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)

Great Story, Great Narration

Ms. Rosenblatt is one of my favorite narrators, and her approach to Amelia Peabody Emerson is spot-on in my opinion. Having listened to her with the Nevada Barr mysteries, I thought she was American yet it seems her British accent is perfect too. Go figure!

Anyhoo, of the Amelia Peabody series, this is my favorite. The plot twists make it fresh and exciting, and the banter of all characters is hilarious. A very fun listen.

A pleasant surprise

I was worried about this seventh book in the Amelia Peabody series; having listened to the books in order of their publication, I wasn't sure of my reaction to a different reader (Susan O'Malley did an excellent job on the first six books). It took me less than one hour to get used to the narrator for this book, Barbara Rosenblat, who does such a great job that I intend to listen to it again! You always know what Peabody is really thinking, no matter what she says; Emerson's meaningful growls and Ramses' angelic voice had me laughing out loud: it was that delightful! I can't wait to get the next one!

Love it!

I have long enjoyed Elizabeth Peters' Amelia Peabody books but they are even better when read by this incredibly talented voice artist. Bravo.

series always exciting

If you’ve listened to books by Elizabeth Peters before, how does this one compare?

This series is always exciting and fast paced. This book has a few new turns and keeps
the listening fresh, as well as, exciting.

What about Barbara Rosenblat’s performance did you like?

Barbara Rosenblat is one of the few performers that gets it all right. Not justin this series, but all she reads is an exciting listen.

One of my favorite Peabody mysteries!

Really good story once it gets going. I prefer the other narrator that's available rather than Barbara Rosenblatt. Although most actually prefer Rosenblatt, I find her performance overly proper and her voices caricature-esque. Still enjoyed myself, though!

I love this series of books

Another wonderful Amelia Peabody book. I’ve read most of the series of books and so has my husband, they’re wonderful and this audio version is as well.

Wonderful, fun, and oh so engaging!

Elizabeth Peters is Emilia Peabody, and Barbara Rosenblat brings this adventure to life! I have listened to this book (and the entire series) dozens of times, and loved it every time!

Wonderful, as usual.

I can't imagine anyone other than Barbara Rosenblat narrating the Amelia Peabody series. The books themselves are absolutely wonderful--interesting and fun mysteries set during excavations of ancient tombs in Egypt in the late 19th century--involving Amelia and her archeologist husband Emerson. There are are handful of major characters, and a score of lesser lights who each have their own personalities and roles in the stories. Barbara Rosenblatt does them all superbly, flipping easily between Amelia and the brash and mercurial Emerson, and then to Ramses, their pedantic and long-winded son, then to Abdulah, their Egyptian foreman, then to Kevin the Irish reporter who dogs their adventures, etc. But most of all, Ms. Rosenblatt IS Amelia Peabody: smart, witty, brave, funny, headstrong, bossy, and passionate about her Emerson. The combination of Ms. Peters' wonderful characters and Ms. Rosenblatt's ability to bring all of them to life makes this series one of my favorites. The writing and the narration are a perfect match: both brilliant and hilarious!

Fantastic

This is my third time going through the whole series. each one while having certain details that are constantly repeated, add great development of character and are such fun to read. Amelia is one of my favorite literary characters; she and Emerson are such a great fictional couple.

Not a favorite, but cute in its way

The first time I listened to this, I found the central conceit fairly frustrating. Knowing the ending, it was easier to listen to a second time, and indeed somewhat more fun, knowing what the protagonist does not. On the whole, I found the beginning and end quite memorable, but couldn't recall much of what happened in the middle. That said, the letters from Ramses are among the best in the series.