Customer Reviews

The Snake, The Crocodile, And The Dog

5 star:		(20)
4 star:		(11)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

If ever I needed a strong reminder not to pay attention to professional critics, the review from Kirkus listed here would be it. _The Snake, The Crocodile, and The Dog_ is actually a leaner book than its bulk would indicate, less self-indulgent (and even more fun!) than some of the earlier books (_The Lion in the Valley_ for example).

If you're at all familiar with the Peabody books, you already know the basic set-up: archaeological mystery, mysterious goons, the Emersons in danger, etc. The delivery is what's so delightful this time. Characters from earlier books are involved and/or referred to in several places, keeping the continuity within the series high, and Peabody herself receives some much-needed humbling in multiple places.

And Ramses is as entertaining as ever, even though he's not physically present for the bulk of the novel. But even separated by hundreds and hundreds of miles, Amelia can't escape him! It's as fun and frustrating as ever to hear Amelia criticize and complain about Ramses when, as is evident to everyone, HE IS EXACTLY LIKE HER! There is a telling line late in the book that makes it plain that other characters recognize Ramses' extraordinariness--in a *good* way--even when Amelia won't admit to it.

This is a terribly fun book. I laughed out loud more times reading it than with any other in the series, possibly than with any other book I've ever read. Buy it, read it, and you should love it!

In this installment of the Amelia Peabody mysteries, we begin with the Emersons settling into comfortable married life with their young son "Ramses" and their newest charge, Nefret. It is time for the winter's archaeological season, and Amelia is determined to leave the children at home with their Aunt Evelyn and Uncle Walter and rekindle some of their earlier marital excitement in the hot sands of Egypt. All it takes is their first night at Shepheard's (their habitual Cairo hotel), the reappearance of old friends and enemies, and a freak accident to do just that!

While this is not the best book in the series, it is certainly full of the humor, romance, astonishing British sense of superiority, and archaeological suspense that are the hallmarks of the series. I personally think that Ramses is such a hoot that he is one of the best characters in the books, so his being left at home was a slight detriment in my opinion. However, I am sure that the next book in the series will see Ramses and Nefret back in action again!

The most romantic and edge-of-the-seat book of the series, with a doozy of a surprise ending. For fullest appreciation, introduce yourself to the characters by reading prior books. "Snake" will then be all the sweeter and funnier and more poignant and suspenseful for it. This is a book for Amelia Peabody fans to cherish.

I have two things to say about the Amelia Peabody series. The first is, for heaven's sake, that they are down right silly. The second is that I love them.

Walking the line between a murder mystery and a parody of a bodice-ripper, there are times I find myself laughing out loud. Peabody's somewhat prim description of uproarious events along with her own deluded self-image (outmatched by Emerson's view of himself as a quiet and reasonable person) makes for great fun.

Even more fun for me is the casual but fairly accurate account of Egyptology of the day - along with many sly references to Flinders Petrie which would escape the casual reader with no background knowledge of the man and his work.

Great literature? Oh, probably not. But will I look forward to and rush out to by the next installment? Youbetcha

If any other author had tried to handle this story, it would have fallen flat. Convenient cases of amnesia are so unbelievable. But Ms. Peters takes this in her stride, and still goes ahead and writes a good adventure story. It is probably because of the strength of her characters that she can carry this off. As unbelievable as the whole amnesia thing was, I found that I couldn't put the book down once I began. I enjoyed it all, and not the least of which were Amelia and Emerson's son Ramses letters from home. These were hilarious, and I couldn't get enough of them. Ms. Peters has written a story that actually surprised me by the ending. It's a whole lot of fun, and now, I can't wait until the next one. These books are really addictive.

This is a thoroughly enjoyable Amelia Peabody--the first one I simply could not put down until I finished. I found Ramses's letters utterly hilarious. ("I have three pounds 11 shillings.") At first I thought Amelia was annoying with her "7-Year Itch" but it was turned round on her in a touching way. There is a great surprise ending (though I was not surprised!). This one is really funny. You won't be disappointed!

I've read all of E. Peters' books in this series and this is one of the best, if not THE best. Those of you who love Peabody and Emerson and the love they share will truly appreciate this book. Long live true love!

Elizabeth peters is an amazing writer I have loved all of her Amelia Peabody mysteries. I look forward to more. This is for sure the best book in the entire series. The great "re-love" story and the surprising ending is fantastic. I would sugest that you read the other books in her series. So as to get the full effect of this book. I would encurage everyone who is into Egypt and Mysteries to read this series. sincerely, a very devoted reader

Elizabeth Peters has written another adorable little mystery in her Amelia Peabody series. The no nonsense, take charge, verrry British Amelia is spending another season in Egypt with her hunky, brilliant husband Radcliffe Emerson. And, the good news is that Ramses, her genius ten-year-old son is staying in England with his newly adopted sister at his Aunt and Uncle's castle. Ramses is a continuous source of exasperation to his mother who has little patience with her precocious son; subsequently she is thrilled to have her husband, Emerson all to herself. Even after eleven years of marriage, Amelia will melt while just looking at her husband's dimpled chin.

It is a good thing that 'Peabody' is so in love with Emerson because in this book, he is a lout! He acts like a spoiled, petulant child with no thought of anyone but himself. I really didn't like him at all. I am amazed at the devotion to Emerson from his wife and his devoted workers because he certainly doesn't deserve it. Of course, as usual for this series there is a lot of action that includes a kidnapping, amnesia, and impersonations.

I missed the romance between the main characters and I also missed Ramses. The best parts of the book were his letters to his mama and papa.
Although I loved reading this book (as I have this entire series), I really liked the first six books a tad better. Here's hoping #8-18 will be fabulous.

The Snake, the Crocodile and the Dog is a little different from the preceding books. Still, I enjoyed it at least as much. If you prefer Emerson and Amelia to Ramses, you'll rejoice at this book, where he provides some comic relief without hogging the story. In this one, you get to know Amelia a lot better. Since it's set in Amarna, not Luxor, it helps if you've read the first one because there's a lot of allusions.

In addition, it had a great climax and a magnificent ending. I really enjoyed this one - it might be one of my favorites.