Dinkytier

Frankly, one would assume that Peters' storytelling would wane on occasion, but no. She crafts her stories with finesse, wry humor. Though I hold out for the next time she will describe her husband's 'sapphirine' eyes... a term too oft used, I am reaching for just anything that rubs me. I cannot really complain, the story as always is engrossing, the family web and intricate emotional subplot as Ramses and his closest friends try to decipher the secret life of Amelia. I really think the narrative device Ms. Peters starts to employ (the newly found texts - 'Manuscript H' written by other members of the family) so as to present other perspectives is truly well done. The first author I have followed from book to book. A must read series and The Ape Who Guards the Balance, one of my favorite of the lot; provided you are listening to Rosenblat, of course, no disrespect to other narrators intended, but frankly, only Rosenblat can do all these personalities, accents and such.

Like a fly in a web, I succumbed to this story almost immediately. What an amazing tale, within a tale, no to mention the final revelation in the 13th tale!

Never again will I buy an audiobook narrated by the woman narrating this one. The entire story takes on a completely different life, let's say it is lifeless without the fantastic characterizations of the narrator for most of the others. Simply put, no one can do the Amelia Peabody series and justice now that we have been exposed to the supreme voice of Barbara. I would no doubt rate this book higher if it had been read by her.