The Falcon at the Portal: The Amelia Peabody Series, Book 11

I made the mistake of first listening to the abridged version of FALCON. Some books can be abridged well, but not this one. Every line is full of characterization, or humor, or poignancy -- I cannot recommend the unabridged version, narrated by Barbara Rosenblatt enough.

FALCON is part of Peters' series of Amelia Peabody mysteries, and contains everything readers come to expect--another dead body, another shirt ruined, delightful narration, and the incredible character of Amelia herself, who manages to both exemplify and transcend Victorian femininity. We have all the wonderful secondary characters (Cyrus & wife, David, Lia, Selim, Kadija, etc.) and an actual pyramid (though a sad pyramid it is) for Amelia and her gruff husband Emerson to explore--in an archeologically sound manner, of course. We even get a glimpse of their English home at the start (along with an important wedding) and a forgery plot implicating someone near and dear to their hearts.

But what makes FALCON stand out more than (arguably) any other book in the series is the depth of the characterization. Yes, these are the same Amelia, Emerson, Ramses, and Nefret. But the clarity with which each is drawn, from their body language to their vocal inflections (thanks both to Peters and to narrator Rosenblatt) is absolute magic. The Emerson family has more personal stake in this mystery than ever before--because of the implications of the forgery, and because the murder victim is someone we get to know and, if not like, with whom we sympathize. Add to that a crescendo to the building romantic subplot between Amelia's genius son Ramses (it's a nickname) and her adopted daughter Nefret (it's Egyptian), and the fact that her horrible nephew Percy gets in some wonderfully low blows against the family's happiness, and FALCON ends up working not only as a mystery but as the best of family dramas.

Give it a shot.

what could be more delightful for a summer listen? Great plot with lots of twists and turns, leaps ahead in the Emmerson family story itself, Amelia's hilarious view of it all and read by the incomparable B. Rosenblat. Terrific!

This is one of my favorite of the series -- as heartbreaking as it is at times! Ramses truly becomes the stoic hero here -- gallant to a fault. I actually listened to this years ago on tape, and have since had to go back and listen to the whole series! This book hooked me!

To have the unabridged recording of this story. The Amelia Peabody Series should never be abridged!! Please audible, release the unabridged version!

The entire Peabody/Emerson family. I cannot choose only one.

Everything. Ms. Rosenblat's talent makes each book in the series a delight. EXCEPT the abridged versions, which really aren't a reflection on her abilities, but even her talented narration cannot mask the disappointment in the abridged version.

NONE. Please release an unabridged version of this book. Hey Audible, catch on to my recurring theme?

I hope more audible listeners will also request this series to be released in its entirity unabridged. Thank you

Yes. The characters are strong, smart, and even sexy. The world they inhabit is interesting too.

I am really enjoying the Ramses/Nefret story arch.

Terrific read in every way. Very dramatic, nuanced, and in touch with the essence of the characters.

I always laugh.

I finish one and start another. The exploits of the Emerson family, and their friends and foes, are truly delightful, intriguing and enlightening.

Thank me later. Barbara Rosenblat is superb as usual. If you like a dash of tortured romance in your mystery, this is the book for you.

This series is a favorite. The history is reliable, the style is authentic, and the plots are engaging. The the characters are likable and amusing; their development and their changing relationships pique interest in the ongoing saga.
A great plus in the audio versions is the amazing Barbara Rosenblat, who gives each character a distinctive and convincing voice.

Have read a few in this series and enjoyed them especially while I'm travelling. The story was resolved well but I still had to buy the next in the series to untangle the relationships and find how they turned out.The characters remind me of people I know.

Riveting story. Definitely one of Elizabeth Peters' best. Hated to press the pause button. Highly recommend.

I love the interaction between Amelia and Emerson

I cannot chose a favorite - love the entire Peabody family

Amelia - except for one thing when she talks you can hear her swallow and sounds like she has mouth full of Saliva

yes

love the entire series...hope they do the 3 books missing