Peabody #1-3

by Elizabeth Peters

Crocodile on the Sandbank (Amelia Peabody, Bk 1) — Amelia Peabody is Elizabeth Peters' best loved and brilliant creation, a thoroughly Victorian feminist who takes the stuffy world of archaeology by storm with her shocking men's pants and no-nonsense attitude! In this first Egyptian mystery, our headstrong heroine decides to use her substantial inheritance to see the world. On her travel, she rescues a gentlewoman in distress -- Evelyn Barton-Forbes -- and the two become friends. The two companions continue to Egypt where they face mysteries, mummies and the redoubtable Radcliffe Emerson, and outspoken archaeologist, who doesn't need women to help him solve mysteries - at least that's what he thinks!

The Curse of the Pharaohs (Amelia Peabody, Bk 2)

One of the best-loved of mystery writers weaves another tale of intrigue featuring Amelia Peabody and Radcliffe of Crocodile on the Sandbank. This time the willful and witty duo must catch a murderer at an excavation of an ancient Egyptian tomb.

The Mummy Case (Amelia Peabody, Bk 3)

The third in the popular series charting the adventures of Amelia Peabody, this novel follows the Victorian lady sleuth to the "pyramids" of Mazghunah. On her arrival, it seems that the barren area can be of no interest, but a murder in Cairo soon persuades her otherwise.

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction

599 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1993

About the author

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

Reviews

[Novella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not only do we solve a mystery shrouded in the past, but we also take an adventure to a faraway land. This is what a good historical mystery is like. These books are meant to be read from the beginning in order to build relationships and subsequent character roles.

What can I say? I love the chemistry between Amelia and her hubby Emerson best described as between very tender and primitive man. I love how they met in the first book. Emerson, aka in this book "The Father of all curses" earned this title manipulating the superstitious locals by calling down curses defying their own gods, then when nothing happens they are enamored with him and follow his commands to help in his excavating.

This story certainly has flamboyant colorful characters like the spectacle that is Madame Berengeria. Seriously? Is she for real? I didn't think Emerson would run from anyone or anything.

I like how this is written more like a journaling sequence of events sometimes addressing the reader, giving a natural feel leading to eventually solving the murder. There is a sense of foreboding when members of the expedition start dying in mysterious ways. We are treated to vivid descriptions of daily life and nocturnal drama.

Cleverly written, clean language. Emerson can't say much without "curse it" first, which adds its own charm to his rough and sensitive character. Nothing offensive, just great adventure and fun mystery solving. I'm so happy this author is so prolific.

[Ariana Zimcosky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some of my absolute favorite books that I grew up reading. Strong female character, well written, and fabulous story.

[Emy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked up this book in a rather gorgeous second hand bookshop at Whittington Castle, at a friend's wedding. I'd heard good things about her writing, and have friends who have enjoyed her stuff, so I've had her books as to buy/borrow at the back of my head for ages. I'm glad I got it because I thoroughly enjoyed all three! Emerson reminds me of my own dear husband, although with less ginger, and I have more than a passing resemblance to Amelia I fear. Ramses is an awesomely stupendous horror, and I worry now whether he is a portent for any offspring I may produce!

[Amugawump · Rating 4 out of 5]

I re-read this entire series every few years! Amelia and the rest of the Emerson family are like old friends who lead very exciting lives who come and share their adventures with me. I LOVE them all!!
I am sad that the series finally reached the conclusion with the Tomb of the Golden Bird. I will miss them.

[Jawher · Rating 2 out of 5]

A bit tedious. While the setting and premise was intriguing and had much to offer, it was rather a monotonous spineless narrative from there onwards. Writer's personal interjections ruin the story's mood/mindset by suddenly jolting you back to reality. ( Who wants that while reading a novel set in the middle of nowhere !)

[Marsha Henderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elizabeth Peters takes you on a wonderful adventure into the land of Egypt at the height of discoveries. During the time period of Howard Carter and all the fun of the 1920's - there is still mysteries and riddles to uncover in the lands of Egypt. I love these books (there are many more than these first 3).

[Linda Huffman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book loaned from a friend. 1st ones of Elizabeth Peter's that I've read. Interersting reading about the history of Egypt and the adventures of the people from story to story. A bit long, with three books in one. If mine, I would have read a different book inbetween each one for variety but I didn't want to keep it too long.

[Josabry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book! as usual, Peters kept me guessing for a while about the identity of her villans. Her characters continue to entertain, and her considerable knowledge of Egyptology continues to fascinate.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have read this author and this series for many, many years and am always pleased. The tongue in cheek style and the Eqyptology facts interspersed with a feisty heroine makes for an entertaining read.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked these mysteries. The main characters are British archaeologists, specifically Egyptologists, at the time when Britain was mostly in charge of Egypt although France was in charge of the Department of Antiquities; at any rate, this all leads to some hilarious situations.

[Mj Mccoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy reading the Amelia Peabody series. When I need to laugh and lighten up, Ameilia always helps. The later books in the series are not as good as the beginning books but still good for a laugh.

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

These are fun, well-written mysteries. I rip through them. Nothing quite like a female, Victorian, amateur archeologist in Egypt! Pure enjoyment.

[Cinnamon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay, so I haven't actually read all 18 yet, but I'm well on my way. These are fun and exciting and mysterious.

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rather predictable.

[Sue]

I really enjoy the Amelia Peabody mysteries. I have one on my Ipod that I have been listening to and I have listened to a couple of them on tape. I think Elizabeth Peters is a great writer!

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun story, a little old-style in the writing, but worth reading again.

[Julie Spence · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love all of these books and most are at the library! Archeology, mystery and egyptology= good read!

[Bardbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first three adventures of Amelia Peabody are among my favorite mysteries EVER. Just handed this volume over to my teenager, who is now deeply buried in the shifting sands!

[MJ · Rating 2 out of 5]

I guess Peter and Amelia are not quite my cup of tea.