Tomb of the Golden Bird

The Amelia Peabody Series, Book 18

By: Elizabeth Peters

Narrated by: Barbara Rosenblat

Convinced that the tomb of the little-known King Tutankhamen lies somewhere in the Valley of the Kings, eminent Egyptologist Radcliffe Emerson and his intrepid wife, Amelia Peabody, seem to have hit a wall. Having been banned forever from the East Valley, Emerson, against Amelia's advice, has tried desperately to persuade Lord Carnarvon and Howard Carter to relinquish their digging rights. But Emerson's trickery has backfired, and his insistent interest in the site has made his rivals all the more determined to keep the Emerson clan away.

Powerless to intervene but determined to stay close to the unattainable tomb, the family returns to Luxor and prepares to continue their dig in the less promising West Valley, and to watch from the sidelines as Carter and Carnarvon "discover" the greatest Egyptian treasure of all time: King Tut's tomb. But before their own excavation can get underway, Emerson and his son, Ramses, find themselves lured into a trap by a strange group of villains ominously demanding, "Where is he?"

Driven by distress, and, of course, Amelia's insatiable curiosity, the Emersons embark on a quest to uncover who "he" is and why "he" must be found, only to discover that the answer is uncomfortably close to home. Now Amelia must find a way to protect her family, and perhaps even her would-be nemesis, from the sinister forces that will stop at nothing to succeed in the nefarious plot that threatens the peace of the entire region.

Don't miss the rest of the Amelia Peabody series. You can also check out more of our Most Addictive Series.©2006 Elizabeth Peters (P)2006 HarperCollinsPublishers

Critic reviews

• Audie Award Finalist, Solo Narration - Female, 2007

"Once again Peters delivers an irresistible mix of archeology, action, humor, and a mystery that only the redoubtable Amelia can solve." (Publishers Weekly)
"It's a continuing pleasure for mystery fans to be drawn into the Emersons' unusual extended circle." (Booklist)

Tomb of the Golden Bird

This is my least favorite of the Peabody novels, but that is like saying I prefer chocolate cake to white. White cake is still enjoyable as this book is still somewhat enjoyable. I simply did not enjoy the underlying storyline that involved Peabody telling Ramses and Nefret that it was time for them to go live and work elsewhere. David will no longer be going to Egypt. Sethos is totally tamed and domesticated. In other words, the characters who have enriched these stories so much are neatly put away. On top of that, once more, Emerson's monumental, out of control temper again costs his whole family opportunities they would have had but for him. The book is just as much about ending everything, as it is about any other story line. If you have read the whole series, then read this installment. Otherwise, you might want to give it a pass. However, to be fair, I have loved these stories and characters so much over a long span of years, perhaps I cannot make a fair judgement of any story that represent and ending.

Thank you.

Loved it! Thank you so much to the author for being my companion this past summer and fall. Give Abdullah a nod for me. The best narration, too.

The best fun ever

I am a long-time Audible subscriber and have listened to 100's of audiobooks but this series by Elizabeth Peters, featuring Amelia Peabody Emerson, her husband Radcliffe Emerson and their inimitable son Ramses, is my favorite of all time. Though I have read the hard copy series, the incredible narration by Barbara Roseblat makes the audible version superior. She IS Amelia Peabody, and Emerson, and Ramses, etc, etc. Her characterization is so superb that you can unhesitatingly identify the character. The entire series is wonderfully funny, suspenseful at times and above all, you will fall in love with the Emerson family and not be able to wait for the next book to continue their joyful romp through life. I promise you that if you have not read this series, you are in for a wonderful treat.

Page turner

Amelia Peobody is a wonderful heroine and example of tenacity and forth rightness. This was a wonderful book and kept my atention to the last page. Perfect for the mystery lover with a love of things Egyptian.

Fun new addition...excellent narrator!

This series has been a favorite for its sharp characters, detailed and accurate settings, witty humor...The narrator did a fantastic job capturing the personalities that are already so vivid!

Excellent

I loved that a lot of this was focused on King Tuts Tomb. I actually saw the exhibit in 1979 and again a few years ago. Fascinating

On to the next!

Such a wonderful series!

Any additional comments?

It's so sad that the end of this story indicates everyone is going off to live their lives and ends the stories of this entertaining family. Book 18 is the end of this series as book 19 is a story in the past prior to the marriages of Amelia and Emerson's next generation.

I so loved this series! Elizabeth Peters (real name Barbara Mertz) was such a clever writer and wove great tales about this family that drew us all in as if we really knew them. Since the author has passed on to the great writer's haven in the sky, it is sad that there will be no more tales.It has been so much fun listening to these books!

I will miss Amelia and Emerson and all their family's antics. R.I.P. Barbara Mertz (1927-2013)! Thank you for so many enjoyable hours of listening!

Good read

I love these books. Enjoyable and always a fun little twist with characters. On the 19!

Good Egyptian perspective

The writings were well researched and gave a good feel of action stories in those times when the tombs were being excavated

As always, wonderful

We have enjoyed all 20 books in the series and our only wish is that there were more.