Status
Available
Call number
Description
Fiction. Mystery. Historical Fiction. HTML:No villain is safe in 1903 Egypt as feisty archaeologist Amelia Peabody embarks on her ninth adventure. According to an ancient Egyptian papyrus, dreaming of a large cat means good luck. And that's just what Amelia Peabody could use, as her growing family matures in the new century. What's more, Amelia's dashing husband Emerson has received a mysterious warning not to enter the Valley of the Kings. To Emerson's annoyance, Amelia's meddling distracts her attention as she exposes a fraudulent spiritualist, saves a marriage, and plays matchmaker. But diabolical forces are at work when an unknown tomb reveals a shocking murder -- and the Peabody family dodges bullets from an assassin determined to put an end to their discoveries.… (more)
Pages
389
DDC/MDS
| 813.54 |
Language
Awards
Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice Award (Winner — 1997)
Agatha Award (Nominee — Novel — 1997)
Library's review
This book marks the entry of the next generation of Emersons, as Ramses, David, and Nefret become viewpoint characters.
User reviews
LibraryThing member paradoxosalpha
This ninth Amelia Peabody mystery is the first that I have shared from cover to cover with my Other Reader. We both enjoyed it quite well. It continues the formula established by Peters in the earlier books, this time covering (to my irrelevant excitement) the 1903-1904 excavation season in Egypt.
The "large cat" of the title is perhaps Ramses Emerson, who sports whiskers as a surprise at the outset of the novel, and whose relations with the feline members of the household constitute an ongoing subplot. This volume of the series is one in which the younger generation of Emersons gain a significant degree of independence. Their separate perspective is supplied through the device of excerpts from a "Manuscript H," supposedly written by Ramses and containing events he would best know, although referring to him in the third person.
On the other hand, the Cat could equally be Katherine Jones, a new character who seems likely to recur in future stories, and whose cat-like qualities are emphasized in descriptions. The gerundial phrasing of the title alludes to the ancient Egyptian dream-interpretation papyrus that is Peabody's translation project for the season. What indeed is the significance of "seeing a large cat" in one's dream? This book combines entertaining adventure with ominous portents for its protagonists.
Show More
The "large cat" of the title is perhaps Ramses Emerson, who sports whiskers as a surprise at the outset of the novel, and whose relations with the feline members of the household constitute an ongoing subplot. This volume of the series is one in which the younger generation of Emersons gain a significant degree of independence. Their separate perspective is supplied through the device of excerpts from a "Manuscript H," supposedly written by Ramses and containing events he would best know, although referring to him in the third person.
On the other hand, the Cat could equally be Katherine Jones, a new character who seems likely to recur in future stories, and whose cat-like qualities are emphasized in descriptions. The gerundial phrasing of the title alludes to the ancient Egyptian dream-interpretation papyrus that is Peabody's translation project for the season. What indeed is the significance of "seeing a large cat" in one's dream? This book combines entertaining adventure with ominous portents for its protagonists.
Show Less
LibraryThing member Mendoza
In this ninth book in the Peabody series, it's 1903, and Amelia and her clan--irascible husband Emerson, fearless son Ramses, gorgeous ward Nefret--are in Cairo, dealing with everything from mummies (both the ancient and more recent varieties) to affairs of the heart.
An alternately charming, funny,
Seeing a Large Cat is one of the most satisfying reads in the Peabody series so far to date: it blends the usual mystery-spoof comedy with chilling tragedy, makes skillful use of old characters while introducing memorable new ones, and generally revives the series after the Hippopotamus Pool confusion.
I have very little negetive to ever say about this series. I cannot get enough of Amelia and Emerson. Ever.
An alternately charming, funny,
Show More
poignant, and disturbing mystery. The pacing of this novel is tighter, the cast of characters trimmed down, and shadowy Master and Mistress Criminals are replaced by a fresh new set of antagonists. Amelia's trademark first-person narrative is supplemented by a third-person "Manuscript H" that gives insight into the personalities and activities of the "children": Ramses, Nefret, and the recently acquired David, now young adults with a great deal to add to the Amelia-and-Emerson formula. Seeing a Large Cat is one of the most satisfying reads in the Peabody series so far to date: it blends the usual mystery-spoof comedy with chilling tragedy, makes skillful use of old characters while introducing memorable new ones, and generally revives the series after the Hippopotamus Pool confusion.
I have very little negetive to ever say about this series. I cannot get enough of Amelia and Emerson. Ever.
Show Less
LibraryThing member Harmless_Dilettante
Another in the fabulous Amelia Peabody series, this installment suffers from the inclusion of "manuscripts" from the teenage members of the family. Written in the style of Rutger Haggard, these segments seem entirely too infatuated by the youngsters to arouse my sympathies or interest. I always
Show More
find that it is Amelia and Radcliff's flaws which attract me, rather than their strengths. It does describe the not so happily ever after of one of Amelia's previous matchmaking efforts. Brownie points for both continuity and post marital plot lines. Show Less
LibraryThing member foxysteph
The Amelia Peabody series takes a strange turn in this book. Ramses is grown up and without the little-boy-nightmare of what he's been; rather he's now more adult in his trouble-making and planning. His plots add a twist and new level to the story. Amelia, Emerson and the rest are still
Show More
delightfully the same, thankfully. The cat Bastet missing really broke my heart, as did Ramses reaction. I truly enjoy this book, just has much as the rest of the series and look forward to the books to come. The best part about the series is you can really start anywhere and not miss too much, the characters are developed so well through actions that the previous build up does not have to be there. I strongly recommend this one for anyone who loves a good mystery, historical fiction, or adventure book. Show Less
LibraryThing member nolak
In 1903, Cairo is again a place of mystery. Bastet has left the scene with his kittens taking over. Ramses is pursued by Dolly and Mrs. Jones becomes a friend who encourages a man to go home with the help of the whole family. Surprises abound.
LibraryThing member ejj1955
Another enjoyable mystery in the Amelia Peabody series. I missed a few along the way, but didn't find it too hard to deal with Ramses nearly grown. It was fairly funny how Amelia kept referring to him, David, and Nefret as 'the children,' when it was pretty clear they were acting and feeling in
But now I want to go back and read the first one again!
Show More
grown-up ways most of the time. It was a nice conceit to have Amelia say things that the reader could take with a grain of salt--as when she notes that other workers move away to give her privacy with one of them she approaches; the reader thinks no, they aren't being considerate, they're trying to get the hell away from her and her well-meaning advice!But now I want to go back and read the first one again!
Show Less
LibraryThing member riverwillow
Its 1903 and the Emerson Peabody clan is once again planning to excavate in Egypt. Amelia's 'children', Ramses, Nefret and David, are nearly grown and there is the inclusion of a manuscript which gives some insight into their thoughts, feelings and actions - fortunately all three are shaping up
Show More
nicely to follow in Amelia's and Emerson's footsteps. Sadly Bastet is no more and one of her, seemingly inferior kittens, Sekhmet, is seeking to replace her as Ramses cat. As usual there are shenanigans, the Emersons discover a mummy which isn't as ancient as usual and Ramses becomes the object of the most annoying young woman's affections. Superbly funny and also insightful. Show Less
LibraryThing member seasidereader
I loved this installment!
Mendoza's review comments are right on the mark.
Mendoza's review comments are right on the mark.
LibraryThing member tjsjohanna
I loved the scenes from Ramses' point of view, and I love the way that Ms. Peters writes the interactions between these family members. All their shorthand conversations and the way they seem to know what the other is thinking and above all the affection that holds them together. Fun!
LibraryThing member GTTexas
Amelia is great as always.
LibraryThing member EmpressReece
I thought the story itself was good but what I really enjoyed most about this book was the well-played transition of Ramses and Nefret from children to teenagers. I loved how Peters incorporated the teenagers accounts so you could see what the parents were doing and thinking and but also what he
Show More
kids were up to behind there back. I am going to miss reading about Ramses as a precocious little boy though but I have high faith in Peters that she will make his teenage persona just as interesting and fun! Show Less
LibraryThing member hopeevey
Another fun installment
LibraryThing member themulhern
Good fun. The two points of view improve everything.
LibraryThing member a-shelf-apart
Apart from the return of Donald Fraser, this is my new favourite in the series so far.
Ramses, I forgive you all of your irritatingly precocious, lisping childhood moments.
Nefret, keep being awesome.
Also Sekhmet is just like my own cloyingly affectionate cat, who oozes onto my lap at every possible
Ramses, I forgive you all of your irritatingly precocious, lisping childhood moments.
Nefret, keep being awesome.
Also Sekhmet is just like my own cloyingly affectionate cat, who oozes onto my lap at every possible
Show More
opportunity. Show Less
LibraryThing member etxgardener
A later book in the Amelia Peabody detective series finds Ramses no 128-years old and falling for the Emerson’s ward, Nefret They are back in the Valley of the Kings and someone is sending Amelia ominous messages, “Stay away from tomb Twenty-A” This of course is like waving a red flag in
This mystery series is great fun.
Show More
front of a bull to Amelia and she decides she must find the tomb. But first Emerson’s excavations uncover a mummy that seems to have died under mysterious circumstances, and Amelia is off, Parasol in hand, to get to the bottom of the mystery.This mystery series is great fun.
Show Less
LibraryThing member raizel
The series is informative and fun to read. A sample paragraph:
Dusty---and in my case, at least---disgruntled, we returned to the house. I took pleasure in informing Emerson that I had asked Cyrus to dinner, but he did not respond with the acrimony I had expected. [p. 116]
Dusty---and in my case, at least---disgruntled, we returned to the house. I took pleasure in informing Emerson that I had asked Cyrus to dinner, but he did not respond with the acrimony I had expected. [p. 116]
LibraryThing member kmartin802
It's 1903 and the Emersons are back in Egypt. Ramses and David have spent six months with a sheik and have both matured but it will take Amelia some time to reconcile herself to her son not being a child anymore.
The receive a cryptic message telling them to stay away from a tomb that doesn't exist.
Then a Southern Colonel requests their help with someone who seems to be intent on kidnapping his nubile teenage daughter who is as spoiled and headstrong as a rich young woman can be. She sets her sights on Ramses who is not at all interested since he has long since fallen in love with Nefret who only sees him as a child and a brother.
Between searching for a tomb that doesn't exist, helping out an old friend, and protecting while fending off a predatory young woman, the Emersons have their hands full.
This episode includes excerpts from manuscript H which tells parts of the story from Ramses' point of view and provides more insight into his character and another viewpoint on the events of the story. Amelia's viewpoint dominates and is as eccentric as ever.
This was another excellent adventure for the Emersons.
The receive a cryptic message telling them to stay away from a tomb that doesn't exist.
Show More
They also receive a plea for help from an old friend. Her husband has fallen for a spiritualist and is hunting for a lost Egyptian princess. Then a Southern Colonel requests their help with someone who seems to be intent on kidnapping his nubile teenage daughter who is as spoiled and headstrong as a rich young woman can be. She sets her sights on Ramses who is not at all interested since he has long since fallen in love with Nefret who only sees him as a child and a brother.
Between searching for a tomb that doesn't exist, helping out an old friend, and protecting while fending off a predatory young woman, the Emersons have their hands full.
This episode includes excerpts from manuscript H which tells parts of the story from Ramses' point of view and provides more insight into his character and another viewpoint on the events of the story. Amelia's viewpoint dominates and is as eccentric as ever.
This was another excellent adventure for the Emersons.
Show Less
Publication
Constable & Robinson Ltd (2003), 320 pages
Subjects
Original language
English
Original publication date
1997
Physical description
389 p.
ISBN
1841194867 / 9781841194868