What do you think?
Rate this book
Mamur Zapt #7
The Camel of Destruction
Cairo, 1910. Captain Owen, The Mamur Zapt, is the head of Egypt's Political CID in the heyday of British Rule. He is ultimately responsible for law and order in the Khedive's Cairo. When the rules, whether obvious or hidden, are flouted, he steps into action - although it sometimes looks like he's merely stepped sideways, out of the way. Now it is the end of the boom, leaving banks beleaguered and borrowers in trouble whether the poorest land-working fellahin or the richest land-owning Pashas. Then a civil servant suspiciously dies at his desk. The whiff of corruption is in the air. Even Owen, who is supposed to be investigating the affair, appears to be living beyond his means. As he turns to such unlikely allies as the Grand Mufti, the local barber, and the Widow Shawquat, he penetrates to the heart of such sinister organizations as the Khedive's Agricultural Society. The rich are tricky, and money speaks louder than words, challenging Owen to use all his skills to stop the Camel of Destruction....
208 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1993
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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
April 13, 2019
The Mamur Zapt was no longer the powerful right-hand man of the Sultan he had been in the seventeenth century — indeed, there was no longer a Sultan — but lots of people did not know that and still insisted on writing to him.
Corruption in high places and poor people in low places - Owen must investigate them all.
Egypt in the 1900s
The British, had come into Egypt twenty years before to help the Khedive sort out his finances and were still helping. Every Minister, Egyptian, had an Adviser, British, right beside him. The Prime Minister did not; but found it politic to draw abundantly on the wisdom of the Consul-General before adopting a course of action.
The system worked surprisingly well. From the British point of view, of course.
Follow the money
‘A financial disaster!’ said the British, who were there, after all, to help the Egyptians avoid financial disasters.
The Bank, in their view, was underfunded. This was not the view of the foreign bankers, however. Nor was it the view of Abdul Aziz Filmi. The money was there, all right. Or should have been there.
‘Where has it gone?’
‘Costs of the recession,’ said the Governor of the Bank of Egypt.
‘Administrative expenses,’ said the Adviser.
‘Inefficiency and waste,’ said the overseas bankers.
‘Corruption,’ said Abdul Aziz Filmi.
Money matters
‘Yes, it’s beautiful, darling,’ said Owen.
‘You don’t sound very enthusiastic,’ said Zeinab. ‘Don’t you like it?’
‘Oh yes, oh yes. It’s—it’s just the price.’
‘If you want good things you have to pay for them,’ said Zeinab. ‘Anyway, I’m the one who’s paying, not you.’
‘Yes, but if—when we get married—’
‘You can pay,’ said Zeinab generously.
‘That’s just it. I’m not sure that I’ll be able to. My salary, you know—’
‘Get a higher one.’
‘That’s easier said than done.’
‘Oh, I don’t know. You’re a clever chap, everybody knows that, I think you’re brilliant—usually, that is. You don’t value yourself as you should, that’s the problem. Why don’t you just ask them?’
‘It doesn’t work in that way. Anyway, I’d have to be promoted to Field Marshal before we could afford hats like that.’
‘Oh dear!’ said Zeinab.
‘Look, does it matter that much? If we love each other, I mean?’
‘Money certainly does matter,’ said Zeinab.
The conversations may be sparse, but there is deep subtext
Enjoy!
.
Corruption in high places and poor people in low places - Owen must investigate them all.
Egypt in the 1900s
The British, had come into Egypt twenty years before to help the Khedive sort out his finances and were still helping. Every Minister, Egyptian, had an Adviser, British, right beside him. The Prime Minister did not; but found it politic to draw abundantly on the wisdom of the Consul-General before adopting a course of action.
The system worked surprisingly well. From the British point of view, of course.
Follow the money
‘A financial disaster!’ said the British, who were there, after all, to help the Egyptians avoid financial disasters.
The Bank, in their view, was underfunded. This was not the view of the foreign bankers, however. Nor was it the view of Abdul Aziz Filmi. The money was there, all right. Or should have been there.
‘Where has it gone?’
‘Costs of the recession,’ said the Governor of the Bank of Egypt.
‘Administrative expenses,’ said the Adviser.
‘Inefficiency and waste,’ said the overseas bankers.
‘Corruption,’ said Abdul Aziz Filmi.
Money matters
‘Yes, it’s beautiful, darling,’ said Owen.
‘You don’t sound very enthusiastic,’ said Zeinab. ‘Don’t you like it?’
‘Oh yes, oh yes. It’s—it’s just the price.’
‘If you want good things you have to pay for them,’ said Zeinab. ‘Anyway, I’m the one who’s paying, not you.’
‘Yes, but if—when we get married—’
‘You can pay,’ said Zeinab generously.
‘That’s just it. I’m not sure that I’ll be able to. My salary, you know—’
‘Get a higher one.’
‘That’s easier said than done.’
‘Oh, I don’t know. You’re a clever chap, everybody knows that, I think you’re brilliant—usually, that is. You don’t value yourself as you should, that’s the problem. Why don’t you just ask them?’
‘It doesn’t work in that way. Anyway, I’d have to be promoted to Field Marshal before we could afford hats like that.’
‘Oh dear!’ said Zeinab.
‘Look, does it matter that much? If we love each other, I mean?’
‘Money certainly does matter,’ said Zeinab.
The conversations may be sparse, but there is deep subtext
Enjoy!
.
November 21, 2012
Originally published on my blog here in June 2001.
The camel of destruction is apparently a figure from Arab legend, which has an aptly descriptive name. In this novel, more serious in tone than most of the Mamur Zapt stories, a plan to build new roads right through ancient parts of the city of Cairo is likened to the camel.
The case which Owen, as Mamur Zapt in charge of order in the city of Cairo in the early part of the twentieth century, investigates is the suicide of a civil servant, trying to find out what put him under so much pressure that he killed himself and who paid for the improvements recently carried out on his family house. It seems to be connected with the murky and complicated world of Egyptian finance, including schemes to attract foreign investment (and make vast amounts of money on the side) like the road.
It is the complex political machinations which take up the space generally occupied by humour in this series, but that doesn't stop The Camel of Destruction being an entertaining detective story with an atmospheric historical background.
The camel of destruction is apparently a figure from Arab legend, which has an aptly descriptive name. In this novel, more serious in tone than most of the Mamur Zapt stories, a plan to build new roads right through ancient parts of the city of Cairo is likened to the camel.
The case which Owen, as Mamur Zapt in charge of order in the city of Cairo in the early part of the twentieth century, investigates is the suicide of a civil servant, trying to find out what put him under so much pressure that he killed himself and who paid for the improvements recently carried out on his family house. It seems to be connected with the murky and complicated world of Egyptian finance, including schemes to attract foreign investment (and make vast amounts of money on the side) like the road.
It is the complex political machinations which take up the space generally occupied by humour in this series, but that doesn't stop The Camel of Destruction being an entertaining detective story with an atmospheric historical background.
January 27, 2016
How can anyone not like the Mamur Zapt series? Dry clever wit, hilarious and unusual tales from Egypt under British rule at the turn of the century (19th -20thC)and very well written. I particularly enjoy Michael Pearce's ability to write humourous dialogue.
The Camel of Destruction always makes me cheer. Poor Gareth, the Mamur Zapt, might find himself torn between his job under British rule and the needs of Egypt but here he is able to use the best of both to stop the destruction.
The series is a delight and readers of historical mysteries should really enjoy all the books. I will add a rider though. Commonwealth readers will have few problems with the history aspect, but if you are American your enjoyment of the books will be enhanced if you understand the 19thC history of Egypt and how the British got there. Do a little research first.
The Camel of Destruction always makes me cheer. Poor Gareth, the Mamur Zapt, might find himself torn between his job under British rule and the needs of Egypt but here he is able to use the best of both to stop the destruction.
The series is a delight and readers of historical mysteries should really enjoy all the books. I will add a rider though. Commonwealth readers will have few problems with the history aspect, but if you are American your enjoyment of the books will be enhanced if you understand the 19thC history of Egypt and how the British got there. Do a little research first.
September 23, 2018
The plot is convoluted and clear at the same time (which isn't easy to do). Certainly a book for fans of the series, but I wouldn't recommend it for someone just getting started -- this is definitely a series that should be read from the beginning! The rationale behind the murder takes some getting to, but it's the characterization that stands out from the rest -- Pearce is a master at capturing all the individuals involved in the story, and in this time frame (early Edwardian Egypt) and this setting (ditto), that takes some doing, but he accomplishes it handily.
April 17, 2017
An entertaining and humorous mystery, but one which takes patience to get into as it takes several chapters before you begin to understand who people are and what is going on. Some of this may have been because I started at the seventh book in the series, but I think most of it is just the authors style. I found the politics confusing to the end, but I really enjoyed the sly quiet sense of humor and will probably try more from this series.
June 18, 2016
Loved this one. Review to come. (I have approximately three dozen pages dog-eared for quotes and will need some time to make choices in the interest of not writing a review that exceeds the length of the reviewed work.)
November 17, 2021
Haven't read one of these for a while. Thoroughly enjoy the dry sense of humour, the understatements and the conniving of the local boys.
I am disappointed with this series of books (not the one in the picture but the blue-green cover which is listed as only kindle). It gets very confusing as there is no space between the scene changes, e.g. he's just getting cosy with his lady, Zeinab, when he starts talking with a work colleague. I have worked as a typesetter so I know it is very important to have the spaces between scene changes and is very simple to do.
I am disappointed with this series of books (not the one in the picture but the blue-green cover which is listed as only kindle). It gets very confusing as there is no space between the scene changes, e.g. he's just getting cosy with his lady, Zeinab, when he starts talking with a work colleague. I have worked as a typesetter so I know it is very important to have the spaces between scene changes and is very simple to do.
June 5, 2019
خلصتها في شهر تقريبا رغم انها ممكن تخلص في يومين أو ثلاثة بالكتير
شغل الامتياز واخد كل الوقت
لم تعجبني فكرة أن أغلب الترجمة بالعامية المصرية
شغل الامتياز واخد كل الوقت
لم تعجبني فكرة أن أغلب الترجمة بالعامية المصرية
August 28, 2012
Equal parts of political satire, history, and murder mystery. Funny and engaging, it was a pleasure to read. At times, the reader may need some understanding of the historical setting to follow the story line.
February 10, 2016
My least favorite in the series so far, probably because there just wasn't enough Zeinab or Mahmoud. Owen's relationships with the two of them are just so fun. On to The Snake Catcher's Daughter . . .
April 14, 2024
علشان العنوان ميخدعكش، الكتاب مش مجرد وقائع وتحقيقات حالة انتحار ام جريمة، الرواية بتحاول توصفلك أحوال اروقة الوزارات المصرية وكبار الملاك والاعيان والفلاحين والشعب العامل بشكل عام وطبعا الانجليز والمستثمرين بشكل خاص ايام مصر الخديوية، هو بيسترسل مش للتطويل وانما علشان تشوف الواقع من كل جوانبه، لو حطيت الموضوع ده في اعتبارك وانت بتقرا الاحداث مش هتحس بالتطويل، غير كده اعتقد هتدي الرواية نجمتين، معنديش مشكلة مع الترجمة انها بالعامية مفيش اشياء مبهمة او غريبة تخلي الواحد ميفهمش او يحس بتناقض، جبت الرواية بالصدفة في معرض الكتاب، تجربة مش وحشة الحقيقة .
July 17, 2021
اعجبني خلفية الرواية وتوغلها في اوصال احدي القطاعات الحكومية المصرية
لا فارق بين الامس واليوم....هناك مواقف كثيرة في الرواية بتدل علي ان التاريخ بيعيد نفسه حاليا
رواية بسيطة لكنها معقدة ومليانة تفاصيل تقنية
أحببت أوين وضحكت خلال الرواية اربع مرات وتعجبت عشرات المرات وتاففت مئات المرات
لكني اجب كاتب الروايات الذي يدرس كل تفاصيل روايته
رغم تقييمي هذا الي انني متشوق لقراءة باقي روايات هذ الكاتب المتعلقة بهذا ال"أوين" اللي بيفكرني باحمد بدير في ريا وسكينة مش عارف ليه
لا فارق بين الامس واليوم....هناك مواقف كثيرة في الرواية بتدل علي ان التاريخ بيعيد نفسه حاليا
رواية بسيطة لكنها معقدة ومليانة تفاصيل تقنية
أحببت أوين وضحكت خلال الرواية اربع مرات وتعجبت عشرات المرات وتاففت مئات المرات
لكني اجب كاتب الروايات الذي يدرس كل تفاصيل روايته
رغم تقييمي هذا الي انني متشوق لقراءة باقي روايات هذ الكاتب المتعلقة بهذا ال"أوين" اللي بيفكرني باحمد بدير في ريا وسكينة مش عارف ليه
November 25, 2025
It is really difficult to start with the 7th in a series and I plan to go back to book 1 and read up to this one. However, this book is a delightful amalgam of humor, character development, historical significance, and mystery. I put mystery last because the book is less about solving it than it is about developing the various players. I was especially taken with Ali, the young boy with the old mind. I stumbled upon this book, and I am glad I did.
July 14, 2019
A nicely paced mystery story with a unique setting and an understated sense of humor. I picked this up at the library because the title was amusing, so I was jumping into the middle of what I assume is a series worth of character development and world-building. That made it a little confusing along with my minimal knowledge of British Egypt, but the overall story still made sense.
April 10, 2026
Another entertaining entry in a fine series. This particular outing features a bit more of a discernible plot (and that’s good!) but the usual cast of characters and the “melting pot” of cultures, nationalities, conflicts of interest and other amusing sidebars to the action are all present, it was a fun read…
October 6, 2019
A cautionary tale on the road to hell being paved with good intentions, as philanthropic efforts become entrenched do-gooders linked to government agencies and banks.
3 stars as Pearce doesn't move the story along at his usual crisp pace.
3 stars as Pearce doesn't move the story along at his usual crisp pace.
August 23, 2021
Good book.
October 9, 2024
I didn't understand the financial aspects of the plot (and neither did the Mamur Zapt) but, like all the others in the series, the setting, history and characters are excellent.
October 25, 2025
A fun breezy story with plenty of Egyptian local colour circa 1910.
October 28, 2025
Entertaining historical fiction, set in pre-WW1 Egypt. It is sort of, more or less a whodunit, but more realistically a historical novel.
I'll read more of them if I can find them for cheap.
I'll read more of them if I can find them for cheap.
December 23, 2022
We stay in the Cairo of old, when all things were clear as mud and went to the Opera,
before we ascertained that character defects are for life when enjoyed.
Then we watched the wives invest their dowry lucratively when his wanted divorce was complete.
Another festival of chortles, guffaws, laughter and titters from Michael Pearce, thank you much appreciated. :-)
before we ascertained that character defects are for life when enjoyed.
Then we watched the wives invest their dowry lucratively when his wanted divorce was complete.
Another festival of chortles, guffaws, laughter and titters from Michael Pearce, thank you much appreciated. :-)
January 18, 2015
It isn't that it was badly written but I found it incredibly confusing. I thought I maybe should have started with the first book in the series so at least I would have known who the characters are.
May 31, 2010
Rich in detail about early 20th century Cairo and Egypt; story was well plotted; style is average.
January 25, 2016
A re-read of an old favourite to cheer me up and make me smile.
September 15, 2020
Complicated with politics, religion, culture, commerce and colonialism. Really good; wonderful sense of place - the streets and smells. But no food, curiously enough
November 23, 2012
Love the history, though it's a bit difficult to keep track of. Good mystery.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews