The Hippopotamus Pool
The Hippopotamus Pool is the eighth in a series of historical mystery novels, written by Elizabeth Peters and featuring fictional sleuth and archaeologist Amelia Peabody.
 First edition cover | |
| Author | Elizabeth Peters |
|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Series | Amelia Peabody mysteries |
| Genre | Historical mystery |
| Publisher | Warner Books |
Publication date | 1996 |
| Media type | Print (hardback & paperback) |
| Pages | xvi, 384 pp |
| ISBN | 0-446-51833-6 |
| OCLC | 32923807 |
| 813/.54 20 | |
| LC Class | PS3563.E747 H54 1996 |
| Preceded by | The Snake, the Crocodile, and the Dog |
| Followed by | Seeing a Large Cat |
Explanation of the novel's title
The title of the book comes from an ancient Egyptian tale about warring princes Apophis and Sekenenre, wherein Apophis sends Sekenenre a message: "The roaring of the hippopotami in your pools prevents me from sleeping! Hunt them and kill them, that I may rest." There are also several references to the goddess Taueret, who is represented as a hippo.
As Amelia tries to untie the mystery of who is doing what to whom, she and Evelyn begin to refer to Riccetti's group as the "Hippopotamus Gang".
Plot summary
Amelia and Emerson are in Cairo to greet the 20th century, when a mysterious Mr. Shelmadine presents them with a gold ring from an unknown tomb bearing the cartouche of Queen Tetisheri. The Emersons must defend against criminals and tomb robbers. This time, Amelia is up against two unknown parties, one to save, one to avenge.
This book also introduces David Todros, Ramses's lifelong friend and partner in adventures. Evelyn and Walter Emerson come back to the land of the pharaohs for the first time since their romance in the ruins of the heretical pharaoh's city, Amarna.
See also
- List of characters in the Amelia Peabody series
Notes
References