The Last Camel Died at Noon

September 2, 1991
If Indiana Jones were female, a wife and mother who lived in Victorian times, he would be Amelia Peabody Emerson, an archeologist whose extraordinary adventures are guaranteed entertainment. This time Amelia, her handsome, fearless husband, Radcliffe, and their precocious 11-year-old son, Ramses, are in the Sudan, searching for archeologist Willoughby Forth, who disappeared 14 years earlier with his new wife. Rescued in the desert after every camel in their caravan dies, the Emersons are taken to a lost city where ancient Egyptian customs have been carried into modern times. There, entangled in two half-brothers' battle for the throne, Amelia and family fight for the freedom of the slave class while ferreting out the fate of Forth and his bride, and arranging to escape with their lives. Peters ( The Deeds of the Disturber ), who also writes as Barbara Michaels, laces her usual intricate plotting with Amelia's commonsense approach to hygiene and manners, and coyly delicate references to vigorously enjoyed connubial pleasures. Combining a fierce affection for her family with indefatigable independence, stalwart Amelia proves once again an immensely likable heroine. 35,000 first printing; Mystery Guild selection; Literary Guild and Doubleday Book Club alternate.

January 1, 1992
YA- -Another interest-holding and humorously told Amelia Peabody Victorian suspense tale. It's absurd to believe that an archaeologist missing for years is still alive, but the mysterious plea for help, written on ancient papyrus, appeals to this Egyptologist and her husband. Traveling across the desert in search of Willoughby Forth and his bride is a danger that increases as the camels die and native porters flee with the supplies. YAs who relish a good mystery and detailed storytelling will enjoy this one. The foreign settings of Egypt, Sudan, and England add to the pleasure. -Linda Vretos, West Springfield High School, Springfield, VA

September 28, 1992
Victorian archaeologist Amelia Peabody Emerson's adventures are guaranteed entertainment; here she travels with her husband and son to a lost city where ancient Egyptian customs have been carried into modern times.