In this fourth book of the Amelia Peabody series, the year is 1895 and we go to Egypt with Emerson, Amelia, and now eight-year-old Ramses to Dashoor, where the Black Pyramid burial chamber awaits them. This site has been coveted by archaeologists from round about, but the Emersons are the lucky folk who will unearth the treasures that lie within. With a bit of confusion caused by Ronald and Donald, a girl named Enid, and the kidnapping of Ramses, the mystery promises to baffle the most eager adventure seeker, but not Amelia Peabody!
It would appear that the Master Criminal is on the loose again, an individual also known as Sethos, whose aim in life is to steal the precious artifacts that have been discovered and sell them for his own profit. He is brilliant at the art of disguise, wigs, makeup and costumes giving him many different appearances and personalities until the Emersons aren’t sure who they’re dealing with from moment to moment. But this time around, he’s not just interested in tombs and gold, and he’s not just thinking about his cash flow. He seems to have developed a crush on Amelia.
In his own words: “Most magnificent of women, I adore you with all my heart and soul! I brought you here, not to harm you, but to shower upon you the ardent devotion of a soul hopelessly caught in your spell!” A beautiful speech that almost any woman would like to hear, but not while being held captive by a mad criminal. That sort of takes the romance right out of it.
How will Emerson react to Sethos’s passionate plea to Amelia? Will Ramses and Amelia be rescued? And just what is in that tomb that has everyone’s knickers in a knot? Read this highly enjoyable book and find out!
(This book was published in 1986 by Avon Books)