Book 134: Crocodile on the Sandbank by Elizabeth Peters
Book 134: Crocodile on the Sandbank (Amelia Peabody #1).
Author: Elizabeth Peters, 1975.
Genre: Historical Mystery. Egyptology. Romance. Cosy Mystery. Adventure.
Other Details: Unabridged Audiobook. Length: 9 hrs, 51 mins . Read by Barbara Rosenblat
Set in 1884, this is the first installment in what has become a beloved bestselling series. At thirty-two, strong-willed Amelia Peabody, a self-proclaimed spinster, decides to use her ample inheritance to indulge her passion, Egyptology. On her way to Egypt, Amelia encounters a young woman named Evelyn Barton-Forbes. The two become fast friends and travel on together, encountering mysteries, missing mummies, and Radcliffe Emerson, a dashing and opinionated archaeologist who doesn't need a woman's help -- or so he thinks. - synopsis from author's website.
This is the first in a series of Egyptology-themed historical mysteries spanning 19 novels set between 1884-1920. The first volume introduces Amelia and her friend Evelyn along with the Emerson brothers, Walter and Radcliffe. This is a series I have wanted to read for years and so recently choose it for my audiobook-in-the-car. Rosenblat did her usual excellent job of narration capturing perfectly the Victorian dignity and sensibility of Amelia Peabody along with her wry sense of humour.
The story itself was well-paced and exciting. It also contained a great deal of information about Egyptology in the late 19th century. Overall a fun romp and I do plan on reading/listening to further books in the series.