ISBN: 0-7887-0044-8 Order from: Recorded Books
A pleasant novel of investigation, with the color of old Egypt, and the mind-puzzle resembling a locked-room mystery, and dashes of politics and romance.
Reviewed by David on September 21, 2002
Genre: Mystery (Historical, Police Procedural, Politics, Egypt)
Synopsis: This is an unabridged recording of The mamur Zapt and the Donkey-Vous.
Captain Owen, formerly of the Britich Army, is now attached to the English Consulate in Egypt—in fact, if not in name, the government of Egypt. The young man is the Mamur Zapt—the head of the political police in Cairo.
One of the most expensive—and most conspicuous—places for the rich and foreign to take their leisure is the terrace of Shepheard's Hotel. When a wealthy Frenchman, M. Moulin, is kidnapped from the terrace right in front of hundreds of tourists, guides, street-sellers and passers-by, the audacity of the crime rsonates through Cairo. However, Owen is convinced that this is a regular crime, to be investigated by the Minstry of Justice.
However, the French, very unhappy about the British domination of Egypt, insist that it has political implications, and the Consulate assigns Owen—the head of secret police—to take over the investigation. The case gets even more puzzling when a second foreigner, the father of the charming Lisa Colthorpe Hartley disappears from the same terrace.
Under intense pressure from his superiors as well as panicked foreigners everywhere, Owen untangles the confusing crimes.
Full Review: The color, passion and conflicts of Egypt under English rule are well portrayed in this series of novels. The fierce resentment of the Nationanalists, and greed of the local and foreign interests, the almost innocent covetousness of the street people, all intermixed with hundreds of political and economic agendas, form a heady and dangerous mix. Navigating this mix is no easy task, and well-meaning and intelligent, if rather inexperienced Owen does his best.
While portraying danger and passion, this entertaining novel is very mannerly, making even deadly sins almost cozy, and picturing even villains in shades of grey. There are touches of romantic attachment: again, portrayed with suggestion and restraint rather than passion.
This novel is a part of a very enjoyable series, told with a distinctive style. It portrays a world now changed irretrievably, although with many of the same passions and dangers that trouble the region now. The mannerly tone of the narrative minimizes, but doesn't entirely hide the terrible, and beautiful reality of Egypt.
Overall: 6; Plot: 6; Characters: 5.5; Style: 5.5; World-building: 7; Originality: 6.5;
Copyright date 1990, Recorded Books, 1994, Audio cassette, 5 cassettes
ISBN: 0-7887-0044-8 Order from: Recorded Books