Seeing a Large Cat

Seeing a Large Cat is the ninth installment in Elizabeth Peters' Amelia Peabody series, set during the 1903-1904 Egyptian archaeological season. The narrative centers on the Emerson family's return to Egypt, where they encounter mysterious warnings about a tomb and become entangled in a web of seances, stalkers, and archaeological intrigue. The story marks a significant shift in the series as the younger characters - Ramses, David, and Nefret - take on more prominent roles. Now teenagers, they bring their own skills and perspectives to the family's archaeological work, while navigating personal challenges and responsibilities in both Egyptian and British society. The plot interweaves multiple threads: a strange message warning about a tomb, a young woman seeking protection from a stalker, and the activities of a medium claiming to communicate with an ancient Egyptian princess. The investigation unfolds against the backdrop of excavations and the family's life between their Luxor house and their dahabeah on the Nile. The novel explores themes of growing independence, family dynamics, and the intersection of ancient Egyptian mysteries with early 20th century social customs. It represents a transitional point in the series where the next generation begins to emerge from their parents' shadows.

Readers note this as one of the stronger entries in the Amelia Peabody mystery series, with many appreciating the shift to include Ramses' perspective through manuscript "H" excerpts. Readers liked: - The dual narrative between Amelia and Ramses - More complex character development of the grown children - Balance of mystery, humor and Egyptian archaeology - Tighter plotting compared to previous books Readers disliked: - Less interaction between Amelia and Emerson - Some found the manuscript "H" sections confusing - Slower pacing in middle sections Ratings: Goodreads: 4.17/5 (14,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (430+ ratings) Common reader comments: "The addition of Ramses' perspective adds depth to the series" - Goodreads reviewer "Miss the classic Amelia-Emerson dynamic of earlier books" - Amazon review "Perfect blend of mystery and archaeological detail" - LibraryThing user

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🔍 The author's real name was Barbara Mertz, who held a Ph.D. in Egyptology from the University of Chicago - a rare achievement for women in the 1950s. 🏺 The book's 1903-1904 setting coincides with a golden age of Egyptian archaeology, when major discoveries like the tomb of Yuya and Thuya (KV46) were being made in the Valley of the Kings. 👥 "Seeing a Large Cat" is the ninth book in the popular Amelia Peabody series, which spans 19 novels and has sold millions of copies worldwide. 🗺️ The story's locations, Cairo and Luxor, were essential stops on the Victorian-era "Grand Tour," drawing wealthy tourists and aspiring archaeologists alike to Egypt's ancient wonders. 📚 Elizabeth Peters named her protagonist, Amelia Peabody, after Amelia Edwards, a real-life Victorian writer and Egyptologist who helped establish the Egypt Exploration Fund.