I first discovered the Amelia Peabody series a few years ago when a good friend recommended “Crocodile on the Sandbank” to me, knowing my love for mysteries, adventures, and all things Egyptian. At the time, I was feeling a bit restless and yearning for an escape from the mundane routines of daily life. The premise of a Victorian lady Egyptologist who solves crimes while exploring ancient ruins sounded thrilling and right up my alley. Little did I know that this book would spark a new obsession and forever change my perception of what a cozy historical mystery could be!
From the very first page, I was captivated by the voice of Amelia Peabody, the indomitable heroine of this delightful novel. Amelia is a spinster in her early 30s, independently wealthy and decidedly ahead of her time. Intelligent, capable, outspoken and endearingly blunt, she scoffs at the societal constraints placed on women in Victorian England and sets off on an adventure to Egypt to indulge her passion for archaeology. Along the way, she encounters a damsel in distress named Evelyn whom she takes under her wing as a traveling companion.
I adored the dynamic between Amelia and Evelyn. Their blossoming friendship felt authentic and provided some touching moments amidst the mystery and mayhem. Watching Amelia bolster the younger woman’s confidence while dragging her along on mad adventures was highly entertaining. Upon arriving in Egypt, the intrepid ladies cross paths with the dashing yet infuriating Radcliffe Emerson, a prominent archaeologist excavating the ancient city of Amarna alongside his amiable brother Walter. Personality clashes and sexual tension abound as Amelia and Emerson engage in a battle of wits while strange events plague the dig site.
One of the great joys of this book for me was the lush, evocative depiction of Egypt. Elizabeth Peters’ background in Egyptology shines through in her vivid descriptions of the landscape, the ruins, and the methodologies of 19th century archaeology. I felt completely transported to this exotic world of golden deserts, crumbling tombs and the mighty Nile. The rich historical details never felt dry or academic, but rather added color and depth to the story.
The plot revolves around a mystery at the dig site involving an animated mummy that seems to have targeted Evelyn for unknown reasons. I’ll admit, the “mummy come to life” storyline did require some suspension of disbelief. But it was so much fun that I found myself happily going along for the ride. There’s a delicious creepiness to the idea of an ancient mummy shambling around in the dark, and it allowed for some suspenseful sequences. However, I did correctly guess the identity and motivations of the villain fairly early on. The mystery itself is perhaps not the strongest element of the novel.
What made this book such a winner for me was the effervescent humor and charm. I laughed out loud numerous times while reading it. Amelia’s wry observations and self-deprecating wit were a constant delight. Take this quote for example:
“I disapprove of matrimony as a matter of principle. Why should any independent, intelligent female choose to subject herself to the whims and tyrannies of a husband? I assure you, I have yet to meet a man as sensible as myself.”
Statements like these could come across as insufferably smug, but because Amelia is also able to laugh at herself, she remains immensely likable even as she declares her own superiority. The book pokes fun at Victorian conventions and stereotypes in a playful way, while still granting Amelia the freedom to be an unabashedly strong, competent woman.
I also enjoyed the romantic subplot between Amelia and Emerson, which never overshadows the mystery but still manages to be satisfying. Their banter and bickering was so much fun to read. I loved that Emerson respects Amelia as an equal and seems more bemused than threatened by her unconventional ways. Watching the two slowly move from antagonism to grudging respect to something more provided a nice undercurrent of emotional stakes.
In terms of criticisms, the pacing is a bit uneven, with a lot of setup in the first half and most of the action crammed into the last third of the book. A few of the secondary characters, like Evelyn’s caddish cousin Lucas, feel a bit one-dimensional. And as I mentioned, the central mystery is somewhat predictable. But the sheer exuberance of the storytelling and the sparkling characterization of Amelia more than made up for these shortcomings in my mind.
Reading this book ignited my interest in Egyptology and made me want to learn more about the real-life archaeological discoveries of the Victorian era. It prompted me to do some research into the time period and read a few nonfiction books on the subject. I love when a novel inspires that kind of curiosity to explore a topic further. It’s a testament to how deftly Elizabeth Peters weaves authentic historical details into the narrative.
More than anything, “Crocodile on the Sandbank” was pure fun and exactly the kind of transporting adventure I needed when I picked it up. Amelia Peabody has firmly established herself as one of my all-time favorite fictional heroines. Intelligent, witty, resourceful and unapologetically herself, she refuses to be limited by the expectations of her gender or class. She’s the kind of character you wish you could befriend in real life.
I’ve gone on to devour the rest of the 19-book series and can attest that the Amelia Peabody books only get better from here, deepening the relationships between the core characters while maintaining that perfect blend of mystery, humor, romance and Egyptological intrigue. They’ve become my go-to comfort reads. But this first book will always have a special place in my heart for initially sweeping me away to a world of sand, secrets and skulduggery alongside the incomparable Amelia.
I would enthusiastically recommend “Crocodile on the Sandbank” to anyone who enjoys smart, funny, romantic historical mysteries with a dash of adventure. If you’re a fan of authors like Deanna Raybourn, Tasha Alexander or Lauren Willig, or if you love intrepid Victorian heroines like Veronica Speedwell or Lady Julia Grey, then Amelia Peabody is the protagonist for you! She’s become such an iconic character for a reason.
Even if you don’t normally gravitate toward this genre, I’d encourage giving this book a try. The characters are so vibrant and the story so breezy and entertaining that I think it could win over a lot of readers who might not expect to like a Victorian cozy mystery. It’s a perfect read when you want to escape reality for a bit and immerse yourself in a richly detailed historical world.
I’m so grateful to my friend for introducing me to this series and sparking my love affair with Amelia Peabody. These books have brought me so much joy over the years and I hope they continue to find new readers. If you’re looking for a witty, romantic romp through the golden age of Egyptology, “Crocodile on the Sandbank” is the perfect place to start. I can’t recommend it highly enough! It’s a true gem of the genre.