The Ape Who Guards the Balance

The Amelia Peabody Series, Book 10

By: Elizabeth Peters

Narrated by: Barbara Rosenblat

Length: 15 hrs and 7 mins

Publisher's summary

Against the romantic backdrop of Edwardian Egypt, the irresistible Amelia Peabody and her charmingly unconventional family prove themselves to be formidable foes of villainy. In The Ape Who Guards the Balance, Amelia must muster all of her considerable skills of detection to unravel a snarled web of stolen archeological treasures, murderous cults, and fallen women.

The Peabody-Emerson family has set sail for Egypt and the 1907 archaeological season. But a mint-condition papyrus of the Book of the Dead falls into their hands, and the prospects for the 1907 archaeological season turn deadly.

This captivating best seller showcases the talent that caused the Mystery Writers of America to name Elizabeth Peters a Grand Master. With Barbara Rosenblat's dazzling narration, you will find yourself held pleasurably in the balance of this exotic mystery.

Don't miss the rest of the Amelia Peabody series. You can also check out more of our Most Addictive Series.

©1998 Elizabeth Peters (P)2004 Recorded Books, LLC

Critic reviews

"An appealing cast of characters is led by a curious and adventurous heroine capable of handling any crisis that appears. The setting among ancient Egyptian ruins is an ever-fascinating one. Barbara Rosenblat's reading is lively, and her characterizations effective." (Library Journal)

Wow! A disappointing book in the series!

More of a teenage Nancy Drew meets The Hardy Boys! Peabody and Emerson take a backseat to adolescent relationships.

Elizabeth Peters is my candy!

Would you consider the audio edition of The Ape Who Guards the Balance to be better than the print version?

N/A

Any additional comments?

I have a long drive each day and listen to audio books as I drive. Elizabeth Peters is my dessert. Fun books to listen to. Great narrator, Barbara Rosenblat has an easy voice to listen to.

Another Peabody triumph

I do love the way Peters writes the Peabody novels and especially the details of a 19th century Egyptian archeological dig. While her characters are well developed and decidedly interesting, the books benefit from the exquisite reading by Barbara Rosenblatt. She creates a complete picture of each character with voice changes and changes in diction and tone. The listener is completely engaged. It is like watching a television play! Kudos to both writer and reader.

The return of Sethos

If you, like me, have read these books, clutching them to your bosom until the pages tattered, then this read is for you. It brings back several old villains, resolves at least some of the issues of young love and angst, and provides the reader with some fun with Sethos. If he isn’t your favorite character then you need to go back and read all the books again until he is.

This is also one of the sad books- I loved that for the most part Ms. Peters maintained characters, refusing to utilize the horrifying tactics of letting one fall in love with an established character only to kill said person pages later (see the collected works of George R Martin) but there are times in a narrative where a death is not only appropriate, it allows for further development.

So without giving it all away,have the tissues ready, and enjoy.

Love this narrator!

Ramses and Nefret in top form!

What did you love best about The Ape Who Guards the Balance?

Ramses and Nefret along with David add a new dimension to an already beloved series - keeps it interesting!

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

Peabody books always keep me wanting outthink the book, work it out before they do - keeps me highly invested

Any additional comments?

Get hooked on this series immediately, if already hooked, buy this now!

Love this series.

Read long time ago, bought the cds, then decided to have the audio in Audible so I could listen easily in the future. When traveling it’s good to have something familiar listen too. Wish there had been more books in the series. Characters were all fun and full of life with all their ups and downs.

Excellent

A very emotional twist invades this story and I actually cried. The characters become old friends as many have said.

At times I want to shake Ramses but he has such a good heart.

Another wonderful story and now on to the next

Yet another amazing story in this series!

This book continues the ongoing saga of the Emerson’s and their extended family in Egypt. Much changes and yet much stays the same. Beautifully written and told.

Tremendous

Frankly, one would assume that Peters' storytelling would wane on occasion, but no. She crafts her stories with finesse, wry humor. Though I hold out for the next time she will describe her husband's 'sapphirine' eyes... a term too oft used, I am reaching for just anything that rubs me. I cannot really complain, the story as always is engrossing, the family web and intricate emotional subplot as Ramses and his closest friends try to decipher the secret life of Amelia. I really think the narrative device Ms. Peters starts to employ (the newly found texts - 'Manuscript H' written by other members of the family) so as to present other perspectives is truly well done. The first author I have followed from book to book. A must read series and The Ape Who Guards the Balance, one of my favorite of the lot; provided you are listening to Rosenblat, of course, no disrespect to other narrators intended, but frankly, only Rosenblat can do all these personalities, accents and such.

Wonderful

What a great continuing story of adventure, villains, love and friendships. Wonderful narrating adds to the experience of the characters and keeps you entertained the entire book. You will not be disappointed.