Series: Amelia Peabody Mysteries (Book 1)
Audio CD
Publisher: Blackstone Audio; Unabridged edition (January 23, 2001)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0786197919
ISBN-13: 978-0786197910
Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 1.2 x 6.5 inches
Shipping Weight: 12.3 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars See all reviews (503 customer reviews)
Best Sellers Rank: #708,277 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #10 in Books > Books on CD > Authors, A-Z > ( P ) > Peters, Elizabeth #1139 in Books > Books on CD > Mystery & Thrillers #1339 in Books > Books on CD > General
I am always wanting new, entertaining books to read. So, when a friend recommended Elizabeth Peters' Amelia Peabody mysteries (starting with "Crocodile on the Sandbank"), I jumped right in.As someone else pointed out, the mystery aspect of Crocodile on the Sandbank is not the strongest part of this novel. (Don't be surprise if you guess the purpose and identity of the stalking mummy well before it is revealed.)In every other way, this book is excellent. The characters, plot and description are delightfully entertaining. Amelia Peabody, a Victorian-era spinster of means, embarks for a tour of Egypt. But first, while in Rome, she encounters Evelyn Barton-Forbes, who has been "ruined" by her former lover. Amelia insists that Evelyn accompany her. Once in Egypt, they meet Radcliffe and Walter Emerson. These four characters are incredible. They have strong personalities without becoming two-dimensional characatures. The way Amelia and Evelyn relate is touching, and the way Amelia and Emerson play off eachother is classic.I don't know much about ancient Egypt, but Elizabeth Peters provides so much fascinating description. She really seems to know what she's talking about. (In fact, she got a Ph.D. in Egyptology.)Crocodile on the Sandbank made me want to know more about Egyptology and archaeology. It certainly made me want to read more of the beautiful descriptions and wonderfully drawn characters.
Once I read this one, I was hooked. A great series with fun mysteries, amazing settings and fantastic characters. I have given this book to many friends as gifts and all have loved it!If you are new to this series, here are some things you might like to know...Elizabeth Peters also writes under the name Barbara Michaels (not sure which is her real name). Personally, I have not been impressed by some of her other books outside of the Peabody mysteries. The Amelia Peabody books are adventure/mystery stories that take place in Egypt, in the late 1800's.Here are the books featuring Amelia Peabody in order from first to last:1) Crocodile on the Sandbank (1975)2) The Curse of the Pharaohs (1981)3) The Mummy Case (1985)4) Lion in the Valley (1986)5) The Deeds of the Disturber (1988)6) The Last Camel Died at Noon (1991)7) The Snake, the Crocodile and the Dog (1992)8) The Hippopotamus Pool (1996)9) Seeing a Large Cat (1997)10) The Ape Who Guards the Balance (1998)11) The Falcon at the Portal (1999)12) He Shall Thunder In The Sky (May 2000)13) Lord of the Silent (May 2001)14) The Golden One (April 2002)15) Children of the Storm (April 2003)Happy reading!
Whenever I read Elizabeth Peter's Amanda Peabody novels, I cannot help thinking of Eleanor Lavish (played by Dame Judi Dench in a Room With A View). Remember Eleanor Lavish during the picture, proclaiming the benefits of Mackintosh Squares? Or her descriptions of Florence to Charlotte Bartlett? If you found Eleanor Lavish entertaining, you will LOVE Amelia Peabody.Armed with a parasol, a first-aid kit, and a formidable confidence in the superiority of the British Empire and its cultural conventions, Amelia Peabody sets out for an adventure in Egypt. On her way, she rescues a fainting Englishwoman, hires a dahabeeyah to take her down the Nile to view archaeological remains, and meets the Emerson brothers. While Walter Emerson falls for our fainting Englishwoman, his older brother Radcliffe Emerson--as curmudgeonly as Amelia--begins to do battle for control of his archaeological site. His rival? Parasol-wielding Amelia Peabody, of course.The plot, as other reviewers suggest, is purely secondary to the characters--especially Amelia. If you want to learn a little about Egypt and in the process solve a completely unsurprising mystery then you can have no better companion than the forthright Amelia Peabody. How many mysteries make you laugh out-loud at the antics of the heroine?
Elizabeth Peters does a wonderful job of showing off her knowledge of ancient Egypt while writing an amusing mystery novel. This book transcends the mystery genre, expanding into romance and historical fiction. As a student interested in ancient Egypt, I found this book merged fact and fiction exquisitely. Peter's descriptions create wonderful images that help transport the reader to Egypt and the world of the pharaohs. The plot is excellent and I found myself reading this book every free moment I had. The story builds and there is never a dull moment. Not only was it full of historical facts, but also mystery and romance. Although the mystery and romance was a bit predictable, it in no way ruined the story. Every moment was full of intrigue and remarkable dialog reminiscent of Jane Austen. The characters are dynamic. Amelia Peabody is a charming heroine, full of energy and snide wit. The villains are charming as well and you will love to hate them. I highly recommend this novel especial for those interested in learning about ancient Egypt. In short, it is an adventurous treat that is fun and exciting. After reading this book you will want to take a trip to Egypt.
Crocodile on the Sandbank (LIBRARY EDITION) (Amelia Peabody Mysteries) Crocodile on the Sandbank Crocodile on the Sandbank - UNABRIDGED on CDS The Golden One (Amelia Peabody Mysteries, Book 14) The Serpent on the Crown (Amelia Peabody Mysteries, Book 17) The Falcon at the Portal (Amelia Peabody Mysteries) Children of the Storm (Amelia Peabody Mysteries, Book 15) Serpent on the Crown CD: Serpent on the Crown CD (Amelia Peabody Mysteries) (CD-Audio) - Common The Golden One (Amelia Peabody Mysteries) The Last Camel Died at Noon (Amelia Peabody Mysteries) (CD-Audio) - Common The Mummy Case (An Amelia Peabody Mystery) (Library Edition) Lion in the Valley (An Amelia Peabody Mystery)(Library Edition) The Deeds of the Disturber (An Amelia Peabody Mystery)(Library Edition) The Curse of the Pharaohs (An Amelia Peabody Mystery - Book 2)(Library Edition) Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile (Lyle the Crocodile) Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile Storybook Treasury (Lyle the Crocodile) The Curse of The Pharaohs: The Amelia Peabody Series, Book 2 The Serpent on the Crown: The Amelia Peabody Series, Book 17 The Mummy Case: The Amelia Peabody Series, Book 3 Lord of the Silent, Amelia Peabody Series Book 13