Children of the Storm
An Amelia Peabody Mystery, No. 15
By Elizabeth Peters 

     Finally, Amelia Peabody Emerson is looking forward to a peaceful and joyous Christmas. After all, in Children of the Storm, the war is over, the whole family is together for the first time in years, and there's not an enemy in sight--or is there? A series of increasingly dangerous but unrelated events swirl around the Emerson clan until they eventually realize that there is some new and very dangerous presence in Luxor.

     Who could blame Amelia, Emerson, Ramses and Nefret for being caught off guard? After several years of being separated by war, David and Lia and their children, as well as Lia's parents have come to Egypt to spend a few months working on Emerson's newest dig. Between them, Ramses' rambunctious twins, and the ever-exasperating Uncle Sethos, the Emersons are just a little slower than usual in picking up on the danger. The incidents seem minor at first: a scorpion in a worker's home, mysterious sightings of the goddess Hathor, a rabble-rousing speech in Luxor, and a young English boy plagued by seizures. By the time the Emersons become aware of the danger they are in, the stakes have become very high.

     Elizabeth Peters must have had a great time creating Children of the Storm with all of its twists and turns and intersecting plots because it is so much fun to read, light-hearted and witty, clever and exciting all at the same time. We become reacquainted with some old friends: Evelyn and Walter are here, David and his wife Lia are involved, and Sethos becomes more fascinating with every book. Some great old villains also make a return appearance. There's plenty of adventure and an amazing cast of characters, so grab your guidebooks, don't forget your parasols, and head off for another great Amelia Peabody adventure.