The Curse of the Pharaohs (Amelia Peabody #2)

This is an easy and fun read with interesting characters, The Curse of the Pharaohs (Amelia Peabody, Book 2)good humor, and plot peppered with archaelogical knowledge and the mysteries of Egypt. I highly recommend this book.

Son in beginning and end. Some of the players featured in other books come into play in this one.
Amelia and Emerson continue one upsmanship and refine it to an art.
Some how or other i lost this book and several others. Probably loaned them out, so and had to get them to finish the collection.

Boring and predictable. This is the second Peters's novel I purchased thinking maybe the first was just a dud. Nope. The second is a dud, too. Too predictable and the main character is a pompous egotistical idiot .....

This is an easy and fun read with interesting characters, The Curse of the Pharaohs (Amelia Peabody, Book 2)good humor, and plot peppered with archaelogical knowledge and the mysteries of Egypt. I highly recommend this book.

Son in beginning and end. Some of the players featured in other books come into play in this one.
Amelia and Emerson continue one upsmanship and refine it to an art.
Some how or other i lost this book and several others. Probably loaned them out, so and had to get them to finish the collection.

Boring and predictable. This is the second Peters's novel I purchased thinking maybe the first was just a dud. Nope. The second is a dud, too. Too predictable and the main character is a pompous egotistical idiot .....

this book was recommended to me because of my interest in Egyptology and the late 19th early 20th century era of exploration... and a love of Jane Austen and other 19th century women writers. But this book is not of that caliber. The main character/narrator was one of the most annoying I have ever encountered. And her husband [the other main character] was a pompous idiot whom she adored - and loved having sex with, apparently. I enjoy good banter and did like those old Hepburn/Tracy movies even as they made me cringe sometimes. But these two... ugh. The soap-opera nature of the mystery did not help either. I really cannot recommend this book... but I know it has been popular with others.

From the beginning of the book when their young (and newly introduced) son Ramses wreaks havoc in their lives, until the end when a series of murders is solved more by the assistance of the culprit than by clever reasoning, "The Curse of the Pharaohs" is a fun and fitting sequel to the first of the Peabody/Emerson books.

This book introduces us to the married life of a most unlikely pair ... a headstrong "old maid" and a gruff, short tempered bachelor archeologist. Married late (presumably mid to late 30s) both find that certain aspects of marriage are to be explored and enjoyed at opportunity and whim, as Peabody often hints to her audience. Their feud over personality and method is only moderately tempered by their romantic compatibility and obvious great affection. This hot-blooded relationship provides plenty of fire and farce.

Amelia Peabody is an unusual and amusing narrator. The discerning reader will quickly see through her supreme self confidence to find the humor in the flaws she herself does not admit. Emerson is more straightforward. While Amelia imagines herself to be subtle but never is, Emerson moves straight forward against obstacles like a bulldozer facing a seemingly loose pile of dirt ... no matter that it may hide immovable boulders.

In this book a string of murders threatens to shut down or otherwise endanger a possibly important archeological find at Luxor. The Egyptian workmen are spooked, the local tomb robbers are itching, the European crew is distracted by hormones, and irritating meddlers keep the proceedings stirred up.

Emerson and Peabody must discover the truth if they want to proceed with their real interest, an excavation, but they get little cooperation. The solution is not easy to discover (I did, but probably by accident LOL), and all the loose ends make perfect sense by the time all the facts are out. I don't really consider this a "fair mystery" since suspects abound and clues are scarce, but it is good fun nevertheless.

Highly recommended.

This book takes place a few years after the first. The couples have married, Evelyn and Walter have a few children and Emerson and Peabody have one. Ramses is a gifted little devil but not really the point here. Leaving the toddler behind, Emerson and Peabody head to the dig site of a Lord Canarvon type figure. More strange things occur after that including strikes, ghost sightings and murder. Eventually they solve the crime. Not sure I cared for the characters as much this second time around - attitudes are less charming and more annoying. Will give it another shot because the Egypt is so interesting.

Amelia Peabody Emerson has been married for five years now to Egyptologist Radcliffe Emerson, who treats her as not only his partner but his esteemed professional colleague. They've remained at their home in Kent, though, for much of that time; because Emerson (as he prefers to be called) cannot bear to be parted from their small and precocious son, "Ramses," and taking the child on an archaeological dig seems irresponsible. But when Emerson's old friend Lady Baskerville arrives, recently widowed and desperate for an Egyptologist to take over her deceased husband's work at unearthing a tomb, neither Emerson nor Amelia can resist. So they place small Ramses in the care of Emerson's brother and sister-in-law, who have fostered the boy before, and off they go to Egypt. Where Amelia quickly becomes sure the late Lord Baskerville was murdered, and quite likely so was his vanished assistant.

I'm learning that some Amelia Peabody "mysteries" don't really fit the genre, but this one certainly does. Amelia works at both her profession of Egyptology, and her hobby of criminal detection, with equal dedication; and she does so surrounded by an amusing as well as intriguing cast of characters. Some are recurring figures in the series, such as "Daily Yell" reporter Kevin O'Connell. Others are one-time visitors. All are easy to believe in, even at their most outrageous; and sometimes they truly are outrageous. Elizabeth Peters is one of the few authors whose work can make me laugh out loud. I did so fairly often as I galloped my way through this thoroughly entertaining book.

--Reviewed by Nina M. Osier, author of 2005 science fiction EPPIE winner "Regs"

Elizabethan Peters continues her Amelia Peabody series in The Curse of the Pharaohs. The book is fun to read. It is perhaps not the best-written of the bunch, but it is the most traditional mystery novel.

Archaeologists Amelia Peabody and her former competitor Emerson are now happily wed although pining for a return to Egypt to continue with their career after several years in the English countryside raising their son Ramses and being bored. Their chance comes when another archaeologist, Lord Baskerville, dies while excavating an Egyptian tomb that is rumored to be both untouched by grave robbers and cursed. Lord Baskerville's will provides that, in the event of his death, the tomb excavation must continue. The widow Lady Baskerville asks Emerson to lead the excavation. Peabody and Emerson jump at the chance.

Emerson is only interested in excavating the tomb, but Peabody wants both to learn the secrets of the tomb and the secrets of Lord Baskerville's death, since she believes he was murdered.

The book focuses on Peabody's investigation, the numerous attempts on Emerson's life that may or may not be related to the curse, and the wild eccentricities of all the people interested in the excavation. The actual excavation of the tomb takes a definite backseat to these other issues.

The murder mystery is definitely enough to provide for a good plot and enjoyable reading. Peters keeps everyone under suspicion. The mystery revealing is very enjoyable. I recommend this book.

Elizabeth Peters wrote this amazing novel with her usual genius and bubbling enthusiasm. My tremendous acclaiming to her as a master crime fictionist is unduly deserved. Extreme effort and care went into planning a superb, informed storyline. Amelia Peabody is a character never short of being as impetuous and headstrong as D'Artagnan before the storming of La Rochelle, but at the same time, she is full of hilarious acumen and perception, always shooting back with clever remarks and sharp retorts, and never once releasing hold of her immeasurably calm nature. Emerson, her charming, handsome husband, is the very picture of an impatient, devilishly arrogant Englishman, but behind doors, his tender sentimentality is an attribute I'm sure (ahem) Amelia greatly appreciates. The novel moved at a suspenseful pace, every turn and every bump leading up to a murderous climax. This book was masterful. I really enjoyed it. I advise it to anyone who loves to solve puzzles.

Summary from Goodreads:

"Victorian Amelia Peabody continues to journal her Egypt adventures, toddler Ramses left in England. Husband Radcliffe Emerson's old friend Lady Baskerville fears a curse killed her husband Sir Henry, and soon engages the attentions of American Cyrus. The will funds continued excavation. But a lady dressed in white floats, flutters, spreads fear, and more death."

My Thoughts:

My love for this series has been cemented with this second book. Was it as good as the first book? Honestly, I don't think that it was but I still enjoyed it so much! I still found myself grinning at Amelia's antics. I especially love how she always manages to get herself caught up in these crazy situations that make me laugh out loud. It makes these books so much fun to read!

I guessed the identity of the killer in this book early on but it didn't take away from my enjoyment of the book. Instead, I just found myself curious to see how it would all play out. And I will admit that there were parts of the ending that still managed to catch me by surprise. I can already tell that this is a series that I will read for the characters over the mysteries....just because I love the characters so much! I love the relationship that has developed between Amelia and Radcliffe. I pretty much just loved it all. Oh yes, but how could I forget to talk about the setting of the book?? Having this series basically set in Egypt is also so interesting and fun because it makes me want to study Egyptian history. I remember some of it from my history classes in school but reading these books make me want to go back and learn more. It is obvious that the author has a deep love for Egypt, and its' history and that just makes these books that much better in my opinion! I'm hooked!

Overall, this was a great follow-up to the first book in this series. I've become a huge fan thanks to these two books and plan to read book three soon! This is honestly one of the best mystery series that I have started in a long time. It's kind of exciting! Books like these make you want to read more...make me want to read the series back to back which is something I never do anymore. I should though! Highly, highly recommended!

Bottom Line: Just as fun as the first book! And a new favorite series of mine!

Disclosure- I purchased both of these books from my local used bookstore. They were well worth it! And happily I have passed both of them on to my Mom (she loved them too) and now they will go on to my sister. How fun is that?!?

I got hooked on Amelia Peabody from the first book, Crocodile on the Sandbank. No sooner had I finished it when I bought the next 2 in the series.
The Curse of the Pharoahs is the 2nd book in the Amelia Peabody series. Amelia is back, as witty, smart, and wryly humorous as ever working with husband Emerson to solve a purported case of a pharoah's curse. The plot is convoluted enough to keep you guessing but not to lose you in the middle and the satellite characters are, as usual, well-fleshed out with their own quirks and personalities. This book introduces one of my favorite secondary characters, Kevin O'Connell a reporter for the rag sheet, The Daily Yell.
Peters includes a good helping of Egyptian history and archaeology weaving it deftly through the well-plotted mystery.

Only fools never change their mind. My first two meetings with Amelia Peabody were far from successful - to use an euphemism. Yet I decided to give Peters a third, a last try. I was right, for Ra showed me the light. "Curse" is a winner. Not only because of a stronger plot, while it has a lot to do with it. For once there's a genuine puzzle, and both Amelia and Emerson do real sleuthing and deduction. Amelia's incredible bad faith paradoxically makes her sympathetic, and the book is filled with funny scenes. Characters are sketched with a great sense of caricature: they're some cartoonish, but believable. The book's true star, however, is Egypt itself. Ms. Peters (oops, Mrs. Emerson) reaches a visionary quality in describing a country she obviously loves very much. And all the archeological stuff is fascinating, if you're interested in those things (I am). Excellent, and a better introduction to the series than pilot "A Crocodile on the Sandbank".

I just started on the Amelia Peabody books. Crocodile on the Sandbank I thought a little stilted and the writing a little dull, even though I loved the characters. The plot is lightweight but still entertaining. But I really thought this book was much much better: the writing was crisper, funnier, snappier. I find the relationship between Peabody and Emerson an updated version of Jane Eyre and Rochester--or the wonderful couple from Bronte's Villette. If you don't like that kind of interaction you won't like this. As a feminist I find nothing insulting or backwards about this portrayal. It is ironic and hilarious. The mystery is fully enjoyable.

I am currently re-reading the Amelia Peabody series. Already finished the first. In the second laughs abound throughout. Amelia is in rare form. We also get our introduction to two important characters, Daoud and Cyrus Vandergelt.

The Curse of the Pharaohs tells an interesting and exciting story of a middle-aged Egyptologist, Amelia Peabody Emerson and her husband Radcliffe Emerson and their experiences and struggles during the excavation of an Ancient Egyptian tomb. The story has a well-developed plot and is full of unexpected twists and turns. I really enjoyed Elizabeth Peters' character development and detailed descriptions. It was especially interesting as a male reader to experience the story through a female point of view. The reader steps into the shoes of Amelia Emerson, a strong headed and opinionated woman, and experiences the feelings and emotions of a mother, wife and pleasantly arrogant woman. I really enjoyed hearing her descriptions of her husband Radcliffe as well as her motherly feelings and views towards her son, Ramses.
The story begins in England at the Radcliffe household, and the reader gets a quick introduction to the Emersons' personalities, and their passion for Egyptology. When the opportunity comes they are somewhat hesitant but ultimately excited to accept a job to excavate an unopened tomb in the escarpments of Egypt, that has been causing controversy in the press for some time. This tomb is rumored to be cursed and possess spirits that protect the treasures within. The initial archeologist, Lord Baskerville, who had been previously working the excavation, experienced a suspicious death and his assistant mysteriously disappeared. Undeterred by the myths the Emersons proceed on the trip in search for science, ancient pharaohs and hidden treasure.
When the couple arrive in Egypt, they are immediately faced with puzzling confrontations and threats that build on the suspense of the curse. Immediately Mrs. Emersons passion for problem solving and deductive reasoning lead her to formulate hypothesis as to who murdered the late Lord Baskerville and motives for this heinous crime. As the story continues the reader is introduced to a cast of characters all of who are possible suspects, including Lady Baskerville, Madame Berengeria and her daughter Mary, Mr. Milverton, Mr. Vandergelt, and a reporter Mr. O'Connell. The plot thickens when Mr. Milverton a prime suspect confides in Mrs. Emerson that he is actually the brother of Lord Baskerville, the dead archeologist. He is then later found in a nearly dead state, in a deep coma, caused by a viscous blow to the head.
The mystery of the curse continues with numerous, unsolved deaths in a Clue like fashion. When the Emersons are finally fed up with all the hype of deadly curses and ghosts, and their work is being affected, they decide to get to the bottom of these crimes, which were obviously the work of someone with ulterior motives. In a dramatic final scene the culprit is brought to justice.
This book was very entertaining and I would not hesitate to pick up another of Elizabeth Peters enchanted tales of Egypt.

A wonderful sequel to Crocodile on the Sandbank! I loved that it opened in England - after all, the Emersons don't live in Egypt year-round, and the contrast to how much more fully alive they are once they reach Egypt is delicious. Immediately the wonderful equality between Emerson and Amelia is forefront as they debate a challenge to come to Egypt and take over a "cursed" excavation. Is the curse supernatural or simply nefarious?
While I miss Evelyn, there are lots of new characters whom I hope to see again - O'Connell the journalist is particularly fun, dodging Emerson's attacks and beating even Amelia with his sensationalism. I was so involved in the interactions among the characters I almost didn't care "whodunit" - but that denoument was completely satisfying. The friendly competition between Emerson and Amelia is a delight, and really helps keep the focus on the characters and locale rather than getting bogged down in the murder.
So glad there are more in the series!!!!

This story about the pharaohs' curse is somewhat melodramatic, but Elizabeth Peters is a good writer, and that saves it from falling into a maudlin heap to my mind. I found the story a bit tedious in spots, and the mystery was fairly easy to figure out, but there was enough to keep me reading until the end in spite of that. I stil think the series gives a good look at Egyptology in the Victorian era, and Amelia, although caustic, is still quite funny. I will read more in the series hoping that they will get back to being as good as the first book was.

What could prompt gentlewoman Amelia (Peabody) Emerson to leave behind her young son and comfortable Victorian lifestyle to perform manual labor halfway around the world? - A love for Egyptology and a promising archeological site, of course. As the narrator and protagonist of Elizabeth Peters' The Curse of the Pharaohs, Peabody urges her husband, renowned archeologist Radcliffe Emerson, to accept Lady Baskerville's offer to head an excavation project outside Luxor. After leaving her son, affectionately nicknamed Ramses, with her in-laws, Peabody and Emerson are off to the land of the Pharaohs. .... .... Not being a fan of detective novels, I am surprised by my enjoyment of The Curse of the Pharaohs. I have never read a work by Elizabeth Peters before, but I am eager to acquire more of her novels. Peters' use of sandy Luxor and the mystery of the Ancient World breathes life into cliché whodunnits. Peters' characters are both suspicious and endearing. Particularly touching is the relationship between Peabody and Emerson. The reader envies their personal and professional partnership. The colorful descriptions and personal insights revealed by the narrator give each character a three-dimensional quality, no small feat in a narration. As a student of Egyptology, I can appreciate the knowledgeable references to Ancient Egypt throughout the novel. I think that both those experienced in and those new to Egyptian history will find the work fascinating. The mystery inherent in Egyptian tombs and pyramids serves as the perfect backdrop for a crime-solver. I fully enjoyed this novel and sincerely recommend it to all!

I am currently re-reading the Amelia Peabody series. Already finished the first. In the second laughs abound throughout. Amelia is in rare form. We also get our introduction to two important characters, Daoud and Cyrus Vandergelt.

The Curse of the Pharaohs tells an interesting and exciting story of a middle-aged Egyptologist, Amelia Peabody Emerson and her husband Radcliffe Emerson and their experiences and struggles during the excavation of an Ancient Egyptian tomb. The story has a well-developed plot and is full of unexpected twists and turns. I really enjoyed Elizabeth Peters' character development and detailed descriptions. It was especially interesting as a male reader to experience the story through a female point of view. The reader steps into the shoes of Amelia Emerson, a strong headed and opinionated woman, and experiences the feelings and emotions of a mother, wife and pleasantly arrogant woman. I really enjoyed hearing her descriptions of her husband Radcliffe as well as her motherly feelings and views towards her son, Ramses.
The story begins in England at the Radcliffe household, and the reader gets a quick introduction to the Emersons' personalities, and their passion for Egyptology. When the opportunity comes they are somewhat hesitant but ultimately excited to accept a job to excavate an unopened tomb in the escarpments of Egypt, that has been causing controversy in the press for some time. This tomb is rumored to be cursed and possess spirits that protect the treasures within. The initial archeologist, Lord Baskerville, who had been previously working the excavation, experienced a suspicious death and his assistant mysteriously disappeared. Undeterred by the myths the Emersons proceed on the trip in search for science, ancient pharaohs and hidden treasure.
When the couple arrive in Egypt, they are immediately faced with puzzling confrontations and threats that build on the suspense of the curse. Immediately Mrs. Emersons passion for problem solving and deductive reasoning lead her to formulate hypothesis as to who murdered the late Lord Baskerville and motives for this heinous crime. As the story continues the reader is introduced to a cast of characters all of who are possible suspects, including Lady Baskerville, Madame Berengeria and her daughter Mary, Mr. Milverton, Mr. Vandergelt, and a reporter Mr. O'Connell. The plot thickens when Mr. Milverton a prime suspect confides in Mrs. Emerson that he is actually the brother of Lord Baskerville, the dead archeologist. He is then later found in a nearly dead state, in a deep coma, caused by a viscous blow to the head.
The mystery of the curse continues with numerous, unsolved deaths in a Clue like fashion. When the Emersons are finally fed up with all the hype of deadly curses and ghosts, and their work is being affected, they decide to get to the bottom of these crimes, which were obviously the work of someone with ulterior motives. In a dramatic final scene the culprit is brought to justice.
This book was very entertaining and I would not hesitate to pick up another of Elizabeth Peters enchanted tales of Egypt.

A wonderful sequel to Crocodile on the Sandbank! I loved that it opened in England - after all, the Emersons don't live in Egypt year-round, and the contrast to how much more fully alive they are once they reach Egypt is delicious. Immediately the wonderful equality between Emerson and Amelia is forefront as they debate a challenge to come to Egypt and take over a "cursed" excavation. Is the curse supernatural or simply nefarious?
While I miss Evelyn, there are lots of new characters whom I hope to see again - O'Connell the journalist is particularly fun, dodging Emerson's attacks and beating even Amelia with his sensationalism. I was so involved in the interactions among the characters I almost didn't care "whodunit" - but that denoument was completely satisfying. The friendly competition between Emerson and Amelia is a delight, and really helps keep the focus on the characters and locale rather than getting bogged down in the murder.
So glad there are more in the series!!!!

This story about the pharaohs' curse is somewhat melodramatic, but Elizabeth Peters is a good writer, and that saves it from falling into a maudlin heap to my mind. I found the story a bit tedious in spots, and the mystery was fairly easy to figure out, but there was enough to keep me reading until the end in spite of that. I stil think the series gives a good look at Egyptology in the Victorian era, and Amelia, although caustic, is still quite funny. I will read more in the series hoping that they will get back to being as good as the first book was.

What could prompt gentlewoman Amelia (Peabody) Emerson to leave behind her young son and comfortable Victorian lifestyle to perform manual labor halfway around the world? - A love for Egyptology and a promising archeological site, of course. As the narrator and protagonist of Elizabeth Peters' The Curse of the Pharaohs, Peabody urges her husband, renowned archeologist Radcliffe Emerson, to accept Lady Baskerville's offer to head an excavation project outside Luxor. After leaving her son, affectionately nicknamed Ramses, with her in-laws, Peabody and Emerson are off to the land of the Pharaohs. .... .... Not being a fan of detective novels, I am surprised by my enjoyment of The Curse of the Pharaohs. I have never read a work by Elizabeth Peters before, but I am eager to acquire more of her novels. Peters' use of sandy Luxor and the mystery of the Ancient World breathes life into cliché whodunnits. Peters' characters are both suspicious and endearing. Particularly touching is the relationship between Peabody and Emerson. The reader envies their personal and professional partnership. The colorful descriptions and personal insights revealed by the narrator give each character a three-dimensional quality, no small feat in a narration. As a student of Egyptology, I can appreciate the knowledgeable references to Ancient Egypt throughout the novel. I think that both those experienced in and those new to Egyptian history will find the work fascinating. The mystery inherent in Egyptian tombs and pyramids serves as the perfect backdrop for a crime-solver. I fully enjoyed this novel and sincerely recommend it to all!

The Curse of The Pharaohs by Elizabeth Peters provides an interesting approach to the excavation of the tombs of Ancient Egypt. The book starts off with the family and friends of Radcliffe Emerson and his wife, Amelia Peabody Emerson. It jumps quickly to them accepting an excavation of a recently discovered tomb in the Valley of the Kings in Egypt. The previous archeologist on site had died mysteriously which had been rumored to be linked to the curse of the pharaohs. This did not dissuade the Emerson's from their dig; nor did the other bodies and mysterious happenings that occurred as they went further on their dig. Amelia played the part of Sherlock Holmes in trying to discover the identity of the person or people involved in the implementation of the curse. Though they met with many discomforts, they kept on and eventually got the man responsible. There was one flaw that stood out as I read further: the character developments were almost too much. With the character analyses' coming from the perspective of Amelia, each one gave you a little more insight on how the woman thought and how she perceived life and other people. There were some areas that were too wordy and in-depth that we could have done without. Do not let this put forth the view that I did not like the book. Overall, this was an excellent book which I highly recommend to others. It was quite interesting and hard to put down due to the fast paced readability. The book read more of a action and mystery novel than a history book which I expected when I first picked it up. I plan to read more of Peters' books in the future which I recommend others to do as well.

Elizabeth Peters has done it again. The second book in the Amelia Peabody series is just as tongue-in-cheek funny as the first. Her narratives of location make the locations come to life for the reader. The mystery is amusing, as most of Elizabeth Peters murders are. They are taken seriously, yet the characters are not. I say that because of the characters' reactions to murders and mummies in the book. This series of books is great fun to read.

I enjoy Elizabeth Peters --- all her books are highly intelligent, interesting and exciting, as well as still full of very human virtues---decency, warmth, humanity, fairness, diversity. I would recommend them to any intelligent person, probably those with post-high school education would enjoy most.

Good read, but noticed the over blown passages . The description of Emerson's temper and Peabody's quaking love were a bit much. I recall that later in the series, she had gotten over some of the drama over little things.

Lord Baskerville is dead! Three suspects: Lady Baskerville , Arthur Baskerville alias, Milverton , and Mr. Armadale , all are after his fortune. A body of a night watchman is found laying on the ground! Who did the deed ? I liked this book because it takes place in Egypt, and Emerson , Father of Curses , is one stubborn archaeologist that won't let a Master Criminal interfere with him! Hilarious!

For those not familiar with this series you're in for a treat. Amelia Peabody is a proper Victorian woman who's married to a famous Egyptologist, but don't be fooled by her. She's, by far, an unusually unpredictable woman. She finds trouble, solves mysteries and foils the "master criminal" and manages to still have tea on time. A great read!

This is the first Elizabeth Peters book I have ever read. I found her characters to be very funny and well written. MS. Peters is my new favorite author next to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. I love how Amelia and Emerson have their detectival contest. Did either of them switch their envelope? We'll never know.

What a good beginning for Emerson & Peabody's son Rames - I can't wait to see how he progresses as the series continues.

This was a really good story. The characters were all well written and the story kept you until the end, which what of course is a big surprise ending.