The Snake, the Crocodile, and the Dog

September 28, 1992
Indomitable Amelia Peabody is nearly undone in the latest romantic thriller to feature this strong-minded Victorian archeologist and her husband, Radcliffe Emerson. Leaving in England their precocious son Ramses and Nefret, an orphan girl whom they rescued from an ancient Sudanese city in The Last Camel Died at Noon , Amelia and Emerson return to Egypt. Assorted kidnapping attempts, including one from Shepheard's hotel, suggest that someone, probably their archenemy (known as the Master Criminal), seeks to uncover the location of Nefret's lost city of gold. Amelia courageously rescues Emerson after he is abducted, only to find he has lost his memory, even of his love for her. In the company of wealthy American archeologist Cyrus Vandergelt, they proceed to a dig to search for Nefertiti's tomb, where Amelia tries to awaken Emerson's memory while hoping to disprove an ancient superstition that threatens death by snake, crocodile and dog. Amelia, beset by doubt but undaunted, is in top form as Peters supplies a surprise ending to cap her surefire entertainment. 50,000 first printing; author tour.

January 31, 1994
Peters's romantic thriller, in which the indomitable Victorian archeologist Amelia Peabody searches for Nefertiti's tomb, offers surefire entertainment.

July 1, 1992
Each addition to the deservedly popular Amelia Peabody series displays new facets of Peters's rich talent and whets the appetite for more. This archaeological season, Amelia and husband Emerson leave unruly son Ramses in England with beautiful ward Nefret ( The Last Camel Died at Noon, Warner, 1991). Amelia anticipates time alone with Emerson, but the Master Criminal devises otherwise: In his quest for directions to the fabulous Lost Oasis, he attempts abduction, subterfuge, and espionage. High adventure, narrated in Amelia's witty, inimitably resplendent style. Peabody fans will rejoice. Previewed in Prepub Alert, LJ 6/1/92; for an interview with Elizabeth Peters, see "The Three Faces of Mertz/Peters/Michaels," p. 128.--Ed.

Copyright 1992 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

February 1, 1993
YA- -Although this seventh in the series picks up where The Last Camel Died at Noon (Warner, 1991) ends, it stands delightfully on its own. Amelia's self-assuredness, her devotion to her husband, and her honesty with her readers match well her inventive embrace of adventure. Danger, although constantly present, is balanced with intrigue, confidences, romance, and intellectual exercise as readers gallop headlong into the mysteries surrounding a venture on the Nile. Teens will enjoy fine writing, learn some Egyptian history and meet an indomitable heroine, all between these covers.- Barbara Hawkins, Oakton High School, Fairfax, VA

August 1, 1992
Who but archaeologist/sleuth Amelia Peabody Emerson would judge it "much more sensible to be an optimist instead of a pessimist, for if one is doomed to disappointment, why experience it in advance?" Who but her husband, the so-called Father of Curses, would roar, "You damned-fool woman! What the devil possessed you to do such an idiotic thing?" and then kiss her ("He had NEVER kissed me like that before!")? While Amelia and spouse are up the Nile again, son Ramses is home in England; his letters keep Mama (and the reader) up on his valiant efforts to protect Nefret--the lovely orphan the Emersons rescued from a lost civilization in "The Last Camel Died at Noon." But Amelia's romantic dreams of a blissfully childless expedition fade in the company of old friends and in the face of ambush, abduction, amnesia, and imposture. In "Last Camel," dedicated to H. Rider Haggard, exotic melodrama held center stage. In this seventh series entry (the title refers to an Egyptian fairy tale Amelia is translating), mystery outshines melodrama, and few readers will solve all the puzzles before the final chapter. Peters (aka Barbara Michaels, aka Barbara Mertz) must have enjoyed writing this novel as much as loyal readers will relish following its twists and turns. ((Reviewed Aug. 1992))(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 1992, American Library Association.)