by Kristen B.

It’s an alternative history, magical, buddy cop, police procedural romp of a story, complete with a little romance. If you’re looking for fun, A Master of Djinn has it!

Set in 1912 in an alternative Cairo, Egypt, the story begins with the horrific mass murder of the Hermetic Brotherhood of Al-Jahiz, a group of British men dedicated to the return of al-Jahiz, an almost mythological mystic. Only almost, though, because al-Jahiz did exist, and he upended the world order when he brought djinn and all sorts of magical creatures back into the world. He’s regarded equally as hero, genius, and dangerous iconoclast. It would appear that al-Jahiz has returned, and he’s working to upset the balance of powers yet again. Or has he?

Fatma el-Sha’arawi is an agent of the Ministry of Alchemy, Enchantments, and Supernatural Entities, and she’s called immediately to the Brotherhood’s mansion, home of the Worthington family. Fatma wears beautiful, flashy Western-style suits and a bowler hat, and she carries a sword in her cane. She is met at the crime scene by her unexpected, new partner Hadia, a recent addition to the Ministry. The interplay between the seasoned professional and the newbie who can “handle herself” provides terrific exchanges and some genuinely funny moments. Hadia has a cousin for every circumstance and wears modern, colorful hijabs. The third amazingly competent woman who contributes to solving the crime is Fatma’s mysterious lover, Siti, who worships Sekhmet of the old Egyptian pantheon. These three women of color make a formidable team with their intelligence, various connections, and genuine affection for one another.

The Worthingtons, on the other hand, seem rather hapless and ineffectual. The patriarch, whose murder launched the investigation, had an attachment to all things Egyptian that bordered on obsession. None of his offspring share his interests, and his heir starts to disentangle the family fortunes in order to return to England’s greener shores. The friends and flunkies around them serve to reinforce the suggestion of incompetent colonialists trading on wealth and social standing, but the investigation keeps leading back to the estate.

The unraveling of the whodunnit involves lady thieves, a worldwide peace summit being hosted by the Egyptian king, old gods, and new technology. It’s a fantastic mix – in all senses of the word. Layered among all the action and adventure, author Clark sneaks in commentary on colonialism, sexism, classism, colorism, and all manner of other social constructs. However, he never throws these strong women a challenge they can’t overcome in this highly cinematic, fast-moving novel.

A Master of Djinn by P. Djeli Clark is available in print, e-book, and e-audiobook.

Kristen B. is a devoted bookworm lucky enough to work as the graphic designer for HCLS. She likes to read, stitch, dance, and watch baseball in season (but not all at the same time).