The Ape Who Guards the Balance

December 1, 1971
In April of this year, Peters, who has been writing mysteries for 30 years, was honored as a Grand Master by the Mystery Writers of America. This captivating novel, her 10th Amelia Peabody tale (following Seeing a Large Cat, 1997), validates her peers' high regard. Prospects for the 1907 excavation season in Egypt seem lackluster for the Emersons, since Professor Emerson, Amelia's beloved husband, can't abide the fools who administrate such activities--and makes no secret of that fact. But the family, including their adult son, Ramses, and his foster siblings, Nefret and David, departs for Egypt nevertheless after incidents in London point to the resurfacing of their old nemesis, known as the Master Criminal. The younger generation buys an ancient papyrus from an antiquities dealer and sets in motion a sinister chain of events. Two horrendous murders draw all of the Emersons further into the fray, and at times it seems as if the Master Criminal and his minions will at last best Amelia. But by drawing on the skills of all, the Emerson contingent once again brings villains to justice. The plot is complicated and involving, but the maturing of Ramses, Nefret and David offers particular pleasure and gives the book depth and poignance. Rich in characterization, incident and humor, this latest adventure of Amelia Peabody is a grand, galloping adventure with a heart as big as the Great Pyramid itself. Author tour.

Egyptologist Amelia Peabody takes on women's rights and women's education in this novel, while crime in Egypt continues. From the first suffragette protest near Berkeley Square to the brothels of Cairo, Rosenblat is superb as Amelia, husband Emerson, and son Ramses, as well as the Egyptians, American tourists, and English nobs. She has particular dash as Nefret this time 'round. The book has a complicated plot involving mysterious murders by mechanical crocodiles, missing treasure, and beautiful, tantilizing women. Relationships within the family are also developed, so it is probably best read in sequence. Ramses takes a major step toward becoming a romantic hero in this story. The kids in this series--Nefret, Ramses, David, and Lia --are definitely growing up. B.H.B. (c) AudioFile 2002, Portland, Maine

March 15, 1999
Amelia Peabody is back in Egypt for another season of excavations with her husband, Emerson, as they compete with other archaeologists for the discovery of ancient treasures. This time the family becomes involved in the illegal trade of antiquities. Son Ramses and wards David and Nefret, who have grown up during the course of the series, are now major players in the drama. They come into possession of a rare papyrus in the unsavory part of Cairo. When the Peabodys and their entourage try to track down the source of this artifact, they encounter danger in the form of their old enemy Sethos. Peters's (Summer of the Dragon, Audio Reviews, LJ 12/98) formula continues to satisfy. An appealing cast of characters is led by a curious and adventurous heroine capable of handling any crisis that appears. The setting among ancient Egyptian ruins is an ever-fascinating one. Barbara Rosenblat's reading is lively, and her characterizations effective. Recommended for Peters fans and for public library collections.--Catherine Swenson, Norwich Univ. Lib., Northfield, VT

Copyright 1999 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.