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Mamur Zapt #3
The Mamur Zapt and the Donkey-vous
"Tourists are quite safe provided they don't do anything stupidly reckless," so Captain Owen, the Mamur Zapt, Head of Cairo's Political CID under British Rule, assures the press. But what of Monsieur Moulin, kidnapped from taking tea on the terrace at Shepheard's Hotel? How has Mr. Colthorpe Hartley also disappeared. No one has actually seen either victim vanish.... Are these ordinary crimes? Are they intended as deliberately symbolic blows at the British? Or are they just a means of discouraging tourism? Owen had better unravel it quickly, or else... And where better to start from than the donkey-vous beneath the terrace, home of Cairo's humble but enterprising youths who hire out their donkeys for photographs and rides...
Follow the Mamur Zapt's career through The Mamur Zapt and the Return of the Carpet and The Night of the Dog, both republished by Poisoned Pen Press.
Follow the Mamur Zapt's career through The Mamur Zapt and the Return of the Carpet and The Night of the Dog, both republished by Poisoned Pen Press.
224 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1990
About the author
Michael Pearce
54 books53 followersMichael 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.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
February 24, 2022
A kidnapped Frenchman is not really a case for the Mamur Zapt, but it is political so Owen's skills are needed.
Travel back in time to the British advised (ruled) Egypt of 1909 to delight in this abduction mystery.
A spy network for all occasions - including ransom demands
“If you’re so worried about it,” Nikos said, “I could ask our man at the hotel to keep an eye open for it.”
“Have we got a man at the hotel?”
“We’ve got a man at all the hotels. The main ones. It doesn’t cost much,” he assured Owen, thinking he detected a shade of concern and assuming, naturally, that the concern was financial and not moral.
On becoming Mamur Zapt Owen had inherited a huge information network, which Nikos administered with pride. What was striking about it was not its size, since a highly developed political secret service was normal in the Ottoman Empire and the British had merely taken it over, nor its ability to find informers, since people came cheap in Cairo: rather, it was its efficiency, which was not at all characteristic of the Ottoman Empire. It was, however, characteristic of Nikos, who brought the pure passion of the born bureaucrat to his work.
Even telling the truth to a jealous girlfriend can end up as an argument, especially when she is Zeinab
“How disillusioning!”, said Lucy. “There I was hoping that what had brought you here was the attraction of my big blue eyes when all the time you are merely getting on with your work.”
“I am combining work with pleasure. A little work and a lot of pleasure.”
“At least you have the proportions right,” said Lucy. “You were, if you remember, going to tell me exactly what was your work, Mamur Zapt.”
“Well…” said Owen.
“How fascinating!” said Lucy Colthorpe Hartley, resting her elbows on the table and her chin on her hands and gazing straight into his eyes.
“It didn’t look like work to me,” said Zeinab.
Zeinab, unfortunately, had passed by in an arabeah on her way home from her hairdresser’s.
“I was asking her about the street-vendors.”
“Oh yes,” said Zeinab sceptically.
“Yes I was. I wanted to know if they were always the same. You see, if they were, they might have been there when Moulin was kidnapped and seen something.”
“You were trying to see something,” said Zeinab. “You were looking down the front of her dress.”
“For heaven’s sake! She was across the table. How could I?”
“She was leaning forward. Deliberately.”
“Anyway she didn’t have on that sort of dress.”
“You see! You did try!”
“For God’s sake!” said Owen, aware that he had lost yet another argument with Zeinab.
Fresh fruit?
The strawberry-seller took one of his strawberries, put it in his mouth and then restored it to the pile glistening with moisture. It looked fresher and more tempting that way.
. . . . .
The vendors jostled for Lucy’s attention. This time the strawberry-seller won. Lucy stretched out a hand toward the strawberries.
“I wouldn’t do that if I were you,” said Owen hastily, remembering.
Political kidnappings, a vast ransom with the background of old Cairo and the famous Shepheard's hotel make a delightful story.
Enjoy!
Travel back in time to the British advised (ruled) Egypt of 1909 to delight in this abduction mystery.
A spy network for all occasions - including ransom demands
“If you’re so worried about it,” Nikos said, “I could ask our man at the hotel to keep an eye open for it.”
“Have we got a man at the hotel?”
“We’ve got a man at all the hotels. The main ones. It doesn’t cost much,” he assured Owen, thinking he detected a shade of concern and assuming, naturally, that the concern was financial and not moral.
On becoming Mamur Zapt Owen had inherited a huge information network, which Nikos administered with pride. What was striking about it was not its size, since a highly developed political secret service was normal in the Ottoman Empire and the British had merely taken it over, nor its ability to find informers, since people came cheap in Cairo: rather, it was its efficiency, which was not at all characteristic of the Ottoman Empire. It was, however, characteristic of Nikos, who brought the pure passion of the born bureaucrat to his work.
Even telling the truth to a jealous girlfriend can end up as an argument, especially when she is Zeinab
“How disillusioning!”, said Lucy. “There I was hoping that what had brought you here was the attraction of my big blue eyes when all the time you are merely getting on with your work.”
“I am combining work with pleasure. A little work and a lot of pleasure.”
“At least you have the proportions right,” said Lucy. “You were, if you remember, going to tell me exactly what was your work, Mamur Zapt.”
“Well…” said Owen.
“How fascinating!” said Lucy Colthorpe Hartley, resting her elbows on the table and her chin on her hands and gazing straight into his eyes.
“It didn’t look like work to me,” said Zeinab.
Zeinab, unfortunately, had passed by in an arabeah on her way home from her hairdresser’s.
“I was asking her about the street-vendors.”
“Oh yes,” said Zeinab sceptically.
“Yes I was. I wanted to know if they were always the same. You see, if they were, they might have been there when Moulin was kidnapped and seen something.”
“You were trying to see something,” said Zeinab. “You were looking down the front of her dress.”
“For heaven’s sake! She was across the table. How could I?”
“She was leaning forward. Deliberately.”
“Anyway she didn’t have on that sort of dress.”
“You see! You did try!”
“For God’s sake!” said Owen, aware that he had lost yet another argument with Zeinab.
Fresh fruit?
The strawberry-seller took one of his strawberries, put it in his mouth and then restored it to the pile glistening with moisture. It looked fresher and more tempting that way.
. . . . .
The vendors jostled for Lucy’s attention. This time the strawberry-seller won. Lucy stretched out a hand toward the strawberries.
“I wouldn’t do that if I were you,” said Owen hastily, remembering.
Political kidnappings, a vast ransom with the background of old Cairo and the famous Shepheard's hotel make a delightful story.
Enjoy!
March 11, 2020
What I truly enjoy about this historically fictionalized series is the setting of turn of the century Egypt. Even though the characters are the made up imaginings of the author including the Mamur Zapt an abundance of the political atmosphere is based on fact, as well as the number of countries involved in the running of Egypt's politics and economy. I find it quite enlightening and also disconcerting of how everybody wanted a piece of the Egyptian pie.
June 3, 2016
Excellent descriptions of locale. Neat character descriptions down to the 'donkey boys.' Gotta find a few more in this series.
September 18, 2012
Originally published on my blog here in October 2000.
The third Mamur Zapt novel (I think) is very like the other one I have read (The Men Behind). The whole series is going to consist of gentle, amusing crime stories set in Cairo about a century ago. They're very enjoyable, so similarity won't stop me continuing to read them.
The plot of this novel is about an investigation into kidnappings of tourists from the terrace of Shepheards, the most exclusive hotel in Cairo. The major mystery is how presumably unwilling victims could disappear without anyone seeing it happen, in a place not only thronged by hotel guests but full of anxious vendors. The "donkey-vous" of the absurd title is like a taxi rank, with donkeys for hire, outside the hotel.
Entertaining, easy on the mind; an excellent book to relax with.
The third Mamur Zapt novel (I think) is very like the other one I have read (The Men Behind). The whole series is going to consist of gentle, amusing crime stories set in Cairo about a century ago. They're very enjoyable, so similarity won't stop me continuing to read them.
The plot of this novel is about an investigation into kidnappings of tourists from the terrace of Shepheards, the most exclusive hotel in Cairo. The major mystery is how presumably unwilling victims could disappear without anyone seeing it happen, in a place not only thronged by hotel guests but full of anxious vendors. The "donkey-vous" of the absurd title is like a taxi rank, with donkeys for hire, outside the hotel.
Entertaining, easy on the mind; an excellent book to relax with.
March 17, 2021
I think I pick this one up mostly because I found the title intriguing. What could that possibly be about? I asked myself. Turns out it's about kidnapping in Egypt in the early part of the 20th century. A fictionalized mystery, of course. Solved by the Mamur Zapt - head of the British police in Egypt. It was an enjoyable read.
November 8, 2007
THE MAMUR ZAPT AND THE DONKEY-VOUS (Traditional Mystery-Captain Cadwallader Owen-Egypt-1908) – VG
Pearce, Michael – 3rd in series
Mysterious Press, 1993, US Paperback – ISBN: 0446401811
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.
Pearce, Michael – 3rd in series
Mysterious Press, 1993, US Paperback – ISBN: 0446401811
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.
January 18, 2016
This is one of my favourite Mamur Zapt novels. I enjoy the justice meted out and the glorious dialogue between the investigating officers - the Mamur Zapt, Owen, and the Parquet inspector, Owen's friend, Mahmoud - and the itinerant sellers, the snake charmer and the donkey boys.
The story line is as humourous as it is serious and Pearce's dialogue, the one liners between the British characters or Owen and his mistress, is brilliant.
Anyone enjoying hist-mysts, humour, clever writing and Egypt in the early 1900s should enjoy this novel.
Highly recommended to readers who like good writing, good story telling and have a sense of humour.
October 22, 2016
Another wonderful story. Evocative of Cairo at the time. I'd call this cosy crime - an easy read, no gore, plenty of characters and a good story.
February 27, 2024
I read this series years ago and quite enjoyed it. I returned to mystery series again in 2020. They felt sane in a topsy turvy world.
The Mamur Zapt is called in unofficially and then, eventually, officially to deal with the political ramifications of a kidnapping from the terrace of a hotel where many foreigners stay. No one saw his kidnapping though it should have been well-observed.
This one was not as good as the others I have re-read in this series. I felt that it started slowly and took too long too get to the point.
The Mamur Zapt is called in unofficially and then, eventually, officially to deal with the political ramifications of a kidnapping from the terrace of a hotel where many foreigners stay. No one saw his kidnapping though it should have been well-observed.
This one was not as good as the others I have re-read in this series. I felt that it started slowly and took too long too get to the point.
July 23, 2019
A man disappears from the terrace of the Shepheard Hotel. A ransom note duly arrives, and the Mamur Zapt has every intention of steering clear of a purely criminal case. In early 20th Century Egypt, however, no case is without political implications. In this case, the victim is a Frenchman with connections, by marriage, to the president of France and business interests with high ranking officials.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 1, 2022
Owen and Mahmoud are on a frenetic trail of kidnappers, the donkey boys are at their honestly hopeful best and a surprised groom is found. Yay for more fun in the old Cairo of culture, history and religion’s. Most enjoyable :-)
October 21, 2022
A fun entry in the series with the strawberry seller's method of "freshening" his fruit and Owen getting caught flirting. There is less politics in this book so I found it a more straight forward mystery. The donkey boys, dragomen and Shepard's Hotel all reminded me of the Amelia Peabody series.
Read
August 23, 2021Good book.
June 8, 2023
Another charming mystery from Old Cairo. Nothing is too hard for the Mamur Zapt, even the kidnapping of Europeans.
August 16, 2024
I liked the local color and culture, but the plot seemed to circle endlessly around in the middle.
October 8, 2025
Skilfully written. Effectively transports you to a different era and space.
February 1, 2017
A light, enjoyable procedural set in early-20th-century Cairo. The crimes are not too horrifying, the pace is a leisurely but the book is a quick read. I can now picture myself sitting on the terrace of Sheapard's in late afternoon, enjoying my tea and the colorful scene passing on the street below... And the view of a different place at a different time is the chief attraction of this series.
I just wish that, rather than the Welshman who is the Mamur Zapt of the title (a kind of head of crowd control sort of position...not quite police, not quite Intelligence, not quite diplomat), I wish the author had made his Egyptian colleague the center of the story. Perhaps then there would be fewer wince-inducing references to the natives by one or another of the British characters.
I just wish that, rather than the Welshman who is the Mamur Zapt of the title (a kind of head of crowd control sort of position...not quite police, not quite Intelligence, not quite diplomat), I wish the author had made his Egyptian colleague the center of the story. Perhaps then there would be fewer wince-inducing references to the natives by one or another of the British characters.
January 3, 2026
So enjoyed this, one of the best in the series so far. It just has such an intimate aura about it that you can almost feel yourself right there at the time. All the characters are believable, turn-of-the-(last)-century Cairo is made so alluring and appealing, and the Egyptians and their milieu surround one.
Two visitors, one French and one British, are kidnapped, and given the tenor of the times (1908) it is inevitably considered political in nature; but why these two, and are they somehow connected? It will be up to Garth Owen, the Mamur Zapt, to figure it all out and to bring things to a successful close. I already look forward to the next book!
Two visitors, one French and one British, are kidnapped, and given the tenor of the times (1908) it is inevitably considered political in nature; but why these two, and are they somehow connected? It will be up to Garth Owen, the Mamur Zapt, to figure it all out and to bring things to a successful close. I already look forward to the next book!
November 29, 2015
Well, color me disappointed. There were some very interesting things about the history of Cairo, but the pages of dialogue without knowing who's speaking was wearing. I skimmed a lot of pages. I am unlikely to read another in the series.
August 19, 2011
a fun romp through the streets of British Cairo
June 30, 2019
Atmospheric.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews