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)

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

least favorite of the series so far

This is an excellent series, but I missed Ramses (The Emerson's young but highly entertaining son and my favorite character) on this trip to Egypt, though his letters were my favorite part of the book.
One of the most striking parts of this book is the very unsympathetic portrayal of Emerson. He is verbally abusive, rude to everyone, stuborn, and generally very unlikable. These traits are usual in Emerson, but not to this extent and are usually softened by good deeds and goodheartedness that is not in evidence in this book.
It is very hard to see what Amelia sees in him to love. I would have run screaming in the other direction, regardless of how handsome he was!

I also found unbelievable the successful disguise of the so called "Master Criminal".

Still it is a part of this good series, and this book needs to be read to continue.
On to the next book, and I hope things are back to normal.

As always, great fun

Had listened to this, and the entire series twice years ago. I'm listening for the third time and each book is still a delight. Barbara Rosenblatt is superb as a narrator.

What happened to Book 8?

I join others in saying that is a very entertaining series with adventure, a little romance, plenty of humor and characters with lots of personality. As soon as I have heard the one (narrated by Rosenblat please)I am ready for the next Peabody adventure. You can imagine my disappointment that I cannot locate Book 8, The Hippopotamus Pool at Audible. Anybody know why?

Lovely!

Marvelously amusing mystery read by the most skilled vocal actress " of this or any other century." It's a must listen.

Fine addition to series

This book is one of Elizabeth Peter's high quality stories, excellently narrated by Barbara Rosenblat. Highly recommended as an amusing way to spend a few hours.