The Snake, the Crocodile, and the Dog

The Amelia Peabody Series, Book 7

By: Elizabeth Peters

Narrated by: Barbara Rosenblat

Length: 15 hrs and 15 mins

Publisher's summary

This adventure transports Amelia Peabody and her husband Emerson to Amarna, the rustic desert site where the two archaeologists first met, beginning the 13-year association that would take them from mayhem to murder in the Egyptian outback.

For the first time in many years, Ramses chooses not to accompany his parents on their yearly excavation. At the tender age of 11, Ramses has fallen in love. The object of his affection is 13-year-old Nefret, the auburn-haired beauty the Emersons rescued from the clutches of the ancient city of Napata, now safe in England where the needlessly solicitous Ramses can keep a watchful eye on her. Ramses' new obsession does not deter him from putting in his two cents worth, however, in a series of lengthy epistles to Egypt, containing enough elaborate syntax and romantic ardor to stretch his mother's patience to the very breaking point.

Her son's budding affaire de coeur reminds Amelia of her once-tumultuous romance with Emerson. She is hopeful that their time alone together will rekindle old flames. But every confidence meets with disaster when Emerson is ambushed, kidnapped, and severely wounded on the road to Luxor. Rescued, and squirming under Amelia's gentle ministrations, Emerson wastes little time in recovering his irascible nature, but to Amelia's dismay, he seems to have no recollection of who she is!

Now, both past and future are in jeopardy as Amelia attempts to locate Emerson's attackers; prevent his disclosure of an important artifact relating to Nefret's security; and renew feelings in him that appear as remote as a Pharaoah's tomb.

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

©1992 Elizabeth Peters (P)1992 Recorded Books, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Peters' romantic thriller...offers surefire entertainment." (Publishers Weekly)
"High adventure, narrated in Amelia's witty, inimitably resplendent style. Peabody fans will rejoice." (Library Journal)

Another Delightful Romp with Amelia Peabody!

In 1898, Peabody and Emerson (her husband) return to Egypt for the winter season without their son Ramses. Ramses, now 10, and Nefret, rescued from the lost city in the previous book in the series, have stayed at home in England with Emerson's brother and his family for the season. Once established in Egypt with their loyal workmen, the Emersons experience untold adventures, including the kidnapping and rescue of Emerson himself and several attacks by person or persons unknown who are bent on getting from him the map to the lost city. Of course, the attacks are foiled, the blackguard is discovered to be a former colleague, and the Emersons triumph once again!

In addition, Sethos (the master criminal) has been intervening in matters for the sole purpose of protecting Amelia. And American Cyrus Vandergelt is introduced and will become a continuing character in the series.

Once again, Elizabeth Peters has written a rip-roaring, often tongue-in-cheek adventure which will keep you entertained and chuckling, and Barbara Rosenblat has given it superb voice. Perhaps I should say voices, since she is performing British, Egyptian, American, German and French men, women and children. As usual, she astounds me with her versatility and great performance. I truly believe she is one of the very best narrators in the Audible collection of books.

Read this book -- it is so much fun!

Another Great Adventure

This was the series that made me fall in love with audio books back in the mid 1990s. I devoured these on cassette! Barbara Rosenblatt was and always will be my favorite narrator. She IS Amelia Peabody.

Surprise ending!

Make sure to read through to the end. I thought the book was wrapping up, but was quite pleasantly surprised at the actual conclusion. Fun!

Countless Listens

The Amelia Peabody series and Barbara Rosenblat are an amazing duo. This extra angsty story in the series delivers on romance, villainy, adventure, and comedy. It's so much fun delivered perfectly!

BRING BACK SUSAN O'MALLEY

While I did initially wish that this series was read with a British acccent, by the middle of the second book Ms. O'Malley had, in my opinion, captured the nature of Ms. Peters' characters perfectly. Her syntax and pacing are excellent. By the 6th book I did not even notice whether or not the accent was British and felt as though I were with old friends who had me on the edge of my seat or rolling with laughter, particularly Ramses. I am only into the 9th chapter with the new narrator and I am sad to say that it is now a chore to listen to this story. While she is undoubtedly very well spoken, I get the feeling that Ms. Rosenblatt did not even give a cursory listen to Ms. O'Malley's representation of the characters, or even read the book before "narrating" it. The characters are now stuffy and stodgy; sounding 20 years older than they are. She reads so slowly that it is an effort to listen and the pause between sentences and/or paragraphs is painfully long. I love this series and these characters but am disinclined to listen to any more of the Amelia Peobody Series as narrated by Ms. Rosenblatt. narration. I will more likely than not, read rather than listen to the remainder of the series. To change readers this late in the series was NOT a good decision. Please re-record books 7 forward with Susan O'Malley doing the reading as I would truly rather listening to the rest of the series.

My favorite!

I have fallen in love with the Emerson family. When I read that Ramses would not be with them, I was so disappointed. But he certainly was not left out. Elizabeth Peters is imaginative and funny. Barbara Rosenblat brought the characters alive in ways that reading a book cannot do. I look forward to the next book in this series.

Elizabeth Peter did it again

It was great to have Amelia and Emerson had one last solo adventure before Ramsey became more independent

I'm reading and rereading, can't end it!

What made the experience of listening to The Snake, the Crocodile, and the Dog the most enjoyable?

I'm loving the story, narration, plot, characters, everything about it! I'm determined to read ALL the books in her resume. Only my miss Julia books rate as much with me. We travel, get knocked over the head, drugged, worshiped, and have interesting children who drive one out of their minds. And that's just the beginning! What's not to like? The narrator is excellent! She certainly must be an actress of some note! Just give me more and I'll be happily reading. If I lose any I'll go elsewhere!

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

So calmly the story proceeds. Never until towards the end does the evil villain give himself away. Everything seems calm but then another twist appears. There narrator is so good you have no problem in not confusing characters. All starts in merry old England then to a high class ball then to Egypt then to tombs then to sadness but safety. It seems maddening but very straight lace Victorian! If you don't want blood and gore but require brains behind the story, this is your ticket! Most stories written today aren't worth the time to read, and editors should take note! Also there is comic relief to make the badness go down.

Which character – as performed by Barbara Rosenblat – was your favorite?

The main character. She tries to be a female Sherlock Holmes! In Victorian times people thought they knew everything! Of course the more you think you know the less you do. She has such great ardor but tries to hide it. I found it very funny also! Thank you to everyone concerned, this was a tribute to minds like mine that find every little in this filthy evil world to enjoy!

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

When she found out who was behind the evil acts on her beloved family!

Any additional comments?

I never thought I'd find something this good! I'm a read from infancy. I read cereal boxes. But I never thought I'd find a book that I'd love so much except miss Julia.

Fun Series with Wonderful Narration

This installment of the Amelia Peabody Emerson adventure/mystery series is funny, moves well, and is completely entertaining, thanks to Barbara Rosenblatt's wonderful narration. My only regrets are **Spoiler Alert ** the absence of Ramses from most of the adventure and the apparent demise of the "Master Criminal". These books are like candy, hard to put down!

Great adventure, with romance, and sacrifice

A great adventure, with romance, and sacrifice beyond the wildest conjectures. Another rousing yarn from Elizabeth Peters, ably performed by Barbara Rosenblat