Michael Pearce always teaches me something as he entertains me. In this era Egypt is being governed by England but there are many other countries including Russia who want a piece of this pie. Where ever there is money to be made there are always vultures circling the skies overlooking the squabbles over land, over water and over power. All these three things are in a precarious balance in the early 1910 to 1915 and when a Russian who lives in Cairo is killed in an apparent hunting accident while being guarded by the Gareth Owen the head of the Secret Police a tortuous investigation is set off. With humor and tenacity Pearce brings this adventure to a satisfying conclusion. This is a wonderful series. ( )

When a Russian financier is killed during a hunting party in the Delta, Gareth Owen, the Mamur Zapt (chief of the secret police) must sort through motives both political and personal to find the shooter. I listened to this one on audio while driving, and I think that was a mistake. The combination of Russian and Egyptian names, and my unfamiliarity with the structure of Egyptian society and government in the Edwardian era made it difficult for me to follow in that format. The easiest plot thread to follow, involving Owen's romance with a headstrong Egyptian woman, was also the most annoying. His girlfriend is extremely jealous, and I found her frequent tantrums tiresome. I'll try another one from this series in print before I give up on it. I think it would be a good idea to start at the beginning of the series, too. ( )