Part of Amelia Peabody, book 2
First published 1990
Amelia Peabody has married the misogynistic archaeologist Radcliffe Emerson, but their honeymoon period proves anything but peaceful. The couple finds themselves working among the archaeological excavations in Egypt's Valley of the Kings, where ancient tombs hold secrets that some will kill to protect. When three murders shake the dig sites, Amelia must use her sharp wit and determination to stay ahead of dangerous adversaries who want her silenced. As she investigates the killings, she discovers that the curse of the pharaohs may be less supernatural than it appears. The villains pursuing her have very modern motives for their deadly actions. Amelia refuses to be intimidated by threats or discouraged by the growing body count. She methodically pieces together clues while dodging attempts on her life. Her marriage to Emerson adds complexity to her situation, as she must navigate both domestic tensions and mortal danger. The story combines archaeological adventure with murder mystery as Amelia fights to expose the truth behind the deaths before she becomes the next victim.
Genres: historical-fiction, 20th-century, adventure, mystery, crime, archaeology, thriller, 19th-century
Vibes: suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, investigation
Setting: Egypt, Valley of the Kings
Period: 19th-century, 20th-century
285 pages · Hardcover · Armchair Detective Library