Death of an Effendi [Audiobook, Unabridged] [Audio Cassette]

Michael Pearce (Author), Nigel Carrington (Narrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 2001

Cairo, 1909, the murder capital of the world. But the death of an effendi? That is something different. Because effendis -- the Egyptian elite -- are important. Especially if -- in a country ruled by foreigners -- they happen to be foreign. When one such an effendi is shot during a gathering of financiers, Gareth Owen, Chief of Cairo's Secret Police, is called in to investigate. But is he the right man for the job...?

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

*Starred Review* Fans of Pearce's delightful Mamur Zapt series will find this latest entry among the best of the bunch and clearly deserving of its shortlisting for the Ellis Peters Award. Captain Gareth Owen, Chief of Cairo's Secret Police (called Mamur Zapt), is asked to guard Russian financier Tvardovsky during a shooting party for potential Egyptian investors. But Owen fails. Tvardovsy, along with hundreds of birds, is shot dead, apparently by another member of the hunting party. Before Owen can set the investigatory wheels turning, Tvardovsky's body is spirited away, and another Russian is imprisoned for murdering him. Owen and his colleague Mahmoud are furious that the foreign effendi's death has not been properly investigated, and they're positive the wrong man has been jailed. But when the pair attempt to unearth the truth, they are thwarted at every turn. Their tenacity eventually pays off, and they crack the case, but even these two experienced investigators are shocked by the bizarre story that emerges. Witty and beguiling, with an amusing cast of characters, this story also offers a charming glimpse of turn of the century Cairo. The Mamur Zapt series has been underappreciated for too long; let's hope this one brings Pearce the wider audience he has long deserved. Emily Melton
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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

Set in Egypt in 1909, the twelfth Mamur Zapt novel opens with the killing of a Russian financier during a duck shoot. The Mamur Zapt (Owen, the Chief of Police) is present but a local official insists it is an 'accident'. Although Owen suspects murder every avenue of enquiry is stopped by political intervention. The body has been cremated and evidence withheld. When Owen's Egyptian fiancee discovers his association with an attractive Russian girl all the characters move dangerously together. However, Pearce's light touch assures us that all will be well! His engaging style and amusing plotting make for an entertaining holiday read and the volume is a handy size for travelling. Occasionally you might find yourself wishing for a glossary because of the book's Egyptian authenticity, but overall the novel has pace and clarity. There is a nostalgic sense of the British abroad, reminiscent of (though less demanding than) Manning and Durrell. (Kirkus UK) --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

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Product Details

• Audio Cassette
• Publisher: Chivers Audio Books; Unabridged edition (October 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0754006999
• ISBN-13: 978-0754006992
• Product Dimensions: 7.3 x 5.3 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #5,160,782 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars great early twentieth century Egyptian police procedural, June 29, 2004

By 

Harriet Klausner - See all my reviews
(#1 Hall OF FAME REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Death of An Effendi: A Mamur Zapt Mystery (Mamur Zapt Mysteries) (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