#Amelia Peabody Emerson

[twowhoodles]

I’ve been listening to all of the Amelia Peabody mysteries this year, and I recently finished The Falcon at the Portal, book 11 in the series. To my surprise, reading some reactions online, this is one of the more controversial.

I understand why this one is divisive regarding Nefret’s actions. This is also the first time the books really get into interpersonal drama more than a small misunderstanding or an evening of danger (other than Emerson’s bout with amnesia, I suppose). Spoilers for a book published decades ago to follow.

Readers need to remember that we see nothing from Nefret’s point of view - the books are Amelia’s memoirs and Manuscript H, presumably Ramses’ work (perhaps with some editing by Nefret), and she is 100% an unreliable narrator in her letters to Lia.

But consider this - Nefret lost her mother and father at a young age. She was raised in seclusion in a weird cult. She cares deeply for how women are used in society. She laments that she and Ramses started spending more time apart in the past few years. She knows Ramses is a young man who seemingly hasn’t seriously dated any women. She knows about the birds and the bees.

For all that Nefret is very comfortable with Ramses and David and the Emersons, she is still not family - she calls them Aunt Amelia and the Professor - and knows that when either she or Ramses marry, they’ll be even more separated. Her close sibling relationship to both Ramses and David can potentially end at any moment (and for propriety’s sake probably should have years before).

She just had her entire worldview shifted in one night, after being accosted and assaulted. In the morning, on the cusp of revealing their happiness Nefret is not only greeted with a child who resembles Amelia but who recognizes Ramses and calls him Father? Even if she doesn’t think Sennia is his child, it’s still a huge secret to have kept, especially considering all that Nefret has done to help women like Rashida.

Nefret’s got a lot of unexplored trauma, she overreacted and made a mistake. Ramses keeping his mouth shut did not help matters.

And more is explained in the next book!

Book series, like tv series, eventually become about the characters interacting and affecting one another. My husband says they ‘turn into soap operas’ but we don’t exist in a vacuum.

[bargainsleuthbooks]

New Book Round-Up Reviews #NetGalley Secrets of Rose Briar Hall; The Perils of Lady Catherine de Bourgh; The Midnight Feast; Honey; Women in the Valley of the Kings; Simone Biles: Gymnastics Goat; The Gender Binary is a Big Lie #NewBooks

It's time for another Round-up of book reviews. Secrets of Rose Briar Hall, The Perils of Lady Catherine de Bourgh, The Midnight Feast, Women in the Valley of the Kings, The Gender Binary is a Big Lie, Honey, & a Simone Biles book. #NetGalley #BookReview

It’s been a very busy summer at Bargain Sleuth Central. I’ve been taking the time to preserve foods by canning and dehydrating them. (If this is something that interests you, look for a future post of my favorite canning/preserving books!) I’ve not reviewed every single book I’ve consumed this year here on the blog; I have kept up with at least a paragraph on Goodreads and hope to share more of…

[galpaladvns]

So I’ve been devouring the Amelia Peabody books over last two months, and I know we all have Opinions about who should play Emerson in an adaptation, but what about Sethos?

I think whoever was cast as Emerson would HAVE to play Sethos, too.

Think how hilarious it would be if Amelia was arguing with Emerson, stormed off, and was talking to the same guy in a fake beard and sunglasses.

For scenes where they interact they could do the Orphan Black thing with a stunt double (Henry Cavill has at least one 😛)

And since we don’t even see his real face until after the Reveal, it would kinda make sense/be even MORE hilarious

[calicoshadowcat]

The amount of times I have reread the Amelia Peabody series (by Elizabeth Peters) is innumerable. I am now listening to them being read by Barbara Rosenblat. I recommend it 110%.

Listening to her read the book is like getting a long hug from am old friend you haven't seen in a while.

[team-ramses]

In Children of the Storm Ramses seems to say that he consummated his relationship with Enid Fraser, but he was too young in Lion in the Valley and she was married in Seeing a large Cat. Thoughts? TIA

Ugh you’ve hit on one of my least favorite sub-plots in the entire series. lol. It is strongly hinted at as having happened in Seeing a Large Cat (when Ramses is 16/17, gross) and Enid is (un)happily married. 

Although I guess this question from Amelia is faintly hilarious if you know what Ramses was up to that afternoon.

In Chapter 10, they are setting up the fake seance, and Amelia decides Enid is to be the princess and that Ramses needs to help her get ready to play the part. And then she sets it up so they have an afternoon alone together. I’m like, Amelia. No.

“Ramses, will you come here a moment?” He joined us, and I explained, “I have been telling Mrs. Fraser that she is the one to play the role of the princess. She will need a proper costume and a certain amount of coaching; you are the obviou one to acquire the former and do the later.”

“That would be very kind of you, Ramses,” Enid said.

Ramses said in a rather odd voice, “I would be happy to advise Mrs. Fraser, but perhaps--”

“But me no buts, Ramses. I have never approved of your interest in and practice of the art of disguise; here is an opportunity to apply it to a useful end. That is settled, then. Enid, Ramses will come round--let me thing--just after luncheon. We must attend the funeral services tomorrow morning. Can you get rid of Donald for the afternoon, Enid?”

“Yes, certainly,” Enid said. “All afternoon, if you like.”

She looked much brighter. I had sprung it on her rather abruptly; I ought to have realized it would take a little time for her to accustom herself to the idea. I gave her an approving smile. “I must take my little family home. Donald is half-asleep already.”

“Mother,” Ramses began.

“Say good night to Mrs. Fraser, Ramses.”

“Good night, Mrs. Fraser,” Ramses said.

“Good night, Ramses. I look forward to seeing you tomorrow.”

THEN THE NEXT DAY WE GET THIS

Scarcely had we got our gear together, however, than we saw Ramses and David coming toward us. I deduced that they had stopped by the house to change, since they were wearing riding costumes.

“Goodness, is it so late as that?” I exclaimed. “I trust you are satisfied that Enid is ready for this evening, Ramses?”

“She seemed satisfied,” said Ramses.

BRO.

In Chapter 11, the family questions him about what they chose for Enid’s costume and hairstyle and Ramses says this and no one blinks an eye. This family I swear.

“After considering various alternatives,” said Ramses, “we concluded it would be best for her to wear it under a loose garment--a tea gown, I believe she called it. She will change into it and the costume after dinner.”

“What about her hair? Nefret asked.

“She will let it down. It is very thick and long,” Ramses said. “It reaches almost to her waist.”

Anywho, it definitely happened that afternoon and hopefully never again.

Love any question that makes me dig out an Amelia book. Even ones about Enid. :-)

[riley1cannon]

💧Rain - What's the most emotional scene you've ever written?

Okay, this was a hard one. After looking through several of my fics, though, and weighing one against the other, I'm going with this one from Eternities Still Unsaid:

Now, it had to be now, Ramses knew, but even as he started toward her, he froze in place as the Countess took dead aim on Nefret.

“Look at this way,” her words were addressed to Ramses, “at least she’ll go quickly.”

“No!” But even as the protest rose and burst from his throat, the Countess squeezed the trigger. Flame erupted from the barrel, noise and the smell of gunpowder filled the small space--and Nefret gave a cry and began to crumple to the ground

Ramses caught her, held her close without hesitation, unable to do anything but watch as the Countess backed out of the room and began to close the door. “Go after her!” Nefret urged, trying to push him away. “Ramses--”

“I can’t. I...can’t...” Leave you.

He read that knowledge in the Countess’s eyes, just before the door slammed shut. He heard the click of a lock, and then nothing, nothing but Nefret’s rapid breaths and the cries of pain she tried to stifle.

“Shh, shh,” he breathed out as he cradled her with the utmost care.

“Another shirt ruined.” Nefret spoke the words with an attempt at wry humor.

Ramses held her closer. “Mother will be quite cross with you.”

“Yes.” Nefret bit her lip, burrowed into him, one hand gripping the nape of his neck. “And she’ll give me instructions on the avoidance of getting shot whilst facing down a madwoman.” Her voice caught on the last syllable and she couldn’t quite suppress a cry of pain. “Ramses...”

“Shh,” he whispered again, against her hair, stroking it. “Mother and Father have worked everything out already, I’m sure of it. They’re charging to our rescue even now.” It could even be true, he thought, desperate to believe it for Nefret’s sake.

“Yes, of course.” Nefret sniffed and gave a little nod. “I’m sure you’re right. Only...”

“What? What is it?” He sat back a bit, terrified at the blood that spread out in a crimson splash across her coat and soaked the shirt beneath.

“It does hurt a bit.”

I'm choosing it because it's subtle, I think, understated. If you don't know the context for what's going on here, it might look like a fairly routine hurt/comfort scenario. If you are up on your Amelia Peabody mysteries, and familiar with Ramses and Nefret's relationship, then there is quite a lot (so the author hopes anyway) going on between the lines.

Thanks for the ask!

[bribliography]

books read in 2023

— lion in the valley.

by elizabeth peters.

‪★ ★ ★ ★ ★‬

“Another dead body. Every year it is the same. Every year, another dead body...”

goodreads review | books read in 2022

[peridotbelle]

Master post of last year’s Favorite Fictional Couples Valentine Countdown art:

11. Nick and Nora Charles, The Thin Man

10. Luke Skywalker and Mara Jade, Star Wars

9. The Tenth Doctor and Rose, Doctor Who

8. Elizabeth Bennet and Mr Darcy, Pride and Prejudice

7. Anya and Dimitri, Anastasia

6. Kanan Jarrus and Hera Syndulla, Star Wars Rebels

5. Amelia Peabody and Radcliffe Emerson, Amelia Peabody mysteries

4. Han Solo and Leia Organa, Star Wars

3. Rick and Evelyn O’Connell, The Mummy/The Mummy Returns

2. Rapunzel and Flynn Rider/Eugene Fitzherbert, Tangled

1. John Sheppard and Elizabeth Weir, Stargate Atlantis

[bookishkitten67]

As I reading "The Snake, The Crocodile and The Dog", another Amelia Peabody mystery, I feel I should point out that there are several people mentioned in the story who were very real and important in the field of archaeology.

Gaston Maspero (M. Maspero)- he was a leading Egyptologist, who specialised in Egyptian language. In November 1880 Maspero went to Egypt as head of an archeological mission sent there by the French government, which ultimately developed into the well-equipped Institut Français D'archéologie Orientale. Upon the death of Egyptologist Auguste Mariette in 1881, M. Maspero took on the role as director-general of excavations and of the antiquities of Egypt. In 1882, he discovered the tomb of Amenemhet I.

Emerson's "rival", Petrie, was actually a very important person in the field of Egyptology. Flinders Petrie was a British Egyptologist and Archaelogist, whose contributions greatly influenced both fields, and their establishment as scientific disciplines. Petrie is best known for creating a system of relative dating using pottery styles called "seration".

Also mentioned, briefly, was the "square-jawed, clean-shaven American named Reisner". They are referring to George Reisner. He was an Egyptologist and Archaeologist as well as the director of the Harvard-Museum of Fine Arts, Boston expedition. His work was extensive and he made contributions to the fields of Egyptology and Archaeology. He dedicated his life to bringing the beauty of Ancient Egypt to life. He kept meticulous records of every object found. His work still lives on throughout the world through his documentation, which has allowed the findings in Egypt to be disseminated throughout the world.

Also mentioned in the book, however briefly, is a chap named Lepsius: “Especially in view of the fact that Lepsius mentions seeing such tombs in 1843.”

Lepsius is Karl Richard Lepsius, a German Egyptologist whose many contributions helped establish the scientific field of Egyptology. Lepsius led the Prussian Expedition to Egypt and Nubia (Syria) between 1842-1845. The main outcome of this expedition was "Denkmäler aus Ägypten und Äthiopien" (a collection of plans, maps, and drawings of Ancient Egyptian tomb and temple walls). This was Lepsius's greatest legacy. He had also been a Professor of Egyptology at Berlin University and a co-director of the Egyptian Museum in Berlin.

[runningoutofbooks]

I love when Ramses and Sethos work together, the more begrudgingly the better.

[otherworldseekers]

About Sharlayan AU (updated 4-30-24)

Welcome to my first AU for Severia and Nero!

The idea behind this AU is that Severia and Nero are both from Sharlayan and meet each other through their respective studies, fall in love, and go on to be a cute archeologist couple digging in Allagan ruins. 

It is partly inspired by one of my favorite book series of all time: the Amelia Peabody series of historical mystery novels about an archeologist couple digging and solving mysteries in late 19th and early 20th century Egypt. The main couple, Amelia and Emerson, are serious couple goals. They may be my favorite couple in all of literature. 

In 1535 Sharlayan researcher Zolen Zetsuen found a young Auri child wandering lost and alone among the Dravanian Hinterlands. Failing to find the child's family, Zolen ultimately adopts the child and names her Severia. She grows up in the Sharlayan colony, educated along with the children of many prominent scholars, until Zolen eventually retires at an advanced age and returns to Old Sharlayan in the year 1545. Severia spends the next several years setting aside her education to care for her adopted father. When Zolen knows that his time is near he makes Severia promise that when he's gone she will enter the Studium and resume her education and carefully makes provision in his will to ensure it happens.

When Zolen has passed away, Severia finds that she has been bequeathed an annual allowance on the condition that she attend the Studium with the promise of Zolen's full estate being bestowed upon her at her graduation. Dutifully, she enrolls in the Studium at age 19. The following year, when she has finished her introductory courses and advanced to the next level, she has a random encounter in the Noumenon with a man named Nero Scaeva.

Nero Scaeva is the son of Garlean researchers who fled from Solus' regime in order to prevent their work being used for militant ends. Nero is only two years old when they take refuge in Sharlayan. His parents end up living and working in Labyrinthos where their skills are put to use maintaining the complex environmental systems. Though they set aside their magitek research to learn the science of Sharlayan, a precocious Nero at age 8 finds where their old research materials are stored and becomes captivated. As he grows, his interest in magitek combines with his interest in stories of Allag, which he devours obsessively.

Nero becomes the youngest Sharlayan scholar to have an invention patented and distributed for use among the population. Faced with the decision to either pursue a career as an engineer or a career as an archeologist, Nero chooses both and begins producing a new line of inventions specifically for making archeological excavation more safe and precise. When he meets Severia at the age of 30 he is working on his 3rd Archon thesis (His mark is on his back left shoulder.) while he teaches to support himself and continues to seek funding for his archeological endeavors.

Severia and Nero soon begin meeting frequently as Nero helps her with her studies. It does not take the two long to fall in love and begin to contemplate a life together after Severia has graduated. But both of them more than anything want to pursue an archeological career, which costs a lot of money. Fortunately, after her graduation, Severia receives the rest of her legacy from Zolken Zetsuen, and discovers that her father had far more wealth than she ever imagined.

Severia becomes a well-to-do woman and knows exactly what to do with her new riches. That year they are married in the Spring and a month later have packed their bags for the mainland and their first archeological expedition together.

[bargainsleuthbooks]

Deeds of the Disturber (Amelia Peabody #5) by Elizabeth Peters #BookReview #CozyMystery #Egyptology #HistoricalMystery #AudiobookReview #BarbaraRosenblat

Who, or what, killed the night watchman at the #BritishMuseum's mummy exhibit? That's something #AmeliaPeabody and her husband, #RadcliffeEmerson want to find out. #DeedsoftheDisturber #ElizabethPeters #bookreview #audiobookreview #barbararosenblat

Can fear kill? There are those who believe so, but Amelia Peabody is skeptical. A respected Egyptologist and amateur sleuth, Amelia has foiled felonious schemes from Victoria’s England to the Middle East. And she doubts that it was a Nineteenth-Dynasty mummy’s curse that caused the death of a night watchman in the British Museum. The corpse was found sprawled in the mummy’s shadow; a look of…

[solitariussanctumartarchitecture]

Seeing a Large Cat

I have begun reading #9 in the Amelia Peabody mysteries, "Seeing A Large Cat". In the early part of the book, they mention Theodore Davis. Emerson refers to him as a "wealthy dilettante". While Davis was not an actual archaeologist or Egyptologist, he was important in the world of Egyptian archaeology. Davis discovered artefacts relating to Tut. He believed, though, that there were no more relics to be found, once he found the items. Here is the whole story:

[team-ramses]

Ramses looked a little sheepish. It’s hard to tell, I admit, but I have been making of study of his expressions, such as they are. “Sheepish” is two quick blinks and a slight compression of his lips.

Nefret Forth, Letter Collection B from The Ape Who Guards the Balance by Elizabeth Peters

[riley1cannon]

Will someone please make an Amelia Peabody series and cast this man as Emerson?

[zephfair]

Oscar Wilde and Charles Dickens for the classical asks? 🥰

Hi hi! Thanks for the ask!😘💖

Oscar Wilde: What book have you read more than once?

I tend to reread my favorite comfort books a A LOT. I’ve read most of Discworld multiple times, especially the Rincewind, witches and Night Watch books because they’re so dear to me. And I listen to the audiobooks while I’m trying to sleep.😔 Also the first 6 or 7 books of the Amelia Peabody Emerson series by Elizabeth Peters because I love them!

Charles Dickens: What book are you currently reading?

I just started The World of Robert Jordan’s the Wheel of Time because I decided to reread the Wheel of Time series after trying to watch about 5 minutes of the TV show.😬 My library had this compendium on ebook so I thought I’d read it first to remind myself of things.😂 I’m listening to The Art of the English Murder by Lucy Worsley while I do housework and Maskerade by Terry Pratchett while I struggle to fall asleep.