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)

peters does it again

Peabody mysteries are a guilty pleasure and this no exception! I loved it and she has new twists for the characters, not boring at all!!!

Problems with editing

There are some problems with the editing of this audiobook. One chapter begins before the previous one ends. It’s too bad— sloppy work.

Some hiccups with the recording

Other than a few hiccups with the recording it was a great continuation of the story.

Barb Rosenblat

Barbara Lose blast handle this one traffic ally. Like watching a movie. watches too fantastic

great

I continue to enjoy the characters and stories. the narrators voice adds greatly to the attractions of this book.

I have become friends with the Emersons

I have read the entire series, have one more to go and it has been a joy. These are wonderfully written so the reader becomes part of the Egyptian culture and terrain. The narration is amazing, as Barbara Rosenblat is probably the best narrator of audio books I have heard. She brings the characters to life and once again I am off with the Emersons on one of their Egyptian adventures.

I think this is a good story, I like where the family is at right now, grown children, grandchildren, Egyptian friends that we have all come to know well. When I read one of these stories, I feel like I am meeting up with old friends. That is what great books bring to the readers--an escape into another world with friends. I feel sad when each story ends, thinking that I won't "see" you for awhile. This story had several plots going and of course, ties them all up at the end. These aren't crime novels as we have come to know, but they are crime novels of that time and place. I read that Barbara Mertz aka Elizabeth Peters actually has degrees in archeology and egyptology...that makes the books even better since we actually learn much about the culture of the time.

Although some of the books can stand alone, it is best read in a series so you can grow up with the Emerson children and participate in the adventures at each archeological dig. These are easy reads, not too sappy, humorous at times, and a great way to visit Egypt.

Boring

Too many characters, not enough plot. Barbara Rosenblat does the Emerson's justice, but she didn't have much to work with in this book.

Delightful fun!

This was my first exposure to this author and narrator, and I was immediately engaged by the characters and details of the story. The tale combines an entertaining cast of characters with unfolding action and mystery. The story develops over a background of Egyptian archaeology which doesn't tax the non-archaeologist, and the writer plays fair with the solution to the mysteries. This narrator is amazing, and brings each character to life! I recommend this as a listen which is out of the ordinary, and well worth the time!

Excellent as usual

Barbara Rosenblat as the narrator also gets 5 stars.

The Serpent on the Crown

This book brings most of the favorite characters of the Peabody series back for an engrossing, multi- layered mystery. I find these books very much like going on an adventure with old friends. Though each book stands alone, I encourage readers to start at the beginning of the series. Otherwise much of the laugh inducing humor will be missed. This series represents one of the few series available where each book shows growth in characters and relationships, fresh and exciting plots and never disappointing entertainment. This installment is no exception. These books span age groups and gender. My daughter, mother and brother have all read and enjoyed The Serpent in the Crown. Its denouement is so heartwarming I have read it multiple times.