Crocodile on the Sandbank

The Amelia Peabody Series, Book 1

By: Elizabeth Peters

Narrated by: Susan O'Malley

Length: 8 hrs and 47 mins

Publisher's summary

Meet Egyptologist Amelia Peabody in the first mystery in the Victorian-era, New York Times-bestselling series.

"If Indiana Jones were female, a wife, and a mother who lived in Victorian times, he would be Amelia Peabody Emerson."—Publishers Weekly

Amelia Peabody, that indomitable product of the Victorian age, embarks on her first Egyptian adventure armed with unshakable self-confidence, a journal to record her thoughts, and, of course, a sturdy umbrella. On her way, Amelia rescues young Evelyn Barton-Forbes, who has been “ruined” and abandoned on the streets of Rome by her rascally lover. With a typical disregard for convention, Amelia promptly hires her fellow countrywoman as a companion and takes her to Cairo.

Eluding Evelyn’s former lover, who wants her back, and Evelyn’s cousin Lord Ellesmere, who wishes to marry her, the two women sail up the Nile to an archaeological site that is home to a rather lively mummy. Soon strange visitations, suspicious accidents, and a botched kidnapping convince Amelia that there is a plot afoot to harm Evelyn.

Don't miss the rest of the Amelia Peabody series.

©1975 Elizabeth Peters (P)2002 Blackstone Audiobooks

Critic reviews

"The indomitable Amelia Peabody carries the listener along as easily as she carries her umbrella." (AudioFile)

O'Mally my pick for the early Amelia books

I've read all the books from the series and did not start reading the audiobooks until after Thunder in the Sky was issued. I originally got the O'Mally audiobooks from audible.com then I got some of the Rosenblat audiobooks from the library, prior to audible getting them. It's nice that Rosenblat has the authentic English accents, but I prefer the energy that O'Mally gives to her readings. I particularly love her portrayal of the feisty Emerson, particularly this book and The Deeds of the Disturber. Also the tongue in cheek tone of O'Mally's delivery suits the tone of the early Amelia books well. So I have decided to stick to O'Mally for the early books and Rosenblat for the later. I think both narrators do Amelia well.

THE COZIEST OF THE COZIES

A lot of prime and proper Victorians, multiple fainting spells, and several cads(aristocratic and common). Plus a simple, straight forward, fun mystery on the Nile. Egads what is this world coming to!!

Think about it = smile!

It is great! Funny, mysterious, suspenseful, romantic, and even educational. It is the 1st in the series.; you'll want to read every one!

Reader does a good job!

Over the years, I have listen to the entire series of Amelia Peabody adventures. Most of those readings were by Barbra Rosenblatt. This is the first time I have listened to a reading by Susan O’Malley. So when I read reviews that said that this reader was not that good, I was disappointed because the stories read by Ms. O’Malley are included in my Audible subscription. I decided to give it a try anyway. I found that Ms O’Malley did a very good job. Her voice changes were good her annunciation was good and the flow of the story was good. Anyone who has listened to the recordings of Ms. Rosenblatt knows that she’s an excellent reader and it is hard to fill her shoes. I would not expect anyone else to sound exactly like her in her presentation. But I felt the reviews that were negative toward Miss O’Malley were not Justified. Her reading style is different. But she still did a very good job.

So Good

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It held me in suspense for quite awhile. Good melodrama with romance as well.

The tour guide will be giving you a test later ...!

After listening to Barbara Rosenblat read another book in the series, I looked forward to hearing more. I ordered 2 more books without realizing that they had a different narrator. Ugh!!! I’m still cringing from listening to various embarrassing accent renditions! I forced myself to listen to this book, it being the original Peabody story. The reading varies from being reminiscent of a scholastic Egyptian travelogue to a museum tour guide’s bland monologue and I feel myself struggling to stay awake. My mind wanders and I have to keep going back to keep up with the plot. Maybe Cliff Notes would help. I might have to break down and read the book myself! Needless to say, I won’t be making the same mistake by purchasing a book read by the wrong narrator again!

quite intriguing and eloquently wrote

Love the bold brash heroine in antiquities time, also in love with her word wizardry

love the book

this has always been one of my favorite books. I am not as fond of this reader as I have been of aome of the others, but I love this story and Amelia so much.

A nice surprise.

I enjoyed this very much. It is an enjoyable story and I look forward to the next book. Ms O'Malley is excellent as narrator.

Very Victorian

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

It wouldn't be at the top of the list. While interesting, the "mystery" is quite obvious and the romance, predictable.

Would you be willing to try another book from Elizabeth Peters? Why or why not?

Not really She captured the self sufficient, righteous and superior Victorian too well but takes her seriously. I would not identify with or like most of the characters.