He Shall Thunder in the Sky - An Amelia Peabody Mystery

I too am an Amelia Peabody fan. I absolutely love this series, and this book is a great addition to it. In it we finally get some very outstanding questions answered, and we also get some unresolved issues resolved. But the thing that I enjoyed the most about this particular book is that we get a closer look at Emerson! Yes, Amelia and all her troupe are also there, thank heavans, but getting a closer look at Emerson finally is an added bonus. We actually see a little of him as a young man and we get an understanding of how he became the man he did. Reading these books is such a deligbt, and the characters seem like old friends! And there is lots of heart-stopping action to keep you turning the pages. This book is set at the beginning of the First World War, and we also get a bit of an insight of some of the dangerous games carried out on the Egyptian front. I hope that future books will embellish on this a little. I certainly can't wait to read the next book.

Well, somone has finally done it.....someone has finally up-staged the great Ameila Peabody....and the person who does it....her own son....I was so excited to see that Amelia wasn't the first person to solve this mystery and prevent a war, in fact she does little in this book but provide minor clues and insights. This whole book basicly revolved around Ramses and his efforts on behalf of the war effort. He becomes a spy and out-witts the person who hates him the most. (Can you guess? ) The ending is happy and I must say it is about time that Ramses and Nefret got it together. All my suspicians about thoses two were confirmed and then some in this book. It was a true delight to read....

Plots, threads, subplots come together for a delft weaving of HE SHALL THUNDER IN THE SKY by Elizabeth Peters. These are the tumultuous day before WWI and every member of the family has an agenda that they prefer to keep secret from other family members.
Intrigue and espionage are the soul of the politics of 1914-15 in Egypt as many factions war for control of the country and its vital seaports, the Emersons are drawn into the foray, but are they all on the same side.
Maybe the best of the series as it is much more complex than previous volumes.
Nash Black, author of Indie finalists WRITING AS A SMALL BUSINESS and HAINTS.

on the jacket.. indicating this is a fourth book of a series. I was so confused at first, but I hung in and am glad I did. I understand how difficult it is to review a mystery without having a spoiler, but Donald Wayne Mitchell, top 10 reviewer has done so. His review is perfect. I only wish I had read it before starting this story. The characters are incredibly interesting and the social interactions and their faith in each other made me think and appreciate my own. While I didn't understand the machinations relative to Egyptian diggings, seeing the movie "Mummy" (while in the midst of this book) really helped put everything in perspective and my vivid imagination took off!

I began reading the Amelia Peabody series in the middle with Hippopotamus Pool. I figured I would not be as attached to the characters if I had read them from the beginning. But I was wrong. Each book brings a certain maternal feeling as Ramses has grown up in each book. He Shall Thunder in the Sky is the book where Ramses is no longer just part of the plot, he is an integral part of the story. Not that he wasn't before, but an omniscent view of his escapades added to his mother's "journals" make for a more involved and evolved story. Elizabeth Peters has done a wonderful job bringing the Emerson family to life, and I can see the series going on for years.

This Amelia Peabody book was the best (and most satisfactory) so far! Usually, I find I get annoyed with the switching of Amelia/Emerson storyline and Ramses/Nefret storyline, however in this book it was a perfect blend.

The relationship between Ramses and Nefret is wonderful, if slightly awkward (which, considering "Falcon at the Portal," is to be expected). Also, this book included many on everyone's favorite (and not so favorite) characters. And of course, Amelia is truly amazing.

For those who were disappointed at "Falcon's" disapppointing end, He Shall Thunder in the Sky is your cure.

Since the previous book left me in such a cliffhanger about Ramses and Nefret I immediately opened this book to see what would happen. Though I found this to be one of her best books yet I secretly could not wait to find out if and how Nefret and Ramses would resolve their issues with each other. I arranged my week around this book until I made it to the end, only to be dissapointed by a few paragraphs to tie up the misunderstanding between our young heros and to have their part of the story overshadowed by all of these new plot twists on the final pages, as clever and surprising as they were. Oh Ms. Peters! We was so faithful to you for every book you wrote yet we were not invited to the wedding? Maybe in the sequal! Excellent book but hoped for more in the ending.

I absolutly love Elizabeth Peters. I have read several of her books. I was quite pleased with "He Shall Thunder In the Sky." I love how the book ties up a lot of loose ends that have been floating around for a long time. I was estatic with the conclusion, as usual you are left wanting more! If you have never read any of the books I recomend that you don't start with this book. My only complaint it the lack of excerps from Manuscript H, and Nefert's letters to Lia. It seems like it takes 300 pages to get to the climax, but when you get there it's well worth it! I loved this book!

Fans of the Peabody Series know many issues have been dragging along in this entertaining series of books. At this point in time, Amelia and Emerson are at best in their late 50's, and their son, Ramses is a dashing young man in his early 20's. This book resolves many issues that fans have found lacking. They at last speak of their love for each other, and - gasp - actually demonstrate it! The love between Ramses and Nefret, the Emerson's ward, FINALLY is resolved. Indeed, this writer peeked at the last page and joyously saw the last two words of the book before digging into the book! Even Sethos, the Master Criminal is given a wild twist. Ms. Peters, please let Nefret and Ramses have the happiness Amelia and Emerson have! Give them a break and the adventures they also deserve! Ramses is as great a character as an Indiana Jones! Fans of the series rejoice! He Shall Thunder in the Sky is a must read!

Shakespeare gets quoted here and there in THUNDER. (Amelia is told to stop misquoting HAMLET in one particularly memorable scene.) There are also a number of utterances that Elizabeth Peters fans will undoubtedly quote to each other as vintage Amelia Peabodyisms, such as "Emerson, get that damned camel out of my garden!" In addition to answering many of the questions raised by the three most recent books, THUNDER also sparkles with sly humor and outrageous-yet-believable twists. This reader is also relieved to see the heroines back in form (having felt that, while still admirable, they weren't quite as vibrant and self-reliant in FALCON or -Night Train to Memphis- as they used to be). The quartet as a whole (starting with SEEING A LARGE CAT) is well worth staying up all night to (re)read.

For all those who, like me, were frustrated by The Falcon and the Portal, this definitely makes everything worthwhile. Nefret's behavior is not forgotten, and her "transformation" in this novel is realistic as are the explanations given for her previous decisions. Amelia - who decidedly makes up for any "lack" of expressed maternal instincts in this novel -- and Emerson's deductive reasonings (though still quite slow on the uptake on Nefret and Ramses) are back on target, and resolution is at hand -- finally! In fact, the book ties up so many loose ends (including the identity of the Master Criminal) that have occurred throughout the series, I did wonder if indeed this novel was the last we see of the Peabody/Emerson clan -- I certainly hope not!
"Thunder" is in some ways a more complex read than usual, as it is carries on many, many different plots and subplots, each complete with varying subtexts, and, being ignorant myself of the Egyptian/British situation and involvement circu WWI, it was a little difficult to keep track of what was going on and why. In addition, everyone in the family has their own agenda that, for their own reasons (most are valid), they are keeping from everyone else. But, despite the complexity, it is unequivocably a wonderful, satisfying read, and worth every minute spent on its 400 pages. And, if you are, like me, a romantic at heart, the last five pages are "worth the price of admission! Enjoy, it's wonderful!

After waiting in feverish impatience since last June's Falcon, I almost couldn't read Thunder fast enough. Happily, it was worth the wait.
Thunder is a complex, wonderfully handled book, masterfully mixing historical events into the story of the Peabody-Emersons. It's a great conclusion to the four-book "younger generation" arc.
I was incredibly impressed with how well Peters used seemingly insignificant clues from earlier books to important effect. She brought many threads together and answered many questions that have been intriguing readers for many books. And she devised a rip-roaring finish.
My only quibble is that it could have used more narration from Ramses' point of view. He's Peters' best character, and some scenes cried out for his take on matters, but we had to get it through Amelia's eyes instead.
And it was so gratifying to *finally* see those last two words in the book.

I knew it! I knew Elizabeth Peters had excellent reasons for putting Ramses and Co. through what she did (or, at any rate, allowing it to happen). She brought Amelia back to life in this one, redeemed Nefret in the eyes of her fans, cleared up long standing mysteries, punished the evil, slimy, despicable Percy and gave Ramses what we all know he has deserved about four times over! But I am still waiting on pins and needles for the next one. I cannot reveal my reasons without writing a spoiler. Suffice to say I believe we have not seen the last of Molly. This book totally floored me, Ms. Peters. I love it. It is tied with my other favorite, Seeing a Large Cat. Keep writing!

For all those who, like me, were frustrated by The Falcon and the Portal, this definitely makes everything worthwhile. Nefret's behavior is not forgotten, and her "transformation" in this novel is realistic as are the explanations given for her previous decisions. Amelia - who decidedly makes up for any "lack" of expressed maternal instincts in this novel -- and Emerson's deductive reasonings (though still quite slow on the uptake on Nefret and Ramses) are back on target, and resolution is at hand -- finally! In fact, the book ties up so many loose ends (including the identity of the Master Criminal) that have occurred throughout the series, I did wonder if indeed this novel was the last we see of the Peabody/Emerson clan -- I certainly hope not!
"Thunder" is in some ways a more complex read than usual, as it is carries on many, many different plots and subplots, each complete with varying subtexts, and, being ignorant myself of the Egyptian/British situation and involvement circu WWI, it was a little difficult to keep track of what was going on and why. In addition, everyone in the family has their own agenda that, for their own reasons (most are valid), they are keeping from everyone else. But, despite the complexity, it is unequivocably a wonderful, satisfying read, and worth every minute spent on its 400 pages. And, if you are, like me, a romantic at heart, the last five pages are "worth the price of admission! Enjoy, it's wonderful!

After waiting in feverish impatience since last June's Falcon, I almost couldn't read Thunder fast enough. Happily, it was worth the wait.
Thunder is a complex, wonderfully handled book, masterfully mixing historical events into the story of the Peabody-Emersons. It's a great conclusion to the four-book "younger generation" arc.
I was incredibly impressed with how well Peters used seemingly insignificant clues from earlier books to important effect. She brought many threads together and answered many questions that have been intriguing readers for many books. And she devised a rip-roaring finish.
My only quibble is that it could have used more narration from Ramses' point of view. He's Peters' best character, and some scenes cried out for his take on matters, but we had to get it through Amelia's eyes instead.
And it was so gratifying to *finally* see those last two words in the book.

I knew it! I knew Elizabeth Peters had excellent reasons for putting Ramses and Co. through what she did (or, at any rate, allowing it to happen). She brought Amelia back to life in this one, redeemed Nefret in the eyes of her fans, cleared up long standing mysteries, punished the evil, slimy, despicable Percy and gave Ramses what we all know he has deserved about four times over! But I am still waiting on pins and needles for the next one. I cannot reveal my reasons without writing a spoiler. Suffice to say I believe we have not seen the last of Molly. This book totally floored me, Ms. Peters. I love it. It is tied with my other favorite, Seeing a Large Cat. Keep writing!

About a year ago, a friend of mine recommended the Vicky Bliss series by Elizabeth Peters. I read through all of those books, and hungry for more, picked He Shall Thunder in the Sky off the shelf. I was hooked. Ramses is so noble and adventurous, Nefret is beautiful yet also smart and talented, Amelia was hilarious, and the Father of Curses, well the name just says it all.

I think the best part about the Emersons is how well they react to each other. I was laughing out loud. He Shall Thunder combines just the right amount of mystery, suspense, romance, and action that you can't put it down. In addition, the character development is first-rate.

Since first reading it, I've gone back and reread it a few times, and each time I pick up something new that I may have missed.

For me, it was better to start on one of the later books because, in my opinion, they are better. You can still fully appreciate the first one even after reading the last. Although, since He Shall Thunder does resolve many ongoing conflicts, if you haven't read at least The Hippopotamus through The Falcon, it may be confusing.

In conclusion, He Shall Thunder in The Sky is one of the best books written by Ms. Peters so far. I have found it to be entertaining, romantic, and full of intrigue. Six stars.

Like every Peters' fan, I not only waited with breathless anticipation and frightfully impatient yearning for He Shall Thunder, but also pre-ordered the copy so that I would have the book in my hands the second it was released. It was well nigh near impossible not to sneak a glance at the last words on the last page but I managed it somehow and the wait made the ending all the more satisfying. I was in tears by the end, tears of joy, and I will reveal nothing further. But you die hard fans will know what I mean. I think this is the most wonderfully written book in the Peabody-Emerson series and now I can hardly wait for the next two installments. Buy it now, read it now. You can't afford to miss this one.

If you're already familiar with the AMelia Peabody series, then this book will tie up a lot of loose ends and forgotten questions (or not forgotten) from other, previous books. If your new to the series, It's perfectly ok to read this one first, because each reference to the past is adequetly explained, though as usual, reading books in order is the best choice.
The author has finally found that perfect balance between the relationships, the mystery, and the egyptology. for less informed readers, the egyptology isn't so intense as to leave you befuddled in the 1st chapter. the relationships don't preside over the mystery, and the mystery ties everything together. A wonderfull read.

Elizabeth Peters and Amelia Peabody (Emerson) have done it again! A fantastic story, well told; full of drama, suspense, adventure, romance, and action. I received my copy and couldn't put it down until it was finished. I laughed and cried, gritted my teeth in anger and frustration when the family's plans were thwarted. Silently cheered as they finally won out and saved the day. The hardest thing was not to turn to the back of the book to read the ending first! The characters of Amelia, Emerson, Ramses, Nefret, David, and their extended household are always so real and vastly entertaining. I grieve that they are only fictional and I will never be able to meet them for real,(because they certainly have become that way to me). The settings in Egypt are clearly described and produce a vivid picture. The history and attitudes of the times are also well laid out, and you can feel the strain the characters are going through. This is by far and away Ms. Peters best Amelia Peabody Mystery yet! Keep up the GREAT WORK!

Once again Elizabeth Peters out does herself. I thoroughly enjoyed this addition to the series. It's another suspenseful adventure, including a couple of the vial enemies of the past, Sethos and Percy. It involves the younger characters more, which I enjoyed. Their characters have evolved greatly over the years, and I think it is great how they are more involved in the storyline. Amazingly, Emerson is still the Adonis we all imagine him to be, after all these years.
I look forward to the next addition to this series or perhaps an addition to the Vicky Bliss collection.

I agree with what everyone else has said about how wonderful this book is and how nice it is to get all those loose ends tied up and how much we like the ending. I also agree with the reviewer who wished there'd been more from Ramses' point of view -- aka Manuscript H -- but all's well that ends well. . . literally. I had important exams coming up the day after I finished the previous book (until now I always got the paperbacks, so I read it late) and the only way I could stop myself from running out to buy this and read it through that night instead of cramming as I ought to was to order it online (fastest delivery, of course, no sense prolonging the agony) so it would get to me after the exams. And then I stayed up way too late reading it, which effort was well worth the satisfaction.

I'd read the first three in this "internal" series (Cat, Ape, Falcon), and gotten tired of Ramses - his syntax in those books can get irritating. Two years later, I picked them up again, re-read them in order, and ended with Thunder - wow! I'm now a Ramses convert - what a great character! I love how Peters went into more depth with his character and let the stoic facade melt a little bit. I adore her archaeology plots, but I also liked how Thunder deviated from the archaeology a bit, and put the Emmersons' work in the context of WWI. There was enough of David in the story to keep me happy (I'm a huge David fan...) The Sethos plot was a little contrived, but it was worth it at the end. I can't wait to pick up Lord of the Silent. Thunder was a great read, at least to this die-hard Peters fan.

Had not read any Elizabeth Peters books before and found this one surprisingly good. I am not noramally interested in archaeology, but she made it interesting and had a good story wrapped around the topic. I would read another book by her.

J. Robert Ewbank author "John Wesley, Natural Man, and the 'Isms'"

I haven't read an Amelia Peabody in years. Though well written and funny enough to make me laugh out loud, the high-adventure style put these in my "light reading" category. But I was stuck in an airport and picked up Falcon at the Portal...what a surprise! (I don't know what people are complaining about: this was an excellent book that showed impressive growth from the writer--and therefore her characters.) I was engaged enough to go to the first bookstore I could to buy He Shall Thunder in the Sky. Now my only concern is: is this the last in the series? It had that feel at the end. Or does the new depth in the story require new characters? Whichever, reading Falcon and Thunder back-to-back was amazingly involving. My compliments to the author.

I loved the book. Elizabeth Peters has once again held my interest to the last page. She ties up some loose ends that she left hanging in the previous two books and keeps you thoroughly entertained while doing so. I would certainly recommend this book to anyone: it has strong women, strong men, archaeology, and enough throroughly vile villains to satisfy anyone.

Finally, finally, finally! That is what any Amelia Peabody Emerson fan will be saying when they read this one. Ramses and Nefret finally make peace and live happily ever after. The scourge of Ramses' cousin Percy is finally taken care of, and the mystery of the Master Criminal is finally solved. You just can't beat a Peters mystery and this is one of the best. I have long been wondering about Emerson's family and hope to hear more secrets revealed in future books. Hopefully there will also be an adventure focusing on Ramses, Nefret, and David. They deserve their own book! Ramses may be a candidate for the next Indiana Jones, but Nefret is a close second!

Elizabeth Peters has provided many years of most excellent reading. This book, again, has been a pleasure to read and I am forever grateful for your cast of characters, their depth, the relationships that have evolved over the years, the subtle, tasteful hints of deeper passions, and your writing style. This is the one author that I recommend over and over to all I know. Thank you, Elizabeth Peters, and please keep the story evolving! (i.e. more, more!)

Although I loved, simply loved CROCODILE ON THE SANDBANK when it came out all those years ago, and I was tickled to death when Peter wrote a sequel to it, enough is enough! I can no longer distinguish a thing between each Amelia book, and I find I don't like Ramses and Nefret nearly as much as I liked Amelia and Emerson. What's more, I don't care a bit what happens to them.
Let's stop beating this poor, tired horse. It's time to move on to other books and series, please! I'd be thrilled to read a Vicky Bliss or Jacqueline Kirby book, or even something new.

Boring, boring, boring. Where is the plot or the mystery? Three-fourths through this tome and there is only a faint WWI saber-rattling. When characters used the word "Oxymoron", a word coined in the 1990's, the WW I era was besmirched. Perhaps the author needs to research the time period more thoroughly.

I have been reading the Amelia Peabody books for years. Am trying to catch up on newer ones as I stopped (for unknown reason) reading as much for a while. Love her characters. Mystery, humor, and love Amelia's logic!

HE SHALL THUNDER starts about 3 years after the end of FALCON AT THE PORTAL, but compensates for the missing years with its complex story, historical accuracy, and satisfying character development. If, like me, you were distraught at the ending of FALCON, be assured that HE SHALL THUNDER more than makes up for it.

This book answered many questions from previous books such as Sethos's idenity and how long will it take for Nefret and Ramses to get together. It was such a relief after the heartwrenching events of The falcon at the Portal. Amelia is as fascinating and hilarious as ever. I am glad that I startes at the begininning of the series because it is wonderful to see all the characters grow. My only worry is that Amelia and Emerson are getting old!!

Manages to very satisfactorily wrap up numerous plot threads that have been developed over the entire series. Also has some of the funniest scenes as well as some of the most touching scenes that Peters has ever pulled off. I'm very much looking forward to the next one.

Peters does it again, only better than ever. She takes us back to Egypt in a bygone era. She makes you cry in one chapter and laugh out loud in the next chapter. I finished the book with a deep sigh and a very foolish grin on my face. What a wonderful read!

Its all been said in previous reviews, but I want to add my praise to that already given: its a wonderful story, tying all the loose ends together, and ends perfectly - my only worry is that its too well tied up! I hope we haven't seen the last of the Emersons!

Elizabeth Peters is a master - no doubt about it. She wove an intricate tapestry throughout four books that is a joy to behold. There has always been a master plan, I am sure, to take all of us on the roller coaster ride we have been on since Seeing A Large Cat. He Shall Thunder is a marvelous book and, I hope, only the start of another joyous ride. Brava, Elizabeth

This is by far the most intricate, fascinating, fabulous Peabody yet. I coudn't put it down from the time I got it. This book gives a whole lot of information that had been missing, and keeps you guessing all the time. It is well written, and the characters continue to grow. If you enjoy the Peabody series, this is a must have. If you haven't read a Peabody before, don't start here - it gives away all the secrets!

My friends and I think this book was riveting, although all of the Ameila series are wonderful. It's is nice to read a "modern" writer and have to use a dictionary upon occasion. It's also great to have a real sentence structure of muliples clauses and phrases instead of short, choppy sentences. As this book didn't leave a trailer for the next one, we are hoping that in 2 years, preferably sooner, another will be out?

I am so impressed with the location and the people in all of Elizabeth Peters books. Amelia Peabody amd her husband have progressed in all of her books to become a very exciting group of people. A must to start with reading from the first book and you will fall in love with all of her family. Finally to have Rames get his life together and turn out to be what we thought.

Thank you, Elizabeth Peters! I tortured myself in the year between Falcon and Thunder, wondering how all the loose ends would be tied up in a satisfying fashion, and Thunder far exceeds anything I could have come up with, and manages to redeem Nefret [something that I thought was nearly impossible after Falcon] in the bargain.
Read this book.

This book was well worth the wait. Like others, I felt cheated after Falcon, didn't think it possible that Nefret's actions could be explained. But, wow! Amelaia is back in good form, more like herself than last time. And the surprises at the ending were wonderful. I, too, couldn't put the book down. Thank you, Elizabeth Peters.

Finally, all the questions were answered. This book was however complex; full of surprises and adventures. It made an interesting read. Now that the Master Criminal is dead and the romance of Ramses and Nefret has been settled, what will Peters think of next to intrigue us in this series?

While this was a fascinating read & Ms. Peters makes up for the horrors she left us with in Falcon, I have to wonder if there will be a next Amelia book as she tied up all the loose ends in this one. I was a bit disappointed that all the bad guys were dead in the end, all the good guys were loved in the end, and only a token good soul had died in the War.

It's WWI and the whole Emerson clan are involved, one way or another, in rooting out people who are spying for the Turks or Germans in Cairo. Ramses and Nefret are madly in love with each other, but both are too proud and too embarrassed to admit it, so it makes both of their lives difficult and painful. Will they survive the danger they are risking long enough to do anything about their feelings?