Scan barcode
hdechamp's review against another edition
5.0
So far this was my favorite Peabody mystery because it held much more mystery of a historical kind, included deception that wasn't too predictable, and was still touching.
laurasullivan's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
surelyyoujess's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
informative
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
akenny614's review against another edition
3.0
So far, so good. This book has a much different plot than the typical Peabody mystery which is a nice change. But it makes me really sad when the camels die.
nicki_in_nz's review against another edition
4.0
This was a good one. Full of adventure in the desert, hidden cities, princes, intrigue and veiled mystery. Fun as usual and one of my favourites in the series so far (much better than the last one).
seshat59's review against another edition
5.0
In which the Emersons voyage to a hidden, lost civilization in the style of H. Rider Haggard.
The Last Camel Dies at Noon -- besides having one of my favorite titles in the series was one of my old favorites out of the books during which Ramses was a child (and before he attained Romantic Hero status). I was very glad to see that it held up to my expectations. That being said, this is not a normal Amelia Peabody Emerson mystery; in fact, it’s not really a mystery at all but a romantic adventure story in the vein of those sensational Victorian novels Amelia favors. The Mahdist Revolution is wrapping up in the Sudan, and Emerson decides to excavate in the Nubian ruins of Meroe or Napata, whatever he can get his hands on. Coinciding with this decision, one Reggie Forthright and his grandfather appear at the Emerson’s English estate to inform them that Willoughby Forth and wife might indeed be alive! The Forths had disappeared into the Nubian desert thirteen-ish years ago in search of a Lost Oasis that inspired legends of gold and mystery. The Emersons laugh at this humbug and an apparent letter for help that had turned up on Forth’s doorstep. But once excavating in the sites of Ancient Nubia, certain evidence can no longer be ignored. Does Forth live? And is this mysterious Lost Oasis still a hidden world that still practices Egyptian-Nubian culture?
The Emersons set off across the desert: their men defect, their camels die, and Amelia sickens. It’s great drama, but they do arrive at the City of the Holy Mountain where Nubian culture has thrived in well-guarded secret for the last two thousand years. Once there, they find themselves amidst a power struggle to become Pharaoh and there’s a mysterious Robin Hood figure who wants to alleviate the slave status of the lowest class…
It’s great fun. Amelia is at her most biased, flawed, and disingenuous, but Emerson and – as always – Ramses (when he can get a word in) keeps her honest... ish. Besides that, the book introduces Nefret Forth, who becomes one of our main characters for the rest of the series. Upon this reread, I noted Nefret’s entire character arch is established in this first novel – of which she only appears briefly. Spoilers to follow --- but as High Priestess of Isis, her medical career makes perfect sense as does her affinity for animals. Even her impetuosity and pluck display themselves. And of course, Ramses is taken with her from the very beginning.
The one aspect of this novel that bothered me – and again, this was written in the 1980s and is supposed to display Victorian biases – was how the Emersons were horrified to find Nefret being raised in this culture… Why is it so terrible for her versus all the other women? Because she’s white and could potentially be raised in the more “civilized” Victorian world? In their defense, I know from the later novel that takes place at the Hidden Mountain that Nefret had significant and serious fears associated with this place. In fact, her loving nature could really be viewed as a means to achieve that which she lacked in her formative, childhood years... so I can accept this… I suppose.
Still – a five star adventure read.
The Last Camel Dies at Noon -- besides having one of my favorite titles in the series was one of my old favorites out of the books during which Ramses was a child (and before he attained Romantic Hero status). I was very glad to see that it held up to my expectations. That being said, this is not a normal Amelia Peabody Emerson mystery; in fact, it’s not really a mystery at all but a romantic adventure story in the vein of those sensational Victorian novels Amelia favors. The Mahdist Revolution is wrapping up in the Sudan, and Emerson decides to excavate in the Nubian ruins of Meroe or Napata, whatever he can get his hands on. Coinciding with this decision, one Reggie Forthright and his grandfather appear at the Emerson’s English estate to inform them that Willoughby Forth and wife might indeed be alive! The Forths had disappeared into the Nubian desert thirteen-ish years ago in search of a Lost Oasis that inspired legends of gold and mystery. The Emersons laugh at this humbug and an apparent letter for help that had turned up on Forth’s doorstep. But once excavating in the sites of Ancient Nubia, certain evidence can no longer be ignored. Does Forth live? And is this mysterious Lost Oasis still a hidden world that still practices Egyptian-Nubian culture?
The Emersons set off across the desert: their men defect, their camels die, and Amelia sickens. It’s great drama, but they do arrive at the City of the Holy Mountain where Nubian culture has thrived in well-guarded secret for the last two thousand years. Once there, they find themselves amidst a power struggle to become Pharaoh and there’s a mysterious Robin Hood figure who wants to alleviate the slave status of the lowest class…
It’s great fun. Amelia is at her most biased, flawed, and disingenuous, but Emerson and – as always – Ramses (when he can get a word in) keeps her honest... ish. Besides that, the book introduces Nefret Forth, who becomes one of our main characters for the rest of the series. Upon this reread, I noted Nefret’s entire character arch is established in this first novel – of which she only appears briefly. Spoilers to follow --- but as High Priestess of Isis, her medical career makes perfect sense as does her affinity for animals. Even her impetuosity and pluck display themselves. And of course, Ramses is taken with her from the very beginning.
The one aspect of this novel that bothered me – and again, this was written in the 1980s and is supposed to display Victorian biases – was how the Emersons were horrified to find Nefret being raised in this culture… Why is it so terrible for her versus all the other women? Because she’s white and could potentially be raised in the more “civilized” Victorian world? In their defense, I know from the later novel that takes place at the Hidden Mountain that Nefret had significant and serious fears associated with this place. In fact, her loving nature could really be viewed as a means to achieve that which she lacked in her formative, childhood years... so I can accept this… I suppose.
Still – a five star adventure read.
ellelainey's review against another edition
4.0
I am a major Amelia Peabody / Elizabeth Peters fan and The Last Camel Died at Noon is one of my favourites. I've probably read the entire series a few times now, but this one is always of great enjoyment.
I love Tarek, Ramses as always and little Nefret. However, I will always be one of those people who wants to be Amelia and married to Radcliffe. This is the ultimate adventure for fans of Egypt and archaeology...probably the reason why this is one of my favourite's of the series. But Crocodile on the Sandbank will always be the best...for introducing me to Radcliffe, Amelia and all my favourite characters.
I love Tarek, Ramses as always and little Nefret. However, I will always be one of those people who wants to be Amelia and married to Radcliffe. This is the ultimate adventure for fans of Egypt and archaeology...probably the reason why this is one of my favourite's of the series. But Crocodile on the Sandbank will always be the best...for introducing me to Radcliffe, Amelia and all my favourite characters.
megancmahon's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Another of my favourite Peabodys. And it marks the introduction of Nefret, one of the best characters there is!
idicalini's review against another edition
5.0
The best one so far! Undiscovered tribes, intrigue, ancient rituals, freedom from oppression... truly all the greatest hits were present in this book!