The Mamur Zapt and the Men Behind - Softcover

Pearce, Michael

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0006472664 ISBN 13: 9780006472667

Publisher: Fontana Press, 1993

Synopsis

From the award-winning Michael Pearce comes an engrossing murder mystery set in the Cairo of the 1900s. After a series of attacks on public officials, the Mamur Zapt is called in to investigate.

Cairo in the 1900s. While riding home, Fairclough of Customs is shot at from behind. It is the first of many similar attacks – all seemingly aimed at public officials. The Mamur Zapt, British head of Cairo’s secret police, is told to catch the killer – and quickly.

His efforts to do so take him into Cairo’s student quarter and out to a remote rural estate. And require him to handle a fading Pasha and a dangerous gypsy girl – whose claims he has to balance against those of his fiery Egyptian mistress.

About this title

Review:

‘Pearce’s dry humour matches his skill at evocative plot-stirring’ Sunday Times

‘Enjoyable ... original and charming’ Independent

‘A wily protagonist and racing narrative combine for perfect entertainment’ Time Out

‘Highly recommended’ Sunday Telegraph

From the Back Cover:

A sudden bullet pierces the pungent dust that permeates Cairo. The victim is a bookkeeper called Fairclough; he has been shot at from behind while riding home on his donkey, though not badly hurt. Hardly cause for alarm, thinks Cadwallader Owen, better known as the Mamur Zapt, or head of Cairo's Secret Police. After all, Fairclough is with Customs. And in 1909 British-ruled Cairo, Customs is the lowest of all departments. But Owen's nonchalance is soon shattered as unexpected, bloody violence shakes Cairo's crowded bazaars and bustling thoroughfares. Then, scores of frightened British and Egyptian civil servants flood the police with complaints of pursuit by unknown men. Finally, on a dank back street, Owen himself is followed and nearly attacked by two shadowy characters in European dress. Is this a reign of terror to undermine British rule? Or is it a personal vendetta? The Mamur Zapt is determined to uncover the truth. It is a dangerous mission that will take him through Cairo's darkest alleys, into its loudest, bawdiest district, and out to a fearfully remote desert village. Dodging wild bombs and stray bullets, the Mamur Zapt desperately strives to preserve the law...and his own life. But to do so he must find answers to mystifying questions. Who are these would-be assailants who stalk their victims so cunningly? Who are the deadly "men behind"?

About this edition

• Publisher: Fontana Press
• Publication date: 1993
• ISBN 10: 0006472664
• ISBN 13: 9780006472667
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 224