Graham G. (Foucault) reviewed Crocodile on the Sandbank (Amelia Peabody, Bk 1) on + 27 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 9
I've been keen to read the Amelia Peabody series for some time, and luckily I found this copy recently. It didn't disappoint!
I was aware of its popular classification as a "cozy" mystery, and I'm glad I was, since I was prepared for what I got from this. It wasn't too violent, not too taxing on the mind, a little predictable, with fun characters and some romance thrown into the mix. It was an easy read, and I'm looking forward to reading the next one.
I will caution anyone who gets this not to read the blurb on the back - especially the Publishers Weekly comment near the bottom, since that will tip something that happens late in the book. That was very poor show to put this on the book!
Here's a list of the entire Amelia Peabody series, in reverse chronological order, from the ameliapeabody.com website.
I was aware of its popular classification as a "cozy" mystery, and I'm glad I was, since I was prepared for what I got from this. It wasn't too violent, not too taxing on the mind, a little predictable, with fun characters and some romance thrown into the mix. It was an easy read, and I'm looking forward to reading the next one.
I will caution anyone who gets this not to read the blurb on the back - especially the Publishers Weekly comment near the bottom, since that will tip something that happens late in the book. That was very poor show to put this on the book!
Here's a list of the entire Amelia Peabody series, in reverse chronological order, from the ameliapeabody.com website.
Helpful Score: 3
I've just "discovered" Miss Amelia Peabody and had read another one of her adventures when I found this first book. It explains how she got interested in Egypt and how she met the irrasible Emerson. The action at first is a bit slow but picks up nicely towards the second half. I had just about figured out the plot when Miss Amelia makes the comment that "the plot seemed so obvious I felt a child ought to have detected it."
If you like history and Middle East stories, this is the series for you!
If you like history and Middle East stories, this is the series for you!
Leslie R. (darcy0207) reviewed Crocodile on the Sandbank (Amelia Peabody, Bk 1) on + 44 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
This, being the first in the series, sets the stage for the rest of the books. It gives us insight into the different lead characters: who they are, how they relate to each other and their strengths and weaknesses.
This book seemed to be better written than the second (which I'd read first). I hope that the writing stays at this level for the rest of the LONG series.
A woman âof a certain ageâ â past when she thought she'd ever marry, anyway â decides, when her father dies to travel and visit the lands she'd been studying about.
She rescues a young lady while in Rome. This young lady then becomes her traveling companion.
They travel on to Egypt, find archeologists studying a ruin there and stay to assist for a while. There is a âmummy come to lifeâ which threatens to eject them from their âdigâ. Mystery solved by the end⦠Read it to find out how.
This book seemed to be better written than the second (which I'd read first). I hope that the writing stays at this level for the rest of the LONG series.
A woman âof a certain ageâ â past when she thought she'd ever marry, anyway â decides, when her father dies to travel and visit the lands she'd been studying about.
She rescues a young lady while in Rome. This young lady then becomes her traveling companion.
They travel on to Egypt, find archeologists studying a ruin there and stay to assist for a while. There is a âmummy come to lifeâ which threatens to eject them from their âdigâ. Mystery solved by the end⦠Read it to find out how.
Helpful Score: 1
Couldn't put it down. Hated for it to end.
Teri A H. (Nani) reviewed Crocodile on the Sandbank (Amelia Peabody, Bk 1) on + 67 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Have read most of the series out of order and never the first one, finally got the start of the story of Peabody and Emerson, what characters, what a setting, what a story. Hung on every setting, situation and word and now plan to reread the books in order. Loved it.
Helpful Score: 1
I first read this book as a teenager, 20 years ago. LOVE LOVE LOVE the Amelia Peabody series and this book sets the stage for great stories to come. The author (real name Barbara Mertz) holds a Ph.D. in Egyptology, so you can count on a lot of historical accuracy (as much as a fictional work will allow), as well as an all around entertaining story. Hoping another in the series will be out soon...
Helpful Score: 1
Good mystery.
Darcy K. (darcyjo) reviewed Crocodile on the Sandbank (Amelia Peabody, Bk 1) on + 79 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
The first book in the Amelia Peabody series, this is a great introduction to a bold and self-sufficient lady. Amelia meets Emerson, her future husband, rescues a young woman in danger, and unravels the mystery of a wandering mummy. If you like your mysteries mixed with Egyptology and a courageous woman who would do Indiana Jones proud, check this out. Highly recommended!
Helpful Score: 1
This is the first in the Amelia Peabody series. She is a wonderful English lady in the Victoria age who travels to Egypt to see the sights. Murder and mayhem follow as she helps a young English woman find a fortune and her true love.
Suzi L. (SuziL) -
Helpful Score: 1
Enjoyable book...captures the era. Will order the next book to follow the characters.
Helpful Score: 1
A good English mystery - a somewhat liberated Victorian woman who gets involved with a young English girl who is in difficulty in Rome. Together they go to an archaeological dig in Egypt and the fun starts there
Susan Z. (ZeeRN) reviewed Crocodile on the Sandbank (Amelia Peabody, Bk 1) on + 83 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I read this and found it mildly enjoyable but too predictable. I learned, some time after I had read it, that Peters wrote this as a parody of the romantic mystery genre. It's quite a popular series, I understand.
Helpful Score: 1
This is the first in the tremendously entertaining Amelia Peabody series by Elizabeth Peters. If you love Egyptology, archeology, and unforgettable characters, then this is a must-read!
Charlotte H. (Char) -
Helpful Score: 1
If Indiana Jones were female, a wife and mother who lived in Victorian times, he would be Amelia Peabody Jones.
An interesting funny mystery.
An interesting funny mystery.
Toni G. (ToniG) reviewed Crocodile on the Sandbank (Amelia Peabody, Bk 1) on + 163 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
First in a series with Amelia Peabody as the main character. I had waited awhile to start this series but I am so glad I did as it is just delightful! Unique characters and written in a way that makes the reading fun. Will certainly continue the series
Alison P. (sewpie) reviewed Crocodile on the Sandbank (Amelia Peabody, Bk 1) on + 47 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This is the first in a very popular series. "If Indiana Jones were female, a wife and a mother who lived in Victorian times, he would be Amelia Peabody Emerson" -Publishers Weekly
Carillion T. (mysterymama) reviewed Crocodile on the Sandbank (Amelia Peabody, Bk 1) on + 50 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I loved this book, and it started me on a journey of years following the Emerson family and their exploits.
Helpful Score: 1
I liked it a lot, it was on the idea of an Agatha Christie. Very British. Good mystery.
Helpful Score: 1
This is the first I have read in this series and it will ntot be the last. The characters are very likable, interesting, witty and make you want to know them better. Very good book
Joan K. (Smokey) reviewed Crocodile on the Sandbank (Amelia Peabody, Bk 1) on + 265 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Amelia Peabodey goes on her first Egyptian adventure in the late 1800's.
Mary D. (readstoclem) reviewed Crocodile on the Sandbank (Amelia Peabody, Bk 1) on + 118 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Book one in the Amelia Peabody series, a proper Victorian lady encountering a new life among Egyptian archaeologists.
Helpful Score: 1
Great first book set in 1880's. Language and behavior of the era fun, and written that way. Egyptologists find each other and some artifacts, a mummy or 2 and love! A fun read.
Dawn S. (RangerXenos) reviewed Crocodile on the Sandbank (Amelia Peabody, Bk 1) on + 35 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
The first book in the series, this is a marvelous mystery!
Helpful Score: 1
fabulous beginning to a wonderful series!
Felicia J. (FeliciaJ) reviewed Crocodile on the Sandbank (Amelia Peabody, Bk 1) on + 136 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I adored this book, the first in the Amelia Peabody mystery series. Clever and charming, it made me want to visit Egypt myself and perhaps even excavate alongside Amelia and Emerson.
Linda K. (readingyoga-fan) reviewed Crocodile on the Sandbank (Amelia Peabody, Bk 1) on + 143 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Amelia Peabody, that indomitable product of the Victorian age, embarks on her first Egyptian adventure armed with unshakable self-confidence, a journal to record her thoughts, and, of course, a sturdy umbrella.
On her way, Amelia rescues young Evelyn Barton-Forbes, who has been "ruined" and abandoned on the streets of Rome by her rascally lover. With a typical disregard for convention, Amelia promptly hires her fellow countrywoman as a companion and takes her to Cairo.
Eluding Alberto, Evelyn's former lover, who wants her back, and Evelyn's cousin Lord Ellesmere, who wishes to marry her, the two women sail up the Nile. They disembark at 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. But no villain, or mummy, is a match for the doughty Amelia. How she arranged all to her satisfaction is just one of the pleasures of this delightfully witty mystery.
On her way, Amelia rescues young Evelyn Barton-Forbes, who has been "ruined" and abandoned on the streets of Rome by her rascally lover. With a typical disregard for convention, Amelia promptly hires her fellow countrywoman as a companion and takes her to Cairo.
Eluding Alberto, Evelyn's former lover, who wants her back, and Evelyn's cousin Lord Ellesmere, who wishes to marry her, the two women sail up the Nile. They disembark at 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. But no villain, or mummy, is a match for the doughty Amelia. How she arranged all to her satisfaction is just one of the pleasures of this delightfully witty mystery.
Sidney Y. (Sidney) reviewed Crocodile on the Sandbank (Amelia Peabody, Bk 1) on + 15 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I didn't like this book. I guessed who the villain was as soon as he made his appearance and I fouund Amelia Peabody a most annoying heroine. She seems to be forever looking her nose down at everyone around her! A most unsatsifying read.
Light reading. Enjoyable fiesty characters. I'll be reading the next one in the series.
Diadra O. (rainy-day) reviewed Crocodile on the Sandbank (Amelia Peabody, Bk 1) on + 7 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I recently finished reading this and have already read half of the second book. This would have to be my new favorite series. It's got a little bit of everything, mystery, adventure, romance and great characters.
I hadn't really heard of the Amelia Peabody books until I went to the library a coulple of weeks ago and was looking for something to read but couldn't find anything light, funny, romantic and that was a mystery. After asking one of the librarians to recommend something she instantly got this book for me and I am very happy that she did.
I was also surprised to find out that this writer also writes under Barabara Michaels who wrote the Dancing Floor and Sons of the Wolf(two of my fav. all time books).
The plot of this novel is a little slow at times and the wording can be a bit much but once you get into it after a couple of pages it's not too distracting. It also reminded me of the Mummy movies which I love too.
I hadn't really heard of the Amelia Peabody books until I went to the library a coulple of weeks ago and was looking for something to read but couldn't find anything light, funny, romantic and that was a mystery. After asking one of the librarians to recommend something she instantly got this book for me and I am very happy that she did.
I was also surprised to find out that this writer also writes under Barabara Michaels who wrote the Dancing Floor and Sons of the Wolf(two of my fav. all time books).
The plot of this novel is a little slow at times and the wording can be a bit much but once you get into it after a couple of pages it's not too distracting. It also reminded me of the Mummy movies which I love too.
I have an interest in archaeology so the subject matter was interesting in the setting the book provided. The story line was OK. It seemed slow moving, repetitive and predictable. The mix characters was interesting and enjoyed the adventure they all took together. It was a fun read, but not a literary classic. Nevertheless, I would now love to read the rest of the books in the series.
I really enjoyed this book. It is a well written mystery story with a lot of historical information. I felt I was learning as well as using my imagination. A little slow at first as you get used to the narrative, but very exciting at the end.
Joan S. (happyface) - , reviewed Crocodile on the Sandbank (Amelia Peabody, Bk 1) on + 46 more book reviews
Planning a trip to Egypt in the near future, I thought it would be entertaining to read some literature set in that area. This series of books fills the bill to some extent; Crocodile is indeed set in Egypt, however, the geography isn't paramount to the story. It is a mystery/romance that just happens to occur in Egypt. The writing is rather elementary and although the narritive flows along nicely, it is non-inventive and fairly predictable. A good book for light reading, but not exactly what I was hoping for.
This was a little sentimental, but I really enjoyed the story and it was a relaxing and atmospheric mystery. I'm interested to see where the series goes from here.
Pamela M. (Pyan) reviewed Crocodile on the Sandbank (Amelia Peabody, Bk 1) on + 106 more book reviews
This book is the introduction to Amelia Peabody, a wealthy heiress who traveled to Eygpt after her father died to see for her own eyes the wonders there. She rescued Evelyn, a young woman in dire straits. Once they made it there and before they journeyed down the Nile, they met the Emerson brothers. Then their journey became very interesting ~~ there seem to be a mummy trying to scare them off the evacuation site or maybe it was a kidnapping plot. But no one was sure just who the victim was ...
This is a great beginning to the Peabody series ~~ it's fun and entertaining with that famous dry British wit. It's clean fun too ~~ not bloody or gory like a lot of today's mystery novels are.
Once you read this book, you'll be hooked onto her series!
This is a great beginning to the Peabody series ~~ it's fun and entertaining with that famous dry British wit. It's clean fun too ~~ not bloody or gory like a lot of today's mystery novels are.
Once you read this book, you'll be hooked onto her series!
Roger S. (rocher) reviewed Crocodile on the Sandbank (Amelia Peabody, Bk 1) on + 22 more book reviews
Really enjoyed the novel...almost like being in Egypt...lot of good facts
Michelle C. (Shellaree) -
Book #1 in the series. I got introduced to this series on a cruise ship and haven't looked back. The stories are involved and interesting and filled with interesting characters. The main character is a very different person than I would have ever known, but complex too. Very enjoyable to read.
The first book in an amazing series! All the books in the series stand on their own as great works of mystery and adventure!
Jaime C. (socialreader) reviewed Crocodile on the Sandbank (Amelia Peabody, Bk 1) on + 99 more book reviews
Not my style, but pleasant read.
Althea M. (althea) reviewed Crocodile on the Sandbank (Amelia Peabody, Bk 1) on + 774 more book reviews
'An Amelia Peabody Mystery'
Apparently, this book was the first of a long series featuring the character of Amelia Peabody. I was interested because it took place in Egypt!
I enjoyed reading the book because the character is really very appealing - Amelia, in Victorian times, is an 'old maid' at 29, but is also a feminist, independent, and smart, but with an obvious, if hidden-from-herself romantic streak.
In this story, she rescues a young 'fallen' woman and then proceeds to stick by her when, at an archaeological site staffed by two appealing Egyptologists, a seemingly supernatural animated mummy attacks...
However, the book was published in 1975. I don't know, but I think maybe if it was written today, it would have been better.
Because, although she's supposed to be this liberated woman, and the heroine, Amelia never really solves the mystery! The guys around do, and she just sort of blunders through the situation. (In addition, the 'mystery' is really obvious, from the first page the culprit appears in the book). Romance is at least as important as crime here, and I kinda object to books that HAVE to end up with the 'old maid' heroine happily married and pregnant. Bleah.
The tone of the book reminded me of Gilman's Mrs. Pollifax books, but this was not as good as those.
Apparently, this book was the first of a long series featuring the character of Amelia Peabody. I was interested because it took place in Egypt!
I enjoyed reading the book because the character is really very appealing - Amelia, in Victorian times, is an 'old maid' at 29, but is also a feminist, independent, and smart, but with an obvious, if hidden-from-herself romantic streak.
In this story, she rescues a young 'fallen' woman and then proceeds to stick by her when, at an archaeological site staffed by two appealing Egyptologists, a seemingly supernatural animated mummy attacks...
However, the book was published in 1975. I don't know, but I think maybe if it was written today, it would have been better.
Because, although she's supposed to be this liberated woman, and the heroine, Amelia never really solves the mystery! The guys around do, and she just sort of blunders through the situation. (In addition, the 'mystery' is really obvious, from the first page the culprit appears in the book). Romance is at least as important as crime here, and I kinda object to books that HAVE to end up with the 'old maid' heroine happily married and pregnant. Bleah.
The tone of the book reminded me of Gilman's Mrs. Pollifax books, but this was not as good as those.
Amelia Peabody is an independent woman with her own money who is traveling alone in the Middle East. She becomes involved a mystery involving a mummy visiting at an archeological dig in Egypt. It is humorous and very well written. The whole series is excellent and gets better with each book.
The second Amelia Peabody mystery. Amelia visits Egypt for the very first time. Author Elizabeth Peters has a degree in Egyptology from the University of Chicago Oriental Institute. She writes historically accurate and wonderfully entertaining mysteries!
Linda R. (wolfie123) - , reviewed Crocodile on the Sandbank (Amelia Peabody, Bk 1) on + 420 more book reviews
I had listened to a later Amelia Peabody CD.....decided to read the first in the series to see how it all started! LOVED it......have already requested next in the series....I am sure I will read the entire series.....
Interesting dialogue and mystery. would recommend. In our book club it received mixed reviews. You either really liked it or did not even finish it.
"In Victorian England, a woman wasn't supposed to be an archaeologist or a detective. Amelia Peabody was both. Thirty-one-year-old Victorian gentlewoman Amelia Peabody has inherited her father's strong will as well as his considerable fortune. On her way to Cairo to indulge her passion for Egyptology, she picks up Evelyn Barton-Forbes as a traveling companion. Evelyn has a tarnished past, but both she and Amelia believe that it won't come back to haunt her. That belief is shattered when Evelyn is attacked by a walking, homicidal mummy.
Amelia enlists the aid of Radcliff Emerson, a prominent Egyptologist, to help unravel the plot against her friend and decipher the clues left by the mummy. Between grave digging and academic sparring, she manages to save his life. But with the threat of an ancient curse closing in, Amelia must resort to outrageous methods to prevent the mummy from making corpses of them all."
"This author never fails to entertain" ~ Cleveland Plain Dealer
"Amelia is too funny to resist" ~ St. Louis Post Dispatch
Amelia enlists the aid of Radcliff Emerson, a prominent Egyptologist, to help unravel the plot against her friend and decipher the clues left by the mummy. Between grave digging and academic sparring, she manages to save his life. But with the threat of an ancient curse closing in, Amelia must resort to outrageous methods to prevent the mummy from making corpses of them all."
"This author never fails to entertain" ~ Cleveland Plain Dealer
"Amelia is too funny to resist" ~ St. Louis Post Dispatch
Bonnie F. (harmony85) reviewed Crocodile on the Sandbank (Amelia Peabody, Bk 1) on + 982 more book reviews
In Victorian England, a woman wasn't supposed to be an archaeologist or a detective. Amelia Peabody was both...
