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This was a complete delight!!! FIVE STARS! It’s been far too long since I spent time with Amelia Peabody and the Emersons. The recap in the beginning (it was the beginning of the audiobook, but it’s an “editors note�� tucked at the end of the ebook) was perfect, I was right back in the saddle with ease, no trouble keeping all of the characters straight.

Yes, I guessed who the bad guys were, but Amelia properly admonishes the readers to not feel too cocky:

We had overlooked one “peculiar incident,�� which would prove to be the key to the entire mystery. If my more astute Readers have spotted it, allow me to deflate their self-esteem by pointing out that they are sitting at ease reading this journal—not trying to deal with four active children, an unpredictable brother-in-law, an archaeological dig, and a thousand household chores. Not to mention Emerson.

(I will confess that I remained confused about why (view spoiler)[Nefret was kidnapped by Justin & Matilda. What did they need her for, if their real plan was to attack and take over the government steamer carrying the princess’s treasure?? What were they going to do with her?? (hide spoiler)] But that’s just a little detail.)

Barbara Rosenblat was exquisite as the audiobook reader. She captured Amelia perfectly and did a phenomenal job creating distinct voices for all of the many characters. Sometimes I forgot this was all just one person’s voice!