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A review by book_concierge
The Curse of the Pharaohs by Elizabeth Peters
2.0
Audiobook performed by Susan O’Malley.
2.5**
Book two in the Amelia Peabody series, featuring the intrepid Victorian lady Egyptologist. She’s back in Egypt on another dig, which seems to have stirred a mysterious spirit – “a lady in white.” I don’t want to say much more because it would spoil book # 1.
I read the first book in the series a few years back and was not a fan. I had heard so many good things about the series and was looking forward to it but found the first-person narrative and constant asides to the reader irritating. But after I posted my review some people commented that the books are meant to be a sort of satire of the genre. So, when I needed a book set in Egypt and a “series # 2” for different challenges, I decided to give the series another look.
Much of what irritated me in the first book happened again. Peters gives us a lot of back story and we’re well into the book before a murder occurs. The asides to the reader, and the foreshadowing, continue to annoy me. But … I’m beginning to see the humor and satire in Peters’ style. I’m starting to appreciate Peabody’s manner and her relationships with the other characters. This is a strong, independent-minded, intelligent woman who does not suffer fools gladly.
Susan O’Malley does a fine job performing the audiobook. She has clear diction and I really like the way she interprets Amelia.
2.5**
Book two in the Amelia Peabody series, featuring the intrepid Victorian lady Egyptologist. She’s back in Egypt on another dig, which seems to have stirred a mysterious spirit – “a lady in white.” I don’t want to say much more because it would spoil book # 1.
I read the first book in the series a few years back and was not a fan. I had heard so many good things about the series and was looking forward to it but found the first-person narrative and constant asides to the reader irritating. But after I posted my review some people commented that the books are meant to be a sort of satire of the genre. So, when I needed a book set in Egypt and a “series # 2” for different challenges, I decided to give the series another look.
Much of what irritated me in the first book happened again. Peters gives us a lot of back story and we’re well into the book before a murder occurs. The asides to the reader, and the foreshadowing, continue to annoy me. But … I’m beginning to see the humor and satire in Peters’ style. I’m starting to appreciate Peabody’s manner and her relationships with the other characters. This is a strong, independent-minded, intelligent woman who does not suffer fools gladly.
Susan O’Malley does a fine job performing the audiobook. She has clear diction and I really like the way she interprets Amelia.