becksus's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
Once again an exciting and funny experience! Bless Barbara for being the best narrator for these audiobooksÂ
laurenjodi's review against another edition
3.0
The Last Camel Died at Noon
3.5 Stars
In their latest adventure, Amelia, Emerson and their son, Ramses, find themselves abandoned in the Nubian desert after the death by poisoning of their final camel. The reason for their predicament lies in a mysterious letter sent to Viscount Blacktower, ostensibly from his eldest son, who vanished along with his bride in Sudan a decade earlier. While suspicious of the Viscount's request that they find his missing family members, Amelia and Emerson are intrigued by the map accompanying the letter and embark on the quest, where they encounter the solution to an ancient mystery and an enemy bent on greed and revenge.
This installment in the series is structured rather differently as it is divided into two sections. Book 1 focuses on the events in England and Sudan leading up to the Emersons' misadventure in the desert while Book 2 revolves around their rescue and subsequent discovery of a.
Elizabeth Peters's historical research is excellent, and she smoothly incorporates the details of the British conquest, the Mahadist Uprising, and the Kitchener Campaign to recapture lost territory within the flow of the narrative. Moreover, the allusions to the works of H. Rider Haggard add another layer of enjoyment to the story.
The mystery is where the plot fails to resonate. First, the pacing is too slow, and the details are interspersed between other, more compelling elements such as the revelation of thethe conflict between and the Emersons' plans to . Second, it is difficult to care about the lost British heir and his bride as readers are not provided with sufficient details about them to evoke sympathy or empathy. Finally, the explanation at the end feels more like an afterthought rather than a significant part of the story.
The true highlight of the book is, as always, the dynamics between Amelia and Emerson and the humor of Ramses' antics - he is really beginning to grow on me.
On a final note, the audiobooks in the series have two narrators - Susan O'Malley and Barbara Rosenblatt. I have been listening to the O'Mally versions, but sadly this is the last one, as the rest are Rosenblatt versions. While other listeners seem to adore her, I've had problems with her in the past. Hopefully, I will be able to get used to her and continue with the series.
3.5 Stars
In their latest adventure, Amelia, Emerson and their son, Ramses, find themselves abandoned in the Nubian desert after the death by poisoning of their final camel. The reason for their predicament lies in a mysterious letter sent to Viscount Blacktower, ostensibly from his eldest son, who vanished along with his bride in Sudan a decade earlier. While suspicious of the Viscount's request that they find his missing family members, Amelia and Emerson are intrigued by the map accompanying the letter and embark on the quest, where they encounter the solution to an ancient mystery and an enemy bent on greed and revenge.
This installment in the series is structured rather differently as it is divided into two sections. Book 1 focuses on the events in England and Sudan leading up to the Emersons' misadventure in the desert while Book 2 revolves around their rescue and subsequent discovery of a
Spoiler
mythical lost cityElizabeth Peters's historical research is excellent, and she smoothly incorporates the details of the British conquest, the Mahadist Uprising, and the Kitchener Campaign to recapture lost territory within the flow of the narrative. Moreover, the allusions to the works of H. Rider Haggard add another layer of enjoyment to the story.
The mystery is where the plot fails to resonate. First, the pacing is too slow, and the details are interspersed between other, more compelling elements such as the revelation of the
Spoiler
lost city,Spoiler
the two heirsSpoiler
escape with their skins intactThe true highlight of the book is, as always, the dynamics between Amelia and Emerson and the humor of Ramses' antics - he is really beginning to grow on me.
On a final note, the audiobooks in the series have two narrators - Susan O'Malley and Barbara Rosenblatt. I have been listening to the O'Mally versions, but sadly this is the last one, as the rest are Rosenblatt versions. While other listeners seem to adore her, I've had problems with her in the past. Hopefully, I will be able to get used to her and continue with the series.
jazzthecat's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.25
gooberdawn's review against another edition
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.
Also, this is the best book of the series. If you don't read any other - be sure to read this one!
Also, this is the best book of the series. If you don't read any other - be sure to read this one!
trudecal's review against another edition
4.0
Somehow reading the Peabody series I must have missed this one! Loved that it tells the story of how they met and rescued Nefret. Just so fun if you're a fan. :)
jamiezaccaria's review against another edition
3.0
I love tbh is whole series but this may have been my least favorite so far. It's a different style than the first 5, more of a satire of adventure novels. however, any Amelia Peabody is good to me!
turrean's review against another edition
3.0
Another adventure with Peabody and Emerson, told in an amusingly over-the-top imitation of Rider Haggard's style.
matteo_of_eld's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
informative
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
virginiacjacobs's review against another edition
4.0
I think Elizabeth Peters really hit her stride in "The Last Camel Died at Noon." The story was the most engaging in the series so far, Emerson finally became a bit comical, quipping such remarks as, "I seem to have ruined another shirt...not my fault this time, Peabody," and we finally meet a character who keeps Ramses quiet.
One thing I really like about the series is how Peters illustrates Peabody and Emerson's relationship. Peabody states that they are frequently of one mind, but it is illustrated by Emerson saying such things as "Peabody, do you think you could manage..." to which she replies, "Quite," and then, rather than tell us what Emerson is plotting, the book breaks into the action of Emerson and Peabody following through with their plans.
I am actually really excited to read the rest of the series!
One thing I really like about the series is how Peters illustrates Peabody and Emerson's relationship. Peabody states that they are frequently of one mind, but it is illustrated by Emerson saying such things as "Peabody, do you think you could manage..." to which she replies, "Quite," and then, rather than tell us what Emerson is plotting, the book breaks into the action of Emerson and Peabody following through with their plans.
I am actually really excited to read the rest of the series!
reganross's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75