A Dead Djinn in Cairo (P. Djeli Clark)

A Dead Djinn in Cairo
A Dead Djinn Universe novella
P. Djeli Clark
Tor.com
Fiction, Fantasy
**** (Good)

DESCRIPTION: In a 1912 Egypt where old magic has returned and beings like djinns and self-proclaimed angels mingle with the mortal populace, the Ministry of Alchemy, Enchantments and Supernatural Entities is a vital resource, helping keep the peace when crimes cross the line from mundane to supernatural... but even Agent Fatma el-Sha’arawi, no neophyte to her badge, is daunted by what she uncovers while investigating a djinn's apparent suicide. Strange glyphs at the crime scene hint at ritual sacrifice, and the presence of an artificial feather ominously points to one of the entities who call themselves angels. Soon, it's apparent the case is far bigger - and more dangerous - than any she's encountered before.

REVIEW: I actually think I would've enjoyed this novella better had I read it before A Master of Djinn, Clark's novel-length debut. This is where the author first introduces both the universe and the distinctive character of Fatma, with a few descriptors being copied almost verbatim in the novel. The latter, however, goes into much greater depth, and has (for lack of a better word) a polish to it that makes this entry, fine and interesting as it is, look a bit tarnished by comparison. It's a solid, decent tale in its own right, but A Master of Djinn covers much of the same material and more, making reading this after the novel feel redundant, save filling in a bit of backstory on how Fatma encountered a few characters. As an introduction, though, A Dead Djinn in Cairo and its companion novella (The Haunting of Tram Car 015, which is less rehashed in the novel) are still good stories in a world that has enormous potential.

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