Status
Available
Call number
Collection
Publication
William Morrow (2007), Edition: Reprint, Hardcover, 320 pages
Description
The irascible husband of Victorian Egyptologist Amelia Peabody demonstrates again why he has been nicknamed "father of curses." Denied permission to dig at the pyramids of Dahshoor, Emerson is awarded instead the "pyramids" of Mazghunah-countless mounds of rubble in the midst of nowhere. Nothing in this barren spot seems worthy of interest-until someone gets killed. The dead man is an antiquities dealer murdered in his Cairo shop. When a sinister Egyptian spotted at the crime scene turns up in Mazghunah, Amelia can't resist following his trail. There's a mysterious scrap of papyrus and a missing mummy case to investigate while she keeps at least one eye on their precocious son Ramses and his Egyptian cat.
User reviews
LibraryThing member Bobnitefan
Who should read this book: If you are reading thru the Amelia Peabody series, as I am, this book is the third in the series and therefore should be read. The book can be read by anybody over 12 years of age as the only items that are objectionable are the occasional curse word.
I personally did not
In summation the mystery is week and thinnly developed, and her characters have grown a bit tiresome. If you like the characters more than the mystery then it is an okay read.
I personally did not
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care for this story very much. My main objection is there is much focus on the personality of the main characters - Amelia, Emerson and Ramses and not as much on the story itself. Additionally, her portrayal of Christian characters is decidely antagonistic. The authors clear disdain for people of faith clearly shows through. A key item in the plot are some 2nd and 3rd century gnostic texts which she utilizes to undermine Christian belief. As a University of Chicago trained Egyptologist (or perhaps because of it) she could have provided background regarding the historical context of the documents.In summation the mystery is week and thinnly developed, and her characters have grown a bit tiresome. If you like the characters more than the mystery then it is an okay read.
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LibraryThing member paradoxosalpha
This third volume of the Amelia Peabody stories brings her young son Ramses Emerson into his own as a character. The "romantic" element between the adult Emersons is even more hilariously overplayed than in the previous books, and the supporting cast is also full of funnier characters than before.
LibraryThing member zhukora
The Mummy Case is markedly darker than the preceding books. It is still light years from any kind of gothic thriller, but Peters seems to have shed some of the gauzy lightheartedness that characterized the earlier novels in favor of an earnest mystery. It may not be the most gracefully orchestrated
I very much dislike the scenes of domesticity in the second novel in the series, The Pharaoh's Curse, but they have improved significantly here. I suspect this has a lot to do with the fact that Ramses has learned to shut his mouth once in a while, and has developed a bit of a personality beyond "obnoxious small child".
Peters also seems to have finally committed herself to an ongoing Amelia Peabody series in this volume, as this is the first time I've seen her leave loose ends and foreshadow for a continuation of certain plot elements in the next book. Not that I'm complaining--tidy, self-contained episodic mysteries are good for casual readers who'd prefer to just pick up any random book in the series, but I suspect it would have gotten tiresome soon enough. I suppose this means that this volume indicates it's time to stop testing the waters and commit yourself! If you stick with Amelia the adventures are only going to get deeper and more involved from here on out. If you like her, that's a good thing. If you don't, perhaps it's time to bail.
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mystery, but earnest nonetheless. She has also shed some of the previously slightly overbearing sense of homage to the pulp adventure novelettes and "penny dreadfuls" of yesteryear (and...yester-century?) in favor of a more mature and well-rounded style of novel. Amelia and her companions keep a strong continuity of personality in spite of the style shift, but now they experience (if fleetingly) real apprehension, real fear, and real distress as the events of the latest mystery unfold.I very much dislike the scenes of domesticity in the second novel in the series, The Pharaoh's Curse, but they have improved significantly here. I suspect this has a lot to do with the fact that Ramses has learned to shut his mouth once in a while, and has developed a bit of a personality beyond "obnoxious small child".
Peters also seems to have finally committed herself to an ongoing Amelia Peabody series in this volume, as this is the first time I've seen her leave loose ends and foreshadow for a continuation of certain plot elements in the next book. Not that I'm complaining--tidy, self-contained episodic mysteries are good for casual readers who'd prefer to just pick up any random book in the series, but I suspect it would have gotten tiresome soon enough. I suppose this means that this volume indicates it's time to stop testing the waters and commit yourself! If you stick with Amelia the adventures are only going to get deeper and more involved from here on out. If you like her, that's a good thing. If you don't, perhaps it's time to bail.
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LibraryThing member AuthorMarion
Intrepid Egyptologist Amelia Peabody and her irrascible husband, who has been dubbed the "Father of Curses" by the Egyptian natives, once again set forth to uncover the treasures of the ancient pharoahs. This time they take along with them their young son nicknamed Ramses and John, a servant in
Relegated to digging in an area deemed 'not worthy' by husband Radcliff Emerson, they are soon in the midst of a complex situation wherein a band of antiquities thieves are being lead by a Master Criminal. As Amelia tries to do her detective work she is stymied by a host of suspects and conflicting clues and information. After she and Radcliffe are thrown into the thick blackness of an ancient burial chamber in the Black Pyramid without hope of rescue, they are left to wonder if they have indeed met their fate.
This reader found the plot confusing, as though it was searching for a way to untangle itself. The redeeming grace of this book is Ramses, who speaks with the vocabulary of a university professor with a lisp that makes him all the more endearing. The characters here are stronger than the plot and have earned this book four stars.
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their employ from England. Relegated to digging in an area deemed 'not worthy' by husband Radcliff Emerson, they are soon in the midst of a complex situation wherein a band of antiquities thieves are being lead by a Master Criminal. As Amelia tries to do her detective work she is stymied by a host of suspects and conflicting clues and information. After she and Radcliffe are thrown into the thick blackness of an ancient burial chamber in the Black Pyramid without hope of rescue, they are left to wonder if they have indeed met their fate.
This reader found the plot confusing, as though it was searching for a way to untangle itself. The redeeming grace of this book is Ramses, who speaks with the vocabulary of a university professor with a lisp that makes him all the more endearing. The characters here are stronger than the plot and have earned this book four stars.
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LibraryThing member themulhern
The closest analogy is Tintin. Exotic locale, no money worries, highly intelligent pets, exaggerated personalities, all for fun.
LibraryThing member caittilynn
This was a fun read and I thought the beginning was very funny. The mystery itself was a little tedious and more convoluted than riveting. I admit, I continue to read these books for the characters more than anything else.
LibraryThing member punxsygal
This third book in the Amelia Peabody Egyptology series finds Amelia, her archaeologist husband Emerson and their precocious son Ramses back along the Nile.
Emerson has promised Amelia a pyramid to study, but through his stubborness has failed to procure their desired site. While making preparations
Emerson has promised Amelia a pyramid to study, but through his stubborness has failed to procure their desired site. While making preparations
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in Cairo, Amelia visits an artifacts dealer who later is murdered allowing. Amelia's art of detection energies go into overdrive and the story takes off with its missionary zealots, bat guano, disappearing mummy cases and another dead body. Elizabeth Peters delivers a good story once again. Show Less
LibraryThing member GTTexas
Good story but a weak ending I thought
LibraryThing member MissJessie
This is one of the better Amelia Peabody series, if for no other reason than to imagine having a child like Ramses. What a cutie! But what a challenge to raise someone so idiosyncratic. Actually, I wish I knew one like him--but only as a neighbor, not as a responsibility.
The book itself concerns
In addition to the usual contretemps between the two adults, there is the additional problem of a religious fanatic and hangers on and of course the "Master Criminal" (though not called so in this one).
How Amelia controls Ramses (after a fashion), deals with the temperamental Emerson, keeps house, keeps track of wandering Mummy Cases, pet lion cubs, and a near miss in the death department makes for an enjoyable read.
The book itself concerns
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the excavation by Amelia and Emerson (and Ramses, don't forget Ramses) of a so called pyramid in the shadow of the Black Pyramid, after which they lust.In addition to the usual contretemps between the two adults, there is the additional problem of a religious fanatic and hangers on and of course the "Master Criminal" (though not called so in this one).
How Amelia controls Ramses (after a fashion), deals with the temperamental Emerson, keeps house, keeps track of wandering Mummy Cases, pet lion cubs, and a near miss in the death department makes for an enjoyable read.
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LibraryThing member pussreboots
The Mummy Case by Elizabeth Peters is the third of the Amelia Peabody series. It's the 1894-5 season in Egypt and she, her husband and their young son, "Ramses" are back. They had wanted the pyramids at Dashoor but poor planning on Radcliffe Emerson's part and his lack of social tact has relegated
It also happens to be my third time reading the book. The first and second times I read the book, I did so in print form. In both cases, while I loved the location (even if Peabody didn't), I absolutely wanted to strangle her overly precious and lisping son. This third time, I am listening to the books in order on audio, as performed by Barbara Rosenblat. I'm listening to them specifically for her performances.
So, that brings me back to Ramses. Except for Goldie's teenage son, Arch, I haven't heard Rosenblat do a child's vice. I certainly haven't heard her do one as young as Ramses is these earliest books. As The Mummy Case is the first one where the Emerson spawn has a major part to play. Well, she pulls it off — well enough to make Ramses an almost plausible and almost likable character.
Back to Mazhunah — the Emersons are working out of the ruins of an old Coptic monastery. It's also a reminder of the religious turf wars going on in the nearby village between the Copts, the Muslims and now Fundamentalist missionaries from the United States (shudder). In all this back and forth between the religious leaders is a shell game involving mummy cases and bits of Coptic papyri.
There's a bunch of other stuff too — a lion cub, fires and the first appearance of the "Master Criminal" who is the second most annoying character in the series. Yet — it's all good in audio. It makes for an entertaining and somewhat cornball radio play.
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the Emerson crew to Mazghunah.It also happens to be my third time reading the book. The first and second times I read the book, I did so in print form. In both cases, while I loved the location (even if Peabody didn't), I absolutely wanted to strangle her overly precious and lisping son. This third time, I am listening to the books in order on audio, as performed by Barbara Rosenblat. I'm listening to them specifically for her performances.
So, that brings me back to Ramses. Except for Goldie's teenage son, Arch, I haven't heard Rosenblat do a child's vice. I certainly haven't heard her do one as young as Ramses is these earliest books. As The Mummy Case is the first one where the Emerson spawn has a major part to play. Well, she pulls it off — well enough to make Ramses an almost plausible and almost likable character.
Back to Mazhunah — the Emersons are working out of the ruins of an old Coptic monastery. It's also a reminder of the religious turf wars going on in the nearby village between the Copts, the Muslims and now Fundamentalist missionaries from the United States (shudder). In all this back and forth between the religious leaders is a shell game involving mummy cases and bits of Coptic papyri.
There's a bunch of other stuff too — a lion cub, fires and the first appearance of the "Master Criminal" who is the second most annoying character in the series. Yet — it's all good in audio. It makes for an entertaining and somewhat cornball radio play.
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LibraryThing member cathymoore
Book three and the series shows no sign of flagging. Amelia takes her husband, son and her wonderful turn of phrase back to Egypt for some more archaeological shenanigans. The family have barely unpacked their cases before they are up to their necks in stolen antiquities, "Master Criminals" and
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suspicious missionaries. In spite of my initial doubts about the inclusion of Amelia and Emerson's uber-precocious son Ramses, he turns out to be a complete scene-stealer. The pacing of the story is, again, perfect and although the final reveal seems somewhat convoluted and the book then ends very abruptly, this is another fine quick read from Peters. Show Less
LibraryThing member Condorena
Each book in this series gets better. Little Ramses is a great addition
LibraryThing member hoosgracie
Amelia, Emerson, and their son Ramses head off to Egypt with the hopes of digging at Dahshur. Instead, they end up at Mazghunah. There they find evangelical missionaries, a bunch of rubble, and a mystery involving the illegal antiquities trade. These are enjoyable mysteries, but the precocious
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Ramses was a bit annoying. Show Less
LibraryThing member kaulsu
Peter's knowledge of Egyptology garners this book half a star. Otherwise, like the previous two in the series, it is a book with a poorly developed plot. The "villain" never did anything to show evil intent before the denouement. The dialog between Peabody and Emerson continue to be tedious, but
However, I admit that I will undoubtedly read the rest of the series over time.
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not as tedious as their son's baby lisp. However, I admit that I will undoubtedly read the rest of the series over time.
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LibraryThing member wyvernfriend
Emerson and Amelia are given a fairly poor place to dig for their season in Egypt, bringing along their son Rameses (whose real name is Walter) who is a precocious child. An Irritating precocious child, who actually also irritates and entralls his mother, who didn't really have much to do with his
Amelia stumbles upon a dead antiques dealer and this leads Amelia down a minefield of bodies and danger.
It's not a bad read but I seriously wanted to teach Rameses some manners. In some ways he distracted from the events of the story and got in the way of my enjoyment, in other ways he was a linchpin of the story and I could see where setting him up could be interesting later in the series.
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earliest years. Amelia stumbles upon a dead antiques dealer and this leads Amelia down a minefield of bodies and danger.
It's not a bad read but I seriously wanted to teach Rameses some manners. In some ways he distracted from the events of the story and got in the way of my enjoyment, in other ways he was a linchpin of the story and I could see where setting him up could be interesting later in the series.
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LibraryThing member riverwillow
The incredibly precocious Ramses comes to the fore in this book, as he accompanies Amelia and Emerson on their latest dig. Ramses, accompanied by his Egyptian cat, Bastet (who featured in 'The Curse of the Pharaohs), has an insatiable curiosity which gets him into scrapes which inevitably lead to a
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bath. Ramses is truly his parents child, as inevitably, Amelia and Emerson get entangled in a murder. which the police believe is suicide, and an antiquities smuggling ring. As usual there is a cast of disreputable and sometimes hilarious characters, sadly the missionaries, who occupy a large section of the book aren't really funny or charming and this does cast a pall over the narrative. But at the centre of it all is Amelia who is as entertaining as ever with her perceptive wit, parasol and emergency remedies. Show Less
LibraryThing member alana_leigh
The third book in the Elizabeth Peters series that features the intrepid Amelia Peabody and her husband, Radcliffe Emerson... and our first expedition with Walter "Ramses" Emerson, their precocious young son. Emerson had promised Peabody that this season, she would have pyramids... but when he's
Of course, Emerson should be aware that with a wife like Peabody (who stumbles into every potential criminal case that could possibly be afoot) and a son like Ramses (who seeks out all manner of trouble), even a season as Mazghunah will be eventful. Peabody is intent on learning more about a smuggling ring that she believes is lead by a "Master Criminal," and her suspicions about this are only confirmed when an antiques dealer is found dead. It may look like suicide but Peabody is convinced of foul play and that the Master Criminal is to blame. Emerson, naturally, takes a bit more convincing before he can accept that something sinister is afoot. After multiple thefts, often involving the same mummy, the sleuthing couple (aided by their loquacious son and his intelligent cat, Bastet) set out to solve the mystery that seems to feature everyone around them as a potential suspect.
I must admit that The Mummy Case did not terribly delight me. Sure, it was pleasant enough as another chapter in the lives of Amelia Peabody and her husband, but the case was not terribly fascinating and the characters were only mildly amusing. Perhaps the most annoying thing is the acceptance that Ramses is, indeed, here to stay as a prime feature of the storylines and I just can't quite warm to the child. He's terribly annoying and speaks at length on any given subject. At least his parents are aware of his defects (at least Amelia is; Emerson quite dotes on the boy) and frequently interrupt him with requests that he get to the point. Honestly, he could be much more pleasant if Peters simply did away with his unfortunate lisp (well, I suppose it's not a lisp, is it, it's simply an issue with diphthongs and such). A character with such a speech defect is mildly annoying when he or she remains relatively quiet but when it's a character that speaks at such length, it's enough to be a valid reason to set down the series entirely. If his speech doesn't improve by the next installment, I might seriously be moved to discontinue my reading, no matter how delightful I might find Peabody and Emerson to be.
So, in short, fans of the series will appreciate another book but clearly must be one of the hurdles that I was forewarned about. I don't mind the simplistic mysteries so much as annoying characters, because Peters is actually quite good at sketching amusing characters and Ramses seems like a real lapse in judgment. The unconventional family dynamics, however, are a bit amusing. Emerson is a ridiculous softie when it comes to his son and Peabody loves him but is far more rational than most mothers when it comes to their offspring. Indeed, it's not quite fear that tinges her observations of her child, but there's certainly a bit of concern for her far-too-intelligent son and his capabilities for getting into scrapes. Since there always seems to be a sub-plot of uniting two lovers, I predict that the need for Ramses to be watched 24/7 will supply us with a parade of fellows (or strong governesses) to provide one half of the equation there. Through it all, though, the interactions between Emerson and Peabody make for a delightful cornerstone on which the foundation of the series is built. Here's hoping we can overcome the small irritations so that we can continue to enjoy these two characters as they dig through archaeological sites and mysterious cases of intrigue.
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unable to obtain the rights to excavate at Dahshoor, he grumblingly accepts a rather poor site called Mazghunah, where the pyramids of Dahshoor are close enough to taunt them. Mazghunah appears to be a burial ground, with poorly constructed later pyramids that have already collapsed to be buried by sand. It's of a much later period than Emerson cares, but with his pride injured, he sticks stubbornly to his dedication to a job well done on any project.Of course, Emerson should be aware that with a wife like Peabody (who stumbles into every potential criminal case that could possibly be afoot) and a son like Ramses (who seeks out all manner of trouble), even a season as Mazghunah will be eventful. Peabody is intent on learning more about a smuggling ring that she believes is lead by a "Master Criminal," and her suspicions about this are only confirmed when an antiques dealer is found dead. It may look like suicide but Peabody is convinced of foul play and that the Master Criminal is to blame. Emerson, naturally, takes a bit more convincing before he can accept that something sinister is afoot. After multiple thefts, often involving the same mummy, the sleuthing couple (aided by their loquacious son and his intelligent cat, Bastet) set out to solve the mystery that seems to feature everyone around them as a potential suspect.
I must admit that The Mummy Case did not terribly delight me. Sure, it was pleasant enough as another chapter in the lives of Amelia Peabody and her husband, but the case was not terribly fascinating and the characters were only mildly amusing. Perhaps the most annoying thing is the acceptance that Ramses is, indeed, here to stay as a prime feature of the storylines and I just can't quite warm to the child. He's terribly annoying and speaks at length on any given subject. At least his parents are aware of his defects (at least Amelia is; Emerson quite dotes on the boy) and frequently interrupt him with requests that he get to the point. Honestly, he could be much more pleasant if Peters simply did away with his unfortunate lisp (well, I suppose it's not a lisp, is it, it's simply an issue with diphthongs and such). A character with such a speech defect is mildly annoying when he or she remains relatively quiet but when it's a character that speaks at such length, it's enough to be a valid reason to set down the series entirely. If his speech doesn't improve by the next installment, I might seriously be moved to discontinue my reading, no matter how delightful I might find Peabody and Emerson to be.
So, in short, fans of the series will appreciate another book but clearly must be one of the hurdles that I was forewarned about. I don't mind the simplistic mysteries so much as annoying characters, because Peters is actually quite good at sketching amusing characters and Ramses seems like a real lapse in judgment. The unconventional family dynamics, however, are a bit amusing. Emerson is a ridiculous softie when it comes to his son and Peabody loves him but is far more rational than most mothers when it comes to their offspring. Indeed, it's not quite fear that tinges her observations of her child, but there's certainly a bit of concern for her far-too-intelligent son and his capabilities for getting into scrapes. Since there always seems to be a sub-plot of uniting two lovers, I predict that the need for Ramses to be watched 24/7 will supply us with a parade of fellows (or strong governesses) to provide one half of the equation there. Through it all, though, the interactions between Emerson and Peabody make for a delightful cornerstone on which the foundation of the series is built. Here's hoping we can overcome the small irritations so that we can continue to enjoy these two characters as they dig through archaeological sites and mysterious cases of intrigue.
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LibraryThing member tjsjohanna
Ramses takes his place as one of the major characters of this series in this third installment. His matter-of-fact adoption of a lion and the acquiescence of said action by his parents is a good example of the humor of the series. The Emersons do outrageously unconventional things but have such a
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good time that it makes for fun reading. Amelia is a curious mix of feminism and femininity - very enjoyable. Show Less
LibraryThing member Jean_Sexton
This book is a romp. Amelia and Emerson are up to their usual selves. Emerson is determined to save Egyptian antiquities from thieves and incompetent archaeologists. Amelia is sure of her skills and still loves pyramids. And Ramses ... the lisp nearly drove me crazy, as it does Amelia. I feel for
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her having to raise a brilliant child who gets into no end of adventures. I'm all ready to start book number four in the series. Show Less
LibraryThing member jennybeast
Ah, the debut of The Master Criminal, and the beginning of Ramses' precocious career. Amelia's obsession with crawling through pyramids remains wonderful and deeply off-putting.
LibraryThing member FMRox
Amelia and Radcliff are off to Egypt again to excavate a lesser known pyramid. Amongst their work they get involved in all types of intrigue.
Loved the addition of precocious Ramses, Amelia and Radcliff's son.
Loved the addition of precocious Ramses, Amelia and Radcliff's son.
LibraryThing member gpangel
The Mummy Case by Elizabeth Peters is a 2007 William Morrow publication. (This book was originally published in 1985)
It’s always embarrassing when I have to admit I never realized Elizabeth Peters was a pseudonym for the one and only Barbara Michaels, until about five years ago. When I made that
Although Elizabeth Peters wrote two other series, the Amelia Peabody series has to be the most beloved of her characters.
This third book in the long running series has Amelia, Emerson, and their aptly named son, Ramses excavating mounds, not where they had wanted to, but in the middle of nowhere. Bored to death with their work, the couple find themselves investigating the suspicious death of an antiquities dealer.
After reading the first two books in the series, which I enjoyed immensely, I got sidetracked, and this series fell to the wayside. But, I have been determined to get back on track with it.
While Amelia, her parasol, Ramses, and Emerson are as hilarious as always, the mystery was pretty thin, and very slow moving, while the usual colorful characters are here, they are not as interesting as in the first two books.
Still, the banter between Peabody and Emerson is just hilarious, and for that reason alone, this book is worth a read, but it was their son, Ramses who stole the show. Now that he is able to join his parents on their excavations, he has adjusted as only a child of Emerson and Amelia would. He still suffers with a slight speech problem, but his disposition is just like his mother’s. It is so funny to see Emerson doting on the boy, while Amelia is not moved by his cuteness, staying firm and practical as a mother. This dynamic made the books a lot of fun to read.
But, don’t give up on the mystery. The last three chapters or so are pretty quick paced and there is a bit of action and adventure involved.
Once again the author did an excellent job of drawing upon her own experiences as an Egyptologist to give the reader a very detailed description of the areas Peabody visits. Told from Amelia’s first person perspective, in the form of journals, we get a well-rounded story that is humorous, unique, and delightful.
Although this was a tad bit sluggish, it was still quite enjoyable. Overall this one gets a 3.5 rounded to 4
It’s always embarrassing when I have to admit I never realized Elizabeth Peters was a pseudonym for the one and only Barbara Michaels, until about five years ago. When I made that
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connection, I was determined to get know this side of this talented author. Although Elizabeth Peters wrote two other series, the Amelia Peabody series has to be the most beloved of her characters.
This third book in the long running series has Amelia, Emerson, and their aptly named son, Ramses excavating mounds, not where they had wanted to, but in the middle of nowhere. Bored to death with their work, the couple find themselves investigating the suspicious death of an antiquities dealer.
After reading the first two books in the series, which I enjoyed immensely, I got sidetracked, and this series fell to the wayside. But, I have been determined to get back on track with it.
While Amelia, her parasol, Ramses, and Emerson are as hilarious as always, the mystery was pretty thin, and very slow moving, while the usual colorful characters are here, they are not as interesting as in the first two books.
Still, the banter between Peabody and Emerson is just hilarious, and for that reason alone, this book is worth a read, but it was their son, Ramses who stole the show. Now that he is able to join his parents on their excavations, he has adjusted as only a child of Emerson and Amelia would. He still suffers with a slight speech problem, but his disposition is just like his mother’s. It is so funny to see Emerson doting on the boy, while Amelia is not moved by his cuteness, staying firm and practical as a mother. This dynamic made the books a lot of fun to read.
But, don’t give up on the mystery. The last three chapters or so are pretty quick paced and there is a bit of action and adventure involved.
Once again the author did an excellent job of drawing upon her own experiences as an Egyptologist to give the reader a very detailed description of the areas Peabody visits. Told from Amelia’s first person perspective, in the form of journals, we get a well-rounded story that is humorous, unique, and delightful.
Although this was a tad bit sluggish, it was still quite enjoyable. Overall this one gets a 3.5 rounded to 4
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LibraryThing member BookConcierge
Digital audio narrated by Susan O’Malley
Book three in the popular Amelia Peabody cozy mystery series. Amelia and her handsome husband, Radcliffe Emerson, want permission to dig in a specific area for a long-lost pharaoh’s tomb. But the authorities were not pleased with Emerson’s past behavior
I’m beginning to really enjoy the complete send-up of so many explorer stories of the past. Amelia does not suffer fools gladly; she’s intelligent and resourceful and has a sharp tongue. Emerson is oh, so “veddy British” in his sensibilities and mannerisms, while Amelia is sometimes far more adaptable to the “less civilized” conditions they find themselves in. They make a good team.
But when it comes to their son … Amelia seems a bit perplexed by Ramses’s talent at getting completely filthy the moment she turns her back – whether he’s covered in jam or the mud of a dig. But Emerson is unexpectedly besotted with the boy. I love how Peters describes their household. For example:
At the age of three Ramses had informed us that he did not need a nanny and would not have one. Emerson agreed with him. I did not agree with him. He needed something – a stout healthy woman who had trained as a prison wardress, perhaps – but it had become more and more difficult to find nannies for Ramses. Presumably the word had spread. .
Susan O’Malley does a fine job narrating the audiobooks. She IS Amelia. I can’t imagine anyone else doing a better job.
Book three in the popular Amelia Peabody cozy mystery series. Amelia and her handsome husband, Radcliffe Emerson, want permission to dig in a specific area for a long-lost pharaoh’s tomb. But the authorities were not pleased with Emerson’s past behavior
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and give him a site far from the desired pyramids of Dahshoor. They bring along their incredibly precocious son, Ramses, who wants a dig of his own. Ooh, isn’t he cute!I’m beginning to really enjoy the complete send-up of so many explorer stories of the past. Amelia does not suffer fools gladly; she’s intelligent and resourceful and has a sharp tongue. Emerson is oh, so “veddy British” in his sensibilities and mannerisms, while Amelia is sometimes far more adaptable to the “less civilized” conditions they find themselves in. They make a good team.
But when it comes to their son … Amelia seems a bit perplexed by Ramses’s talent at getting completely filthy the moment she turns her back – whether he’s covered in jam or the mud of a dig. But Emerson is unexpectedly besotted with the boy. I love how Peters describes their household. For example:
At the age of three Ramses had informed us that he did not need a nanny and would not have one. Emerson agreed with him. I did not agree with him. He needed something – a stout healthy woman who had trained as a prison wardress, perhaps – but it had become more and more difficult to find nannies for Ramses. Presumably the word had spread. .
Susan O’Malley does a fine job narrating the audiobooks. She IS Amelia. I can’t imagine anyone else doing a better job.
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LibraryThing member kmartin802
This third book in the Amelia Peabody series see Ramses' first visit to Egypt. This precocious young child keeps everyone on their toes but Amelia is more than up to the task. Between stealing a lion cub, translating a papyrus scrap, and discovering a cache of ancient jewels, Ramses keeps his
Otherwise, the site that Emerson and Peabody have been awarded for digging this season is a disappointment. All that remains of the pyramids Amelia longs for are heaps of rubble and Coptic cemeteries. Nothing of interest to a woman who longs to crawl through bat infested tunnels filled with bad air. But a mummy case that keeps appearing and disappearing and a few murders do provide Amelia with a mystery to solve.
This is Amelia's first encounter with the villain she names the Master Criminal but there are lesser villains causing trouble too. Amelia is her usual oblivious and intrepid self as she bulldozes her way through the mystery. It was a fun story told from Amelia's unique viewpoint.
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mother busy.Otherwise, the site that Emerson and Peabody have been awarded for digging this season is a disappointment. All that remains of the pyramids Amelia longs for are heaps of rubble and Coptic cemeteries. Nothing of interest to a woman who longs to crawl through bat infested tunnels filled with bad air. But a mummy case that keeps appearing and disappearing and a few murders do provide Amelia with a mystery to solve.
This is Amelia's first encounter with the villain she names the Master Criminal but there are lesser villains causing trouble too. Amelia is her usual oblivious and intrepid self as she bulldozes her way through the mystery. It was a fun story told from Amelia's unique viewpoint.
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LibraryThing member punxsygal
This third book in the Amelia Peabody Egyptology series finds Amelia, her archaeologist husband Emerson and their precocious son Ramses back along the Nile.
Emerson has promised Amelia a pyramid to study, but through his stubborness has failed to procure their desired site. While making preparations
Emerson has promised Amelia a pyramid to study, but through his stubborness has failed to procure their desired site. While making preparations
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in Cairo, Amelia visits an artifacts dealer who later is murdered allowing. Amelia's art of detection energies go into overdrive and the story takes off with its missionary zealots, bat guano, disappearing mummy cases and another dead body. Elizabeth Peters delivers a good story once again. Show Less
Subjects
Language
Original publication date
1985
Physical description
320 p.; 9.06 inches