Customer Reviews

Tomb of the Golden Bird (Amelia Peabody Mysteries)

5 star:		(17)
4 star:		(18)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

The depressing thing about Amelia Peabody, her husband Emerson, and the rest of her archeologist family is that they insist on getting older. One has to give credit to Elizabeth Peters for gradually letting time smooth the harsher lines of her characters. Chaos is always maintained by an influx of fresh youth, but over time even Ramses manages to become less impossible. And now his own children have arrived to keep to take his place. For some time even Emerson has become more socialized, but Tomb of the Golden Bird signals his revival as The Father of Curses.

For those of you who keep track, we have reached the 1922 season for excavation in the Valley of the King's, and a very important find is about to be made. Not by Radcliffe Emerson, unfortunately, but by Howard Carter. Emerson has strong suspicions about the location of Tutankhamon's tomb, but he cannot get permission to dig so he must watch Carter and Carnarvon instead, Because of his frustration he offends Lord Carnarvon and manages to get banned from the site. Infuriating him even more.

Presiding over this disaster is Amelia, as usual. But even this determined woman is confounded when her brother-in-law Sethos - one a tomb thief and not a secret agent - stumbles back into their lives in the middle of a malaria attack. Suddenly the archeological discovery of the century becomes the backdrop for a tense game of spy vs. spy, with no one quite sure exactly who is lying to whom.

And the real story is that of Emerson family themselves. Amelia has come to realize the there are only a few seasons left for excavations in an Egypt which has fallen to increasing political unrest. It is time for Ramses and Nefret to strike out on their own, and Amelia continually reflects on the fact that neither she nor her husband have the strength that they once did. But they remain indomitable, and I dearly hope that there are at least a few more volumes to go in this series. Tomb of the Golden Bird has both action as well as the details of the Emerson's madcap life that continue to make this one of the most entertaining of the 'cozy' genre. In addition, this volume is full of little details and insights into the Tutankhamon excavation and the politics of an emerging Egypt. I'm not sure of the accuracy of either, but they feul the imagination and keep the reader intent on the story.

I'm a fan of the Amelia Peabody series, and have stuck to it through thick and thin, enjoying every single installment, even when the plots sometimes left a little something to be desired and characters that I liked sometimes behaved in a manner that quite tried my patience. Like previous books in the series, this latest Amelia Peabody mystery novel, "The Tomb of the Golden Bird" was a lot of fun to read and a wonderful book to sit down and unwind with. However, honesty also compels me to admit that this wasn't one of the more suspensefully thrilling installments either. Well written and quite humourous in parts, the pacing was, unfortunately, quite uneven, with a rather rushed tying up of loose ends that left me feeling a little disappointed.

Amelia Peabody's eminent Egyptologist husband, Radcliffe Emerson, is in a foul mood: he had hoped that Lord Carnavon and Howard Carter would give up and so relinquish the digging rights to the East Valley to him. But much to his chagrin, Emerson discovers that his interest has spurred the two to have another go at the site instead. Convinced that Carnavon and Carter have finally closed in on the site of the tomb of the little known pharaoh, Tutankhamon, all Emerson and Amelia can do now is watch from the sidelines and wait as Carnavon and Carter begin their dig. Unfortunately, however, events soon conspire to keep the Emersons fully occupied on another level: some rather desperate and disreputable people are looking for a man they are convinced that the Emersons are hiding, Perplexed as to who these people could be on the lookout for and why they would think that the Emersons would hide him, Amelia and her family begin another one of their investigations. And this time the stakes are high indeed, for these are ruthless men who would think nothing of killing in order to get what they want...

Mystery-wise, I'd say that "The Tomb of the Golden Bird" rates about 3 1/2 stars. The plot is not that perplexing and took a long while to gather steam and become compelling (and that ending was just not very satisfying). On the other hand, this was a very well written book, full of warmth, wit and humour. It was nice to read about Amelia and Emerson and their extended families (even if I got a little tired of Elizabeth Peters' continual rhapsodising about the good looks of Emerson, Ramses, Nefret) again. Which makes me wonder about the neat manner in which everything is tied up at the end of the book -- what does this mean for the series? Also nicely done was how Elizabeth Peters incorporated the historical (the Carnovon-Carter discovery of Tutankhamon's tomb) and political happenings (the Egyptian nationalists fight for autonomy) of 1922 into her novel, using them a backdrop for the trouble the Emersons suddenly find themselves in. Ms Peters' attention to fine detail is flawless as is her skill in vividly bringing scenes and landscapes to life. So that even though this was not all that suspenseful, it was, nevertheless, a very engrossing and enjoyable 4 star read.

It's 1922. World War I is over and archeology season in Egypt is in full force and Howard Carter decides to have one more go at finding a major tomb--possibly because Emerson pushed too hard for him to abandon and leave the franchise for Emerson to explore. What he discovers is one of the great finds of all time--Tutankhamon's tomb. Although Tutankhamon's tomb had been robbed, the thieves were far less successful than with other tombs, leaving countless treasures behind. Unfortunately, modern tomb raiders were unlikely to be as limited and when Emerson and Amelia Peabody catch Carter robbing his own dig, they are quickly declared unwelcome, having to watch from a distance as one of the great archeological discoveries is gradually uncovered.

Although World War I is over, the middle east remains in turmoil. Super-spy Sethos has come across a code that may point at some conspiracy that crosses from Iraq and Arabia to Egypt. A series of low-level threats keeps Amelia and her family on the edge. Meanwhile, Amelia's continual match-making seems finally to be frustrated. Sethos (Amelia's brother-in-law) can't seem to regain his wife's trust and Bertie remains besotted by the beautiful Jumana, but Jumana seems to have time for every man but him.

Author Elizabeth Peters continues her Amelia Peabody saga into a world disturbingly similar to our own, with imperialistic interests both battling and co-opting local nationalists. The discovery of the Tutankhamon tomb takes second place to the activities of the Emerson/Peabody family, as growing grand-children add both complexities and delights to both Emerson and Amelia. Fortunately, both are healthy enough to continue to enjoy their own company as well as that of their extended family.

TOMB OF THE GOLDEN BIRD lacks the sense of danger and adventure that fills the best of the Amelia Peabody stories. Although she remains active, Amelia is growing older and, perhaps, slowing down. Sethos, too, has gone from a figure of danger and mystery to a man suffering from malaria and love. Still, BIRD has plenty of moments of fun and portrays a fascinating time in history--both for its archeological importance and because of the upheaval in the middle east--an upheaval kicked off by the defeat of the Ottoman Empire in World War I that continues to this day.

Fans of the series will definitely welcome this addition to the Amelia Peabody story.

Let me first say that I agree with all of the other reviewers on this book, that the mystery elements are decidedly weak. That being said, this book is a fitting end to the saga of the extended Emerson family, if, indeed, it is to be the last one in the series.

Yes, it is definitely a gathering of friends and family, and yes, several loose ends from previous books in the series have been nicely wrapped up. But beyond that, Tomb of the Golden Bird is a realistic continuation of the lives of this amazing family. The characters have grown, they've learned, yet they remain a close-knit, loving family. The familial details serve as a fitting focal point to the story, not a distraction-- if anything, in this book, the mystery elements were almost a distraction from the family drama.

Elizabeth Peters finally tackles the discovery and excavation of the tomb of King Tut, and she inserts the Emerson family into the excitement with great realism. Family patriarch, Radcliffe Emerson, by virtue of one of his characteristic outbursts, manages to get himself, his family and friends banned from participating in the excavation of the tomb. Despite this, we still manage to get plenty of details about the excavation as Peters manages to find credible ways to insert the Emersons into the excavation without harm to historical veracity.

While I agree with the other reviewers that this book is not as strong as some of the others in the series, I am still giving it 5 stars, because Peters has maintained a consistency of quality throughout the series, and has also succeeded from keeping the familial and personal elements from becoming annoying intrusions-- unlike other writers such as Patricia Cornwell.

With this book, Peters faces the problem that has long troubled writers-- how do you have your beloved characters age gracefully and how do you allow for the fact that when you write a series set in the past, you have to include the historical elements that occur with the passage of time, no matter how inconvenient they may be? Peters tackles these things head on-- rather than pretending that the Emersons were the excavators of Tut's tomb, she finds a plausible reason to leave them on the outskirts. Rather than pretending that the political turmoil in Egypt did not happen, she involves her characters in the issue of nationalism and rebellion against British colonialism.

I hate to think that this is the last Amelia Peabody book, because I have loved each and every one of them. But if, indeed, it is, Peters has written a fitting ending to the series. Amelia Peabody forever!

This is the last of Elizabeth Peter's series about dauntless Victorian/Edwardian/World War I Egyptologist/detective Amelia Peabody. According to reports she planned to end the series with the Peabody/Emerson clan getting involved in Howard Carter's 1922 discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb, and this is it.

This is not the strongest book in the series, for a number of reasons, Over the years since the series started with "Crocodile on the Sandbank" in 1975, Peters has added greatly to her cast of characters. Besides the original four of Amelia, her husband Emerson, his brother Walter, and Walter's wife Evelyn, there have been the Emersons' son Ramses, their ward and daughter-in-law Nefret, the Emerson brothers' half brother Sethos, their reis Abdullah, his grandson David and son Selim, the Emersons' niece Sennia, their American friend Cyrus Vandergelt (a gentle Theodore Davis), his wife Katherine and her son Bertie, and a whole host of English servants, Egyptian crew, Egyptolgists, etc etc.

In this book much of the time is spent just managing this unwieldy crowd.

Then there's the whole Tutankhamun discovery, which turns out to be due more to the Emersons than to Howard Carter, or at least that is what Amelia Peabody would have us believe. There is very little of the usual Peabody criminal intrigue. Instead we view the discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb from the Peabody perspective, which is delightful.

It's sad to see the series end, but after all, Elizabeth Peters has given us 18 books since 1975, and back in 1964, under her real name of Barbara Mertz back she wrote a wonderful introduction to ancient Egypt called "Temples, Tombs and Hieroglyphs; the Story of Egyptology" (recently reissued in a second edition). She has been giving us pleasure in her many books for some time, and we will miss her.

I have loved this series since being introduced to it with the publishing of 'The Last Camel Died at Noon'. 'Tomb of the Golden Bird', the most recent entry in the series is an example of both the very best of Elizabeth Peters and the almost inevitable drought that can overtake a writer when there are 18 books in a series.

The Emersons are in Egypt early for the 1922/1923 season. Emerson hopes to finally get the concession for the Valley of the Kings but has managed to tip has hand, again, and is relegated to re-excavations. But the season is no ordinary one, as Howard Carter begins work in the Valley and quickly discovers steps leading to a previously unknown but suspected (by Emerson) tomb. Due to Emerson's unfortunate temper, Lord Carnarvon bans the entire family from taking part in the opening of the tomb. Peabody never takes no for an answer and contrives to keep abreast of the situation at the tomb of Tutanhkamun, much to Emerson's irritation and secret relief.

And, it would not be a proper season for the Emersons if there wasn't a body. The mysterious death of an old beggar coincides with the arrival of a wayward family member, putting the Emersons in danger from forces they may find it difficult to deal with.

Ms. Peters is at the very height of her powers when she takes on the opening of the tomb of Tutanhkamun, deftly integrating her characters into the activities surrounding the events of 1922/1923. It is seamless, sly and provides amusing insights into the real people involved. I was particularly thrilled with the description of a night time visit. The breathless, awed quality of the writing perfectly matched my sense of what that visit might have felt like. I am also touched by the little things Ms. Peters does to indicate the how the old the older characters are getting. For example, no more do they hike over the hills into the Valley of the Kings but ride horses and donkeys to the Valley, each day. A lovely, subtle nod to the passage of time.

The mystery was, unfortunately, not quite as subtle or engaging. After 18 books it is hard to find something fresh in which to involve the Emersons. With the events at the end of the story it is my hope that the books will refocus on Ramses and Nefret, the next generation of adventurous Emersons. The time period is rich with plot possibilities, certainly, and both Ramses and Nefret are far from shrinking violets when it comes to dealing with difficulty and danger. Or, perhaps, the purported connection between the Emersons and Vicky Bliss (mentioned in passing on the author's website) might be explored in more detail.

I do have to say there was one thing that irked me somewhat. Nefret, once a character of incredible bravery, independence and daring (although I wanted to shake her at times for her stubborness), was relegated to the backseat and left agreeing with Peabody or playing the role of 'flirt' to get something the family wanted. There is some reason, granted, but this has been an issue for the last few books. I'd like to see her come back into her own going forward. Nefret's clinic in Cairo could be the source of some ripping good mysteries for both she and Ramses.

Overall an enjoyable read. Ms. Peters has yet to write a Peabody mystery that provides no satisfaction. Either the characterization is lovely, growing and changing with time, or the mystery is rampageously engaging or the interactions of the characters makes you sit on the edge of your seat, or all three combine in a breathtakingly good time. Unlike some writers that experience 'series creep' Ms. Peters can be counted on to engage her readers with each story she rights.

Amelia Peabody fans have been well-spoiled over the past few years with new updates on the Emerson Family adventures in Egypt. This year being no exception, Elizabeth Peters now offers us "Tomb of the Golden Bird" which revolves around none other than the discovery in 1922 of Tutankhamen's (King Tut's) tomb in the Valley of the Kings.
As familiars already know, Amelia and her husband Radcliffe Emerson have raised their son Ramses on the west bank of the Nile near Luxor, as Emerson works at his principled, but often unsung, archaeological endeavors in the West Valley, often in contact, if not in conflict, with the more heralded discoveries of his fellow excavators. This work has kept the family there from 1884 up through the present volume, which takes place in 1922.
Ramses is now father to two youngsters as precocious as he once was, but Amelia, grandmother though she is, still maintains her professional standards as she thoroughly documents in her journal the events that unfold in the wake of the monumental discovery--which is, sadly enough, in the hands of Emerson's competitor, Howard Carter. Carelessness on Carter's part leads the Emersons to suspect that the trove of Egyptian treasure may yield to tomb robbers. Is that the shadowy plot Emerson's maverick brother Sethos comes to warn them of, or do they have to fear, rather, the perpetrators of simultaneous coups in Egypt and Iraq? Who exactly are the enemies who have infiltrated their small community of family and co-workers, and when will they strike? Peters sustains the mystery right up to the last few pages.
What pulls us back to the Amelia Peabody series again and again is what draws us back to family reunions. The Emerson family becomes our family, and these communiqués from Amelia, via her journal, and from the mysterious writer of Manuscript H, are like the New Year's letters that update us on the lives of our relatives. But these kinfolk, unlike most in our families, can count on solving a murder every year and boast of narrow escapes--often aided by Amelia's handy parasol and belt hung with provisions.
This volume has the distinction of dealing with one of the best documented Egyptian discoveries ever, and watching the family interact with several well-known historical figures makes for some interesting reading. For one who enjoys skirting real events through fictional characters, it may be fun to keep several informative websites on the Valley of the Kings and the tomb of Tutankhamen close at hand while reading this.
I found this book less compelling than some of the others in the area of mystery. Somehow Seth's big secret never really delivered the punch it had promised. However, I found once again in this book the satisfaction of keeping in touch with old relatives whose lives contain romance and adventure along with human foibles, no matter where the plot may lead them. And the story also filled in some human interest details on an era of history that impinges on our own.

This is the 18th book in the Amelia Peabody series, and Amelia has gotten old enough that her children have been the focus of many of the recent books. And while Ramses and Nefret are good characters, I'm afraid my heart belongs to Amelia. So I was very happy to see that in this book, Amelia is more at the center of things than she's been in quite awhile.

The plot in this book is less serious/violent than some of the other plots are, and some readers may find this a bit of a letdown. Still, Amelia manages to foil several nefarious plots, push several sets of young lovers together, and interfere with everyone and everything for their own good, in her inimitable Amelia way.

Plus, you get to be present at the opening of King Tut's tomb. Too bad the Emersons are fictional, so they couldn't open it themselves. :-)

A fun visit with favorite characters, with much local color along the way.

I see there are some 4.5 stars on this book. I will take issue with that. This series has its ups and downs, but the worst is better than any other book I have read.(not including Jane Austen who is the best ever)This book, as all her other Peabody books, makes me laugh out loud! When I am reading in bed, my husband knows I am reading about Amelia and Emerson. That's the best I can say about any book. She never kills off the people I love.(even their reis, Abdul 'lives'.)If I want reality I can watch the news. A happy ending and escapism is what I want! Thank you thank you thank you...........

In 1922 in Egypt, Egyptologist Radcliffe Emerson begs Lord Carnavon and Howard Carter to let him excavate in the Valley of the Kings where the duo have exclusive digging rights. Because he is well known for his findings, Radcliffe's action leads to a feeding frenzy from some of his rivals who assume something of value awaits those who dig in the Valley of Kings. They are proven right when Carter uncovers the tomb of King Tutankhamen.

The incredibly preserved burial chamber contains a wealth of artifacts that attract a global invasion of curators, collectors, amateurs, the media, government and grave robbers. Among the last group arriving at the sight is Emerson's shifty half-brother, severely ailing Sethos, who carries a secret document that if it gets into the wrong hands could cause unbelievable hostilities in the Middle East. Though he wants nothing to do with a sibling he does not trust, Radcliffe tries to help Sethos, which leads to increasingly dangerous attacks on his family. Not one to wait for an assault, Radcliffe's wife Amelia Peabody begins to look into who wants them dead and whether the motive is Sethos and his document or something to do with Tut.

The eighteenth historical Peabody mystery is a refreshing superb tale that uses the Tut dig of 1922 as a backdrop to the action-packed story line. Radcliffe plays the prime role more so than Amelia, which adds to the feel of briskness in spite of the desert climate. The mystery comes a little later than usual, but is well worth the wait as the early plot provides insight into the renowned Carter excavation. TOMB OF THE GOLDEN BIRD is must reading experience for Elizabeth Peters' fans while newcomers will fully appreciate a strong early twentieth century mystery with a powerful historical foundation.

Harriet Klausner