So, reader. Are you an amateur archaeologist or an aspiring
detective? A secret armchair Indiana Jones? Do you love horror, thrillers,
maybe ghost stories? If so, I can recommend an author for you. No, not
different authors—just one writer who does all of the things I mentioned, and
does them well, too.
I’d like to introduce you to the world of Barbara Mertz. So
prolific that she needed three names to contain her creativity, Mertz (also
known as Elizabeth Peters and Barbara Michaels) passed away recently at the age
of 85. She has left behind a treasure trove of bestselling writing that
encompasses mysterious episodes in shadowy pyramids, creepy yarns involving
haunted antiques, and suspenseful escapades in creaky manses.
The stories she spun were meticulously researched,
reflecting her background as a trained Egyptologist and archaeologist. But what
brought that research to life was a deft touch with characters, a sense of
humor, and a talent for crafting tight plotlines. As Barbara Michaels, she
wrote thrillers and mysteries, often with a dark or paranormal bent. And as
Barbara Mertz, she wrote mainly non-fiction about Egypt, which bubbled over
with her own passion for history, her keen eye for human nature, and a
lighthearted tone. To most readers, though, Mertz is probably best remembered
as Elizabeth Peters. Writing as Peters, she brought gutsy Victorian adventurer
Amelia Peabody into the world in a series of rollicking archaeological
adventures.
While each of her personas offers readers a different “flavor”,
Mertz’s enormous gift for storytelling delivers a consistently absorbing read
from start to finish. If you’re looking for a little humor and a lot of
intrigue in your weekend, I encourage you to consider taking home something by
Mertz (or Peterson…or Michaels).
--Sara
--Sara
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