The Serpent on the Crown

The Amelia Peabody Series, Book 17

By: Elizabeth Peters

Narrated by: Barbara Rosenblat

Length: 12 hrs and 7 mins

Publisher's summary

New York Times best-selling master of suspense, Elizabeth Peters, brings an exotic world of adventure, intrigue, and danger to vivid life, in a tale as powerful as ancient Egypt.

The Emersons have returned to the Valley of the Kings in 1922 and Amelia Peabody and her family look forward to delving once more into the age-old mysteries buried in Egypt's ever-shifting sands. But a widow's strange story, and even stranger request, is about to plunge them into a storm of secrets, treachery, and murder.

The woman, a well-known author, has come bearing an ill-gotten treasure, a golden likeness of a forgotten king, which she claims is cursed. She insists it has taken the life of her husband and unless it is returned to the tomb from which it was stolen, more people will die.

Amelia and her clan resolve to uncover the secrets of the statue's origins, setting off on a trail that twists and turns in directions they never anticipated, and, perhaps, toward an old nemesis with unscrupulous new designs. But each step toward the truth seems to reveal another peril, suggesting to the intrepid Amelia that the curse is more than mere superstition. And its next victim might well be a beloved family member...or Amelia Peabody herself.

A novel filled with riveting suspense, pulse-pounding action, and the vibrant life of a fascinating place and time, The Serpent on the Crown is the jewel in the crown of a grand master, the remarkable Elizabeth Peters.

Don't miss the rest of the Amelia Peabody series. You can also check out more of our Most Addictive Series.

©2005 Elizabeth Peters (P)2005 HarperCollins Publishers, Inc.

Critic reviews

• 2005 Audie Award Winner, Mystery

"Peters injects plenty of humorous banter, lots of bluster from Emerson, and enough coy swipes at Victorian propriety to keep the story lively....A pleasant addition to the long-running series." (Booklist)

The penultimate adventure of the Emerson clan

The penultimate adventure of the Emerson clan is as satisfying as the others. Well written and well performed.

Amazing reader!

I enjoy reading Elizabeth Peters novels, but the reading by Barbara Rosenblatt made this the best one yet. Her voice is amazingly versatile and every character has a distinctive voice, making the story easy to follow.

The Emerson's Reside in My Heart

Ernest, in his review below, needs to realize that this is period fiction. Both the British and the Egyptian characters are an accurate representation of turn-of-the-century attitudes, and the book HAS to be consumned as such.
Ms. Peters as always has delivered a work worthy of everything we've come to love about the Emerson's, and Ms. Rosenblatt gives the characters life in this audio reading.
I NEVER have so much fun as following the Emerson's in both their adventures in Egypt, and their quirky family life!

A wonderful listen, as always!!!!

The Amelia Peabody series by Elizabeth Peters has been one of my absolute favorites for years!! I've read all the books more than once, but listening to them performed by one of the best narrators, Barbara Rosenblat,just brings all the characters, action, adventure and humor of the Emerson clan and their friends to life! If you've never read or listened to one of the Amelia Peabody books, I highly recommend any one of them - starting at the beginning I think is best with book one. I laughed quite a bit during this particular book, particularly about the addition of the dog to this already lively family! Definitely a series one can listen to more than once, which I am off to do myself!

Loved it

Another great book! A great series to listen too never gets old. Amelia does it again and Ramsey is awesome

No Less Than I Have Come to Expect!

I have read and reread every book in this series. I have thoroughly enjoyed the development of the characters and the progression of the story. While this story is not as heart pumping as others, it is no less informative, humouress and engaging. A very welcome addition!

Elizabeth Peters and Barbara Rosenblat Shine!

I have listened to all the Amelia Peabody books and this one was was simply marvelous on so many levels. I grimace to think that i have just one more more in the series. Barbara Rosenblat continues her incredible narration. Her narration rises to a new height with the unanticipated drama at the end of this book.

Loved it

Love this series. Amelia, Emerson, Ramses and his lovely wife have all become friends after 17 books. I only have3 more books to go and I'm going to be so sad when the series ends. If you're looking for something that is entertaining, fun yet has mystery to it, then try this series. Great book

Best One ayet

Each book in the series just gets better and better. I've never listened to 16 books in a series before but I know that when I finish, I will just start over.

The Serpent on the Crown

Such Fun!!! The best part was the reader tho, she gives different voices for all the characters and has such excellent expression.