The Last Camel Died at Noon

The Amelia Peabody Series, Book 6

By: Elizabeth Peters

Narrated by: Susan O'Malley

The last camel is dead, and Egyptologist Amelia Peabody, her dashing husband, Emerson, and precocious son, Ramses, are in dire straits on the sun-scorched desert sands. Months before, back in cool, green England, Viscount Blacktower had approached them to find his son and his son's new bride, who have been missing in war-torn Sudan for over a decade. An enigmatic message scrawled on papyrus and a cryptic map had been delivered to Blacktower, awakening his hope that the couple was still alive.

Neither Amelia nor Emerson believes the message is authentic, but the treasure map proves an irresistible temptation. Now, deep in Nubia's vast wasteland, they discover too late how much treachery is afoot (and on camelback)...and survival depends on Amelia's solving a mystery as old as ancient Egypt and as timeless as greed and revenge.

Don't miss the rest of the Amelia Peabody series. You can also check out more of our Most Addictive Series.©1991 Elizabeth Peters (P)2000 Blackstone Audiobooks

Critic reviews

"If Indiana Jones were female, a wife and mother who lived in Victorian times, he would be Amelia Peabody Emerson...Combining a fierce affection for her family with indefatigable independence, stalwart Amelia proves once again an immensely likable heroine." (Publishers Weekly)
"Another interest-holding and humorously told Amelia Peabody Victorian suspense tale." (School Library Journal)
"The plot twists and turns....it's delicious." (Washington Times)

Interesting story

Great story, but I did not care for this narrator. I prefer Barbara Rosenblat and her varied character voices. That is the only reason I gave this book a 3 rating. The Emerson-Peabody clan is again involved in an interesting mystery. This time far away from Cairo, or the valley of the kings. The family ventures to Sudan and a mysterious oasis in search of an Englishman and his wife. What they find is intrigue, political power-plays and a people practicing the religion of ancient Egypt.

Another great addition!

I actually like Susan O'Malley as the narrator and am a little saddened that this appears to be the last book in the series she does.
I find her voice and speech pattern for Amelia to fit the self-confident, intelligent nature of the character. I had no problems distinguishing her different characters and visualizing them by their voices.
Some have described her as sounding Texan or overly-drawled but I really didn't hear it.
I'm really enjoying the series, and this book is as fun as the rest! Darned camels!

Peabody!

I really love this story. I feel as though I could find that lost civilization.

The accuracy of the references to Ancient Sudanese cultures especially Nubian.

The characters voices needed more customization. However the storyline was entertaining and it reminded me of the time I spent traveling in the deserts of Egypt and Sudan.

A Surprising Relief

I was dreading this narrator for the simple reason that Barbara Rosenblatt does such a superb job that surely no one could live up to it. I agree that Susan O'Malley's delivery is much quicker, the accents sometimes Texan and it is indeed much more flat. Almost more unforgivable was the way she made Ameila sound whiney. However, I discovered to my astonishment, I enjoyed it!

I have found myself wincing during Ms Rosenblatt's readings due to the extremes she goes to when Ameila is excited. It was a bit of a relief to hear the book read less dramatically. One can only take over-the-top drama for so long before hitting overload.

I encourage you to take a listen and make up your own mind.