The Mamur Zapt and the Donkey-Vous

First Sentence: Owen arrived at the hotel shortly afterward. Captain Cadwallader Owen, the Mamur Zapt responsible for investigating crimes of a political nature in Cairo, doesn't expect to be involved with the disappearance of a Frenchman. Once an Englishman is kidnapped, Owen is brought in to investigate and finds this is the third recent kidnapping to take place. There were no witnesses to the kidnappings, even though the last two were in plain site during the day, a myriad of possible motives, and the government alternating between whether Owen should investigate or not. With the help of his friend Mahmoud, his lover Zeinab, and the industrious "donkey-boys" Owen must try to find the missing men--while they are still alive. I am so glad I found this series. Pearce clearly knows his subject well and conveys wonderfully the period, mix of nationalities, cultures and political intricacies involved. I love his characters; Owen who is Welsh--not British--and can be mistaken for Egyptian; his friendship with Mahmoud and the delicate dance he must perform to do his job. Humor, flirtation, intrigue, and a fascinating puzzle combine to make this a delightful traditional mystery.

I abosolutely love the Mamur Zapt Mysteries. They capture the rhythms of life in Cairo and the sometimes frustrating battle of people who love but are not quite of the place trying to get things done. The humor is clear-eyed and equal opportunity, never too harsh but never letting people or systems off too lightly, either. It takes a deft hand to be funny and not offensive when setting a story amidst the not-quite-official British colonial structure in early 20th century Egypt. I like all the main characters (I wish I could sit and have coffee in an 'ahwa with them) and can only hope that Pearce continues to be productive for a long, long time.

The old city of Cairo is the real star of this series. The author obviously both understands and loves it. Even though I've never been there, he makes me feel that I understand the city, the bureaucracy and the culture. His characters are real people, the conversation is lucid and believable and he mixes in a hearty dose of humor. The mystery is secondary to the place and the people, but it gives a reasonable plot line to carry the books along. I highly recommend this book in particular and the series in general. Incidentally, I've read most of this series in the form of audiobooks as I commute to and from work. I especially recommend these- the narrator is very good at bringing out the subtleties of language and place.

I couldn't disagree more! Pearce continues to be one of the cleverest, funniest mystery writers I've read. Perhaps it helps that I've been to and love Egypt. He captures the bureaucracy beautifully. The Mamur is such a likable person. I look for characterizations and settings first, plot second. But I even think the plot of this one is lively!