Rick H. (WileyCoyote) reviewed on 7/3/2006 + 98 more book reviews

This is the first Elizabeth Peters book that I have listened to, and as such, I found myself a little confused and bewildered. It was hard for me to get a handle on the plotline and gain some familiarity with the characters. Perhaps if I had some exposure to her previous books in this series, I would feel a little more "cozy" (for the ladies). As for how I feel about this audio, well - let's see: I think the writing is very good, the author builds to and maintains a level of suspence throughout, and to take the edge off, she has snuck in a fair amount of comedy. I have a hard time bonding with the parents in this book, they seem to be quite arrogant, and conceited, and if they are confronted with a disagreement of any kind - they can be extremely rude! As for a recommendation - if you are a fan and folllower of Ms. Peters, by all means grab this one up, but if you are like me, a first timer, I would suggest you start from the beginning of the series (I don't know where that is - I'll have to look it up), and build up to this book, so you become familiar with the characters and their good points and bad points. Overall, I enjoyed the audio, I found it interesting, and easy to listen to, and I'm not sorry I requested it. It did make me feel like I was on the outside, looking in though - but who among us has never felt that? It never stopped us before did it? If pressed - I would classify this book as a "Cozy Mystery" - finally! I get to know what that term refers to (thought it was a secret known only to the PBS ladies).

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