Elizabeth Peters is the pen name of Barbara Mertz. Barbara wrote under many names, but her Amelia Peabody mysteries are by far my favorite.
Set in the late 19th century and early 20th century, our heroine, Amelia finds herself confined by the strictures imposed upon women - no careers, no formal education, and no expectations beyond bearing children and taking care of husbands. As a result, Amelia has reached an age of spinsterhood - living at home and taking care of her aging father.
When her father dies and leaves her with an unexpectedly large fortune, Amelia finds herself able to do the unthinkable - travel and think for herself. She begins her journey in that most marvelous of all places, Egypt. At this particular time in history, tombs of ancient Egyptian kings were being unearthed, and the knowledge of the ancient world was growing on a yearly basis.
While traveling, Amelia's path crosses with people who change her life forever, Evelyn Barton-Forbes, Walter Emerson, and Ramses Emerson. Amelia overcomes the obstacles to women being seen as equal to men, and finally finds her intellectual equal and the love of her life.
The course of the series follows Amelia and her family through time and archaeological expeditions in Egypt. Crime, mystery, and thievery follows them at every turn, but unexpected friends are found along the way who help them and those that they love through troubled times.
As the children grow into adults, their voices are also heard in the stories, as they narrate happenings from their own viewpoint, which adds a rich level of depth to the stories.
If you've never read an Amelia Peabody book, you are in for a treat. Get yourself over to the nearest library and check out a copy of one of her books and be prepared to enjoy every minute!
Author's Web Site: http://www.ameliapeabody.com/
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