The Mingrelian Conspiracy

Mamur Zapt #9

by Michael Pearce

In the Cairo of 1908, the city lives - and dies - by its caf� culture. But for all restaurant businesses, then and now, the protection rackets pose a problem. And the city's caf�s 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, for, say, the purchase of guns? With some sixty nationalities, one hundred and twelve ethnic groups, and over two hundred religious sects, not to mention the burgeoning Nationalists, stewing, policing the capital is no easy matter.

When Mustapha, one caf� proprietor, is attacked by men with clubs, his legs broken for non-compliance, everyone is worried. Could the attacks be escalating towards the international community? The Russian Charg� makes a complaint - the Mingrelians, a very small Christian group from the Caucasus, may be targeting a Russian Grand Duke. This royal figure 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?...

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Historical Mystery, Egypt, Murder Mystery, Fiction

201 pages, Paperback

First published October 19, 1995

About the author

Michael Pearce grew up in the (then) Anglo-Egyptian Sudan. He returned there later to teach, and retains a human rights interest in the area. He retired from his academic post to write full time.

Reviews

[P.D.R. Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another of the Mamur Zapt series. How Pearce can make bombs and political mayhem humourous is a mystery. But he does and it makes great reading. Pearce doesn't just go for laughs though, the reader is left wondering about people, politics and the stupidity of the human race.

A good intelligent and funny read from a clever writer.

[ambyr · Rating 3 out of 5]

A solid entry into the series. The overall plot is more straightforward than most, but I particularly appreciated the bits that delve into Owen's own cultural identity.

[Liz V. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cafes are ubiquitous in Cairo, and so is the protection racket. Normally the Mamur Zapt would not be involved in a purely criminal investigation, but it appears that some of the proceeds might be used to finance an assassination of a Russian prince. Innumerable groups of refugees, from areas ethnically cleansed by the expanding Russian Empire, view the prince's visit as a chance to restore their honor. The Mamur Zapt must determine whether any poses a credible threat.

[Kimberly Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Something strange is going on in Cairo, and everyone blames the Mingrelians; whom are a most invisible group and no one quite seems to know exactly they are or where they can be found.

[Keith Broz]

Good book.

[Deirdre E Siegel · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a much hotter than usual Cairo… Owen, Mahmoud, Nikos, Georgiades, McPhee AND Garvin are trying to keep the Army in its place which is out of their hair, Zeinab with Paul assisting conspires for yet another dress for the Opera to irk the local ladies. While a group of definitely old enough to know betters try to stop the Russian prince visiting. Mirth and mayhem in Cairo of old, thank you Michael Pearce, much appreciated. :-)

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the best in the series with lots of humorous touches.

[Hermien · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very entertaining but also informative about Egypt in the early 1900s.

[Regine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pleasant.

[Mom · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like this series for it's view of British protectorate era Egypt...1908.

[Rebecca]

Another great read.