The Mummy Case

Elizabeth Peters
aka Barbara Mertz

Once again Amelia Peabody Emerson and her husband, Radcliffe Emerson, get involved in burglary and murder while on an archeological dig in late 1800's Egypt. This is the first time they have taken along their son, Walter, whom they call Ramses. They try to dig at an unacceptable site, solve the mystery, and keep their son in line. All are problems for them.

When a shady antiquities dealer in Cairo is found dead, Amelia suspects more than the normal theivery in rare objects. She believes there is a gang of robbers who have a "master criminal" leader. Emerson thinks she's going the wrong direction with her conclusions. Soon, though, he agrees that the burglaries near their site and another murder are connected.

I enjoy this series of mysteries. I do not feel The Mummy Case was as good as the others. I found Ramses annoying at times, and the mystery shaky. I still have problems with some of the intuitive leaps needed to reach some conclusions. Yet I appreciate the relationship between Amelia and Emerson. I laugh at her narrative when she puts on a self righteous air while describing some of her actions. I can picture the way others saw her actions. I also like her comments regarding the place of women in Victorian England society. Amelia is a feminist. She is not in marches or protests; instead she carries on her own quiet protests with her husband's support. While she disdains helplessness she will accept assistance when necessary. At times when Emerson wants to protect her he realizes there are times she will not be put in the background. He agrees with her wishes, although oftentimes unwillingly.

Crocodile on the Sandbank
The Curse of the Pharaohs
The Mummy Case
Lion in the Valley
The Deeds of the Disturber
The Last Camel Died at Noon
The Snake, the Crocodile, and the Dog
The Hippopotamus Pool
Seeing a Large Cat
The Ape Who Guards the Balance
The Falcon at the Portal
He Shall Thunder in the Sky
The Lord of the Silent
The Golden One
Children of the Storm
Guardian of the Horizon
The Serpent on the Crown
Tomb of the Golden Bird
A River in the Sky