Crocodile on the Sandbank by Elizabeth Peters

Crocodile on the Sandbank (Amelia Peabody Mystery, #1)

by Elizabeth Peters

Meet Egyptologist Amelia Peabody in the first mystery in the Victorian-era set, New York Times bestselling "sparkling series" (Marilyn Stasio, New York Times Book Review).

"If Indiana Jones were female, a wife, and a mother who lived in Victorian times, he would be Amelia Peabody Emerson."--Publishers Weekly

Amelia Peabody, that indomitable product of the Victorian age, embarks on her debut Egyptian adventure armed with unshakable self-confidence, a journal to record her thoughts, and, of course, a sturdy umbrella. On her way to Cairo, Amelia rescues young Evelyn Barton-Forbes, who has been abandoned by her scoundrel lover. Together the two women sail up the Nile to an archeological site run by the Emerson brothers-the irascible but dashing Radcliffe and the amiable Walter. Soon their little party is increased by one-one mummy that is, and a singularly lively example of the species.

Strange visitations, suspicious accidents, and a botched kidnapping convince Amelia that there is a plot afoot to harm Evelyn. Now Amelia finds herself up against an unknown enemy-and perilous forces that threaten to make her first Egyptian trip also her last . . .

Praise for Elizabeth Peters and Crocodile on the Sandbank
"A writer so popular that the public library has to keep her books under lock and key." -Washington Post Book World

"Grand views of Egyptian antiquities . . . a sparkling series." -Marilyn Stasio, New York Times Book Review

 

Reviewed by nitzan_schwarz on

4 of 5 stars

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This was a pretty fun historical adventure on the backdrop of Eygpt and the pyramids.

It kind of reminded me a little bit of Gail Carriger's [b:Soulless|6381205|Soulless (Parasol Protectorate, #1)|Gail Carriger|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1314020848s/6381205.jpg|6569140] in that we have a serious, smart, no-nonsense spinster who goes against the Victorian traditions and normalities and ends up tangled in a messy adventure. No supernatural elements, though, and I think I like Soulless quite a bit better, as I liked the pace and relationship there more. Also, this makes me want to re-read that lol

What I mean by that is that here everyone fell in love in a week. And, yes, kudos to Peters for managing to make that time seem a LOT longer with everything that has been happening. But still, Evelyn is pretty much in love with Walter from day one, and that's kind of a pet peeve of mine. Also, Emerson's final love confession ruined a lot of it for me. I mean, I ABSOLUTELY loved their "marriage proposals". The banter and their fake "I'm doing this to further my goal" (from both of them) was so On Brand and perfect for this series. So I was bummed that it was followed with an out of character exclamation of love and devotion.

I also figured out the entire plot from a considerably early point. It was still a good one, if a bit convoluted. I'm interested in reading more of these but they are also not high priority.

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 13 July, 2018: Finished reading
  • 13 July, 2018: Reviewed