Many mystery fans single out the Amelia Peabody mystery books as the first detective series they fell in love with and one they consistently go back to reread because it never fails to entertain.
Readers love the humour, the characters, and the setting – Egypt from the late 1880s to the early 1920s – that Elizabeth Peters evokes. The series follows the adventures of its feisty and independent protagonist, Amelia Peabody, an Egyptologist and amateur detective, as she travels to Egypt and other parts of the world, solving mysteries and uncovering archaeological treasures with her husband, Radcliffe Emerson.
Amelia and Emerson’s relationship is a central aspect of the series, with their banter and dynamic contributing to the charm of the stories. But Amelia is the star of the show. Smart, sassy, courageous, and funny, it’s easy to see why the character has endeared herself to millions of readers and continues to be popular. Elizabeth Peters also deftly integrates her vast knowledge of ancient Egypt (she was a renowned Egyptologist) into her stories while keeping them suspenseful, funny, and light.
Each of Amelia Peabody’s twenty novels has a standalone mystery, but to get the full enjoyment of her adventures it’s best to read them in order. That’s because there are references to earlier events in later books (spoilers), and the characters age and develop throughout the series.
