✨ Series Title: The Locked Tomb Mystery and Other Stories

🧑 Author: Elizabeth Peters (aka Barbara Mertz or Barbara Michaels)

🔄️ Translator: N/A

🌎 Country of Origin: United States

💬Language: English

🗓️ Published: October 9, 2018

🖨️ Publisher: MysteriousPress.com/Open Road

𝄃𝄃𝄂𝄂𝄀 ISBN: ‎ 978-1504055512

🔢 ASIN: B07HHR8691

#️⃣ Stories in the Anthology: 4

⌛Age Level: Ages 14+

If you’re a fan of cozy mysteries laced with historical intrigue, witty heroines, and a dash of the supernatural, then Elizabeth Peters’ latest collection (well, posthumous, but who’s counting?) is a treat you won’t want to miss. Published in 2023, The Locked Tomb Mystery and Other Stories brings together four captivating short tales for the first time in a single volume. As a longtime admirer of Peters’ work—especially her iconic Amelia Peabody series—I dove into this anthology with high expectations, and it delivered a fun, quick read that’s perfect for mystery enthusiasts.

Peters, the beloved cozy mystery author with a PhD in Egyptology, weaves a tapestry of enigmas that span genres from historical whodunits to paranormal thrillers. Each story clocks in at no more than a dozen pages or so, making this collection ideal for those stolen moments between daily chaos. But don’t let the brevity fool you—these tales pack in her signature humor, vivid settings, and cheeky commentary on historical ideologies.

What elevates this anthology beyond a simple story collection are the insightful prefaces and introductions by esteemed voices in the mystery world: authors Tasha Alexander, Juliet Blackwell, and Daniel Stashower, plus Egyptologist Salima Ikram. These pieces offer glimpses into Peters’ history, her recurring themes (like strong, resourceful women), the contextual backdrop of her writing, and her lasting impact on readers.

Peters’ profound love for Egyptian history and mythology is on full display in The Locked Tomb Mystery and The Vengeance of Sekhmet. The latter brings back Amelia Peabody, her nosy Victorian-era detective, while the former delves even deeper into the age of pharaohs. It’s a testament to Peters’ dual status as an expert Egyptologist and a masterful novelist.

That said, the short length of each tale does lead to some simplicity in the mysteries. With rarely more than two suspects per story, they lack the complexity of Peters’ full novels. She’s renowned among female detective novelists for her intricate plots, but here, her strengths in crafting intriguing settings and sharp humor take center stage instead. Also, a minor gripe: the introduction to The Runaway (which leans more paranormal than mystery) spoils a bit too much, dampening the surprise.

Personally, The Runaway stood out as my favorite—its eloquent prose and chilling atmosphere demonstrated Peters’ versatility beautifully. Overall, this anthology is a captivating mix across genres, making it an unmissable addition to any mystery lover’s shelf. If you’re new to Peters, it’s a great entry point; for longtime fans, it’s a nostalgic nod to her enduring legacy.

Grab a copy, brew some tea, and let these stories transport you. You can find it on platforms like Amazon—happy reading!

The anthology kicks off with The Vengeance of Sekhmet, a novelette featuring Peters’ fan-favorite characters: the intrepid Amelia Peabody and her husband, Radcliffe Emerson. Set against the backdrop of ancient curses and Egyptian archaeology, it’s a deadly adventure that had me reminiscing about the full-length Peabody novels.

Everyone’s favorite nosy couple, Amelia Peabody and Radcliff Emerson, take on a vengeful goddess when their guest appears afflicted by a nasty little curse in this witty nod to Sherlock Holmes.

Next up is Liz Peters, PI, a delightful parody of the hard-boiled detective era that birthed icons like Philip Marlowe, Lew Archer, and Sam Spade. Here, a mystery novelist finds herself falsely accused of murdering a close friend—with a hatpin as the weapon, no less! While the plot could have been more intricate, Liz’s humorous commentary had me in stitches. As one quote puts it: “You’re all alike,” I said bitterly. “Wave a chocolate chip cookie in front of you and you’ll do anything, say anything.”

The title story, The Locked Tomb Mystery, transports us to ancient Thebes, where locals are baffled by a West Bank tomb that’s found completely sealed. . . yet mysteriously looted. Peters’ expertise shines here, blending artifacts, pyramids, and superstition into a mystical portrayal of Egypt. A chilling line from the tale: “Anubis, the Guide of the Dead, and Osiris, the Divine Judge, will be waiting for you. They will eat your heart… and your spirit will hunger and thirst through all eternity… Did you see [her] face last night, wrinkled and withered, her sunken eyes accusing you, as it looked when you tore the gold mask from it?“

Finally, The Runaway shifts gears into paranormal territory, sending shivers down your spine as two sisters sheltering in an old, secluded house discover they might not be alone. This one surprised me the most—despite having read some of Peters’ supernatural works before, I hadn’t realized just how prolific she was in that realm. It boasts some of the collection’s most poetic passages, like: “There was a horrifying beauty about the way it burned. Long veils of fire rose like creatures trying to break free of earth. Rosy flame spouted from the empty windows and wreathed crimson blossoms around the chimneys.“

Imagine a woman who could decipher ancient hieroglyphs by day and spin tales of Victorian sleuths dodging mummies by night. That’s Elizabeth Peters for you – or should I say, Barbara Louise Mertz, the real-life powerhouse behind the pen name. Born in the quaint town of Canton, Illinois, on September 29, 1927, Barbara wasn’t one to settle for ordinary. She dove headfirst into academia, snagging a Ph.D. in Egyptology from the University of Chicago’s Oriental Institute in 1952, turning her passion for pharaohs and pyramids into scholarly gold. But Barbara was a literary chameleon: under her real name, she penned nonfiction tomes on ancient Egypt that could make even the dustiest tomb come alive. And as Barbara Michaels? She cranked out gothic suspense novels that kept readers up at night with their eerie twists. Sadly, this trailblazer left us on August 8, 2013, at 85, but her words? They’re immortal, blending brains, bravery, and a dash of mischief.

Particularly her crown jewel: the Elizabeth Peters mysteries that whisk you away to sandy digs and shadowy secrets. Amelia Peabody, the feisty Victorian Egyptologist who’s part Indiana Jones, part Miss Marple – debuted in the 1975 hit Crocodile on the Sandbank and starring in a whopping 19 novels filled with archaeological intrigue, forbidden romances, and clever crimes. But Peters didn’t stop there; she dreamed up Vicky Bliss, the art historian turned globe-trotting adventurer, and Jacqueline Kirby, the sharp-witted librarian who stumbles into detective work like it’s her side hustle. With over 70 novels under her belt – many hitting the New York Times bestseller list – her stories are a cocktail of humor, heart-pounding suspense, and spot-on historical details that earned her the Mystery Writers of America’s Grand Master nod. If you’re craving escapism with a side of smarts, dive into Peters’ world – it’s like unearthing a treasure trove where every page turn reveals a new thrill!

This will link to either the series itself or the first book in the series depending on the site