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68 of 73 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Eleanor Lavish goes to Egypt, May 25, 2000
Whenever I read Elizabeth Peter's Amanda Peabody novels, I cannot help thinking of Eleanor Lavish (played by Dame Judi Dench in a Room With A View). Remember Eleanor Lavish during the picture, proclaiming the benefits of Mackintosh Squares? Or her descriptions of Florence to Charlotte Bartlett? If you found Eleanor Lavish entertaining, you will LOVE Amelia Peabody. Armed with a parasol, a first-aid kit, and a formidable confidence in the superiority of the British Empire and its cultural conventions, Amelia Peabody sets out for an adventure in Egypt. On her way, she rescues a fainting Englishwoman, hires a dahabeeyah to take her down the Nile to view archaeological remains, and meets the Emerson brothers. While Walter Emerson falls for our fainting Englishwoman, his older brother Radcliffe Emerson--as curmudgeonly as Amelia--begins to do battle for control of his archaeological site. His rival? Parasol-wielding Amelia Peabody, of course. The plot, as other reviewers suggest, is purely secondary to the characters--especially Amelia. If you want to learn a little about Egypt and in the process solve a completely unsurprising mystery then you can have no better companion than the forthright Amelia Peabody. How many mysteries make you laugh out-loud at the antics of the heroine?
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39 of 40 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Completely fun!, February 5, 2001
I am always wanting new, entertaining books to read. So, when a friend recommended Elizabeth Peters' Amelia Peabody mysteries (starting with "Crocodile on the Sandbank"), I jumped right in. As someone else pointed out, the mystery aspect of Crocodile on the Sandbank is not the strongest part of this novel. (Don't be surprise if you guess the purpose and identity of the stalking mummy well before it is revealed.) In every other way, this book is excellent. The characters, plot and description are delightfully entertaining. Amelia Peabody, a Victorian-era spinster of means, embarks for a tour of Egypt. But first, while in Rome, she encounters Evelyn Barton-Forbes, who has been "ruined" by her former lover. Amelia insists that Evelyn accompany her. Once in Egypt, they meet Radcliffe and Walter Emerson. These four characters are incredible. They have strong personalities without becoming two-dimensional characatures. The way Amelia and Evelyn relate is touching, and the way Amelia and Emerson play off eachother is classic. I don't know much about ancient Egypt, but Elizabeth Peters provides so much fascinating description. She really seems to know what she's talking about. (In fact, she got a Ph.D. in Egyptology.) Crocodile on the Sandbank made me want to know more about Egyptology and archaeology. It certainly made me want to read more of the beautiful descriptions and wonderfully drawn characters.
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31 of 32 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
This is not your typical mystery novel, April 5, 2000
Elizabeth Peters does a wonderful job of showing off her knowledge of ancient Egypt while writing an amusing mystery novel. This book transcends the mystery genre, expanding into romance and historical fiction. As a student interested in ancient Egypt, I found this book merged fact and fiction exquisitely. Peter's descriptions create wonderful images that help transport the reader to Egypt and the world of the pharaohs. The plot is excellent and I found myself reading this book every free moment I had. The story builds and there is never a dull moment. Not only was it full of historical facts, but also mystery and romance. Although the mystery and romance was a bit predictable, it in no way ruined the story. Every moment was full of intrigue and remarkable dialog reminiscent of Jane Austen. The characters are dynamic. Amelia Peabody is a charming heroine, full of energy and snide wit. The villains are charming as well and you will love to hate them. I highly recommend this novel especial for those interested in learning about ancient Egypt. In short, it is an adventurous treat that is fun and exciting. After reading this book you will want to take a trip to Egypt.
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