The fifth instalment of the Makana series set in Egypt. Makana, private investigator and Sudanese refugee in Cairo, has been hired to find Mourad Hafiz, an idealistic student who seems to have dropped out of university. He’s working for the police to try and help uncover the mystery behind two fellow countrymen found murdered. While the student’s disappearance seems like it might be connected to political activity, what lies behind the two deaths is murky. Both cases though lead to a Christian church in the slums which helps refugees fleeing from war in Sudan, a protest camp that is seeking recognition and better treatment, and a pharmacy group and medical institute. Quite how they are all connected is not clear and no-one is keen to share information, though they’re clearly on edge. Adding uncertainty to Makana’s investigation is a shift in his relationship with a pathologist, who may or may not be making romantic overtures. The latter creates a nice shift in character development in the series. As with the other books, there is a strong sense of place and culture, and social commentary concerning family, work and politics. Indeed, Bilal does a good job balancing the mystery elements with observations about the political regime and Sudanese refugees in Egypt. The reason behind the case was somewhat telegraphed, but that little affected the enjoyment of the unfolding plot. However, the denouement did feel somewhat staged and rushed. Overall, another strong addition to a very good series.
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