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52-476: Amelia Peabody is first introduced in the novel Crocodile on the Sandbank , set in 1884. She is the spinster daughter of a reclusive scholar who left her to deal with practical issues such as shopping and administering the household while he spent time in his office. He nurtured her scholarly interest, while the rest of her immediate family dismissed them both. Following his death, Peabody's devotion to her father

104-539: A Prologue, relating a boy of 14 coming home in a carriage in the snow. The carriage passes a woman and her son and continues to the house, where his widowed mother awaits. She tells him the woman was his late father's mistress, the boy, their son. His mother refuses to help them, and orders her son locked in his room so that he cannot help them. The scene shifts to autumn 1914, after the outbreak of war, when women give out white feathers for cowardice to any young man not in uniform, like Ramses. Emerson's annual archaeology trip

156-545: A change of heart and is able to convince others that the young couple's affection should take precedence over notions of race. Following Abdullah's death, Amelia begins to see him in dreams, where he gives her warnings and advice, further illustrating how close they were. Amelia is a proponent of equality between the sexes, and brings up her adopted daughter, Nefret Emerson , accordingly. This does not prevent her from routinely criticizing Nefret or other young women for acting as rashly as she herself regularly does. Her name among

208-448: A coil of stout cord (useful for tying up captured enemies)." ( He Shall Thunder in the Sky , Chapter 2) Though she carries a small pistol, she is a terrible shot and rarely makes an effort to improve her skill, laughing off Emerson's suggestions that she could do more harm than good. Unfortunately, on more than one occasion she has come close to harming a member of the family while wielding

260-567: A deeply satisfying story that combines elements of espionage, mystery and romance." They were impressed by this novel, still about archaeology in Egypt, with the start of The Great War not stopping Amelia and Emerson and family from their dig. The British are determined to hold the Suez Canal, as the Turks, allied with Germany, want to seize it. "The latest superb installment in this renowned series

312-534: A man nor rule one. She ran her father's household, dealt with tradespeople, and enjoyed his interests of history and archaeology, and the British Museum. Her much older brothers lived on their own. Her father named her as his sole heir, leaving her half a million pounds upon his death, when she is 32 years old. This inheritance allows Amelia to travel abroad in 1884 to follow her enthusiasm for the places she had studied, and for antiquities. Amelia Peabody meets

364-402: A proposal of marriage to Evelyn, which she declines. There is the problem of a person disguised as a mummy walking at night where they sleep. The group pulls together to entrap the person. The workers have stopped work at the dig, being afraid of this intruder. Lucas shoots Walter in the shoulder, letting the intruder get away. There are more missed chances before Emerson and Amelia figure out what

416-458: A souvenir from her visit to Egypt in 1939, as war is looming and she was uncertain that she would ever return. Her age is given as 87, which would be correct according to the original timeline. In an interview with Diane Rehm, Peters discussed the correct pronunciation of "Peabody", which she had intended to be pronounced "PEA-b-d" (piːbʌdi) in the style of upper class English and New England society, not "pea-BOD-i" (piːbaːdiː). By contrast, in

468-470: A young woman in trouble, Evelyn Barton Forbes , whom she hires to be her companion. In Egypt, the pair encounters the Emerson brothers, Radcliffe, an archaeologist , and Walter, a philologist . Over the course of the novel, Walter pursues Evelyn resulting in their engagement by the book's end—while less overt, the relationship between Amelia and Radcliffe develops toward their own marriage. In keeping with

520-482: Is a number of years after that “reformation” that Sethos is actually rehabilitated. While certainly being far more open minded than many Victorians, she is still a product of her age. Her conviction of British superiority in most everything is third, only behind her own self-confidence and her belief that Emerson is the “greatest Egyptologist of this or any age.” Amelia's age is initially given as 32 in Crocodile on

572-699: Is a strong supporter of and is occasionally involved in the Suffragette Movement. She is a proponent of rational dress , and often refuses to wear a corset . (See Deeds of the Disturber for a notable exception.) With the introduction of the Manuscript H fragments in Seeing a Large Cat the reader is introduced to her family's loving perceptions of her, which includes recognition of her extraordinary stubbornness, and utter conviction that she

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624-475: Is among those who release them. She asks about her husband and son, who have not yet returned. The next morning, Emerson returns, followed by Ramses. Ramses reads papers left out at Percy's place. Percy is a spy for the enemy and the man who tortured Farouk to death, cruel and vicious. Percy cannot accept the failure of his plans—there will be no street riot in Cairo—and begins beating Ramses. Far away, Nefret senses

676-453: Is an energetic adventure, as Amelia gets to dig in a pyramid in Giza, her long time dream. The Great War has begun, which adds "a surprising jolt of realism" to the plot, as Giza is not far from the Suez Canal. Amelia and Emerson "are soon prowling the mean streets of Cairo in odd disguises, searching out spies and foreign agents." Publishers Weekly said of the author that "Peters still writes

728-525: Is an orphan, under the charge of her uncle Hamilton posted to Cairo. Ramses realizes one of the loyal nationalists under him as Wardani is trying to kill him and is a spy for the German-Turk alliance. Amelia tells this to Russell, wanting his unit to seize the spy. The plan for getting Farouk out on the street for police capture fails, and Emerson agrees to a deal with a delay of two days. Three days later, Russell tells Emerson and Ramses that Farouk's body

780-471: Is eventually revealed that he dislikes his first name as it was his estranged mother's maiden name. Peabody's first (and only) child, Walter, was born in 1887. Walter quickly became known as "Ramses", after Emerson remarked that he was "swarthy as an Egyptian and arrogant as a pharaoh." The majority of the series is written in Amelia's voice , with Ramses providing a supplemental parallel narrative in many of

832-523: Is happening and interfere effectively. Rejected suitors Alberto, as the walking mummy, and Lucas Luigi, with his guns and doctored wine, teamed up to get Evelyn and her grandfather's final will, ready to leave her dead in their greed. Her grandfather sent that will in the trunks of her clothing, which have not yet reached Evelyn. Grandfather left his money and property to her; his title goes to Lucas. The two are brought to Cairo. Two years later, Amelia and Emerson are married and expecting their first child, as

884-475: Is her long-term love-hate relationship with Sethos . From the first encounter with him as the “Master Criminal”, she has seen him behind many of the plots they encounter; even when it is clear to everyone else that he is not involved. Yet she is strangely drawn to him and feels that there is something about him that fills her with emotions that are otherwise restricted to Emerson. She becomes convinced that she alone has brought about his reformation, even though it

936-506: Is loud, often rude, scornful of women, determined, and single-minded about his chosen career. He has a fever; she tends him with Walter's aid. Once Emerson is somewhat better, she works to preserve tomb artwork. Amelia and Emerson begin to respect one another. Evelyn is attracted to Walter, but is convinced her soiled reputation bars marriage. Evelyn's cousin Lucas shows up at the site with a story about her grandfather's death, his new title, and

988-515: Is not stopped by the war, though the Suez Canal, quite close to the dig site, is an immediate focus of the conflict; Britain formalized its protectorate of Egypt to strengthen its position to keep control of the canal. Ramses is working on the dig with his parents. Foster sister Nefret Forth returns from studying medicine in Switzerland, fully qualified as a physician and fully recovered from her brief and mistaken marriage. David Todros, grandson to

1040-577: Is now a captain with the British Egyptian army. Ramses and Percy share a mutual hatred for each other. Years earlier, Percy had been held for ransom in Palestine. Ramses, in his Arab garb, had rescued Percy without being recognized. Later Percy learned it had been Ramses, which caused more hatred, no gratitude. Thomas Russell of the Cairo police tells Emerson how much he wants Wardani, leader of

1092-701: Is on the west bank of the Nile. Amelia reflects on the abrupt change in their life when little Sennia and her mother were brought to their house two years earlier, with a procurer hoping to embarrass Ramses with the child, who has the eyes of a Peabody. Cousin Percy Peabody is the father, and arranged the scene. The Emersons took her in. She remains in England, at 5 years old too young for the dig. Things are almost back to normal between Nefret, who at first distrusted Ramses regarding Sennia, and Ramses. Percy Peabody

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1144-431: Is right, even when she contradicts herself in the assertion. This is dealt with in good humor and affection by her family. Amelia is also addicted to romance (although she denies it vehemently), much more sentimental than she admits to and, despite her disdain for weak-willed women who employ impractical fashion, vain enough to go to great lengths to color her graying hair and hide her efforts particularly from Emerson. At

1196-518: Is trapped, the young German soldier commits suicide. The same afternoon, Amelia visits the French Count de Sevigny, who she knows is Sethos in disguise. She believes him a spy for the enemy. He traps her as he packs to leave Cairo, discarding that persona. Nefret finds her at the Count's place; they are trapped together until Nefret pries the shades open so they can call out for help. Thomas Russell

1248-587: The Sydney Morning Herald noted the style of the writing as a commentary on the archaeology, disturbing burial sites: the collision course of Amelia and archeologist Emerson "provided laughs as well as the threat of death and danger that seems to partner disturbing the Pharaohs in their ancient resting places." Elizabeth Peters' background in Egyptology lends authenticity to the settings and

1300-403: The "period setting" to advantage in this novel. The heroine is intrepid, yet "Here and there you might almost suspect that Miss Peters is twitting the category—in any case it's still loweroglyphics for those who barely read—anything better." Loweroglyphics is a pun on hieroglyphics , the writing system of ancient Egypt, which is the period studied by these 19th century Egyptologists. A review in

1352-524: The Amarna dig season nears its end. Evelyn and Walter are also married, awaiting the birth of their second child at her estate, Ellesemere Castle, in Shropshire. The tone of the novel is humorous to the point of parody and pokes fun at many of the period's mores and stereotypes, as well as the sensationalist novels popular in the period of the setting of the novel. Kirkus Reviews said that Peters used

1404-546: The Egyptian nationalists, to hold his followers at bay, turn himself in, to delay civil disturbance in Cairo while control of the Suez Canal was still threatened. He asks them, Emerson, Amelia and Nefret, to assist. They call Wardani out, tell him to escape, while Emerson misdirects the police officers. They soon meet Ramses, who had turned Russell down. As the Emersons witness Wardani, Ramses has already taken over that role;

1456-527: The Egyptians is "Sitt Hakim", or Lady Doctor. This was given her when, soon after her initial arrival in Egypt, she showed such care for the Egyptians she encountered, particularly in treating a number of eye diseases—such as ophthalmia —that were common at the time. Her love for Egypt and its people is as deep and often reveals itself in her distaste for Europeans that view Egyptians with either condescension or disgust. Perhaps her greatest personal conflict

1508-480: The Emerson brothers, Radcliffe and Walter, archaeologist and philologist respectively. Amelia falls in love with the pyramids at Giza. Amelia and Evelyn decide to travel up the River Nile in a dahabeah , stopping at various sites along the way. When they reach Amarna , they discover the Emersons excavating the city which for a while was the capital of Egypt under the pharaoh Akhenaten . Radcliffe Emerson

1560-477: The Sandbank is a historical mystery novel by Elizabeth Peters , first published in 1975. It is the first in the Amelia Peabody series of novels and takes place in 1884–1885. Amelia Peabody is the youngest of six and the only daughter. She is a determined, outspoken and unorthodox English woman. She expects that she will never marry, as she believes she is unattractive and she will neither submit to

1612-435: The Sandbank , set in 1884. In a 1994 article, Elizabeth Peters discussed the obstacle this presented: "If I had intended Crocodile to be the first in a series, I probably wouldn't have been as specific about dates. Not only did Amelia inform the reader of her age (curse her!), but historical events mentioned in the book tied it to a particular year. As the series continued, there was no way I could get around this, or fudge

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1664-889: The Suez Canal. Ramses and Nefret marry, and a few days later, the four Emersons and David sail for England. They want to be there when Lia has her baby. The title comes from a translation of " The Contendings of Horus and Set " from a papyrus in the Chester Beatty Library : The novel's climax coincides with the First Suez Offensive , the attack launched by the Ottoman Empire on the Suez Canal in January 1915. Marilyn Stasio writing in The New York Times remarked that this novel

1716-486: The audio versions of the books—including those recorded by voice actress Barbara Rosenblat , whom Peters has praised for her accurate pronunciation—Amelia's surname is pronounced "pea-BOD-i". The difference in nationality between the Emersons and their creator is sometimes revealed through the use of American terms like "railroad", spelling differences, etc. Crocodile on the Sandbank Crocodile on

1768-409: The core of her personality is her deep love for her husband (and his for her), as well as the mutual respect they share for one another.. A favourite expression of hers is "Another shirt ruined..." because Emerson regularly bursts out of his shirt, either in the course of an adventure or in the throes of passion. The relationship between Amelia and Emerson may best be described as 'Brontean'; the story of

1820-555: The date of Ramses' birth, or keep him and his parents from aging a year every twelve months." According to this timeline, Amelia would be seventy years old in the eighteenth book, Tomb of the Golden Bird , set in 1922–23. In The Hippopotamus Pool , however, the Introduction contains what is supposed to be an excerpt from " The National Autobiographical Dictionary (45th edition)", in which Amelia herself states that she

1872-500: The destitute Evelyn Forbes in Rome . Her titled and very British grandfather has cast her off. Evelyn had run off with her Italian art teacher Alberto, who did not marry her and then abandoned her. Amelia employs Evelyn as a companion to Egypt , having bought new clothes for both in Rome. They become fast friends. In Cairo they stay at Shepheard's Hotel. Visiting the museum, they encounter

1924-526: The egalitarian nature of their relationship, the two propose to each other, with Amelia teasing that she agreed because marriage to Emerson was the only way that she could engage in Egyptology without causing a scandal. The pair refer to each other by their respective surnames: Emerson refers to Amelia as "Peabody," using her first name only when he is annoyed with her. In turn, Peabody refers to Radcliffe Emerson almost exclusively by his surname, "Emerson", although some other family members call him Radcliffe. It

1976-460: The enemy attack will be. Sethos, agent for the British, is dying from gunshot; in his dying words he says Ramses is his nephew, revealing himself to be that boy in the snow, described in the prologue, half brother to Radcliffe Emerson. They try to make up, shake hands, and Sethos is carried away to an ambulance. At home, the Emersons take in all the changes, and the military success of holding on to

2028-405: The family of their original Egyptian reis (foreman) Abdullah, to the extent that there is a marriage between Amelia's English niece and Abdullah's Coptic Christian grandson. Reflecting contemporary attitudes, this pairing is initially met with resistance from all - including Amelia, much to her own surprise — because of David's origins and nationality. The marriage can only proceed after she has

2080-481: The front matter of the paperback edition.) He Shall Thunder in the Sky He Shall Thunder in the Sky (also published as Thunder in the Sky ) is the 12th in a series of historical mystery novels by Elizabeth Peters , first published in 2000, and featuring fictional archaeologist and sleuth Amelia Peabody . The story is set in the 1914–1915 dig season in Egypt. The novel opens with

2132-437: The handsome but rough-mannered hero tamed by the right woman plays out according to classic Romantic formula. She extends this view to her family and acquaintances, often imagining relationships that are not there, while totally missing those that are, until she is shocked by the revelation of who has proposed to whom. Amelia's dress and mannerisms are frequently the cause of comment and wonder from outsiders. In earlier books in

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2184-468: The history presented in the novel. The method of travel by boat (" dahabeeyah ") down the Nile that was popular in the late 1800s, as well as the customs of the various cultures, are true to the era. The title of the book comes from an ancient Egyptian text: The love of my beloved is on yonder side A width of water is between us And a crocodile waiteth on the sandbank. (Ancient Egyptian love poem, from

2236-437: The late Abdullah, is married to Lia, and he is a fully qualified artist and Egyptologist. The three young adults are close. David was sent away to India, having expressed interest in Egyptian nationalism. Emerson and Amelia hope to get him back with them. Lia is in England, pregnant with their first child. Emerson accepts a role as adviser on Egyptian affairs with the army, continuing the dig close to Cairo, in Giza. Their house

2288-439: The later books, identified as "Manuscript H." Amelia Peabody is presented as a head-strong, confident woman who capably ran her father's household and bullied local merchants in the course of bargaining. It is quickly established that she has no patience with "helpless" women who play on their femininity to manipulate others into doing their will; i.e., "swooning, weak-minded females", according to Emerson. When home in England, she

2340-529: The peril facing Ramses, and persuades the Emersons it is real. David appears at their house with a bullet wound, tells them where to find Ramses after Nefret stabilizes him. Amelia and Nefret ride to Ramses. Amelia recognizes Sethos, whose other disguise was Hamilton, a Scottish army man. He has pulled Percy out. But Percy returns, ready to kill them all. Sethos shoots him and Nefret sticks a knife in his back, but Percy shoots Sethos before dying. Then Emerson, Russell and men in uniform appear. Ramses tells them where

2392-531: The pistol, rarely blaming herself for the near miss (e.g. her shooting at Ramses and an assailant in The Ape Who Guards the Balance ). Because her family is frequently involved in stopping criminal activity, and she has successfully deduced facts of numerous cases, she views herself as an expert in such matters, to the point of denigrating truly competent law enforcement officers. And because some of

2444-446: The plots they have uncovered were in fact complex, she tends to make all solutions, even those not involving crime, complex and even outlandish while missing the obvious. Joined with her stubbornness, this tendency to over-analyze a problem frequently leads to her holding an incorrect belief far longer than is safe for her or her family. Another feature of the novels is the egalitarian theme, with Amelia and her family being very close to

2496-403: The real Wardani was taken, sent to India in exchange for David, who can appear as Ramses when needed. Amelia feels foolish that she had not recognized her son in disguise. He helps the war effort in that way. Nefret is kept unaware of this work by Ramses. Called away from the dig to rescue a girl stuck climbing a tall pyramid, Ramses and Emerson meet Melinda "Molly" Hamilton and her governess. She

2548-489: The series it is established that her favorite ruins to explore are pyramids. She usually carries one of her collection of parasols, which she uses as discreet, or not so discreet, weapons (including a sword-parasol). Her other usual accessory is her belt, later partially replaced with a vest with many pockets. It contains: "Pistol and knife, canteen, bottle of brandy, candle and matches in a waterproof box, notebook and pencil, needle and thread, compass, scissors, first-aid kit and

2600-462: Was found; he was murdered by the Turks. They never learn the name of Farouk's contact. Emerson and Ramses trek east toward a relic in the desert, first reporting to the British military post where Hamilton is stationed. At the relic, Emerson's horse is shot. After they take cover, their attacker approaches, dressed in British uniform, speaking almost colloquial English. Emerson talks with him then jumps on him. Ramses disarms him, asks his name. Seeing he

2652-455: Was her late twenties at the time of her first visit to Egypt. The statement is footnoted, and the footnote provides specific instructions not to question the discrepancy (pp. xii and xvi.). In Seeing a Large Cat , Emerson's age at the time they married is given as 29, making him three years younger than his wife. The latest chronological mention of Amelia is in the compendium Amelia Peabody's Egypt: A Compendium , which mentions her taking

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2704-453: Was rewarded with her being named sole beneficiary of his substantial fortune of over £500,000 (over £30 million in 2006 values). Partly in order to escape the attention of numerous fortune-hunting suitors and relatives begging for money, she embarks on a tour of classical sites, beginning in Italy and moving on to Egypt with the eventual aim of visiting Palestine . While in Rome , she rescues

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