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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?...

Michael Pearce grew up in the (then) Anglo-Egyptian Sudan among the political and other tensions he draws on for his books. He returned there later to teach and retains a human rights interest in the area. His career has followed the standard academic rake's progress from teaching to writing to administration. He finds international politics a pallid imitation of academic ones.