If any of you all are familiar with Amelia Peabody you will be saddened to learn that her creator, Elizabeth Peters, died yesterday at the age of 85.
Elizabeth Peters, whose real name was Barbara Mertz, wrote nineteen mysteries featuring the pyramid explorer and her Egyptologist
husband Emerson. The first in the series, Crocodile on the Sandbank (1975), is set in 1884. The last in the series, published in 2010, is titled A River in the Sky and takes place in Palestine.
I have read a couple of the books in the series and found them to be very entertaining, full of humor, and history. I was fond of the stubborn, smart, energetic Amelia. Most notably, she shunned the corsets and fussy dress of the day as totally unsuited for a life among the ruins and sand.
Ms. Mertz wrote two other mystery series - which I was not familiar with until now. One features Vicky Bliss, an American art history professor, and another series features librarian Jacqueline Kirby. Both of those characters sound appealing and I will have to soon make their acquaintance.
Ms. Mertz also wrote romantic suspense novels under the name of Barbara Michaels.
Here is the link to the thoughtful obituary in the Washington Post: Barbara Mertz
It's always sad to say good-bye to a favorite author. I'm fond of the Amelia Peabody series and have read one of the Vicky Bliss books. Elizabeth Peters will be missed by many.
ReplyDeleteShe left quite an oeuvre didn't she, Joan? I am looking forward to discovering her other sleuths.
DeleteThat's sad. I have read and loved all of Barbara Michaels' books and many of her books published under Elizabeth Peters. I hate it when good authors pass away.
ReplyDeleteWell fortunately she wrote quite a few books, Joyce, so we can always revisit her. I think she must have had great fun creating Amelia Peabody!
DeleteElizabeth Peters is (was) one of my favorite authors, and I think I've read most of her books. I didn't catch that she died yesterday, so thank you for mentioning it. I'm going to check out your link, because I'd like to know more about her.
ReplyDeleteOne of my very favorite books of hers is The Camelot Caper, also known as Her Cousin John. I haven't reread it for many years, so I think I'll pick it up this weekend in remembrance.
Kathy, the summary I just read of 'The Camelot Caper' makes it sound delightful. I love anything to do with the legend of King Arthur. Oh dear, my TBR list just grows and grows.
DeleteI think the write up about her in the Washington Post was excellent.
I've read all of her books written as Barbara Michaels and some of the Amelia Peabody ones - still have her others to discover.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear of her death.
Joyce in KS
Joyce, I am glad to see you are such a fan. It's nice that Ms. Mertz/Peters/Michaels left us so many books to remember her by.
DeleteThat is a fine obituary. I love her Amelia Peabody books, especially the early ones - so witty and such a good heroine and proper historical detail. She will be greatly missed.
ReplyDeleteVicki, thanks for your comment. I agree that the Post's respectful obituary was indeed a fine one.
DeleteSuch an impressive body of work to have left behind; all of which I will endeavor to read, Belle. I am sorry to say I did not know Barbara Mertz until just now, but, will but her name, all of them, actually, on my TBR list.
ReplyDeleteHow thoughtful of you to write of her here and link to the Post's obituary. Both are fitting tributes to someone who will obviously be missed by readers everywhere. Thank you.
Penny, I was amazed at the number of books penned by Ms. Mertz. I only knew of her as Elizabeth Peters. Aren't we lucky that such a talented author left us with so many books filled with delightful characters to enjoy.
DeleteAre you familiar with the website StopYoureKillingMe.com? It's a great place to discover list of books written by the same person under different names. Also, if you are looking for a book set in a particular location,or where the main character has a particular occupation.
ReplyDeleteJoyce in KS
Wow, Joyce, I just looked at the site. What a find! Thanks so much for steering me in its direction. I have a feeling I will be spending a lot of time there. I love the location index. Very helpful.
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