The Falcon at the Portal: An Amelia Peabody Mystery

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The Falcon at the Portal: An Amelia Peabody Mystery (Amelia Peabody #11)

4.16 of 5 stars 4.16 · rating details · 4,496 ratings · 135 reviews

As the 1911 archaeological season begins, Amelia and famille have arrived in Egypt for their annual excavation. While the reappearance of Ramses' dreadful cousin Percy is to be lamented, the marriage of his best friend David to Amelia's niece Lia is a source of joy for everyone. But the bride has barely walked down the aisle before trouble begins stalking the family. First...more

ebook, 576 pages

Published April 1st 2002 by HarperCollins (first published 1999)

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Oct 09, 2007 victoria.p added it · review of another edition

I love the Amelia Peabody books, some more than others, but this one I am exceptionally conflicted about, because this is the one where Nefret screws the pooch, basically, and all the tolerance and even liking for her that I'd finally built up was destroyed, and I've never really gotten any of it back. This book - or, rather, Nefret's inexplicable and incredibly asinine actions in this book (for which I'd desperately hoped there would be some mitigating explanation in He Shall Thunder in the Sk ...more

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May 08, 2007 Lucy rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: novels-of-mystery, best-ever, egypt, the-mile

#11 in the Amelia Peabody series. Although the following book in the series (He Shall Thunder in the Sky) is arguably Peters's masterpiece, I think this volume in the Amelia Peabody diaries is magnificent. Peters expertly brings the reality of WWI into the Emerson clan, forcing all sorts of revelations and heartache. I would not recommend reading Falcon without He Shall Thunder in the Sky on hand, however. Peters most definitively leaves the reader dangling from a wrenching cliff at the end that...more

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May 05, 2008 Celia Powell rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-fiction, audio-book

Oh, Nefret. Deary me.

I enjoyed this book very much - much more so than the last few I've read in the series. The emotional drama was really stepped up a notch, and the tormented will they/won't they thing with Ramses and Nefret is killing me (and also creeping me out every time another character refers to them as siblings - ewww.)

Anyway, there's the introduction of a brand new character causing turmoil (awwww - er, not to the turmoil, but the new character), a terribly ruthless enemy (or perhaps...more

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Mar 06, 2009 Tracy rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The reason I enjoyed this book so much was entirely because of the characters. Although these people could never possibly exist in reality, it is inspiring to read about such passionate, tireless humans who are superior in every way. Peters has created demi-gods, with flawless human forms, absolutely in control of their thoughts, words, actions, even facial expressions, loved by everyone, the epitome of honorable behavior, and nearly omniscient. It honestly makes me want to be perfect too, despi...more The reason I enjoyed this book so much was entirely because of the characters. Although these people could never possibly exist in reality, it is inspiring to read about such passionate, tireless humans who are superior in every way. Peters has created demi-gods, with flawless human forms, absolutely in control of their thoughts, words, actions, even facial expressions, loved by everyone, the epitome of honorable behavior, and nearly omniscient. It honestly makes me want to be perfect too, despite the sleep I will inevitably lose in this pursuit. (The characters only sleep 2-3 hours a night.)

I am a complete sucker for unrequited love, and the intertwining threads of love in this book interested me above all other plot lines. Muted displays of affection, access to the characters’ inner monologue and torment, and forever wondering if the inner turmoil and secrecy will be spoken out loud, I just can’t help myself. In the end I was disappointed, though, as it proved to be a ploy to sell the author’s next book. The sad part is I’ll probably read the entire series.

As far as the major plotlines that were supposed to keep me interested…big disappointment. Our heroine never did figure out the two big mysteries. Her clever husband and deducing son had to spell it out for her. I also was disappointed at the author’s lack of ingenuity. There was a villain unsuspected by the characters yet glaring in the face of the reader. The chapter headings initially betrayed motive, and the story increasingly made room for one supreme villain. Instead the evil was outsourced to the character’s number one suspect, and our master of evil only ended up responsible for crimes minor by comparison.

Odd observations: Maybe it’s just me, but this book seemed fraught with innuendo. It was so innocently inserted that I’m not sure I noticed half of it, and only once am I actually sure it implied sex. The characters also espoused beliefs outrageous for that time period. It’s possible to conceive that small groups of people may have shared one or two of those beliefs, but the additive effect further removed these characters from the realm of reality. Remember the story takes place in 1911. Here are just a few of the beliefs shared by Amelia Peabody’s household: the abhorrence of firearms and by extension hunting for sport, recognition of servants and those of lesser class, race, and sex as equals or even members of the family, championing women’s rights and supporting and enabling the women of the family to act independently of male control and encouraging female educational goals nigh unheard of at that time, the need to leave some archeological sites unmarred for excavation by those of the future with superior techniques and technology, you get the idea…

Lastly, the heroine is married to a bully of a husband. He orders the family around, he orders his peers around, he’s large in stature and as broad as a bull, and can roar like a lion. He tramples on the feet of his colleagues and gets all bent out of shape when they refuse to acquiesce to his demands. Yet our female champions this behavior; she joys when other men cower in fear because of her husband. Amelia delights when her boorish mate triumphs and you can almost feel her condescension towards those who refused to submit to his outrageous hulk of a personality. Yet, she alone refuses to submit to his rule. He controls everyone else except those within his own home. Their is a contentious relationship, and everyone around them just drifts off once it seems a fight is likely.

Although each individual is presented as perfect, single flaws or indiscretions are why I love them, and because they are so perfect, we’re able to equate their singular mistakes with their pain. All in all, the complex nature of the characters and their unique lifestyles are why I liked this book and why I’ll read more.

(less)

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Mar 02, 2009 Amanda rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Jul 17, 2012 Zdenka rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: adventure, africa, egypt, travel-discovery, crimi

Good speeding up of the action in the book, with something of an anticlimax at one point - but I hope that only means that the author wants the suspense to last a bit longer... a nice cunning and double-faced vilain (can't stand the stupid and silly vilains personnaly), a new addition to the family. Weak points: Nefret and Ramses behave a little out of character in this book. Although the author has tried to convince us before that Nefret is a very impulsive thing with mood swings (sometimes she...more

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Jun 10, 2008 Sharon rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The twists and turns of this book are typical of Amelia Peabody. Each book reveals a mystery and at the same time gives more and more details into the life of this extraordinary woman and her exploits. This story involves her entire family. There are several unexpected events that add intrigue and interest. The humor is subtle and the mystery will have you guessing until the very end. There must be a sequel somewhere out there!

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Apr 21, 2012 Vanessa rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

As usual, Amelia and her family get in a sticky situation, but they figure out how to get out of it together. As with her recent books, there is less archaeology happening in this book and more drama and trying to catch the killer. I hope that Ms. Peters gets back to the archaeology in future books because I miss seeing more of that.

Part way through this book, there is a wonderful scene between Nefret and Ramses - something that I've been waiting to witness for several books now. I was surprise...more

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Jul 31, 2011 Robin rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: books-in-11

My review is really a high three and a half, and mostly because I'm annoyed at the sequence. Trying to find the correct order in which to read these books is driving me right up the wall.

Also, SPOILER ALERT if you're trying to read these in order. Stop reading now if you don't want to know.

but to get back to this one. If I'm reading these in the right order (it turns out I'm not), this is the first season for the Emersons without Abdullah. On the other hand, David and Lia have gotten married. So...more

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Mar 22, 2010 Carol rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I just finished listening to this book today, and I am going immediately into the next book in the series because I am not satisfied with the ending. (Usually I try to pace myself with the Amelia Peabody books because I don't want to run out. I am feeling a bit more leeway because Elizabeth Peters has finally written a new one.) I thought this book wasn't quite as good as some of the others because it sometimes felt disjoined and abrupt. If I were to read it again, I'm sure it would all come tog...more

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Jan 26, 2011 Milena Benini rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: mystery

I used to be a great fan of the Amelia Peabody series but, around book ten, the novels started all blurring into one another, so I gave the series a rest. Having recently run into the series again, I decided to start again, and The Falcon at the Portal made me glad I did.

Unlike A River in the Sky (which was published last year, but comes before this one in the internal chronology), The Falcon at the Portal has all the ingredients that made me like the series in the first place: it's funny, well-...more

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Jan 14, 2012 Tarran rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This was another fantastic installment in the Amelia Peabody series. This time we see more of Ramases and Nefert who take active roles in the story. I didn't agree with some of Nefert's actions, but I understood them. David is being framed for forging antiques and the Emersons must clear his name, but with murders, shootings and misunderstandings happening, it is hard going.

The writing style is still great, Elizabeth Peters hasn't told the same story in a different book yet. I can't wait to rea...more

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Jun 06, 2008 Becky rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Okay- I really like this Amelia Peabody- there is a fantastic scene in the middle of the book- but then- Nefret- What were you thinking?!? Your motivations make no sense! None at all! Why? Luckily- there is He Shall Thunder- my favorite of the series- just after.

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May 14, 2012 Kate rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: mysteries

The first time I read this book, right after it came out, I was entranced. Emerson suggesting he could disguise himself with "a beard...AND a Russian accent!" made me laugh for hours. This time, not reading the Ramses/Nefret love story buildup in the previous books, it was a little less enticing, but I still enjoy it most of all the Amelia Peabodies. Luckily I can now move on to the next in the series without experiencing the YEAR LONG WAIT for the resolution that nearly killed me the first time...more

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Jul 07, 2011 Mevans88 rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The Falcon at the Portal was typical of the Amelia Peabody filled with a splash of drama, a dash of romance and whole lot of intrigue. Of course this book was slightly different in that it finally revealed an issue that had been bubbling under the surface for several books. Unfortunately the pay off that the reader's been waiting for was relatively short lived and, to be honest, slightly cliche. The first half of this book was the enjoyable mystery novel that I've come to expect. The second half...more

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Aug 11, 2011 Sarah rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: mystery

It's so nice to find easy, quick reads that still have brains. Unlike most chick lit (read: Twilight series, romance novels in general, Sarah Dessen etc) this book had an excellent and unique style, an engaging plot and strong characters. Amelia is witty, a strong woman and her voice (while clearly biased) is hers alone. The switch between Ramses anecdotes and Nefret's letters is flawlessly done and reads like excellent continuations of plot instead of interruptions in the main narrative. My onl...more

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Apr 14, 2011 Lauren rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: read-in-2011, victory-anna, historical-fiction, not-owned

A bit slow to get into the first 50-75 pages. After that very fast paced, highly enjoyable. These characters are always enjoyable to read about and I've loved getting to know them over the series. Classic, well thought out entertaining mystery with a touch of history.

(If this review seems familiar, that's because I had a goodreads account before that I'm copying my previous reviews from. Why did I create a new account, you ask? Well, because when I logged out of that account and then logged bac...more

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May 12, 2011 April rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2011-reads

Another story of the Emerson Family and the "trouble" that seems to follow them. This time I felt the story was overly long and drawn out. I felt like the author was "setting the stage", so that the children (David, Lia, Ramses, and Nefret) would take over as center characters, but it took a LONG time. Finally when we get the the exciting part, I was very distressed with Nefret and her impulsive behavior, and Ramses and his lack of doing anything to fix it!
Hopefully things between Ramses and Nef...more

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Jun 18, 2012 International Cat Lady rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Yawn. This was the first Elizabeth Peters book I've ever read. I love mysteries/adventures that either deal with ancient Egypt or the excavation thereof - and I had learned that Elizabeth Peters and Barbara Michaels are the same woman. I love Barbara Michaels. I did not love this book. It wasn't bad, and it was very well written, but it was rather boring. It took ages for the plot to get off the ground, and the mystery itself wasn't particularly engaging. Not sure if I'll be picking up other Pet...more

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Dec 16, 2008 Julie rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I love this series - I'm currently listening to the audiobooks since I've read all the books. Fun series about an ahead-of-her-time woman from Victorian England in the world of Egyptology... The series begins in Victorian times, takes us through the turn of the century and then through World War I (from the vantage point of northern Africa) and finally the discovery of King Tut's tomb in 1922. Amelia Peabody and her family (as voiced by Barbara Rosenblatt in the audio recordings) always have me...more

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Jan 31, 2013 Kristen rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: favourite-series, strong-female-characters, favorites

For most of the book, this was everything I've come to expect from the ever-expanding Emerson family - excitement, drama, familial interactions, and lots of humour. However, I found this to be the first book with a more serious under-tone which brought a new maturity to the series, but it worked and seemed somehow natural, since the younger generation of Emersons are now of an age to begin to be adults, and therefore susceptible to more adult issues.

In the Emersons current season in Egypt, they...more For most of the book, this was everything I've come to expect from the ever-expanding Emerson family - excitement, drama, familial interactions, and lots of humour. However, I found this to be the first book with a more serious under-tone which brought a new maturity to the series, but it worked and seemed somehow natural, since the younger generation of Emersons are now of an age to begin to be adults, and therefore susceptible to more adult issues.

In the Emersons current season in Egypt, they are joined by not only Ramses and Nefret, but also David and Lia, fresh from their honeymoon. To Emerson's chagrin, their work at their assigned site - one which nobody else wants, given Emerson's continuing feud with M. Maspero - is continaully interrupted for various reasons. The chief reason is the social involvement of the family with an American brother and sister, Maud and Jack Reynolds, and their friend Jeffrey.

When Maud - who becomes enamoured of Ramses - is discovered dead at the bottom of the Emerson's dig site, Jack is convinced Ramses is responsible. To add to the drama, there are mysterious events that seem to be designed to keep the Emersons from working at their site, although there seems to be absolutely nothing there of any value to cause such an intent.

Who killed Maud, and why? Who is trying to keep the Emerson's from their site, and why?

Also back, like the proverbial bad penny, is Amelia's nephew, Percy. Now an English army office in Egypt, Percy's selfish, ignorant and nasty personality hasn't changed. Nor has his jealousy and dislike of Ramses and the whole Emerson family. Without including spoilers, Percy's presence in Egypt simply adds to the problems the family is dealing with, and lead to a surprising change in the make-up of the family.

As noted earlier, the entire story is more solemn and mature in theme, and the ending is the first book to include somewhat of a cliff-hanger, with no clear resolution of the more pressing plot points. The story is just as entertaining as ever, perhaps even moreso because it does have an extra layer to the characters and the story of the Emerson family. I'm planning to get the next book immediately to find out what happens next!(less)

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Jul 30, 2012 Colleen rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites

This installment of the Amelia Peabody novels literally knocked me off my feet. A few of the previous novels seemed to be lacking something, but this novel had everything that made me fall in love with the series, adventure, death, love, loss, and humor. Every action that is taken in the novel is connected to the events later in the novel and it was just wonderfully done. I have to admit that I did not see the ending coming and this is the first book in the series that didn't end happily. I am r...more This installment of the Amelia Peabody novels literally knocked me off my feet. A few of the previous novels seemed to be lacking something, but this novel had everything that made me fall in love with the series, adventure, death, love, loss, and humor. Every action that is taken in the novel is connected to the events later in the novel and it was just wonderfully done. I have to admit that I did not see the ending coming and this is the first book in the series that didn't end happily. I am really anxious to read the next novel because there are hints that it will be even more emotional than this one, which I can't see how that is possible, but I know that Amelia will have it all work out in the end. I can't see the series as a whole having an unhappy ending, but I just wonder how many of the Emerson clan and friends will make it to the end and to be honest I am worried.

Amelia and Emerson are as amazing as always, but again I fall in love with them more because they are out of their element at times. They have no idea how to act with the children now that they are young adults and can no longer be controlled. Poor Amelia has no idea what to do at the end of the novel to fix everything and that makes her all the more amazing. When she breaks down and cries I literally felt my heart break. Ramses, the poor soul, has all my love for this novel and probably all the others following this one. He is the most brilliant, self-sacrificing, and noble characters I have ever read without being pretentious or full of himself. I think it was brilliant to start adding sections from his point of view because now we see the emotions that he rarely shows in his expressions or dialogue. When Sennia was introduced I had no idea what to make of her, but her with Ramses and Emerson literally made me so happy and so sad at the same time. I have to admit that I had little patients for Nefret throughout the novel, but at the end there was nothing you could feel for her but heartbreak. I know it was all her own fault, but to have been so thoroughly betrayed and on top of that the medical issue, I wanted to give her a hug. David and Lia were not main characters per say, but they were real anchors in this novel and I am starting to really adore them.

Percy is an asshole, a coward, and more devious than I ever believed and I hope he dies a slow and painful death

I just don't know what else to say about this novel, it made me both extremely happy and extremely sad. I think that the series is going to pick up again and can not wait to see what else is on the way for the Emersons and company. (less)

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Jan 13, 2012 Ryan Patrick rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fiction-2012, historical-fiction

This one was harder to rate than usual. I think I liked it a little more than a 3, but it was not quite a 4. I really wish they would have a 10 point scale here to allow for more subtle and nuanced rating.

This book did feel a bit different than the other books, as the main mystery almost felt like a forgotten side-note at some points. I liked the fact that the mystery wasn't really a "murder mystery", even though some people do die in the book. I really felt that Ramses stepped up heroically in...more

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Dec 27, 2011 Angela rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: amelia-peabody, mystery, ebooks

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. The first time I read through The Falcon at the Portal, book #11 of the Amelia Peabodies, I pretty much wanted to smack Nefret upside the head for what she pulls partway through the book. I am sorry to say that my impression on my recent re-read of her actions in this story have not much improved. Now that I am a writer myself and I've had a lot of time to get a lot more reading in besides, I better appreciate that a character I otherwise admire can do something deeply stupid. That said? What Ne...more The first time I read through The Falcon at the Portal, book #11 of the Amelia Peabodies, I pretty much wanted to smack Nefret upside the head for what she pulls partway through the book. I am sorry to say that my impression on my recent re-read of her actions in this story have not much improved. Now that I am a writer myself and I've had a lot of time to get a lot more reading in besides, I better appreciate that a character I otherwise admire can do something deeply stupid. That said? What Nefret does in this book is still deeply stupid.

But let me back up. This is the third book involved in the overall four-book arc of the love story of Ramses and Nefret, a mini-arc in the overall stretch of the series. (I don't count Guardian of the Horizon and A River in the Sky in this arc since they were inserted later, and don't bring anything new to this particular storyline that the original four books don't already establish.) We've jumped ahead a few more years since the events of The Ape Who Guards the Balance, and we start things off with a threat to the shiny new marriage of David and Lia: somebody is selling forgeries to antiquities dealers, and throwing around strong hints that they are David's own creations. Very, very aware that David has not fallen back into the habits of his youth, Ramses and Nefret are determined to investigate even as the family prepares for their next season in Egypt.

Meanwhile, Ramses' odious cousin Percy is making a massive nuisance of himself. He's written a book based on what he claims are his own recent adventures in Egypt now that he's joined the service--only problem is, he's taking all kinds of dramatic liberties with the tale of how Ramses actually rescued him from being held hostage. Most of the family is suitably aghast at Percy's distinctly purple prose, but only Ramses knows the truth of the hostage incident, and he isn't telling. Not even Percy realizes what happened, and once he finds out, this sets off what's actually a quite delicious little bit of revenge until Nefret wigs right out about it.

Feh. Aside from the Nefret bits this is a decent enough story, and for continuity's sake one does want to read it, if nothing else to provide suitable context for the awesomeness that is to follow in He Shall Thunder in the Sky. My advice though is to read that one as soon as possible after this one. For this one, three stars.(less)

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May 02, 2011 Patti rated it 5 of 5 stars

Man oh man. This is the quickest I have ever read an Amelia Peabody. Usually it takes a month. The I'll stop and pick up some YAs and in a couple of months I'll pick up the next Amelia Peabody. Not this time. This one has left me rushing for He Shall Thunder in the Sky. This series just keeps getting better and better.

It starts out like it's predecessors: London and then continues forward to Egypt. While the beginning plot is slow, it nonetheless picks up pace and flies by for the rest of the bo...more

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Feb 28, 2011 Rach rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: ebook, challenge-10-winter, 2011

There were a few moments while listening to this book when I literally gasped out loud. The first one was accompanied by a "Yes! Finally! Wheeee!" and copious amounts of irrational grinning. If you've read this book, or even any of the previous 2 in the series, you'll know why. Unfortunately, that first gasp was soon followed by a second one. This second gasp was horrified, exasperated, and angry, and might have involved some involuntary swearing. That stupid, thoughtless, silly girl. I could st...more

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Mar 02, 2009 Raymond rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The first problem with the book is that there are too many heroes, all of them members of the Peabody family. The second problem is that the plot hinges on the sale of ancient artifacts from Egyptian burial sites, some of which are forgeries. It is only in Chapter eight (of fourteen) that a murder is committed. Until then, there are a seemingly unending series of red-herring investigations of the artifact sales. The only reason for the Peabody’s investigations is the possible involvement of one...more

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Dec 31, 2010 Callista rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-mystery

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Alternate title: Amelia Jumps the Shark.
The first book in the series was 262 pages. I like a good, long book, but this one just feels bloated. After letting other things take priority, I forced myself to blast through the second half of this book largely because I wanted to make my books-read total for the year an even 50. A lot of this book feels like filler. There are lots of passages in which characters dither or lurk, or talk about dithering and lurking, or go over what they know.
The plot a...more Alternate title: Amelia Jumps the Shark.
The first book in the series was 262 pages. I like a good, long book, but this one just feels bloated. After letting other things take priority, I forced myself to blast through the second half of this book largely because I wanted to make my books-read total for the year an even 50. A lot of this book feels like filler. There are lots of passages in which characters dither or lurk, or talk about dithering and lurking, or go over what they know.
The plot about David getting blamed for selling fake artifacts rumoured to come from his grandfather's collection could've been more interesting if it had been tighter.
I guessed the identity of the villain quite soon.
Of course, there are numerous cute and funny bits of dialogue and silly little mishaps of the type you can always expect from the Emersons. I still like the main characters.
But the plot turned into a bad soap opera. After creepy git cousin Percy tries to assault Nefret, Ramses and Nefret finally reveal their mutual interest and impetuously make love. But then a prostitute turns up with a child said to be Ramses', a child who's the spitting image of Amelia. The child is really Percy's. But Nefret suffers a massive loss of common sense and runs off to marry another man before anyone can tell her who the child's father really is. Nefret throwing herself into the arms of another man instead of beating the tar out of Ramses and demanding the truth? Come bloody on! And the man she marries is really (wait for it) the villain! If that's not enough, Nefret suffers a miscarriage after the villain reveals his true colours. He shoots two people, including Emerson (don't worry--of course the old man is fine), then dies in a fall a la Hans Gruber (Die Hard). (Thoughtful of him, really, so she doesn't suffer the further scandal of having to get a divorce.) The baby could've been Ramses' or her evil husband's! Argh! Seriously??
I am going to read the next book in the series (which, by the way, is even longer than this one!) only because:
1) Someone has already loaned it to me,
2) I've already read Guardian of the Horizon, which takes place before the events of this book but was written after it and was actually quite good,
3) it's set during World War I,
4) and I'm enough of a masochist--or a romantic--that I have to find out how Ramses and Nefret get themselves sorted out and get together. I hope that happens in the next book, because I'm not sure how much more I can take.(less)

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Aug 18, 2008 Karen rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: ya-or-youth-friendly

Sadly I've actually read the last two books in this series before having read all of these so I have an idea of how things turn out. These books are good enough to read through to find out how though. This one ends on a bit of a cliff-hanger and I'm very glad I got the next volume from the library along with it so I can start it (almost) right away. Just to be on the safe side I'll be putting in a request for the ones after so that when I'm done with that one I don't have to wait too long.

If you...more

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Feb 16, 2009 Lisa C rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: audiobook, mysteries, own

I go back and forth over whether or not I loved this book. Certainly it was the most exciting of the series up until that time. Originally, this book and the one that follows it were intended to be one book, and are part of a set plotted out at the same time. They are an excellent example of how all the craft in the world can't match inspiration in the hands of a skilled author. It's clear that she suddenly had a burst of enthusiasm for her long-running series. Still, I think I would have prefer...more

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About Elizabeth Peters

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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Books by Elizabeth Peters

Crocodile on the Sandbank (Amelia Peabody #1)

The Curse of the Pharaohs (Amelia Peabody, #2)

The Last Camel Died at Noon (Amelia Peabody, #6)

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Quotes from The Falcon at the Portal

“Nefret had always had an uncanny ability to read his thoughts. 'Did she cry?' she asked sweetly. 'And then you kissed her? You shouldn't have done that. I'm sure you meant well, but kissing someone out of pity is always a mistake.” — 17 people liked it

“You know how your eyes can deceive you at times--how a group of shapes and shadows can take on a certain form and then shift into another? It wasn't really like that; there was no physical change in him, he was exactly the same as he'd always been. I knew every line of his long body and every curl on his disheveled black head. I'd just never seen him before. you know what I'm trying to say, don't you? The change is in the heart.” — 12 people liked it

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title link	preview: The Falcon at the Portal: An Amelia Peabody Mystery
avg rating	preview: The Falcon at the Portal: An Amelia Peabody Mystery Goodreads rating: 4.16 (4496 ratings)
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BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7747655-the-falcon-at-the-portal?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1270157272l/7747655.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7747655-the-falcon-at-the-portal?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]The Falcon at the Portal: An Amelia Peabody Mystery by Elizabeth Peters[/url]

The Falcon at the Portal: An Amelia Peabody Mystery (Amelia Peabody #11)

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