Rating: 
Summary: Fun episode, starring the younger set.
Review: I thoroughly enjoyed the latest episode in the Peabody-Emerson saga. I am particularly grateful for the emergence of the second generation as protagonists: delightful as Amelia and Emerson are, only so many variations on the theme are possible before things become a tad repetitive. I enjoy the cameo appearances of historical figures, and the Egyptological lore that add character to the stories. I'm not sure that the motivations of the villains were clear - although I suppose hatred and revenge are well-documented as the basis for extreme behavior among professional criminals. I devoutly trust that the resurrection of Sethos does not presage his imminent rehabilitation - he is a charming villain, but too ruthless to be an attractive candidate for repentance and reform.
Rating: 
Summary: When's the next book????
Review: I have been devouring the Amelia Peabody books since she first met Emerson in "The Crocodile on the Sandbank". Elizabeth Peters is a witty and intelligent writer that keeps me lauging out loud and up until all hours finishing a book. I read these books over and over again and am always entertained. I can't wait til the next book. Please don't stop Ms. Peters!
Rating:
Summary: I loved it!
Review: I received the book in the mail on Monday (thanks, Amazon.com), and devoured it, staying up until past my bedtime to finish it. I was delighted to see Sethos back, and delighted with the plot twists. The children are growing up rapidly, and it's fascinating to see how Ramses is developing from a "precocious brat" to a complex young man. I'm eagerly waiting for the next one, Ms. Peters...
Rating:
Summary: Salivating for the next installment
Review: Having been thoroughly besotted by Ramses Emerson since he was three years old and lisping "de cat Bastet," I've been thrilled to see him taking a larger role in the Amelia Peabody mysteries. I think the author has done a fine job in working the younger generation into the narratives -- they are every bit as interesting as Amelia & Emerson, and just as prone to dangerous adventures. I'm looking forward to seeing how they continue to develop in the next installment (which can't come soon enough for my liking!). I forsee a long line of Peabody-Emerson detectives!
Rating:
Summary: Absolutely Fantastic!
Review: I simply cannot say enough good things about this book. As a student of Egyptology and a lover of flawless and humorous prose, I must rank this book among the top few Peters has written so far (and among my favorites ever). I am especially pleased to see that the younger generation of Peabody-Emersons has grown up so well, particularly the tormented Ramses, my favorite character of the series since his birth. This book will definitely provoke strong emotions, especially laughter, and is an utter delight in every way. Peters is a master of the English language and of the light mystery novel. No one can do it better than she.
Rating:
Summary: The best yet! Entertaining, puzzling and fun!
Review: Elizabeth Peters has long been one of my favorite authors. In this new book she has surpassed her previous Amelia Peabody mysteries and takes the reader to new heights of interest. The archeological information contained in this book justifies the purchase price alone, however the twisting, revolving and spinning plot kept me at this book to the wee hours. The romance between Ramses and Nefret is heating up and we can get a glimpse of another wonderful working relationship here in the future. I hope Ms. Mertz never quits writing and that Amelia Peabody and her eccentric family return again and again.
Rating:
Summary: Like spending time with an old friend
Review: There are no significant new characters developed in this, the tenth of the Amelia Peabody series, nor any significant changes in the behavior of established characters. But fans of Amelia and the Emerson households will enjoy spending time with their old friends as they work their way through another Egypt-based mystery. And there are enough plot twists and unexpected scenes to add interest. Readers unfamiliar with Amelia will still enjoy the story, which can stand on it's own, but would better enjoy it after reading the series in publication order.
Rating:
Summary: wonderful !!!
Review: I have been reading her books for years and love them all. In between her new books releases I reread the old ones . Its easy to transport yourself into Amelia Peabodys wonderful world!
Rating:
Summary: One of Peters's best books since the Last Camel
Review: I was very impressed with this latest Amelia Peabody mystery. The women's suffragette movement was a topic I was hoping Peters would tackle someday. I was wary at the beginning because I have not liked the last few books in which Ramses and Nefret have been older; I preferred them as children. But I was pleasantly surprised with the way that Ms. Peters dealt with their aging; as they got more mature, they began to develop their own personality quirks which help the story to flow. Overall, a great read!
Rating:
Summary: A Review: "The Ape Who Guards the Balance"
Review: The many plot twists, red herrings, false leads and unexpected triumphs of "The Ape Who Guards the Balance" has been covered skillfully in other reviews elsewhere so I won't supply a plot synopsis here. It might be better to use this small space to tell why this book and this series is such a special treat to this fan.Ms. Peters gives us romance without being maudlin, action without excessive or graphic violence and mystery without melodrama. (ok, maybe a *little* melodrama) Her humor is laugh-out-loud funny and she even manages to insert Egyptian history without dogma, except perhaps when Ramses delivers one of his condescending lectures. But it is the characters we remember most. Intricate, tightly woven plots are the mark of a good mystery, but if we don't care about the characters, who cares where the plot takes us? The characters are well drawn, well thought out and compliment each other. Can you imagine Amelia without Emerson's verbal sparring? It seems Ramses and Nefret are destined to carry on this enlivening tradition: will it be the next book where they admit to each other what we all have guessed by now? Can Sethos really stay his hand from Amelia's most engaging affairs? (Not bloo- er blooming likely.) Ms. Peters has also been able to get around the limitations of the first person narrative by "discovering" additional manuscripts describing the main events but written by other combatants, er, participants. It's great fun seeing the same event described from greatly contrasting viewpoints. Anyone whose interest in Egyptology has been piqued by the recent discoveries of Kent Weeks and Miroslav Verner would be well advised to save the airfare to that troubled region. For a tiny fraction of that cost you can pick up a copy of "The Ape Who Guards the Balance" and enjoy all the mystery, danger and romance and not worry about the local water. What a bargain! I fervently wish Amelia (and Ms. Peters!) a long and fruitful life so that we may enjoy this series for years to come. Especially to the year 1922, when her friend Howard Carter makes (with much help, poking and prodding from the Emersons) the most famous descent in modern archeology: down the sixteen steps of KV62 and into the final resting place of Tutankhamun. I imagine Emerson having preceded him there, sapphire eyes snapping in the torchlight with archeological fever. Bruised, bloodied but not bowed, his torn clothing in disarray. "Don't stand there gawking, Peabody, there's work to be done," as his strong arms circles her waist. "Emerson!" she exclaims, searching the depth of those eyes. "Another shirt ruined!"
| 
