A Cold Touch of Ice: A Mamur Zapt Mystery

Most of Michael Pearce's excellent Mamur Zapt books seem to be frozen in the years 1909-1910, in a Cairo oblivious to the approaching First World War. This book is different, things are changing. Through much of the book the usually knowledgeable Owen is completely unaware of the approaching international conflict, and seems rather confused as other members of the British administration and foreign diplomats prepare for what is coming. It is 1912 and there is a war, one of the precursors to the First World War. The Italians have invaded what is today Libya, which is in principle part of the Ottoman empire. The Turks want to send weapons and soldiers to Libya across Egypt, which is also supposed to be part of their empire, but which in fact is ruled by Britain. Which is trying to remain neutral, at least for the time being. In previous books in this series the British ruler of Egypt, the Consul-General, was unnamed and invisible, somehow outside the orbit of the Mamur Zapt. Not now. Lord Kitchener has arrived to take command, and Gareth Owen, the Mamur Zapt, tries in vain to keep the out-of-date autocrat from insulting the Egyptians. Not only does Owen interact with Kitchener, he also comes into contact with other historical figures like T.E. Lawrence (who will become Lawrence of Arabia) and Gertude Bell (who will have much influence in the post-war creation of Iraq). But the most surprising change this time around is that Owen's good friend Mahmoud marries. This brings Owen into Mahmoud's house, but more importantly into his neighborhood, the Nahhasin, and one of the themes of the book is life in this small world. But there is a glimpse of the wider Egypt as well, as Owen travels to Aswan, Egypt's southern caravan stop. A fun read!

In 1912, Italy invades Tripolitania. Turkey declares war on Italy since Tripolitania belongs to them. Most of Europe wants to remain out of the conflict hoping that it will remain somewhat localized. British leaders choose a neutral path, but not all of the empire agrees. Though a British Protectorate, Egypt remains part of the Ottoman Empire and sympathies lie strongly with the Turks. In Cairo, someone strangled to death an Italian-Egyptian Sidi Morelli, a resident for forty years and whose warehouse contained weapons. Gareth Owen, the Mamur Zapt, investigates the homicide wondering if this is the beginning of an anti-Italian movement or was the murder tied to the guns? As he digs deeper and looks into several seemingly unrelated other incidents, Owen struggles with what he should do with his beloved Zeinab, who as she turns thirty wants a deeper commitment from him. As his own loyalties are questioned even by himself and Zeinab demands more of him, Owen wonders if it is time to relocate to perhaps Zanzibar. As usual, Michael Pearce provides a deep and entertaining early twentieth century historical mystery that brings to life Egypt under British control. The story line works on three levels (historical, investigative, and personal) that cleverly intertwine into a cohesive terrific who-done-it. Gareth is a fantastic protagonist who symbolizes the pull in two directions. He is at his witty, somewhat bewildered best as he ponders to Zanzibar or not to Zanzibar that is the question. Harriet Klausner