Crocodile on the Sandbank (Amelia Peabody #1) in WACKY READING CHALLENGES

Nov 26, 2013 Book Concierge rated it it was ok · review of another edition

Shelves: africa, audio, adventure, historical-fiction, mystery, series, concierge, strong-women, library

Audiobook performed by Susan O’Malley

Amelia Peabody does not suffer fools gladly. Independently wealthy and feeling constrained by the rules of Victorian society, she decides to hire a companion and travel to Egypt. Her companion falls ill in Rome and has to return to England, but Amelia comes across a destitute, beautiful young English girl. Evelyn’s past is aristocratic, but tarnished by an impetuous love affair. Still, Amelia recognizes some sterling qualities in the young woman and takes her Audiobook performed by Susan O’Malley

Amelia Peabody does not suffer fools gladly. Independently wealthy and feeling constrained by the rules of Victorian society, she decides to hire a companion and travel to Egypt. Her companion falls ill in Rome and has to return to England, but Amelia comes across a destitute, beautiful young English girl. Evelyn’s past is aristocratic, but tarnished by an impetuous love affair. Still, Amelia recognizes some sterling qualities in the young woman and takes her on. As they prepare they come across a variety of young men intent on the beautiful Evelyn – her former Italian lover, her cousin who feels he has inherited unjustly and wants to share the wealth of her deceased grandfather, and the younger brother of a dedicated archeologist.

I had heard so many glowing reactions to this cozy mystery series, and was really looking forward to this book. But I was sorely disappointed. The background story goes on for at least 50 pages before the mystery begins with an intruder in Amelia’s room. Then we’re back to routine adventures of travel as the ladies make their way to the archeological site where the brothers are about to discover treasures. Around page 110 we have another intruder … or is it a mummy disturbed by the dig? And finally the pace picks up, though the subsequent events are repetitious to the point of annoyance.

The whole romance aspect of the book was boring and poorly developed. It reminded me of the movies of the 1920s and 1930s – Perils of Pauline perhaps? The characters were characterizations. The scenarios were unbelievable. I had figured out the big reveal long before the characters did. The “asides” to the reader were irritating and did nothing to help the plot or tell the story. Basically, I felt the author was trying too hard to be clever, and she failed.

I give it two stars because there was an interesting section once the plot got started, and because Susan O’Malley did a pretty good job of reading the audio version. In fact, for a while I thought I would probably try another in the series. But by the end I felt I should call it a day. Just not my cup of tea.

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Feb 10, 2016 Ed Lehman rated it it was ok

Shelves: around-the-year-in-52-books

Hmmmm...where to begin. I do enjoy the occasional mystery...including Agatha Christie. And this novel starts with the impression that it was right in the Christie style...even the settings in Egypt. But about midway, I realized I wasn't enjoying this. In a nutshell... the story has one English heiress rescue another prospective English heiress in Italy and takes her along on her trip to Egypt. The pair meet a another pair of male English archaeologists. A mummy begins to walk around their settle ...more

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Sep 14, 2012 Connie N. rated it really liked it

Shelves: first-in-series, cozy-mystery, 1800-s, egypt, hat-on-cover, triangle-on-cover

#1 in the Amelia Peabody series. I'd rate this 4.5 stars if I could.

For some reason I thought I wouldn't like this book, so I've been putting it off despite much encouragement to begin. But I was very pleasantly surprised and enjoyed this book immensely. Amelia is a wonderful main character--bossy, opinionated, independent, intelligent, and strong, despite the handicap of living in the late 1800's when women were considered delicate and inferior. After her scholarly father's death, she decides t ...more

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Aug 21, 2012 Sassafrass rated it it was amazing

Shelves: audiobooks, z-2012, z-src-fa2011, z-challenge-books-2012, mystery

this was a great read. I loved the story but I think I was most enamored of the narrator as I listened to this on audio. It was fantastic. I also love the practicality of Amelia Peabody. I was so surprised to see a bit of romance in the story but that just made it all the better.

this reminded me of the alexia tarabotti series although it’s not a paranormal series. I fully expect to continue with this series and definitely on audio.

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