I’m surprised by how strong a reaction I’ve had to the death of Dr. Barbara Mertz, better known as author Elizabeth Peters (also Barbara Michaels). Probably because the character she created, Amelia Peabody, made such an indelible impression from the first book I 
listened to, The Last Camel Died at Noon, undoubtedly helped by the marvelous interpretation of Barbara Rosenblat. The series is written from Amelia’s first-person perspective, and I doubt that anyone was ever neutral. Readers either loved Amelia’s “voice” or couldn’t stand her. She mostly skewered the haters with her steel-tipped parasol.
But in addition to a cracking good adventure, the Amelia Peabody stories always portrayed the long-term romance of a happily married couple who sometimes (often) argued ferociously. They also gave the reader an absolutely fantastic glimpse into the dawn of scientific archeology in Egypt, complete with scalawags, ne’er-do-wells, fortune hunters and thieves. And every season, another dead body to investigate. If you like strong, intelligent and extremely opinionated heroines, start with Crocodile on the Sandbank.
Current Giveaways:
Can’t Help Falling in Love by Bella Andre: one print copy (US only)
Mist by Susan Krinard: one print copy (US only)
Tourwide Giveaway from Lindsay Piper: Prizes include a $25 Amazon gift card and copies of the entire Dragon Kings series so far (ends soon, so hurry)
Blog Recap:
B+ Review: Blood Warrior by Lindsey Piper
Guest Post from Author Lindsey Piper on “So…Paranormal Romance?” + Giveaway
B Review: The Ides of April by Lindsey Davis
B Review: Mist by Susan Krinard + Giveaway
B+ Review: Can’t Help Falling In Love by Bella Andre + Giveaway
B Review: Omega by Susannah Sandlin
Stacking the Shelves (54)
Coming Next Week:
The Ashford Affair by Lauren Willig (review)
Baring It All by Megan Frampton (review)
Matchpoint by Elise Sax (blog tour review and guest post)
Storm Force by Susannah Sandlin (review)
Lovestruck Blog Hop
