Crocodile on the Sandbank by Elizabeth Peters is the first book in the 'Amelia Peabody' series, introducing readers to the adventurous and independent protagonist, Amelia Peabody, a Victorian gentlewoman who inherits a fortune and decides to travel the world, indulging her passion for Egyptology. Along the way, she meets Evelyn Barton Forbes and the Emerson brothers, leading to a series of mysteries and adventures in Egypt. The book is described as a cozy mystery with elements of light romance, humor, and a touch of the supernatural, set in the late 19th century.
The plot of 'Crocodile on the Sandbank' revolves around Amelia Peabody's journey to Egypt, her encounters with a reanimated mummy, and the development of her relationships with Evelyn and the Emerson brothers. The writing style is praised for its witty narration, engaging characters, and vivid descriptions of the Egyptian settings, creating a fun and light-hearted read that offers a mix of mystery, humor, and historical elements.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
There are themes of colonialism and some dated racial attitudes, which may be triggering for some readers.
Has Romance?
The book features a romantic subplot that develops between Amelia and Radcliffe Emerson, with moments of tension and humor.
From The Publisher:
Meet Egyptologist Amelia Peabody in the first mystery in the Victorian-era set, New York Times bestselling sparkling series (Marilyn Stasio, New York Times Book Review). If Indiana Jones were female, a wife, and a mother who lived in Victorian times, he would be Amelia Peabody Emerson.-Publishers Weekly Amelia Peabody, that indomitable product of the Victorian age, embarks on her debut Egyptian adventure armed with unshakable self-confidence, a journal to record her thoughts, and, of course, a sturdy umbrella. On her way to Cairo, Amelia rescues young Evelyn Barton-Forbes, who has been abandoned by her scoundrel lover. Together the two women sail up the Nile to an archeological site run by the Emerson brothers-the irascible but dashing Radcliffe and the amiable Walter. Soon their little party is increased by one-one mummy that is, and a singularly lively example of the species. Strange visitations, suspicious accidents, and a botched kidnapping convince Amelia that there is a plot afoot to harm Evelyn. Now Amelia finds herself up against an unknown enemy-and perilous forces that threaten to make her first Egyptian trip also her last . . . Praise for Elizabeth Peters and Crocodile on the Sandbank A writer so popular that the public library has to keep her books under lock and key. -Washington Post Book World Grand views of Egyptian antiquities . . . a sparkling series. -Marilyn Stasio, New York Times Book Review
Ratings (41)
Incredible (8) | |
Loved It (14) | |
Liked It (12) | |
It Was OK (5) | |
Did Not Like (2) |
Reader Stats (80):
Read It (41) | |
Want To Read (22) | |
Did Not Finish (2) | |
Not Interested (15) |
2 comment(s)
I have been meaning to finish the book for a long while but I keept getting distracted by other books. I just didn't find it enjoyable or cozy, was mostly bored and un interested
I have heard about this series for a long time and yet I was surprised by how much I liked it. Was I surprised with the ending? No. Did I still enjoy the whole experience? Absolutely.
First of all, intelligent characters. And more precisely, not only intelligent but also fun at the same time. And not only the main heroine, but all other characters too. Amelia could easily become annoying. Let's be honest, her character is constantly balancing on the thin line between intelligent comic and being annoying for the reader. But fortunately, this line is rarely crossed. As a result, we gain an interesting intelligent character who is aware of her weaknesses and faults.
I rarely like first-person narrative books. Usually, being in the head of the main character is not a pleasant experience. But in this case it was not like that at all. I didn't even notice that Amelia is the narrator of this story. This is a big plus.
The whole story is also quite interesting, kept me reading whole day. As I said, I wasn't surprised by the ending. Behind the whole plan there was a person I suspected from the very beginning and motives that I also predicted. And let's be honest there were no other candidates and the motive seemed quite obvious. The answer to the question about the mummy was also quite clear to me. But even though I wasn't surprised at all, it was great entertainment. The action is very fast, you don't stop for a moment.
Amelia's relationship with Emerson is a source of great funny dialogues. I'm also happy that Evelyn is a much stronger character than you may think at first. The only person who really irritated me from the very beginning was Lucas. In my opinion his character could be a bit toned down for the benefit of the whole story. I hope Evelyn and Walter appear in the next books in this series, too.
I am really curious about Amelia and Emerson's further adventures. And it will be nice to see them as a married couple. I will definitely read one of the next books in this series.
What can you read after
Crocodile on the Sandbank?
About the Author:
Elizabeth Peters was born and brought up in Illinois and earned her Ph.D. in Egyptology from the University of Chicago's famed Oriental Institute. Peters was named Grand Master at the inaugural Anthony Awards in 1986 and Grand Master by the Mystery Writers of America at the Edgar Awards in 1998. She lives in a historic farmhouse in western Maryland.
You can learn more at:
ameliapeabody.com
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