Title: Lion in the Valley
Author: Elizabeth Peters
First published March 1, 1986
291 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780861886357 (ISBN10: 0861886356)
Rating: 4.14
Overview
Amelia Peabody, her husband Radcliffe Emerson, and their son Ramses are back in Egypt for another exciting season of archaeological exploration. This time, they have been granted permission to excavate the much-coveted burial chamber of the Black Pyramid.
But danger lurks in the hot Egyptian sands, as a brazen kidnapping attempt, a gruesome murder, and a curse threaten to derail their efforts. Amelia takes under her wing a wayward young woman, while engaging a young Englishman as Ramses’ tutor and companion.
As they uncover ancient treasures, they must also confront their arch nemesis, the “Master Criminal,” who has a score to settle with Amelia. Elizabeth Peters delivers another edge-of-the-seat adventure in her beloved mystery-adventure series, complete with scrupulous historical detail and Amelia’s unique, wry voice.
About the Author
Barbara Mertz was a prolific writer who used several pen names, including Elizabeth Peters and Barbara Michaels. She was raised in Illinois and went on to earn a Ph.D. in Egyptology from the University of Chicago.
Her work was widely celebrated, and she received top honors from both the Anthony Awards and the Mystery Writers of America’s Edgar Awards. Mertz spent her final days living in a charming old farmhouse in Frederick, a town located in western Maryland.
Editoral Review
Elizabeth Peters’ Lion in the Valley is a classic historical mystery novel set in 1895 Egypt, which was first published on March 1, 1986. Peters’ series of novels, featuring the intrepid heroine Amelia Peabody, has a loyal fan-base around the world.
The book is an exciting blend of adventure, humor, and a tinge of romance that makes it the perfect read for mystery lovers. The novel’s story is centered around Amelia Peabody, a British Egyptologist, who loves nothing more than to discover and explore ancient tombs.
Her latest adventure takes her to the Temple of the Lion in Luxor, where she and her family encounter danger at every turn. The story revolves around the Peabody family’s attempt to uncover a group of grave robbers and stop them from looting ancient tombs of their precious artifacts.
The story has plenty of twists and turns, keeping the reader engaged from beginning to end. Peters is a master at creating vivid and complex characters, and Amelia Peabody is no exception.
She is smart, witty, and determined to solve the mystery each time. The novel also boasts a range of intriguing characters, including the captivating magician and spiritualist, Madame Dionysus, and the charmingly roguish Sethos.
Lion in the Valley is a masterpiece of historical fiction, and Peters has created an incredibly detailed and accurate portrayal of late 19th-century Egypt. The book’s setting is richly described, with Peters making sure to include cultural details that add to the authenticity of the story.
Peters’ attention to detail means that readers will find it easy to immerse themselves in the world she has created and truly live the adventure with Amelia and her family. The book is well-paced, with just enough action and suspense to keep the reader engaged.
Peters’ writing style is clear and concise, and her use of humor elevates the story and makes it even more enjoyable. The novel combines suspense, humor, and romance, making it a perfect read for mystery lovers who also enjoy a good laugh.
One of the most significant strengths of Lion in the Valley is the way Peters weaves the historical themes of the story with contemporary issues. Peters uses her story to explore issues of colonialism, gender roles, and the struggle for Egyptian independence, all of which continue to have resonance today.
The nuanced and layered themes enrich the story, making it more than a simple mystery and elevating it to a work of historical significance. However, the book is not entirely without flaws.
Some readers may find the book’s many characters somewhat overwhelming, especially if they are unfamiliar with Peters’ previous novels. Additionally, the ending of the book may not be as satisfying as some readers may expect.
Overall, Lion in the Valley is an excellent historical mystery novel that mystery lovers should have in their collection. Peters’ writing is impressive, creating fully fleshed-out characters, and richly detailed world-building that engages readers.
While the book may have minor flaws, they do not detract from the overall quality of the work. It’s a brilliantly written novel that explores historical themes that remain relevant today.
We highly recommend this book to mystery lovers, especially to those who are already fans of the Amelia Peabody series. Rating: 4.5/5
