Children of the Storm

Elizabeth Peters has so firmly established a place in my heart as the Mistress of Mystery that I find it hard to write a review without sounding over-effusive in my praise! A word of caution: I advise the Reader to first read at least "The Golden One" and "Lord of the Silent" before reading this; unfamiliarity with the Emerson clan and their far-flung acquaintances (friendly and not-so) will leave you dizzy and rather confused with the intricacies of the plot here. But to continue:
Following the tradition of (frustratingly) leaving (tremendously interesting and, one knows, adventure-packed) time gaps between books, "Children of the Storm" picks up two years after "The Golden One" left off. The Great War is finally ended, and at last the Emersons may return to their (rarely!) peaceable archaeological explorations. The entire Emerson clan, now quite large and quite vocal and spanning three generations, are reunited, with the result being that the Reader feels like he (or she) is amongst old friends. This is not without some tinges of nostalgia: all our beloved characters, from the charming Ramses to the inimitable Amelia, are not suspended in time and must grow older, choosing the paths they will take and ineluctably leaving other paths not taken. The effects are as realistic as they are bittersweet.
As Readers of "The Golden One" will know, Ramses and Nefret were at the end of that volume expecting a child. This turned out to be a feignt: Ms. Peters has given the darling couple not one but TWO mischief-makers to keep track of. Two-year-old toddlers are a challenge anyplace, but in the midst of Egyptology and intrigue provide an especially frightening prospect. Ramses and Nefret make excellent parents, although whilst I do enjoy the scenes of domesticity (though tranquil is hardly the case with young children!), I find myself rather missing their status as newlyweds...as does Ramses! Emerson, however, is absolutely endearing as a grandfather: as loud and irascible as always, but charmingly affectionate putty in the hands of the small ones.
The adventure begins, as always, with a theft and a death or two and several shirts ruined. There is also the requisite abduction of an Emerson and the extravagant plotting of arch-nemeses. To say more than this will be to give the intricately plotted and exquisitely delivered story away, and I refuse to cheat the Reader so. (One side-note that I can't help but declare in delight: we finally learn Sethos' real name!!)
I was almost glad to be relieved of the war business: the greater part of the strength and delight of the Peabody mysteries was always the Egyptology that bound the family together, and this volume carries it on with aplomb. The last several novels have been rather nostalgic, even wistful, in their style, and I fear that the series is winding down towards a final conclusion, for there are very few loose ends to tie up and the beloved characters are all growing older. I do hope for at least two more novels (with the alarming revelation about Ramses' children on the last page, I see delicious prospects for continuation) but will be glad of what I am allowed - any Emerson is better than none!
One cannot help, whilst reading this, but to long for those days, real or partly-imagined, when innocence was oft forgotten but not wholly lost, where real romance meant more than simply sex, and where the strength of family affection was more potent than any villain's hatred or attempts at terror. I think this is the thing that makes me love this series most: the truth of emotion in them. Ms. Peters gives armchair adventurers their share of action, but doesn't fail to deliver a rousing tale of family, loyalty, love, and hate. These qualities are in all of us, of all colours and races and creeds, and that is what strikes so deep a chord with me. She has captured the essence of people themselves, and for that, I think Elizabeth Peters will be "The Golden One" of mystery for a very, very long time.
~ Reviewed by Megan Stoner

In truth, my five stars are intended for a subset of the general reading population, those who have been enjoying the continuing saga of this most peculiar and lovable Egyptological (and much else) family. In my experience, people either get a kick out of the quasi-Victorian tongue-in-cheek flavor of these adventures and dote on their favorite characters, or they don't have the patience or whimsy for them. I am unabashedly in the pro-Amelia (and Ramses and Emerson and Sethos and so on) group, and I loved this book. Unlike many "mainstream" mysteries, these books will not depress you but are excellent company in a comfortable chair, preferably with a cup of "the genial beverage" nearby. (This is not necessarily tea -- Amelia clarifies that when sufficiently stressed, her choice of genial beverage is a whiskey-and-soda.) I wouldn't say it is the very best in the whole series, but it is definitely in the top half. I enjoyed it very much, and if you like this series, you will too. Besides, who could resist Emerson as a grandpa? I also have a strong amateur interest in archaeology and always value the Egyptological tidbits this knowledgable author shares along the way. I also appreciate her essentially compassionate, constructive and anti-authoritarian worldview. These stories are entertaining, but they're not fluff.

Children of the Storm continues the adventures of the archeologist and investigator Amelia Emerson and her family. This story, the fifteenth in the series, opens in Egypt in 1919 after the close of World War I. Although the Great War has come to an end, the dangers that surround the Emerson family show no sign of ending.
Within the vividly depicted context of Egyptian dissatisfaction with British rule, a series of mysterious occurrences begin to trouble individuals close to Amelia. Thefts, murder and peculiar encounters with a mysterious woman set the heroine on a mission to solve the riddle buries within layers of intrigue.
This latest addition to the series introduces new characters, most notably two year old twin grandchildren of Amelia, while retaining familiar ones that fans will be happy to see return. However, new readers may find this a difficulty, as there are fourteen previous books for many complicated relationships to be developed, a number of which play a role in this novel. A prologue attempts to provide a thumbnail sketch of this history, but as a new reader, I found it most valuable as reference material.
With an intricate plot and likable characters, this novel is an enjoyable read. Fans of the series will likely find it more than enjoyable as they will have a familiarity with the world created by Ms Peters that those readers new to the series will not possess. On the other hand, the history that exists within these books provides a depth to the plot and character interactions that may not otherwise exist.
All in all, Children of the Storm is sure to find a spot on bestseller lists sometime this summer. And this is a book ideal for summer reading.

Children of the Storm delivers a solid story line and intriguing mystery while giving all of Elizabeth Peters fans enough of the family's shenanigans and interpersonal stories to keep them very happy! I've been waiting years to see what would happen to Ramses when he grew up and had children of his own. I thought the introduction of the twins was a stroke of genius - right down to the last page. I hope Ms. Peters will continue to write the series. I know it has been going on for a number of years now and I hope to see it last as long as possible as each one of the books is a treasure! I agree with other reviewers that this is not the book to begin the series on.. Start at the begininning of the series. It's more fun that way!

Not one of her better Peabody books, the first 3rd of this book is very slow paced.
It is a great series, and she's a strong writer, but you have to be a dedicated fan to slog through the beginning of the book.
If you are new to reading this series, I would recommend starting off with one of her earlier books. There are a lot of characters to follow, and a long history to each character, so it's not an easy series to jump into part way through.
Having said that, once you start to read the series, you'll enjoy the family and their travels and tales.
It's more of a beach read, than any type of serious intellectual pursuit, but you'll still pick up some interesting trivia along the way.

Another good book in the Emerson/Amelia series. I loved all the family interaction but after a while it seemed more like a Dickens novel (way too many characters). Still, the charm and cozy feel will keep me reading and rereading the series.

Elizabeth Peters has been one of my favorite mystery writers for many years now. Her Amelia Peabody series is so well written and documented. She's an archeologist, as is her husband, who loves to explore tombs in Egypt. she has a rather long listing of books, many containing hundreds of pages each. She is prolific. None are hard to read. All are interesting.
I think perhaps my favorite is "Night Train to Memphis" or could be "The Love Talker." This one follows Ms. Peabody and entourage again to Egypt. She not only explores antiquities in strange places, she is also a Master Investigator which gets her in 'hot water' on occasion.
Like me, she indulges in the daily horoscopes. The title for this Peabody/Emerson episode comes from an ancient Egyptian horoscope: "The day of the children of the storm. Very dangerous. Do not go on the water this day."
This is the 15th published "journal" of Amelia encompassing three generations of an amazing family saga (35 yrs. of turbulent history) including a diary of son Ramses, named after a pharaoh.
Amelia was called by the natives, "Lady Doctor" while Emerson was "Father of Curses." Ramses accompanied his uncle Sethos as a secret agent because of his use of disguises and fluency in languages.
Justin had tormented Charla, young daughter of Ramses who'd waited to talk until she got ready, like her dad. Like Eric. Ms. Peters who loves cats almost as much as I do, educated at the University of Chicago like my son Geoffrey, never ceases to amaze me with her knowledge.
This is another page turner, always an exciting "adventure" in store. You are kept in suspense about the happenings until the danger is at hand. She is just plain marvelous with her writing abilities and subject matter.

A friend of mine got me hooked on the Amelia Peabody series and I have enjoyed reading them ever since. It revolves around a strong willed woman, her hot tempered husband and her stoic son. As well as all of their friends and other family members. Most of the stories take place in Egypt as Amelia's family are prominent archeologists. In this book, artifacts are stolen and a murder occurs, as well as a mysterious figure appearing dressed as the Egyptian goddess Hathor. This story takes place right after WWI has swept through Egypt and England. If Egypt or archeology appeals to you, I think you would enjoy this book as well as all the other Amelia Peabody mysteries.

I found Elizabeth Peters in Victoria Magazine and am so happy I did.With each of her books she is so skillfull in the way she weaves the characters together. "Children of the storm "is no different. I find I have a very hard time putting her books down. This book kept me right on the edge of my seat the entire time. I think when I read her books that "Oh , That was the best book by far!"But not so, the next one is just as good as the last one was. She really does keep getting better and you won't be sorry you read this one if you have read the others in the series.

She really just can't seem to write a bad book, and this one is no exception to that rule. Part mystery, part romance, part history, part archaeology, Children of the Storm is a winner.
The setting of early 20th century in the Valley of the Kings will be familiar to anyone who has ever read a book based on archaeology, and there are all the usual potential villains. Amelia Emerson and her thundering husband, now grandparents, find an anticipated family reunion in the Valley interrupted by some nefarious doings that only Amelia seems capable of sorting out - but not till the bitter end do you see the resolution heading your way.
This book delivers on its promise.