- Paperback: 192 pages
- Publisher: HarperCollins; New edition edition (19 Jun 2000)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0006513271
- ISBN-13: 978-0006513278
- Product Dimensions: 17.2 x 11.2 x 1.6 cm
- Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (1 customer review)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 1,017,032 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Did you know you can trade in your old books for an Amazon.co.uk Gift Card to spend on the things you want? Plus, get an extra £5 Gift Certificate when you trade in books worth £10 or more before June 30, 2012. Visit the Books Trade-In Store for more details. |
Product details |
Product Description
Review
Acclaim for Michael Pearce and the Mamur Zapt novels:
‘Pearce takes apart ancient history and reassembles it with beguiling wit and colour’
John Coleman, Sunday Times
‘Marvellously convoluted… Dryly and deeply funny’
Philip Oakes, Literary Review
Product Description
‘Irresistible fun’ Time Out The latest novel in Michael Pearce’s award-winning series, set in the Egypt of the 1900s.
Cairo, 1909. The murder capital of the world, where deaths are two a piastre. But the death of an effendi? That is something different. Effendis – the Egyptian elite – are important. Especially if – in a country ruled by foreigners – they happen to be foreign.
When Tvardovsky, effendi and foreigner, is shot at a gathering of financiers, the Mamur Zapt, Chief of Cairo’s Secret Police, is called in to investigate. But is he the right man for the job? In some countries, if someone goes out with the Head of the Secret Police and doesn’t come back, it’s best not to ask any questions. And there are powerful people who might have preferred Tvardovsky dead.
As Tvardovsky said, before going on the shooting party, there were still crocodiles in Egypt. Of all kinds. And perhaps the place to look for them was Crocodilopolis, where the financiers were to hold their meeting. It is when the crocodiles start co-operating, he said, that you really have to watch out…
Tag this product(What's this?)Think of a tag as a keyword or label you consider is strongly related to this product.
Tags will help all customers organise and find favourite items. |
Sell a Digital Version of This Book in the Kindle Store
If you are a publisher or author and hold the digital rights to a book, you can sell a digital version of it in our Kindle Store.
Learn more
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
Michael Pearce's police chief, Captain Owen - the Mamur Zapt - is now in his twelfth adventure in old Cairo. Pearce writes well about a society in transition, with its strains of old and new; Traditional Eygptian rule may be controlled and directed to an extent by the British colonial masters, but at the same time Brtina is trying to ward of the predatory interests of competing Great Powers -- who all want a slice of the action. Pearce's style is gentle on the eye, in the best tradition of the late Ellis Peters, yet for all this there is the occasional flash of steel beneath the elegantly gloved hand. Pearce writes with a real sympathy for the ordinary Eygptians in this world of the 1900s. A sympathy that his main character, Captain Owen shares. If you're looking for a mystery that takes you to the souks and bazaars of 1900s Eygpt, then this is for you.
Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
Amazon.com:
1 review
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
great early twentieth century Egyptian police procedural
30 Jun 2004
Format:Hardcover
In 1909 Egypt the Mamur Zapt, Gareth Owen, joins several VIPs on a shoot that makes him feel like a duck out of water as most of the effendi attending are financiers or royals. However, during the gala, someone shoots the Russian Tvardovsky. As expected by his position, Owen begins to investigate to determine whether the death was an accident or a homicide with his only clue being that the foreign victim discussed crocodiles in Egypt.
Prince Fuad interferes with the Mamur Zapt inquiries trying to insure that an accident is reported if he cannot stop the investigation. However, Gareth continues to look into the matter with the diligence he always brings to his job though he worries about the repercussions from the royals, especially how Fuad will react. Fuad increases the pressure for Owen to conduct a sham, but he refuses.
The Mamur Zapt series consistently provide some of the best early twentieth century police procedural tales on the market. The latest entry, DEATH OF AN EFFENDI, is a fabulous tale that as usual provides an intriguing glimpse at Egypt in 1909 where foreigners heavily influence what happens to the country. The investigation is top of the line as Gareth struggles with Prince Fuad's reluctance and with potential witnesses fearful of alienating foreigners and or the Mamur Zapt. Fans of historical mysteries will appreciate this tale that brings to life a bygone era whose impact remains strong almost a century later.
Harriet Klausner
Was this review helpful?
Let us know
Customer Discussions
|
This product's forum
Active discussions in related forums
Search Customer Discussions
|
Related forums
|
Listmania!
Look for similar items by category
Look for similar items by subject
Feedback
- Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?
- I am the Author, and I want to comment on my book.
- I am the Publisher, and I want to comment on this book.
