Rating: 
Summary: Change is Inevitable
Review: I don't understand what the fuss is about. The book is superbly written as always. Have we become so stagnant that we cannot accept change? Change is not only inevitable but also necessary for growth. I applaud Ms. Peters for not clinging to a staid formula. I don't doubt that her fans and critics would eventually complain that she doesn't write anything new. And please, let's not exaggerate. The "soap opera" part takes up a mere fraction of the book and does nothing to detract from its progress. I, for one, enjoyed the book thoroughly and was incapable of putting it down. Future readers - do not be put off by narrow minds. The book is an excellent read.
Rating: 
Summary: A BOOK YOU LOVE TO HATE!
Review: Hi Peabody fans! I found this book disturbing. After so many years of jolly adventures wrapped up neatly and happily at the end of each book, we get hit with major punch in the stomach. When was the last time a mystery book stirred up your thoughts for days and weeks after you finished it? I applaud the author's talent in making us care about the characters so much that their pain is our pain.
Rating: 
Summary: Disappointing
Review: I must admit that I have not read as many of the Amelia Peobody Mystery's as others, but I was very disappointed in the way this book moved along. I found it hard to discern the direction this book was taking as well as what the mystery was. I was disappointed in the ending and kind of sickened by it. Not that I don't think I have figured out what happened, but that was the only interesting part of this book. I was very disappointed to see that there were no happy endings. I hope her next book is much better....
Rating: 
Summary: Blindsided by the depressing ending
Review: I expect some seriousness, even tragic events, from Elizabeth Peters, but I *also* expect a happy ending. I was, instead, deeply depressed by the ending. I read this book immediately after reading "The Ape Who Guards the Balance" because I couldn't wait to find out what would happen between Ramses & Nefret. I was not at all pleased by the turn of events!
Rating:
Summary: heartbreaking
Review: I adore Peabody and Emerson, and have become a huge fan of Ramses. I really enjoy the excerpts from Manuscript H, and would definitely be interested in reading about Ramses' exploits away from the family.So all I can say is, I can't get this book out of my mind - it's simply heartbreaking. Not a fan of Nefret in the earlier books, I find it hard to be forgiving here... I notice that other readers see her behavior as uncharacteristic, but it was certainly foreshadowed. What I want to know is, what was she thinking? "Falcon" is not as funny or light as the other books, but it's stayed with me, and I often find myself rereading certain sections, hoping the outcome will be different. Any book that moves me so much has to be good. So if you're a Peabody fan, and you don't mind that things change [and that the mystery is somewhat less involving than usual], read this book. You may be saddened, but I don't think you'll be disappointed. I am eagerly anticipating the next book, which will, I hope, provide some answers, and some closure.
Rating: 
Summary: Too much like all the others on the shelves
Review: The Amelia series used to be unique in that it was fresh, witty, and fun to read. I couldn't find any others like it. I eagerly awaited each new book and reread previously published ones over and over. Now it's just another book on the shelf just like all the others. The reason I loved the Amelia series was because it WAS so different. I hate the turn this series has taken...just like I hate all the other books on the shelf and the soap operas on TV. We don't need another series full of dull, flat melodrama and "sexual tension". There are PLENTY of those on the shelves already. PLEASE, Ms. Peters, go back to your original fresh and witty style. The new story plots are too nauseating. I don't buy and read other authors' books PRECISELY BECAUSE they write books like these last few Amelia books. I didn't like this book and I won't be buying any more if they continue in this manner.
Rating:
Summary: Depressing
Review: This book left me feeling slightly down after I'd finished it, in contrast to the others in the series. Ramses and Nefret are just too good to be true - both rich, good-looking, intelligent - and extremely bland and annoying. Please, please put the focus back on the wonderfully flawed Amelia and Emerson!
Rating:
Summary: Vague spoilers
Review: I think this was a great book. Nefret did seem to be acting oddly toward the end (besides being depressed), but she had reasons. Now I'm just afraid Elizabeth Peters will die or have a horrible stroke before finishing the next book and leave us all depressed and curious. I like Nefret and Ramses and David better than Amelia and Emerson. Why complain about having them in the book more?
Rating:
Summary: Pleased with the character's development.
Review: I am very surprised at the negative comments made about this volume of the Amelia series. Quite frankly, I admire the fact that, instead of sticking to a "formula" for the Amelia books, Ms. Peters actually allows her characters to grow and develope -- just like real people. And just like real people, these characters do things that are unexpected and, sometimes, unflattering. Personally, I find the characters fascinating because I know that I don't yet truly know and understand them. The most interesting people are those who don't always act predictably. I, for one, hope that Ms. Peters continues to surprise us in the Amelia books -- it is what keeps me constantly anticipating the next installment.
Rating:
Summary: Bad turn for E. Peters
Review: I eagerly picked up the book with the expectation of a good reading, and was sorely disappointed. I have read all the previous volumes, enjoying the light tone, the banter and the eccentricity of Amelia and Co. This last effort is stilted and artificial, with too much melodrama; it reads like a cheap soap opera. It seems like Ms. Peters has tried to increase the emotional content of her work, with the result of making the story unbelievable and unpalatable. E. Peters stories are enjoyable because they don't have the high pressure of a story "a la Stephen King", and certainly a more pleasant athmoshpere. I agree with some of the other reviewers in considering this book a terrible faux-pas. Conan-Doyle had Holmes disappear in the waterfall...maybe Amelia should have been crushed within a pyramid? I am very sorry that I did not wait for the book to be in the library, but instead bought the hard-cover. For the next one, I'll wait until it will be on the shelves of our local branch.
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