Elizabeth Peters is a fascinating author. In real life a PhD in Eyptology named Barbara Mertz, she also writes romantic suspense under the name Barbara Michaels. Under the guise of Elizabeth Peters, however, she writes Victorian archaeology mysteries, bringing to life a loveable, irrascible character named Amelia Peabody.
Amelia lives in an age where women are supposed to be decorative ornaments on the arms of men. Perfumed handkerchiefs and fainting spells are the order of the day. Not so for Amelia. She has better things to do with her time than sip lemonade and sigh, like exploring Egypt’s ancient pyramids. So, ignoring the scoffs and scorns of the “proper ladies” of the time, she gets on a boat and sails for Cairo, determined to join a digging expedition and see something of the world, journal in hand.
Along the way, she meets up with Evelyn Barton-Forbes, a dainty young thing who is very proper, unfortunately. Amelia takes it upon herself to look after Evelyn, and it’s a good thing she does. Before too much longer, Amelia is convinced there’s a plot to harm Evelyn, and wielding her umbrella, Amelia decides to solve the mystery.
Upon reaching the dig, the two women meet the bosses, the Radcliffe brothers, Walter and Emerson. Amelia has never needed a man in her life before; in fact, has gone out of her way to remain independent – but there’s something about Emerson, his black hair blowing in the breeze, his temper, his absolute refusal to see her as an equal, his propensity toward growling – but she shows him, and what follows is a delightful comedy, thrilling mystery, and tender love story, all wrapped up in one.
This is the first novel in a series, every book as delightful as the last. Keep your eyes out for reviews on subsequent books by Elizabeth Peters, and in the meantime, laugh out loud with Amelia.
(This book was published in 1975 by Warner Books)