2021/100: The Snake, the Crocodile and the Dog -- Elizabeth Peters

2021/100: The Snake, the Crocodile and the Dog -- Elizabeth Peters

It is much more sensible to be an optimist instead of a pessimist, for if one is doomed to disappointment, why experience it in advance? [loc. 4428]

I'd been sampling various non-fiction books about the history and archaeology of Egypt: eventually, I had to admit to myself that what I really craved was more cheery historical mystery set in the world of early twentieth-century Egyptian archaeology. ( Read more... )

2021/101: Guardian of the Horizon -- Elizabeth Peters

2021/101: Guardian of the Horizon -- Elizabeth Peters

'Good Gad! This isolated oasis is beginning to resemble Victoria Station!’ [p. 279]

Set in 1907/8, ten years after The Last Camel Died at Noon (and following The Ape Who Guards the Balance), this tells the story of the Emersons' return to the Lost Oasis, where an ancient Meroitic culture has survived for centuries. ( Read more... )