Elizabeth Peters

Barbara Mertz (1927-2013), who also wrote under the pseudonyms Elizabeth Peters and Barbara Michaels, was the prolific author of mystery, suspense, and nonfiction books. She is perhaps the best known for the mystery series she wrote as Elizabeth Peters featuring archaeologist and amateur sleuth Amelia Peabody. Mertz earned her PhD in Egyptology in 1952 and published two nonfiction titles on life in Ancient Egypt. Her top books include The Curse of the Pharaohs, The Mummy Case, and The Golden One.