English Mysteries Club discussion

Who wants to do a buddy read of Elizabeth Peters' Amelia Peabody books?

A good way to commemorate the author. Everybody knows, right, that she passed away earlier this month.

Oh, I wish I could. I have WAY too many reading commitments and very little time at the moment...

Leslie, I haven't read her yet. Looked up some of her books. they look interesting, will try to join in.

Do you recommend we will need to read the books in order or any of them can be picked up?

Amelia Peabody's story evolves over the course of the books. I began with the third and had missed what, for me, was a lot, so I went back and read the first two.

IMHO, start at the first.

Thanks Portia. I will try to check if I can lay my hands on her books easily.

Definitely start with the first one, The Crocodile on the Sandbank.

Dagnabit! (maybe one too many Westerns with the kids lately) I thought I had a copy, but can't find it. I'll track one down, though!

I believe libraries will have most of her titles. That is where I got the CD I am listening to.

Portia mentioned in another thread that what with Sept. only a week away & school starting for many, perhaps we should start this readalong October 1 with the first book, Crocodile on the Sandbank.

Any objections?

Leslie wrote: "Portia mentioned in another thread that what with Sept. only a week away & school starting for many, perhaps we should start this readalong October 1 with the first book, Crocodile on the Sandbank...."
That is fine for me.

Sounds great, Leslie. Thank you for getting us organized. What would we do without you?

Could you send out an email blast as a reminder at the end of September? I'll try to join in if I can.

Lady Efficacious saves the day once again!

Jane wrote: "Could you send out an email blast as a reminder at the end of September? I'll try to join in if I can."

Sorry, only moderators can send group emails... maybe Jean-Luke could do it.

I'd like to join in. I've tried reading the first Amelia P book before, but I'd like to try again given the number of people who recommend them.

I just finished the last of her books earlier today...I envy those of you about to start on the journey with Amelia! You are in for some good times!

I read all but this last one in 2007...this one was pulled from her memoirs, so it wasn't the last chronologically...was published in 2010. Good stuff!

I'm in too - perhaps my life will just have to be on hold forever while I read!! I read the first one a couple of weeks ago so will wait to see what you all think of it.

Hi. Been off doing other things so I wanted to check if we are still on for EP's Croc on 10/01? (iPhone)

Just a reminder that October was the month chosen to start reading this series. The first book is Crocodile on the Sandbank.

The entire series can be seen HERE.

My reading plans for October are out of control but I will try to find time to reread this as I especially love the first book in the series.

I just loved listening to Barbara Rosenblat read Crocodile on the Sandbank. It was so much fun. Amelia is so opinionated and absolutely sure of herself. She is a wonderful character as is Emerson. Both larger than life in the most entertaining way. I am now listening to Curse of the Pharaohs. Makes the ride to work less boring.

I picked up the book for 81 cents so I am ready to go.

Just got the book from my library.. starting it today!

I loved her and am sorry to hear that she died. I probably read 7 or 8 of her books and they should be read in order. Learning about Egyptology was facinating. I feel like I lost a friend.

I just started the book today. I was tickled that the cover had a blurb from Phyllis Whitney. I remember the days when I read Phyllis Whitney and Mary Stewart. I was in my early 20's and just found them so charming.

I have never read Dorothy Eden but I just loved Whitney and Stewart. I spent many a hour enthralled in their books. It makes me smile just thinking about it.

Me, too.

I think Elizabeth Peters' writing is a tad edgier than either Whitney's or Stewart's but I chalk that up to her humor. Amelia always reminded me of "Miss Manners" in both tone and appearance. Is everyone familiar with Judith Martin, who writes the "Miss Manners" column?

Absolutely, Portia. When I read that I just went aha. That's exactly who Amelia reminds me of. I am enjoying the book so far including her budding romance with Emerson.

I finished the "Crocodile on Sandbank" couple of weeks ago. I really enjoyed the fun, adventure and Egypt on top of everything else :)

Would like to join to read the next book too!

I also read and loved books by Whitney and Stewart when in my twenties. I had almost forgotten about them.

I love Mary Stewart. Been rereading them for forty years. I have most of them in hardback that I have found used.

I have ordered Crocodile on the Sandbank from the library. Picked up Serpent on the Crown yesterday and am loving it.

Do try the audiobook versions of Peabody - beautifully read by Barbara Rosenblat. Avoid another reader like the plague, 'though!

John wrote: "Do try the audiobook versions of Peabody - beautifully read by Barbara Rosenblat. Avoid another reader like the plague, 'though!"

Oh, that is helpful! I hadn't thought about listening to these... off to check my library's holdings!

@Ellen - I am a Mary Stewart fan too! I find Stewart's books stand up to rereading better than Whitney's do, or maybe it is just me...

I agree. Mary Stewart's books do seem to hold up better.

Seems the night owls are posting, Susan. Karlyne jus posted on the Today in Literature thread. And I am hear reading all of you. :)

Do we think that Amelia Peabody will still be in print fifty years from now like Mary Stewart's books that were first issued in the 1960's?

I think that depends on how many younger people are reading her. I'm getting the impression that many of us who are posting are in the 50-plus crowd. This is the moment when all of you under-forty Elizabeth Peters readers tell me I've got it wrong! Fingers crossed ;-)

Portia wrote: "I think that depends on how many younger people are reading her. I'm getting the impression that many of us who are posting are in the 50-plus crowd. This is the moment when all of you under-fort..."

For me it has always been Mystery/History but for my twenty something daughter it is Fantasy.

can I ask which book you are currently on? I have missed a few weeks checking back on here - I have the second one to start but wondered if you had already done it?

@Penny, I think that it should be the second book, The Curse of the Pharaohs.

Ellen wrote: "Portia wrote: "I think that depends on how many younger people are reading her. I'm getting the impression that many of us who are posting are in the 50-plus crowd. This is the moment when all of..."

My daughter loves fantasy too. She has always loved to read but she doesn't go for mystery books. She did some vampire books in high school..sigh..I'm just glad she reads!

Have hope, Jamielynn! It is just a matter of time until some bright writer creates a series starring Buffy The Cozy Mystery Star. Then your daughter will be out in front!

Portia wrote: "Have hope, Jamielynn! It is just a matter of time until some bright writer creates a series starring Buffy The Cozy Mystery Star. Then your daughter will be out in front!"

LOL Portia! I actually think that would sell big!

thanks Leslie

I finished The Curse of the Pharaoh's and loved it. The caustic wit of Amelia kept me going all the way through. Am not so sure the culprit was believable but loved the way the setting and the characters were described. Anyone out there reading any more?

Penny wrote: "I finished The Curse of the Pharaoh's and loved it. The caustic wit of Amelia kept me going all the way through. Am not so sure the culprit was believable but loved the way the setting and the cha..."

I will be starting the third book soon. The Mummy Case.

About 3/4 finished with "The Curse of the Pharaohs" right now and can't wait to start #3.

Ellen wrote: "Penny wrote: "I finished The Curse of the Pharaoh's and loved it. The caustic wit of Amelia kept me going all the way through. Am not so sure the culprit was believable but loved the way the setti..."

OK Ellen - I will check the library for the Mummy Case

Ellen, Penny, would you be reading the Mummy case in February?
Would like to join in please.