Crocodile on the Sandbank

Crocodile on the sandbank is the first in Elizabeth Peters' series about the Victorian amateur archaeologist/detective Amelia Peabody. Let's be honest - it's not the greatest detective story in the world, but then that's not necessarily why you'd want to read an Amelia Peabody. It's great fun with some wonderful larger than life characters in Amelia and Emerson. The Egyptian background is lovingly described, as is the in-fighting between rival archaeologists of the day.

It's very atmospheric, and a hugely enjoyable read. I must read some more in the series.