"Amelia Peabody, that indomitable product of the Victorian age, embarks on her debut Egyptian adventure armed with unshakable self-confidence, a journal to record her thoughts, and, of course, a sturdy umbrella. On her way to Cairo, Amelia rescues young Evelyn Barton-Forbes, who has been abandoned by her scoundrel lover. Together the two women sail up the Nile to an archeological site run by the Emerson brothers--the irascible but dashing Radcliffe and the amiable Walter. Soon their little party is increased by one--one mummy, that is, and a singularly lively example of the species. Strange visitations, suspicious accidents, and a botched kidnapping convince Amelia that there is a plot afoot to harm Evelyn. Now Amelia finds herself up against an unknown enemy--and perilous forces that threaten to make her first Egyptian trip also her last...." (from the publisher)
my thoughts:
Oh, how I love those strong, independent Victorian female sleuths!
Amelia Peabody is not your typical spinster -- she's moderately wealthy, thanks to her father's inheritance, scholarly, adventurous, and ready to explore the wonders of the world. After all, she's unencumbered by marriage or motherhood, and has no intentions of sitting primly and embroidering all day. Who needs a man when the glorious historic sites of Greece, Rome, and Egypt beckon?
Once Amelia sets off on her travels, she meets a delightful cast of characters that will forever change the course of her life. From Evelyn, the lovely damsel-in-distress who is ready to end her life over a disastrous love affair , to Radcliffe Emerson, the arrogant archaeologist, and a mysterious ancient mummy that roams the valley of the Egyptian tombs and threatens their lives, Amelia takes them all on with razor-sharp wit and spunk. Heaven help anyone who stands up against her--especially arrogant archaeologists!
Witty and entertaining, this is a delightful Victorian mystery that is great for a quick, light read and lots of chuckles. Elizabeth Peters, a PhD in Egyptology, writes with an amazing charm and keeps you turning the pages -- you just can't wait to hear what Amelia is going to say next! You won't have too much trouble figuring out the "mystery" here, but it's fun watching the dynamics of Amelia and Radcliffe.
I'll definitely be continuing this series as Amelia and her group find many more
adventures in the Valley of the Kings -- it looks addicting!
For a complete list of the Amelia Peabody mysteries, click here.
4/5 stars
Title: Crocodile on the Sandbank
Author: Elizabeth Peters
Publisher: Hachette Group
genre: cozy mystery; Victorian-era mystery
1975
262 pages
1 comment:
I'm so glad you enjoyed Crocodile on the Sandbank! I love the Amelia Peabody series, and it's always so nice to see somebody else experiencing them, too!
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