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37th out of 419 books
—
401 voters
The Ape Who Guards the Balance (Amelia Peabody #10)
The Ape Who Guards the Balance begins in 1907 in England where Amelia is attending a suffragettes' rally outside the home of Mr. Geoffrey Romer of the House of Commons. It seems Romer is one of the few remaining private collectors of Egyptian antiquities, and a series of bizarre events at the protest soon embroil Amelia in grave personal danger. Suspecting that the Master...more
Paperback, 464 pages
Published
May 1st 1999
by Avon Books
(first published 1998)
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Another excellent visit with the Emerson-Peabody family! I adore these characters, and the adventures they always get immersed in!
In this outing, the family, now including not only Ramses, but Nefret and David, are back in Egypt for the new season. While they expect a dull season, since Emerson's offending everyone "official" in the excavation game has led to his being given the most boring tombs in the Valley to excavate, as usual with the Emersons, dull is not to be.
Not only do Ramses, Nefret...more
In this outing, the family, now including not only Ramses, but Nefret and David, are back in Egypt for the new season. While they expect a dull season, since Emerson's offending everyone "official" in the excavation game has led to his being given the most boring tombs in the Valley to excavate, as usual with the Emersons, dull is not to be.
Not only do Ramses, Nefret...more
May 01, 2007
Becca Martinson
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
Everyone- but especially mystery lovers
If you've never read Elizabeth Peters, you should begin with the first in this series (Crocodile in the Sandbank) and work your way up as this is one of the later novels. Amelia Peabody Emerson is a fantastically stereotypical Victorian heroine- snappy, sharp, and utterly convinced of her own take of the world. Set in turn of the 19th/20th Century Egypt against the backdrop of the heyday of the great ancient Egyptian discoveries by the likes of Carter and his cohorts, these books are fast paced,...more
First off, I absolutely adore this series! Not only does it have a strong, confident and feisty female heroine but it mixes in important archaelogical finds of the period. This is one of my favorites in the series (I've read them at least twice) mainly because it's a swirl of so many evil geniuses, masters of disguise and so much more. Elizabeth Peters slyly educates us with the history of ancient Egypt while entertaining us with characters that feel like family. This particular book is based du...more
Although I thought that I have by now got used to the tricks of the author, this volume got to me. I cried and laughed through it. Although it started quite slowly, and I wondered how many new twists Peters can come up with, this book is very good in mixing the old and the new. It uses many elements from past volumes and characters from former books suddenly taking on new roles and seen by the narrator in a new light (quite a refreshing feature actually - a little like in life, when you gain a d...more
Peabody and Emerson don't change much from book to book - they're kind of the solid core of any book in the series that you can always count on (except in the fourth book) - but the children are developing into interesting characters in their own right. I think Peters was right to make them important characters in the series and introduce the Manuscript H stuff into the narrative.
(view spoiler)...more
(view spoiler)...more
This is part of the wonderful Amelia Peabody series. There are approximately 19 books in the series. Last summer, which I christened "The Summer of Amelia Peabody", I read through the first nine. It was such fun that I decided to read the remaining books in the series during this, my "Second Summer of Amelia Peabody".
As I resumed the series, I was not disappointed. It is now "the season" of 1907. Independently-minded Amelia and her equally unorthodox family are off once again to Egypt. Amelia an...more
As I resumed the series, I was not disappointed. It is now "the season" of 1907. Independently-minded Amelia and her equally unorthodox family are off once again to Egypt. Amelia an...more
Very much enjoying the young adult Ramses, David and Nefret. This adventure brings back Sethos, the master criminal who has strong feelings for Amelia. Emerson and family are bored doing very tedious work only to find that the crew near them makes a major discovery of artifacts. A dead body in the river and a few other distractions and Emerson is trying to do all he can to keep his family safe. I think these books would be hard to enjoy as just a stand alone novel. You have to follow the charact...more
I like the way this one has the younger generation fully involved in the adventure as old enemies come back to haunt the Emersons. The problems begin with an attack on Amelia in London, but the case follows them to Egypt where uneventful (read dull) archeological work is interrupted by attacks on various members of the family. There are clues pointing to the involvement of their old nemesis, the Master Criminal, but could he really have broken his promise to Amelia not to target those she loved?...more
Reading about the Emerson's is like visiting good friends. This story had manuscripts written by Ramses and Nefret, which sometimes made it hard to follow, but I was able to get into the rhythm and they brought more of the children into the story.
The loss of a loving member of the family was heart-wrenchingly sad and I will miss him.
I really liked seeing the children take more of an active role, which needs to happen as Amelia and Emerson can't go on forever! I hope that Ramses and Nefret sort...more
The loss of a loving member of the family was heart-wrenchingly sad and I will miss him.
I really liked seeing the children take more of an active role, which needs to happen as Amelia and Emerson can't go on forever! I hope that Ramses and Nefret sort...more
Paused halfway thru to read Heartless. You should go read Heartless too. More to follow.
Okay, now I'm finished. This was a pretty good book. I don't want to go all spoiler-y on you, but there were some surprisingly sad parts to this one. As usual, there were also some funny parts, some educational parts, some dramatic parts, and some parts with characters from previous novels that I had frankly forgotten.
In my opinion, some of these characters were best left forgotten. On the other hand, we tied...more
Okay, now I'm finished. This was a pretty good book. I don't want to go all spoiler-y on you, but there were some surprisingly sad parts to this one. As usual, there were also some funny parts, some educational parts, some dramatic parts, and some parts with characters from previous novels that I had frankly forgotten.
In my opinion, some of these characters were best left forgotten. On the other hand, we tied...more
Ramses finds himself in a dire situation; Captured and restrained, beaten and bloody, waiting and wondering if a way of escape will present itself when someone arrives ominously at the door.
"His aches and pains were forgotten in anticipation of what was to come next. The figure that stood in the doorway was not that of an enemy; worse. It was that of his mother."
At one point in the story an acquaintance wonders why the Emersons fall into the same kinds of trouble year after year. Peabody respon...more
"His aches and pains were forgotten in anticipation of what was to come next. The figure that stood in the doorway was not that of an enemy; worse. It was that of his mother."
At one point in the story an acquaintance wonders why the Emersons fall into the same kinds of trouble year after year. Peabody respon...more
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
I must admit, sometimes when I'm reading a book that's part of a series, I read it, but I don't really read it. That is, I don't really pay a lot of attention to the details because the characters are such old friends. Not with this book. Yes, the characters are old friends, but there was so much going on, I couldn't just sail through. I had to pay attention because I was afraid to miss anything.
It is amazing to me that Elizabeth Peters' Amelia Peabody series keeps getting better. The children...more
It is amazing to me that Elizabeth Peters' Amelia Peabody series keeps getting better. The children...more
Plot: Emerson is at odds with an Egyptology enthusiast, the children find themselves in danger from a criminal organization, and Sethos is back in teh picture. It's up to Amelia to sort it all out with the help of her wits, and of course her trusty parasol. This season turns out to be anything but dull.
Why I picked it up: After coming this far in the series, how could I not?
Why I kept reading: The action, adventure, humor, and romantic angst.
Again it was a wild and enjoyable visit with the Emers...more
Why I picked it up: After coming this far in the series, how could I not?
Why I kept reading: The action, adventure, humor, and romantic angst.
Again it was a wild and enjoyable visit with the Emers...more
Aug 26, 2012
Kidsbookworm
rated it
3 of 5 stars
Recommended to Kidsbookworm by:
Freya Fitzpatrick
Shelves:
young-adult-over-14
This was not my first Elizabeth Peters / Amelia Peabody book, and I didn't like this one as much as I did others that I've read. I found it a bit confusing, as it jumped around a lot. It was suggested reading for my dd's high school world history class.
I really loved some of the lines in this book:
"I see nothing wrong with comfort if it does not interfere with efficiency."
"The facts will be less alarming that the fancies a loving imagination can invent."
"Contemplate the future with courage and...more
I really loved some of the lines in this book:
"I see nothing wrong with comfort if it does not interfere with efficiency."
"The facts will be less alarming that the fancies a loving imagination can invent."
"Contemplate the future with courage and...more
Elizabeth Peters style is quite different. The various sections are presented as case notes and descriptive narratives from the diary entries and other manuscripts of the various family members sharing the experience being described. A very British attitude and dialogue is conveyed....and the book is written as an archeological adventure in Eygpt of the 1930s. I had a bit of trouble following the story.....but that is possibly also due to audio difficulties (as I listened to the story during a l...more
I have to admit that it lagged a lot in the middle, but the beginning and ending of the novel made up for the middle of the novel. It isn't even that the middle was bad, but I guess I am so used to the Emersons' being attacked at every turn that when they weren't fighting for their lives every other chapter and with their archaeological finds uninteresting I found myself wishing for something to happen. However Amelia got herself in enough trouble in the end and the kids kept everything interest...more
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
Mar 20, 2010
Miriam
added it
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
I am beginning to get more and more used to hearing Ramses' perspective, and I definitely appreciate it. The mystery in this particular novel was rather confusing - part of it was centered on this parchment the kids got their hands on, but then it was more about them being abducted. And then you add it the fuss about Akhenaten/Tiya's tomb and the horrible Mr. Davis, and at times it was hard to figure out what the focus was.
So here are some things I did and didn't like from this book: Nefret was...more
So here are some things I did and didn't like from this book: Nefret was...more
Feb 17, 2008
Shan O
added it
UPDATE: After almost 6 weeks of slogging through this horrible book, I finished it just to see it through to the end and to make sure my first impression was correct. I dreaded bedtime each night when I would have this badly-written mystery standing between me and a good night's sleep. I am glad it is over and will not read another one like it! Yuck!
I have just started reading this book, and I loathe it. I hate to be so utterly negative about The Ape Who Guards the Balance, but I have to be. I w...more
I have just started reading this book, and I loathe it. I hate to be so utterly negative about The Ape Who Guards the Balance, but I have to be. I w...more
The Bertha is back! (Evil laugh), David is in love, Ramses is in love, Amelia is in danger--AGAIN, Emerson is yelling, Nefret wants to be in love and Egypt will never be the same. Gotta love this series--just makes me smile. Love the way Barbara Rosenblat narrates--just perfect accents. We say goodbye to a major character and other characters become more defined. Hope the author continues writing far a long, long time because it such a wonderful journey we are making with her and her characters.
This one was a little hard for me to get into, but I still enjoyed it. Peabody is an amusingly written character. I usually try to read books like this in order, and I think that might have been part of my problem this time. I've only read the first one in this series, but I picked this up at the Y for a buck and I didn't have another book in the house that I hadn't already read. I think I will pick up at book two. There is not much to them, but they are entertaining.
#10 in the Amelia Peabody series.
It has been several years since I have picked up an Amelia Peabody book and I loved reading it. There is just such charm in the staunch, English woman that cannot go anywhere without murder, mystery and some mishap befalling her! Always for added entertainment are Emerson, Ramses, David, Nephrite, little Amelia, Walter, Elizabeth and of course The Master Criminal. If you enjoy British humor and tales, this is the book/series to read.
It has been several years since I have picked up an Amelia Peabody book and I loved reading it. There is just such charm in the staunch, English woman that cannot go anywhere without murder, mystery and some mishap befalling her! Always for added entertainment are Emerson, Ramses, David, Nephrite, little Amelia, Walter, Elizabeth and of course The Master Criminal. If you enjoy British humor and tales, this is the book/series to read.
Dec 07, 2010
Jamie
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
historical-mystery,
historical-fiction
Very entertaining. I'm enjoying the later books in this series even more than the earlier ones. I am entirely amused by the teen-aged Ramses, now sometimes addressed as "Mr. Emerson" and sometimes dressed in the height of fashion for an Edwardian English gentleman. But mostly he is in Egypt with his parents and his adopted sister and cousin, excavating ancient Egyptian tombs and investigating murders.
Amelia Peabody is still deservedly the star of the story, but I think the scenes that are writte...more
Amelia Peabody is still deservedly the star of the story, but I think the scenes that are writte...more
The character development in this 10th book of the Amelia Peabody series was great fun - I've skipped a couple, and it was lovely to see Ramses & Nefret as adults (and David, whom I'd never met as a child). There's a nice love story, a realistically tense family reaction, arguments between Amelia and her growingly independent children... I enjoyed these aspects of the story. I also liked the excerpts from "Manuscript H", being Ramses' diary, so that we get to see events not solely from Ameli...more
One thing I like about this series is that the different books are based in succeeding years and show a development and aging of the characters. This is not true in all series. Sara Paretsky's lead character, VI Warshawski, never seems to get old and the Patrick O'Brian books have 11 different novels that encompass 5 years of action in only 1 chronilogical year. It doesn't actually make sense to me. In the Amelia Peabody mysteries, the kids grow up from youngsters to adolescents to young adults....more
Tenth in the Amelia Peabody series. The Emerson family is back in Egypt this time it is 1907. Amelia and Emerson are up to their old tricks, and as usual, Emerson gets into trouble. Nefret, Ramses, and David have an adventure of their own, and Ramses still pines for Nefret's affections, even though she is clueless, or so it seems, to them. Sethos returns for some fun as well. I know I will always have a good time with the Emerson family and I look forward to more of their adventures.
I downloaded this one from the Henrico library to my MP3. There was a great surprise at the end: an interview with the author and the narrator. This was both interesting and funny. Elizabeth Peters (really Barbara Mertz) said that Barbara Rosenblatt doesn't read the character's lines, she performs them. So true! Peters also begs, pleads, and sends fudge so that she gets an early copy of the audiobook.
I'm trying to pace myself so I don't run out of this series, but I'm very eager to start the nex...more
I'm trying to pace myself so I don't run out of this series, but I'm very eager to start the nex...more
Lots of action in this one...I now know where Lia fits in; I'm curious as to how they get around Evelyn and Walter. Sethos screws up resulting in a very-much-loved character dying. Ramses makes a life-altering decision and the rest is the usual fun and games of all those strong personalities pursuing mysteries, cursing archeological incompetence, and the complex human interactions...that Sir Edward..!
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Elizabeth Peters is a pen name of Barbara Mertz. She also writes as Barbara Michaels as well as her own name. Born and brought up in Illinois, she earned her Ph.D. in Egyptology from the University of Chicago. Mertz was named Grand Master at the inaugural Anthony Awards in 1986 and Grand Master by the Mystery Writers of America at the Edgar Awards in 1998. She lives in a historic farmhouse in Fred...more
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“I don't think she realized how much she cared for him, or he for her, until the end. Hasn't someone said a woman may be known by the men who love her enough to die for her? (If they haven't, I claim the credit myself.)”
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“There was no warning, not even a knock. The door flew open, and he forgot his present aches and pains in anticipation of what lay in store. The figure that stood in the door was not that of an enemy. It was worse. It was his mother.”
—
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