Book Review: The Falcon at the Portal

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

The Falcon at the Portal     Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
Elizabeth Peters
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Cozy   Historical   Woman Main Character   Archaeology
Series: Amelia Peabody # 11
Avon Twilight, Jun 1999, $24.00, 384 pp.

In 1911, Egyptology Professor Radcliffe Emerson is disappointed with his assignment. While other teams luxuriate amidst the fabulous Giza strip, he works at two losers in a remote area. Still, Radcliffe, his wife Amelia Peabody, and their usual entourage travel from England to the two pyramids he is to excavate.

The seemingly dull dig takes several spins. As close friend David Todos marries their niece, his archeological reputation is being ruined as he is accused of selling forgeries. Amelia plans to rectify that problem without informing the happy groom that his credibility along the Nile has sunk beneath the surface. She plans to expose the real forger. However, while Amelia works that trick, accidents and murder threaten to destroy the Emerson dig as well as the two families close ties. Amelia knows she has a lot of work to do if she is to uncover the culprits and save her beloved extended family.

The Amelia Peabody mysteries have been some of the best early twentieth century novels on the market during the past decade. The newest addition, THE FALCON AT THE PORTAL may be the top tale in the superb collection. Elizabeth Peters paints a multi-plotted story with much human emotion that cleverly ties into a wonderful work of historical fiction. Amelia and her clan remain an exciting brood, whose changes throughout the previous books appear genuine and augment the various stories. Already, highly regarded as an exemplary historical mystery series, this particular novel stands out as the best of a long run of excellent works.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner