Lion in the Valley
| Industry | Publishing |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | United States |
| Products | Books |
Lion in the Valley represents the fourth installment in the Amelia Peabody series, authored by Elizabeth Peters. Originally released in 1986, this historical mystery unfolds during the 1895–1896 archaeological season in Egypt.
Plot summary
The Emerson family, accompanied by their young son Ramses, aged eight, returns to excavate at Dahshoor, where Amelia pursues genuine pyramids. In search of a protector for Ramses, they cross paths with a disillusioned Englishman known as Nemo, who intervenes to save Ramses from kidnappers. Nemo is unveiled as Donald Fraser, a man battling a hashish addiction that Amelia assists him in overcoming. Donald provides valuable knowledge about Cairo’s criminal underbelly and the enigmatic Master Criminal, Sethos, who is connected to the Egyptian deity Set.
Enid Debenham, a wealthy socialite tainted by her link to the slain Russian prince Kalinescheff, joins the Emersons at the excavation site to evade suspicion. She is well acquainted with Donald and understands his habit of assuming responsibility for his brother Ronald’s wrongdoings. Encouraged by Amelia, Donald confronts this pattern and strives for honesty with Enid, whom he loves.
Following a tense encounter involving Ronald—who is subsequently found dead—Donald is taken into custody amid puzzling circumstances hinting that authorities were aware of the murder before the Emerson family reported it. The Emersons then trail Donald and Enid to Cairo.
In Cairo, private investigator Tobias Gregson reaches out to Emerson and Ramses. At the same time, Viscount Everly informs Amelia and Enid that he has reported Ronald’s disappearance to the police.
Sethos repeatedly appears in various guises—including a detective, an American tourist, and even Viscount Everly—revealing himself as the mastermind behind Ramses’s kidnapping and prior thefts from a local Coptic church. Upon learning of Amelia’s displeasure, he returns the stolen relics.
Sethos kidnaps Amelia from her hotel for a direct confrontation, admitting to killing Ronald (who had fired at Donald) and orchestrating Kalinescheff’s murder due to unreliability within his ranks. Despite attempting to charm her with extravagant clothing and declarations of affection, Amelia remains unwaveringly devoted to her husband.
The encounter concludes with Emerson rescuing Amelia after a physical struggle with Sethos. Ramses discovers Sethos’s disguise equipment and retains it.
Donald and Enid subsequently marry.
Back at the dig site, Amelia receives a message from Sethos assuring no further interference and acknowledging that she "might have redeemed me." Emerson destroys the note, reaffirming their strong family bond.
Explanation of the novel's title
The title is inspired by inscriptions from the Battle of Kadesh Inscriptions under King Ramses II, referencing the god Set:
"Lord of fear, great of fame,
In the hearts of all the lands.
Great of awe, rich in glory,
As is Set upon his mountain. ...
Like a wild lion in a valley of goats."
Reference to real persons
Ramses, Amelia's eight-year-old son, alludes to Arthur Conan Doyle, creator of Sherlock Holmes stories popular during the 1890s setting. Unfamiliar with these tales, Amelia is misled by Sethos disguised as a private detective using the name of police detective Tobias Gregson, a character ridiculed by Holmes. Despite Ramses’ cautions, Amelia places trust in Sethos, unaware he is the Master Criminal.
Reviews
Kirkus Reviews commended the book for its unique combination of murder mysteries, youthful romance, clever humor, irony, Egyptian mythology, Victorian customs, and captivating storytelling. The lead character, Amelia, is distinguished as a resilient figure who adeptly handles intricate situations, including becoming "the intensely coveted target of the supervillain's schemes."
See also
External links
- The Peabody-Emerson Excavations 1884-1923, which includes a detailed map of archaeological sites.