THE SERPENT ON THE CROWN

Listening to Barbara Rosenblat is always a treat, but when she's performing an Amelia Peabody mystery (Elizabeth Peters's engrossing tales of the Egyptologist and her singularly brilliant brood), the treat becomes a feast. The Peabody-Emersons are in Egypt for the excavation season, and they're soon up to their Victorian manners and mores in murder. With an alleged curse upon a precious gold statue, an ersatz exorcism, and some very villainous villains, archaeological exploration has rarely been more entertaining. Elizabeth Peters's writing sparkles, and thanks to Barbara Rosenblat's bravura performance, every character is identifiable, every nuance is appropriate, and every subtlety speaks volumes. From Peabody's first pronouncement to Emerson's last "Harumph," Rosenblat reaffirms her position as one of the industry's shining stars. S.J.H. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award 2006 Audie Award Winner © AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine [Published: FEB/ MAR 06]