The Hippopotamus Pool

Infobox Book
name = The Hippopotamus Pool
title_orig =
translator =


image_caption = First edition cover for "The Hippopotamus Pool"
author = Elizabeth Peters
illustrator =
cover_artist =
country = United States
language = English
series = Amelia Peabody mysteries
genre = Mystery, historical novel
publisher = Warner Books
release_date = 1996
media_type = Print (Hardback & Paperback)
pages = xvi, 384 pp
isbn = ISBN 0-446-51833-6
preceded_by = The Snake, the Crocodile, and the Dog
followed_by = Seeing a Large Cat

"The Hippopotamus Pool" is the eighth in a series of mystery novels, written by Elizabeth Peters and featuring fictional sleuth and archaeologist Amelia Peabody.

Explanation of the novel's title

The title of the book comes from an ancient Egyptian tale about warring princes Apophisref|apo and Sekenenreref|tao, 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 Nefret begin to refer to Riccetti's group as the "Hippopotamus Gang".

Plot summary

This season (1899-1900), the Emersons are greeted in Cairo by a mysterious Mr. Shelmadine, who tells them a tale of reincarnation and a queen's tomb before disappearing. The tomb he wants them to excavate is at Drah Abu'l Naga, the tomb of Queen Tetisheri. Despite Emerson's annoyance at the melodrama, his interest is piqued, especially after a corpulent and ruthless antiquities dealer named Riccetti mentions their visitor in a veiled warning.

While trying to find the exact location of the tomb, as well as the vanishing Mr. Shelmadine, the Emersons meet up with David Todros, a young apprentice to an accomplished forger of antiquities. David is Abdullah's grandson, who scorns the "Inglizi" and wants nothing to do with Abdullah, until he himself becomes a target for violence connected with the Emersons' quest.

Evelyn and Walter Emerson come to join the work as well, and Ramses, Nefret, and David begin what is to be a beautiful friendship.

ee also

*List of characters in the Amelia Peabody series

References

*Probably Sekenenra Tao II, known as Tao II the Brave, son of Tetisheri.
*Probably Aawoserra Apopi of the Hyksos.