As a fan of historical mysteries, I was looking forward to starting this popular series. I was deeply disappointed. First of all, the character of Amelia Peabody is not appealing, and through her the author reveals that she has only a very superficial understanding of Victorian values and thinking. (Although if you don't mind an author sticking a character with modern sensibilities in period dress, maybe this is for you.) Furthermore, the mystery was simply not that interesting. I found myself reading only to finish the book, for I had little interest in finding out who committed the murders. The success of this series and the acclaim the author has received truly baffle me.

The first book in the series seemed to be more of an introduction to the characters ~~ this book is more meatier and fun. This one has another mystery for Amelia to solve. This time, she and Emerson, her husband, traveled back to Egypt at the request of an old friend, Lady Baskerville. Her husband was found dead at a tomb of an old Pharaoh ~~ yet to be identified. Then his assistant was missing. The attacks keep coming and even the natives refused to work for her since they believed that the Tomb was cursed.

Once they arrived, Emerson and Amelia were busy fending off the attacks as well as solving the mystery of the tomb and the identity of the murderer. It's a faster-paced novel than her first one ~~ and more characters were introduced. Peters keep you guessing on who the identity of the murderer is till the end of the book.

This is another fun novel ~~ I highly recommend this one to anyone who loves to read mysteries. It's pure clean fun and speculation. It's also a perfect series to read over the summer as well (or anytime!).

4-28-05

Elizabethan Peters continues her Amelia Peabody series in The Curse of the Pharaohs. The book is fun to read. It is perhaps not the best-written of the bunch, but it is the most traditional mystery novel.

Archaeologists Amelia Peabody and her former competitor Emerson are now happily wed although pining for a return to Egypt to continue with their career after several years in the English countryside raising their son Ramses and being bored. Their chance comes when another archaeologist, Lord Baskerville, dies while excavating an Egyptian tomb that is rumored to be both untouched by grave robbers and cursed. Lord Baskerville's will provides that, in the event of his death, the tomb excavation must continue. The widow Lady Baskerville asks Emerson to lead the excavation. Peabody and Emerson jump at the chance.

Emerson is only interested in excavating the tomb, but Peabody wants both to learn the secrets of the tomb and the secrets of Lord Baskerville's death, since she believes he was murdered.

The book focuses on Peabody's investigation, the numerous attempts on Emerson's life that may or may not be related to the curse, and the wild eccentricities of all the people interested in the excavation. The actual excavation of the tomb takes a definite backseat to these other issues.

The murder mystery is definitely enough to provide for a good plot and enjoyable reading. Peters keeps everyone under suspicion. The mystery revealing is very enjoyable. I recommend this book.

What a good beginning for Emerson & Peabody's son Rames - I can't wait to see how he progresses as the series continues.

This was a really good story. The characters were all well written and the story kept you until the end, which what of course is a big surprise ending.