17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
possibly the most entertaining one yet, August 5, 2001
By A Customer
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!
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
The Seven-Year Itch hits the Emersons..., July 2, 2000
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!
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
"Another shirt ruined!", June 1, 2000
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.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No