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The Ape Who Guards the Balance Audiobook
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(4.00) - 4,189 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
Against the romantic backdrop of Edwardian Egypt, the irresistible Amelia Peabody and her charmingly unconventional family prove themselves to be formidable foes of villainy. In The Ape Who Guards the Balance Amelia must muster all of her considerable skills of detection to unravel a snarled web of stolen archeological treasures, murderous cults, and fallen women. The Peabody-Emerson family has set sail for Egypt and the 1907 archaeological season. But a mint-condition papyrus of the Book of the Dead falls into their hands, and the prospects for the 1907 archaeological season turn deadly. This captivating best-seller showcases the talent that caused the Mystery Writers of America to name Elizabeth Peters a Grand Master. With Barbara Rosenblat's dazzling narration, you will find yourself held pleasurably in the balance of this exotic mystery. An interview with Elizabeth Peters concludes this audio production.
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"I like the way this one has the younger generation fully involved in the adventure as old enemies come back to haunt the Emersons. The problems begin with an attack on Amelia in London, but the case follows them to Egypt where uneventful (read dull) archeological work is interrupted by attacks on various members of the family. There are clues pointing to the involvement of their old nemesis, the Master Criminal, but could he really have broken his promise to Amelia not to target those she loved? I devoured this one as usual. I love the series and the feeling of visiting old friends, and I have been more and more fascinated by Ramses as he's grown up through the course of the series. (Okay, I confess, I'm crazy about the boy. )"
— Jeri (4 out of 5 stars)
Quotes
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“Elizabeth Peters’ intrepid Eyptologist Amelia Peabody is off to excavate another tomb—and damn the danger…Amelia remains an irrepressible delight.”
— New York Times Book Review -
“Delightful characters…[and] engrossing plot and writing of the highest caliber.”
— Washington Times -
“She’s back! And lovers of the Amelia Peabody Emerson series will rejoice…The unexpected always happens when Peabody is around…This book maintains [Peters’] reputation as a mistress of plot.”
— Charleston Post and Courier -
“Rich in characterization, incident, and humor, this latest adventure of Amelia Peabody is a grand, galloping adventure with a heart as big as the Great Pyramid itself.”
— Publishers Weekly -
“It takes a rare talent to sustain high quality in a long-running series. Elizabeth Peters not only maintains this quality, she continues to exceed expectations with each new book in the Amelia Peabody series.”
— RT Book Reviews (4½ gold stars, Top Pick!)
Awards
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A USA Today bestseller
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An Agatha Award Nominee for Best Novel in 1998
The Ape Who Guards the Balance Listener Reviews
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" I love Elizabeth Peters books. I learn a lot about Egypt "
— Roxie, 6/12/2019 -
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MommaH, 9/28/2018
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Diana Helms, 11/15/2014
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sherrie bedard, 10/15/2014
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" Another good Amelia Peabody book. I seem to enjoy the stories where the kids are older and more involved in the stories like in this book. "
— Annie, 2/12/2014 -
" Damnation! Immensely enjoyable! "
— Alexis, 2/12/2014 -
" Number 10 in the series, and I'm still enjoying the rather silly adventures of Peabody, Emerson, and cohorts (and enemies). Now, 1907. that is, the children are nearly grown and falling in love...and finding an extraordinary papyrus that of course causes all sorts of trouble...but nothing Amelia can't handle. Certain inelegant prejudices arise when the Emersons' niece falls for their beloved Egyptian pseudo-son, adding a nice - or rather, nasty - bit of reality. "
— Kathy, 2/2/2014 -
" I think that this is the best book I've read so far in this lengthy series. "
— Marin, 1/24/2014 -
" David might be one of the most under-utilized characters in the Amelia Peabody adventures. But at least he has this book to really shine. He is such a sweetheart. "
— Katie, 1/22/2014 -
" This is another great addition to the Amelia Peabody series! It was a little different in that there was less Egyptology going on and more sleuthing and personal interactions, but we learn about these fun characters and have said a sweet goodbye to an old friend. Amelia's family is so much fun to hear about and "be a part of" during the journey through the book. Every time I finish one of these books, I crave more! I've put the next two on hold at the library ;) "
— Vanessa, 1/14/2014 -
" As always, Amelia Peabody's great adventures didn't allow me to put the book down! "
— Karen, 1/7/2014 -
" I stayed up way past my bedtime to finish this book. I love how the children (young adults, really) are getting more of a voice as the series progresses. I laughed, I cried, I really like this series. "
— Jen, 12/29/2013 -
" the book that started my interest in amelia peabody's humorous adventures in archeological mystery. full of subtle wit and sarcasm. "
— Liwayway, 12/21/2013 -
" Still a great series after reading #10. January is so cold and dull in Utah. This book about the Valley of the Kings was a great escape. "
— Ginia, 10/14/2013 -
" Just another implausible romp by Elizabeth Peters. Not remarkable. "
— Heather, 10/7/2013 -
" Took a while to get going and could've been a little more tightly constructed, but the 2nd half of the book was up to the series' usual standards. "
— Callista, 10/5/2013 -
" Amazing as always. "
— Angela, 9/30/2013 -
" I love Elizabeth Peters and Amelia Peabody! This is my second book to read in the Peabody series, and I think I'll start the whole thing from the beginning. I really enjoy Peters's strong, passionate characters. They take the world by storm, work tirelessly day and night, and end with a win. "
— Tracy, 3/18/2013 -
" It's got it all - Master Criminals; new discoveries in the Valley of the Kings; murder; mystery; jealousy; tomb robbers; and Peabody caught without her trusty parasol! "
— Louise, 1/3/2013 -
" I love the language and descriptions of Emmerson and his exasperations! "
— Kat, 12/12/2012 -
" I keep reading these because I like Egyptology and mysteries. I just don't like much of the other stuff in the books. I guess I just need to find another author who does mysteries in Egypt. "
— Gkeller123, 1/22/2012 -
" #10 - recently listened to this on tape, made the characters much more alive! "
— Melissa, 1/3/2012 -
" Eh, it was OK. Amelia is a little overdone, as a character, and the mystery is only so-so. "
— Heidi, 10/18/2011 -
" Yet another fabulous addition to an already fantastic series! "
— Lady, 2/27/2011 -
" Eek. I couldn't decide between a 4 and 5 for this one. I am really looking forward to the next book. "
— Sarah, 1/18/2011 -
" I love Elizabeth Peters and Amelia Peabody! This is my second book to read in the Peabody series, and I think I'll start the whole thing from the beginning. I really enjoy Peters's strong, passionate characters. They take the world by storm, work tirelessly day and night, and end with a win. "
— Tracy, 9/19/2010 -
" I'm enjoying the perspective of the young people, and excited to read the next installment to see how their personal lives develop. "
— Carrieuoregon, 9/11/2010 -
" I have always really enjoyed the Ameila Peabody books. They are fun, entertaining, and really hard to put down. <br/> "
— Jeff, 8/12/2010 -
" 1907 archaeological season. Much the same except the kids are in the awkward teenage years when one minute they fight and the next they are the best buddies again. "
— Marita, 8/9/2010 -
" I like this series. They're fun. "
— April, 7/19/2010
About Elizabeth Peters
Elizabeth Peters (1927–2013) was a pen name of Barbara Mertz, who earned her PhD in Egyptology from the University of Chicago’s famed Oriental Institute. Over the course of her fifty-year career she wrote more than seventy mystery and suspense novels and three nonfiction books on Egypt, of which many were New York Times bestsellers. She was the recipient of numerous writing awards, including grandmaster and lifetime achievement awards from the Mystery Writers of America, Malice Domestic, and Bouchercon. In 2012 she was given the first Amelia Peabody Award, created in her honor and named after her major fictional character, at the Malice Domestic convention. She also wrote books under the names Barbara Mertz and Barbara Michaels.
About Barbara Rosenblat
Barbara Rosenblat, one of the most awarded narrators in the business, was selected by AudioFile magazine as one of the Golden Voices of the Twentieth Century. She has received the prestigious Audie Award multiple times and has earned more than fifty AudioFile Earphones Awards. She has also appeared in film, television, and theater, both in London’s West End and on Broadway.