Guardian of the Horizon by Elizabeth Peters

 This is one of the best in the series, I think. I had taken a little break and it was fun to get back into the humor and fun of this author. This story was also easier for me to follow; some of Peters' plots get kind of complicated, and this one was easier.

Another reason I enjoyed this one is because Ramses and Nefret played major roles in the story. They are coming into their own, and we learn a lot more about Ramses' character and abilities. His unfailing politeness to his parents cracked me up, even when he was often underestimated by them. He is the reason this particular mission (a return to the Lost Oasis) is a success. I was surprised when he succumbed to the advances of the beautiful Daria, and wondered how that would turn out. I like that he's ever the gentleman and yet also a human. Translation: not perfect! 

I'm beginning to think that Amelia is a real control freak and it cracks me up how she handles Emerson (her husband). He's definitely not the star here, and she criticizes him for not having ideas. She still admires his musculature, but she is ever more assertive in driving the action. She's also beginning to appreciate Ramses' abilities and has less complaints about him. There are lots of allusions to previous characters and situations, and it was fun to be "in the know" about them. In particular, it was fun to have Sethos (the master criminal) reappear. I'm not sure this scene would have been as funny if I hadn't read the earlier encounters. Amelia is keeping more of this relationship to herself and not letting Emerson know...It will be interesting to see if this trend continues. 

I want to read the next in the series to continue to enjoy Ramses' development, in particular. And how will Nefret turn out? Will they ever declare their love for each other? Will Amelia ever guess at it? And will Daria and Tarek (king in the Lost Oasis) have a child and will she wonder if its Ramses'? So many questions! It's so fun to have the time to pursue the next one...

A River in the Sky by Elizabeth Peters

 Not long after arriving in St. George, Len found the nearest Deseret Industries store and I joined him. They had a great used book selection, and this one looked interesting. It was a $1.00 paperback, so I jumped on it.

I'm so glad I did! It's the middle of the Amelia Peabody series, but I didn't feel hampered by jumping in the middle. Amelia Peabody is a great character--stern, hilarious, in love with her archeologist husband, and prim English lady, as well as an accomplished archeologist in her own right. 

I enjoyed the interactions of Amelia and her mercurial husband, Emerson and their constant battles with each other and the other characters. It's refreshing and fun writing with nothing too heavy or gruesome or in bad taste. The mystery aspects of the story were interesting, but not --for me--the center of the story. The setting and the people of the Middle East are fascinating aspects of the story as well. It's set in the 1920s, so many of the attitudes and even racism are context-appropriate. But Amelia is a modern heroine with great strengths and champions women and certain impoverished "lower class" people beautifully.

I liked this so well that I ordered the first two in the series, so I can go back to the beginning. Unfortunately, I didn't notice that Amazon is shipping them to Rapid City. AAARRRGGHH. So, I ordered two more, earlier ones, and had them shipped here. I'll read them all mixed up, but that's okay. I will keep laughing!