The Mummy Case (Amelia Peabody Book Three ) by Elizabeth Peters

 

Publication Date: 1985

Length: 313 pages

My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆

This is the third installment in a very entertaining series. I'd also say informative because I have learned a lot about pyramids and archaeology from these books! The author held a Ph.D. in Egyptology so even though these books are fiction and meant for fun, she really knows her stuff and it shines through as authentic. The main characters, Amelia Peabody and her husband Emerson Radcliffe, as well as their precocious tyke Ramses are witty and sarcastic and all the things I love about good historical fiction heroes and heroines. 

When this story begins, Amelia and Emerson are in England, trying to adjust to domestic life. They dream of working in Egypt again and Emerson longs to go to a place called Dahshoor for their next adventure. When another archaeologist is given the permission to excavate the site they are disheartened and even more so when the only place they are able to go is Mazghunah, not their first choice as there is nothing interesting or romantic there. It is in a desolate part of the pyramids and embarrassing for Emerson, who feels it is far beneath his standing to take it on in a meaningful way. With no other choice available they decide to make the effort anyway, and end up bringing son Ramses along with a grateful, yet naive minded servant, John.

Things appear to be mundane and uneventful until a local man is found hanging in his antiquities shop, and the case is presented as an unfortunate case of suicide. As Amelia and Emerson do some investigating they are convinced it is something more sinister.

Meanwhile, two religious groups appear to be clashing, the local Coptic Egyptian Christians and another band of American missionaries. Each is determined to stake out their claim to the lost souls of the area and neither is very understanding of the other groups' ways. Amelia and Emerson, being of no particular religious persuasion, do not care to be involved but things seem to move in such a way that they are slowly pulled into the animosity and are forced to conclude that there are things going on under the surface that may be connected to other, darker happenings. 

Ramses becomes attached to his own dig site run by none other than Emerson's nemesis (who he sees as the thief of the place that should rightfully have been his) one Jacques de Morgan, an actual historical figure that Peters inserted into her fictional story. He is arrogant, yet knowledgeable and although Ramses is allowed to tag along on some adventures, it is clear that his father is not thrilled. Things come to a climax as the Radcliffes start to seem to be targeted by a thief who breaks into their residence and as they feel more threatened they realize all the clues between the death of the shop owner, the religious sects, and a fire all are related in some way. For their safety and well being they have to figure out how. 

I always enjoy the author's use of unique vocabulary, setting, and history. She does a great job of weaving humor into the story, often at Emerson's expense, as Amelia loves to challenge him and assert her womanly independence whenever possible. They have a clearly defined romantic attachment underneath their sparring that shines through and although Amelia does not appear to love all things motherhood, she tempers what is Emerson's sometimes overly sentimental feelings toward Ramses and his antics. 

The mystery part of the story was a bit confusing and felt disjointed. I didn't think the plot was very strong and was kind of pieced together without a real plan. This is because I kept waiting for it all to come together at the end and honestly, I didn't find the resolution very believable. It didn't matter though because I still enjoyed the other things. Normally with a cozy mystery you'd want the mystery part to be stronger but if the characters are drawn well and are interesting enough, they can carry a mediocre story line. I'd still recommend not skipping this one if you are reading the books in order. And I give a lot of grace in series books....it's hard to make every one of them stand out.

My only other problems with it were that yes, Ramses could get a bit annoying with his overly, unlikely genius vocabulary and as in book two, I didn't relate to Amelia's lack of motherly affection. But probably the biggest annoyance for me is that the author seems to have a subtle, yet marked disdain for Christians and their beliefs. Being one myself it can get old when she makes a habit of repeatedly letting us know through her protagonist just how ridiculous she finds us. But again, it is not strong enough to make me shun the books....just a bit disheartening and personal. One has to weigh the pros and cons of any book and this is an area for me to consider. 

I will definitely continue with book four at some point. This series is unique and historically accurate enough that I want to know what happens next. 

The Curse of the Pharaohs (Amelia Peabody Book Two) by Elizabeth Peters

Publication Date: January 1, 1981

Length:  357 pages

My Rating:  ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆

This is the second book in this series and since I almost always go in order when reading series books, my second one to read by this author. I enjoyed book one, Crocodile On the Sandbank, enormously and was really looking forward to seeing what was happening with these characters. Peters really got my attention with her unique style of dialogue and the humorous inner monologue of Amelia. It reminds me of the old movies of the 1940's and 50's. The setting is also a big draw in that there aren't a lot of mysteries that take place in Egypt except for a few Agatha Christie stories. 

SUMMARY

Our story begins in England where Amelia and her husband Radcliffe Emerson are attempting a normal, quiet life with their young son Ramses. It is clear both feel stifled by domestic life and the social niceties that go along with 19th century upper crust society. Amelia especially is frustrated at home as wife and mother, yearning to return to Egypt and their archaeological adventures from where they first met. Emerson is a professor now but would rather be digging out tombs and roughing it in the desert. When one Lady Baskerville arrives asking for help with her late husband's latest Egyptian dig, both are excited to oblige her. Thinking the man's death was a natural one, neither Amelia nor Emerson are concerned about any danger, and deciding to leave Ramses with his Uncle Walter and Aunt Evelyn, they journey to the middle east to take over the project. Upon arriving they are introduced to the crew already employed on the site and as they begin work, start to believe that Lord Baskerville's death was in fact caused by something sinister. Overjoyed to be back in a location and atmosphere they are comfortable and enthusiastic about, neither Amelia nor Radcliffe want to get involved with the details of what could be murder but nevertheless soon find themselves targeted personally and have no choice but to begin investigating. While simultaneously continuing with the project, they both start to become suspicious of the different people involved with the dig itself. A mysterious figure in white running around terrifying the workers, more strange deaths, and mayhem continue as the couple work to unravel the who and the why behind it all.

WHAT I LIKED

As in the first book, this one started off with the witty, funny interaction between Amelia and Radcliffe but since they are now married and parents, it included their feelings about their son Ramses, which made it even more endearing. Amelia is constantly keeping up a running conversation in her head that the reader is privy to, concerning her feelings about things and it is amusing to see that she is not especially maternal while Radcliffe is giddy over his son. Although I don't share her disdain for motherhood and domestic life, I did sympathize with the frustrations of being a stay at home mother, as I have been one, and for someone as brilliant as Amelia it must be incredibly trying. Ramses is also an unusually bright and unique child that keeps them on their toes.  

When they arrive in Egypt and the mystery really gets going we are introduced to a lot of new characters but each have a distinct personality I found interesting. The author does a good job of giving each a solid back story that keeps you guessing as to the identity of the murderer because all of them have some motive. This book was a bit Agatha Christie like in that way as I found myself having to keep track of the clues and the way Peters was always inserting some new tidbit to throw your predictions off track. The setting is always a draw for me and she does another fabulous job of describing Egypt, the people and culture, and teaching a few layman's facts about archaeology. I did not guess the ending so that is always a plus for me and even the characters I thought would be killed off or have a love story between them were a surprise. The feelings between Amelia and Radcliffe really shine in private even if they publicly argue and bicker and it is clear they are devoted to one another.

WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE

I was a little disappointed that the previous characters Walter and Evelyn were not included much in the story. I really liked them and as Radcliffe's brother and sister in law as well as good friends of Amelia's I had hoped the four of them would be a team again. Sometimes I found Amelia's sarcasm a little off putting and I think she is a bit hard on her husband who clearly matches her in wit and mental strength but she is also a woman living in a time when most men would not typically entertain a lady's opinion about much outside of society and home life. She has to maintain a tough exterior in order to be heard and seen.  The introduction of Ramses in the beginning and how quickly he is left in England and forgotten bothered me a bit because I just don't relate. My personal feelings toward Amelia were annoyance at how unconcerned she seemed to be at leaving her child so suddenly.  Overall the story was good, the suspense was there but I confess I gave it four stars because it just wasn't as good as the first book. I felt it took a bit too long to get moving and sometimes tended to go in circles. But the ending was satisfying so it was okay in the end.

RECOMMEND OR NOT? Yes it is a well written, well researched, entertaining mystery with an exotic setting. This is a series I plan to continue. 

 

Crocodile On the Sandbank by Elizabeth Peters (Amelia Peabody Book One)

 

Publication Date: 1975

Pages: 352

I've been on a huge mystery kick lately. Especially cozy, historical mysteries. This book is number one on my list for summer mystery reading fun! It is strange that it sat in my Kindle to read list forever. I don't know why but I'd look at the cover and just think "yawn, not yet". Now that I finally gave in and read it I am kicking myself for wasting time. This is going to be an entertaining series. The sad part is that Elizabeth Peters (real name Barbara Mertz) passed away in 2013 and will not be writing more books. When I read up on her life after finishing the book I was absolutely fascinated. She earned a Ph.D. in Egyptology (didn't even realize that was a thing) in 1952 when most women normally wouldn't even dream of going to college for four years let alone the time it would take to earn a doctorate. She said later that writing gave her a way to earn money and be a stay at home mother. I could go on but this is a book review so I will get to it!

The story begins with our heroine, Amelia Peabody explaining how she came to know her friend, Evelyn Barton-Forbes and rescued her from the streets of Rome, Italy. Amelia is independent and wealthy, thanks to her inheritance, and Evelyn quickly is enlisted as her lady's companion to accompany her on a trip down the Nile, courtesy of Amelia, all expenses paid. I want a friend like that! Before they leave, Evelyn reveals that she has been disgraced by a scoundrel of a man and this being 1884 she is in despair that she will ever marry again or be fit for anyone else. Amelia, who is too independent minded to care about a husband, reassures her that she does not think less of her and encourages her to forget her troubles and enjoy life. Before the women can depart on their journey they meet the Emerson brothers, Walter and Radcliffe, who are embarking on an archaeological dig down the Nile. The encounter is an indication of the relationships to come between the four with Walter and Evelyn infatuated with one another and Emerson and Amelia completely exasperated with each other. 

As the ladies make their way through Egypt and down the Nile they begin to encounter strange happenings. They seem to be the victims of bad luck and eventually downright frightening events when a mummy appears to be stalking the Emerson brothers dig and Evelyn is almost kidnapped. Due to a turn of  events, the ladies stay with the Emersons on their excavation site and continue to try to solve the mystery of why it is being haunted by the mummy. If you are already rolling your eyes and asking "why would anyone think this is plausible or readable" you have to trust me when I say I understand and I thought the same thing at first. I mean, mummies?? But stick with me.

For one thing, Amelia's character and inner dialogue are both witty and hilarious. Her banter with Emerson is like watching an old movie from the 40's with Hepburn and Tracy. Some of the quips between the two are very subtle. Peters really leaves it to the reader to catch. This makes the humor authentic and enjoyable. So many authors today add way too much explanation which leaves me feeling like I am being lectured instead of entertained. 

I've seen other reviews of these books that compare Peabody's character to a female Indiana Jones. I disagree. One of the things that is so great about the book is that it feels like 1884. Amelia understands her place in society. She is brave and educated and independent, yes, but she also occasionally admits to being vulnerable and needing help. I didn't feel like I was reading about a modern, female version of a male character but rather a female version of a 19th Century single woman with the desire to explore and investigate. 

Another bonus in this book are the descriptions of the Nile, the Pyramids, and the history of the area. Peters does a superb job of transporting the reader to the time and place and her knowledge of the period and its people really shines. Several reviews have said the book comes across as racist and paints the indigenous Egyptians in a bad light. I think if you are looking at it through a modern lens you will see it this way. But I see a story that is realistic for the time and place and also I remember that it was written in 1975 by a woman born in the 1920's. You just have to get past the urge to judge every book by present day standards or you will miss out on a lot of great literature. Most of Amelia's thoughts are likely how someone of her time would have believed. It doesn't take away from the clever writing and engaging story. She accepts and gives credit to the locals who are loyal and hard working and reserves scorn for the ones who deserve it. 

The ending is honestly not a huge surprise and I didn't think the mystery part of the story was even the most important. She adds enough twists to make it worth your while and keep you guessing but the real meat of the book is in the setting and character development. The deranged mummy is just an extra bonus. 

I am going to read a few other books before I read book two in the series. I want to always try new stories before I go and devote all my time to an entire series. But it is difficult to write this review and not want to start the next story. I am anxious to pick up where I left off and see what Amelia is up to.