The Snake Catcher's Daughter

When Deputy Commandant McPhee fails to show up for work everyone becomes concerned because that is so out of character. Commandant Garvin assigns Owen Gareth, the Mamur Zapt, to make inquiries over the latter's objection that this is not a political matter, as those are the only ones he, as the local head of the British secret police, should investigate.Seeking McPhee's camel as the easiest means of finding the missing cop, Owen locates the unconscious man amidst a pit filled with snakes. The daughter of Abu the snake catcher helps rescue McPhee. When he comes around, McPhee explains that out of curiosity he tried to attend a Zzarr ritual performed by a local witch-priestess, but someone apparently drugged him. The British presence at a local religious ritual causes outbursts and turmoil, but makes the Mamur Zapt wonder if someone is trying to discredit the Cairo police. Could that person be recently released from jail rogue cop Philipides or one of the current law enforcement leadership? The Mamur Zapt seeks the truth, but first must get McPhee and Garvin out of town to prevent a nasty Egyptian backlash.The eighth Mamur Zapt police procedural is an insightful tale that provides an intriguing look at Cairo under the British protectorate. The story line contains a delightful investigative tale, but is more a historical novel than a law enforcement book. The characters are well drawn even if McPhee seems too bubblebrained to be more than just a political appointee. The period tidbits are quite enlightening and Owen's inquest is fun to observe so that the audience gains a pleasing intelligent tale.Harriet Klausner