The fifth episode in the Egyptian Mystery investigations of Amelia Peabody.What sets this volume apart from the usual formula of the family going for excavations of ancient tombs in the desert is the movement of the action to London, where bodies are starting to crop up around the British Museum and its latest mummy exhibit. There is no dearth of suspects and mysterious personages - a priest with supernatural powers, colleagues from the arhelogical field, journalists, concerned friends and relatives, gypsies, janitors, members of the high society : - It appears, my dearest Emerson, that the aristocratic element has entered the case after all. - Yes, curse it, Emerson grumbled. I had believed myself safe from journalists, at least. Do your long-suffering spouse one favour, Peabody. Do not take the young lady under your wing. I have resigned myself to danger and distraction, but I cannot endure another of your sentimental rescues of young lovers. Elizabeth Peters is confident enough of her material to poke fun at her own clichees and mannerism. Of course there are some romantic entaglements, and Amelia is ready to jump into the fray with her trusted umbrella and confuse the issues further with her signature aplomb: Reader, I spoke the truth. I never have and never will meddle in other people's affairs. It is a word I abhor. There are times when a gentle hint or a helpful suggestion may save unnecessary suffering, and this I would not scruple to employ. But meddle - never. While I was less favorably impressed by the actual plot of this fifth book, I continue to enjoy the humour and the family dynamics of the Emersons, each of them out to prove that he or she is the best detective, with precocious Ramses winning my vote for the most subversive and hilarious of the team.There is little to comment or to analyze beside the holiday entertainment vibe of the offering and the delights of Amelia's precious phrasing. We can still find the occasional feminist rant from Amelia, but it is more subdued than usual: I digress. I am unable to refrain from doing so, for the wrongs of my opressed sisters must always waken a flame of indignation in my bosom. How far are we even now, from the emancipation we deserve? When, oh when will justice and reason prevail, and Woman descend from the pedestal on which Man has placed her (in order to prevent her from doing anything except standing perfectly still) and take her rightful place beside him? These exclamations are usually followed by our heroine blissfully succumbing into the strong arms of her faithful husband, but that in no way negates the truth of the issues.All in all, a decent addition to the series, but not one my favorite episodes. I plan to continue reading the adventures of Amelia, Emerson and Ramses.
1988, #4 Amelia Peabody, Egyptologist, 1890s London1993, Recorded Books LLC, read by Barbara Rosenblatsatirical, historical cosy/thriller - excellent even after many rereads; narration excellentOne of the best of the series IMO, this takes on Victorian novelistic conventions with a bang, as Amelia finds herself up to her neck in exotic difficulties, including a group of Hellfire Club-like young aristocrats, a wayward mummy, Ramses’ disguises, a couple of exceedingly “nice” victorian children, all the while trying to ensure that Emerson works on, and finishes, his latest book. Wonderfully twisted plot, sketchy but grand characterizations, and enough twists and turns to satisfy anyone with a taste for the sort of extravaganza that Doyle or Hull or Haggard might have penned. Plus the familial interactions of the Emerson family are always fun, and often touching, as each character seems to grow and develop despite, or perhaps because of, the wild spoofing that shows on the surface. We come to love and care about Ramses, Emerson, and Amelia, and to look forward to the next installment of this thrilling saga.Characters new to the series:Lord Liverpool, Miss Margaret Minton, journalist. Kevin O’Connell, ditto. Mr. Eustace Wilson, demur British Museum cog. Gargary, butler extraordinaire. The ineffable Percy Peabody and his sticky sister little Violet.
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This has to be one of my favorite books in the series. For once, we see that the criminal element focuses on the Emerson family not only in Egypt, but in England as well. There are not many settings I love more than Victorian England and the fact that we see Amelia and Emerson work just as well here as they do in Egypt adds a lot to their character. Ramses is also a lot more likable in this novel and you start to feel more connected and less annoyed with him. The reemergence of Kevin O'Connell also makes this one of my favorite books because he is one of my favorite supporting characters. What can I say I have a soft spot for Irish men. The addition of the domestic disturbance of Violet and Percy as well as the colorful cast of servants made the book all the more enjoyable. I also liked that the relationship between Emerson and Amelia was strained as well. This is something that happens in some fashion in every book, but it is much more evident in this novel because it is Amelia who is feeling the jealousy. I love the tension and emotion in this novel as well as how it all ended. It was a rather fulfilling endings, with a happy ending for really everyone involved. I have to admit that I didn't know who the real culprit was in this novel, which doesn't happen very often. I think that added to my enjoyment as a whole. Overall a wonderful novel and great book in this series.
—Colleen
This one is a bit of an "Oh come now" at times. From Amelia deciding to keep children "just to improve their behavior" (by exposure to her I suppose) and a trap and escape worthy of a James Bond movie.Still, a three, it's well written and I've noted before, I didn't "really" enjoy any of these a great deal, but I was driving A LOT, and preferred audio books to radio all the time. I often listened to books that I might not have picked up and put time into reading. Well written, some will like it much better than I.
—Mike (the Paladin)
I love Amelia and her relationship with her family. Unlike previous installments, the setting of this book is in London; it is interesting to see Amelia interact with the English population after her adventures in Egypt. I enjoyed her banter with Emerson and her fond exasperation with Ramses, and look forward to seeing these characters grow in the sequels. I took off a star because the mystery was a slight letdown despite my surprise at who the actual mastermind was. Still, the book was highly enjoyable and I am planning on starting the next one soon.
—Don P
