The Night of the Dog

by Michael Pearce

Book Overview

The Mamur Zapt, Head of Cairo's Secret Police under British Rule, did not concern himself with routine police matters. His are the intrigues, the shadowy and sinister events aimed at creating political instability--an event such as the discovery of the body of a dog in a Coptic tomb. This supreme Moslem insult could touch off an explosion among the Christian community. Equally volatile is the visit from an English Member of Parliament intent upon...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1464200653
• ISBN13: 9781464200656
• Release Date: September 2011
• Publisher: Poisoned Pen Press
• Length: 240 Pages
• Weight: 0.85 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.5" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

A Classic

This is an enjoyable mystery with great period detail set in a time that not many of us know about. I'm not sure what I enjoy more the story line or the pictures painted of the place and time.

Enjoyable and relevant

Captain Gareth Cadwallader Owen is the Mamur Zapth; head of Cairo's political CID. When a dead dog is placed at the Coptic tomb and a Moslem Zikr dancer is murdered, it is up to Own to find out who is behind the escalating unrest. At the same time, he much find the money to support his investigation, resolve the marital problems of his office bearer, and entertain the niece of a visiting British MP while keeping happy his beautiful Egyptian girlfriend. Pearce does a wonderful job of conveying the delicacy needed to maintain peace between religious and political factions. This look at the past is very relevant to the present. But he balances that nicely with the humor of Owan's involvement in a marital situation. Pearce creates a wonderful sense of place and period. This is a fairly quick read, but a fascinating one. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.