Title: Tomb of the Golden Bird
Author: Elizabeth Peters
First published March 28, 2006
381 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780060591809 (ISBN10: 0060591803)
Rating: 4.16
Overview
Renowned Egyptologist, Amelia Peabody, and her husband, Radcliffe Emerson, have a burning desire to uncover the tomb of the little-known king Tutankhamon in the Valley of the Kings. But their plans are foiled when they are banned from the East Valley and their rivals, Lord Carnarvon and Howard Carter, gain exclusive digging rights.
Undeterred, the Emerson clan sets their sights on the less promising West Valley, only to be ensnared by a group of menacing villains demanding to know the whereabouts of a mysterious figure. As Amelia and her family delve deeper into the mystery, they uncover a dangerous plot that hits close to home.
With her trademark wit and wisdom, Amelia must protect her loved ones and thwart the sinister forces threatening the region in Tomb of the Golden Bird. This thrilling installment from the “grande dame of historical mystery” (Washington Post) is filled with heart-stopping suspense and political intrigue.
About the Author
Barbara Mertz was a talented writer who used multiple pen names throughout her career. One of her pseudonyms was Elizabeth Peters, and she also published under her own name and as Barbara Michaels.
She grew up in Illinois and went on to earn a Ph.D. in Egyptology from the University of Chicago. Mertz’s impressive writing skills were recognized when she was named Grand Master at both the Anthony Awards in 1986 and the Edgar Awards in 1998 by the Mystery Writers of America.
She resided in a beautiful historic farmhouse in Frederick, which is located in western Maryland, until her passing.
Editoral Review
Tomb of the Golden Bird is a mystery novel written by Elizabeth Peters and first published in March 2006. Peters, whose real name was Barbara Mertz, was a bestselling American author who specialized in mystery and suspense novels.
Her Amelia Peabody series, of which Tomb of the Golden Bird is the 18th installment, follows the adventures of an amateur sleuth in late 19th/early 20th century Egypt. The series is known for its humor, romance, historical accuracy, and its portrayal of strong female characters.
Tomb of the Golden Bird is set in 1922, during the time of the discovery of King Tutankhamun’s tomb by British archaeologist Howard Carter. The novel centers around the Peabody family’s involvement in the excavation of the tomb, specifically around the mysterious death of a colleague and the disappearance of a valuable artifact.
The main characters include Amelia Peabody, her husband Emerson, their son Ramses, and their friend David. Peters’ writing style in this book is lively, witty, and engaging.
She combines historical facts with fictional elements, creating a vivid depiction of the time period and the culture of Egypt. The plot is well-crafted, with multiple layers of intrigue and suspense.
The characters are well-drawn, with each having their own distinct personality and voice. Amelia Peabody is particularly memorable as a strong-willed, feminist heroine who defies the social norms of her era.
The themes of the novel include the clash of cultures between the British and the Egyptians, the role of women in society, and the pursuit of knowledge and discovery. The historical significance of the discovery of King Tutankhamun’s tomb and the controversy surrounding it are also explored in the novel.
Tomb of the Golden Bird is a thrilling and enjoyable read for fans of mystery, historical fiction, and adventure novels. However, it is not without its flaws.
The pacing of the novel can be slow at times, and some readers may find the references to previous books in the series confusing. Additionally, the portrayal of the Egyptian characters in the book has been criticized for being stereotypical and racist.
Despite these flaws, Tomb of the Golden Bird is still a well-written and engaging novel that offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of archaeology and ancient Egypt. It is particularly recommended for fans of the Amelia Peabody series and those who enjoy a good mystery novel with a historical twist.
Overall, Tomb of the Golden Bird deserves a rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars. Peters’ writing style and characterization are strong, and the historical context of the novel adds an extra layer of depth and interest.
However, the flaws in pacing and cultural sensitivity prevent the book from being truly exceptional.
