The Hippopotamus Pool is the eighth installment in the captivating Amelia Peabody series of historical mystery novels, penned by the talented author Elizabeth Peters. First published in 1996, this delightful novel features the intrepid fictional sleuth and archaeologist, Amelia Peabody.
Set during the 1899-1900 archaeological dig season, the story unfolds in the vibrant city of Cairo, where Amelia and her husband, Emerson, are preparing to welcome the dawn of the 20th century. Their lives take an unexpected turn when a mysterious stranger presents them with a gold ring from an unknown tomb—a ring bearing the cartouche of Queen Tetisheri. Tragically, the stranger succumbs to poison shortly after delivering the artifact. Emerson himself faces danger during this encounter.
Earlier that year, Walter and Evelyn Emerson suffered the loss of their youngest child, leaving Evelyn in a state of melancholy. Radcliffe, Walter’s brother, invites them to join an archaeological dig in Egypt. Walter and Evelyn agree, leaving their young children behind. Radcliffe’s ambitious plan involves a larger-scale excavation than in previous years, and he surprises everyone by providing a Dahabeah—a houseboat—as their base instead of traditional tents. The chosen site holds the promise of revealing the tomb of an ancient Egyptian queen, the very same queen depicted on the mysterious gold ring.
As the dig progresses, intrigue abounds. The stranger’s lifeless body is discovered floating in the Nile. A retired but cunning seller of Egyptian antiques crosses paths with the Emersons. It becomes evident that two rival groups are vying for control of the thieving ring once led by the enigmatic Sethos. Some of these competing thieves may assist the Emerson dig, while others may resort to violence, as evidenced on New Year’s Eve.