Reviews

Curse of the Pharaohs by Elizabeth Peters

laurenjodi's review against another edition

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4.0

The Curse of the Pharaohs
4 Stars

Amelia and Emerson return to Egypt at the behest of Lady Baskerville to continue the work of her late husband, Sir Henry, who died under suspicious circumstances. As Emerson revels in the archeology of the site, Amelia becomes immersed in investigating Sir Henry’s death as she is convinced he was murdered.

This is a such an entertaining series. Amelia and Emerson are now a married couple, but their hilarious bickering is ever present and little Ramses, whose shenanigans prove without a doubt who his parents are, only adds to the fun.

The mystery isn’t exactly riveting, but the plethora of suspects and motives makes following the clues and trying to figure it out all the more engaging. It is a sign of Peters’ excellent plotting skills that she managed to keep me guessing right up until the end and even though my suspicions were ultimately proven correct, it was never 100% sure.

Susan O'Malley's narration is enjoyable, although her Texan and Irish accents could do with some work. Looking forward to continuing with Amelia and Emerson’s excursions to Egypt in the next installment.

msdeecm's review against another edition

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adventurous funny mysterious slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? N/A
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

saharafrost's review against another edition

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adventurous funny lighthearted mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.25

cathydavies's review against another edition

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3.0

I think three in a row was enough for now. Perhaps I should limit Amelia Peabody's presence in my life to once a month.

But great advantages, just a bit too much after a while.

jckrbbt's review against another edition

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medium-paced

4.0

bargainsleuth's review against another edition

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5.0

For this and other book reviews, visit www.bargain-sleuth.com

I adore Amelia Peabody and her husband Radcliffe Emerson. There’s a lot of humor and exaggeration in their characters that makes them so lovable. My husband occasionally exclaims, “Good gad, Peabody,” because he’s heard me listen to this series so many times over the past 25 years.

It’s been four years since the happenings of Crocodile on the Sandbank (Amelia Peabody #1), and Amelia and Emerson have had a son, whom they legally named Junior but soon gained the nickname of Ramses, after the great Pharaoh. He’s a precocious little bugger, too smart for his own good, and a little terror. Amelia has a certain fondness for him, but she’s not naturally a nurturer, so she’s a rather distant mother. Emerson, however, is unconventionally for the times, a doting father who enjoys teaching the boy about Egyptology. The couple has not been back to Egypt since Ramses was born, but a situation arises where they feel they can leave him with Emerson’s brother Walter and wife Evelyn, who have several children by this time.

Lord Baskerville has died, and murder is suspected, so naturally Amelia wants to investigate. Emerson on one hand, chastises her for thinking herself a detective, yet gladly joins in as they gather clues and suspects. The mystery is secondary to the characterizations of the main players. We meet Cyrus Vandergelt for the first time, a wealthy American who quickly becomes friends with the Emersons as they try to figure out the solution to the mystery.

I highly recommend listening to the audiobook versions of the Amelia Peabody mysteries narrated by Barbara Rosenblat. She has such a feel for the characters and makes each voice unique.

charlibirb's review against another edition

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3.0

Fun book. Super cute. I'll probably stop here, as it's a bit dated, but it's really sweet.

coops456's review against another edition

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3.0

Starts slower than the first book; Peabody and Emerson are stuck in England in dull domestic bliss, with their offspring Rameses terrorising the nursery. Thankfully an unexplained death leads to an offer they can't refuse and it's back to Egypt, as they excavate a newly discovered tomb and wrestle against ancient superstitions and murderously modern motives.

I'm enjoying the characters and will continue with the series.

gooberdawn's review against another edition

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5.0

The characters in Elizabeth Peters books are just wonderful. Each character has a tenacious and colorful personality which adds true vigor & vitality to each & every story by this author. LOVE THEM. If you like Indiana Jones, you will LOVE these books.

hoosgracie's review against another edition

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4.0

Now married, Amelia and Emmerson live in England with their son Ramses, and are frankly quite bored. After the death of Lord Baskerville in Egypt, Lady Baskerville approaches Emmerson to take over the dig. They of course jump at the chance. This propels them into Luxor and mystery. Thoroughly enjoyable. Peters is excellent at describing Victorian-era Egypt and her characters are very well developed.