Helpful Score: 1
This is the fourth in the series of about 19 Amelie Peabody mysteries. In 1895, Amelia and her Egyptologist husband, with their incorrigible eight year old son Ramses, have gone to Egypt for "season" of digging. While digging and searching for an entrance to the Black Pyramid, Peabody and Emerson become embroiled in a plot involving the Master Criminal, Amelia's nemesis. This is not your usual mystery, as it is written in 1890-style language of the indominable Peabody in her journal. Aside from being fun mysteries, these books are romances and views of family life of the era, and are very, very funny.
Helpful Score: 1
This series is my favorite of all times. I love ALL of these books (which I have read over and over) but especially the first 7 or 8 where Ramses is a child. While full of mystery and suspense, they often make me laugh out loud. Amelia and Emerson's escapades are larger than life and outrageously daring and you will just have to experience Ramses - he defies description. As an added bonus, they are also educational. Elizabeth Peters has a PhD in Egyptology and she brings all of that knowledge to play throughout this incredible series. The beauty is, however, that you don't realize you are learning, you are having so much fun.
Helpful Score: 1
Classic, funny, exciting Elizabeth Peters here--Ramses is up to his usual tricks, Amelia is up to full detecting, meddling force, and Emerson is, well, Emerson. After having read a few of these, it's particularly interesting to see some character development over time: Ramses' growth as a 9 year old Egyptologist and linguist, and Amelia's strengthening of independence are developed in this book. But it's just fun to read!
