The Mingrelian Conspiracy (Mamur Zapt Mysteries) [Hardcover]

Michael Pearce (Author)

Book Description

Series: Mamur Zapt Mysteries | Publication Date: July 31, 2003

In the Cairo of 1908, the city lives--and dies--by its cafi culture. But for all restaurant businesses, then and now, the protection rackets pose a problem. And the city's cafis are experiencing a sudden upsurge in threats from various gangs. But who are they? More importantly, who's behind them? Is the money being channeled to some big crook, or is its use political, say for the purchase of guns? With some sixty nationalities, one hundred and twelve ethnic groups, and over two hundred religious sects, not to mention the Nationalists on the rise, policing the capital is no easy matter. When Mustapha, one cafi proprietor, is attacked by men with clubs, his legs broken for non- compliance, everyone is worried. The attacks may be escalating towards the international community. The Russian Chargi makes a complaint. Are the Mingrelians, a very small Christian group from the Caucasus, formenting a real conspiracy aimed at the visit of a Russian Grand Duke? This royalty is coming to replicate the visit his uncle paid to Egypt at the opening of the Suez Canal. Heading off any such incident is the task of Gareth Owen, Head of the Secret Police. But will the Mamur Zapt find answers to so many arcane questions in time?...

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

In Pearce's latest entertaining historical (after 2003's The Snake Catcher's Daughter), set in 1908 colonial Egypt, Captain Gareth Owen, aka the Mamur Zapt who heads the British secret police, tackles two problems. Gangs of extortionists have been terrorizing the caf‚ owners of Cairo, and the impending visit of a Russian grand duke ignites political unrest that may involve assassination plots. Britain's world standing hangs in the balance. As usual, Pearce masterfully depicts Owen's skills at maneuvering through both the British and the Egyptian bureaucracies, as well as his familiarity with every byway of his adopted city. The author's subtle humor complements the vivid period details.
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

"In Pearce's latest entertaining historical, set in 1908 colonial Egypt, Captain Gareth Owen, a.k.a. the Mamur Zapt who heads the British secret police, tackles two problems. Gangs of extortionists have been terrorizing the cafi owners of Cairo, and the impending visit of a Russian grand duke ignites political unrest that may involve assassination plots. Britain's world standing hangs in the balance. As usual, Pearce masterfully depicts Owen's skills at maneuvering through both the British and the Egyptian bureaucracies, as well as his familiarity with every byway of his adopted city. The author's subtle humor complements the vivid period details." Publishers Weekly

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 208 pages
• Publisher: Poisoned Pen Press; 1 edition (July 31, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1590580699
• ISBN-13: 978-1590580691
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 5.6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,444,030 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3.0 out of 5 stars "It's a Potential Powder Keg...", November 24, 2011

By 

R. M. Fisher "Raye" (New Zealand = Middle Earth!) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: The Mingrelian Conspiracy (Mamur Zapt Mysteries) (Paperback)

The ninth in the Mamur Zapt Mysteries, but the first one I'd ever read, I'll admit to being a tad lost at times when reading "The Mingrelian Conspiracy." Author Michael Pearce has set up a protagonist with a background and relationships that are obviously better appreciated if you have the first eight books under your belt.

Captain Gareth Owen is the Mamur Zapt of Cairo, 1908, working for the British secret police in their attempts to keep control of colonial Egypt. With an Egyptian girlfriend and a strong grasp of the myriad nationalities around him, Owen is very good at his job, knowing full-well that the city thrives on its café culture. But when a protection racket rears its ugly head, Owen investigates, suspecting that the political movement behind it is collecting funds for an even darker purpose. With a Russian Grand Duke visiting in order to replicate his uncle's visit to the Suez Canal, Owen hurries to uncover an assassination plot among the Mingrelian minority living in the city.

It's a short but engaging historical mystery, with plenty of wit and intrigue. Pearce has a good grasp of his setting, drawing on various tensions between the people of Egypt as well as the early 1900's time-period in order to plot his story. His characters are colorful and interesting, particularly Owen's main suspects: an eccentric old man and his granddaughter, and there are some truly funny moments concerning Owen's dealings with his rather melodramatic girlfriend. The setting is also particularly vivid, from Cairo's sweltering heat to the fragrant gardens, the squalid marketplaces to the comfort of private houses - you get a real sense of both time and place.

The mystery itself isn't really that much of a mystery (it's easy enough to guess the who, how and why) but the rest of the novel's components - the characters, setting and style - are the real draw-card of the book, and I suspect, the rest of the series.

5.0 out of 5 stars Colonial Egypt, civil service, Pearce, February 2, 2009

By 

Kathryn Murdock "coastal kate" (el granada, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

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This review is from: The Mingrelian Conspiracy (Mamur Zapt Mysteries) (Hardcover)

All of Michael Pearces' books are fun to read and sort of by -the- by you get a lot of history and feel of an era. Yhat he knows what he is talking about comes through very clearly. Humorous and insightful but mostly FUN.