Shadows of Marrakech
by Philip Brebner
This title was previously available on NetGalley and is now archived.
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Pub Date Feb 07 2025 | Archive Date Mar 07 2025
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Description
Running a bed and breakfast in Riad Waqi, an old courtyard house in exotic Marrakech, is not the escape it seems for Ramzi, a disillusioned Scottish scientist. He cannot decide who are more exasperating, staff or guests, especially when one of the clients, a young Frenchman Paul Gallisot, is murdered in the city.
Up for a challenge, Ramzi turns detective and makes his own investigations into the killing, at a time when Morocco prepares for the festival of Eid and the ritual slaughter of sheep in the nation’s homes.
Paul Gallisot’s childhood links to North Africa, his enigmatic wife Nicole, and their relationship with Tahar, who is suspected of being involved in the Casablanca terrorist attacks, lead Ramzi down a path as challenging as the maze of Marrakech’s historic Medina.
As Ramzi makes headway, he meets the unorthodox Dr Rashida, is bewildered by Inspector Karim, endures the prejudice of Paul’s sister, is confided a mystery by an American Bob Spasoff, and in his role as hotelier, plays havoc with Riad Waqi’s guests.
The search for motive and murderer progresses from a traditional exorcism to a journey across the Atlas to the ominous Blue Rocks near the oasis of Tafraoute. There, comedy turns to tragedy as he uncovers the facts and realises that life defies scientific logic.
Advance Praise
'The Shadows of Marrakech is a game…like Ariadne’s thread, the reader is led through a labyrinth of mystery, ambiguity and shifting focuses to reveal unsettling truths.’ Maria de Fátima Marinho
‘A dauntingly assured new voice.’ The Sunday Times
‘A brilliant... teller of tales.’ Penelope Fitzgerald, Booker Prize Winner
‘Philip Brebner's skilfully constructed novel...is remarkable.’ The Times
'Outstanding.' Time Out
‘North African enthusiasts will be entranced.’ Daily Telegraph
Available Editions
| EDITION | Paperback |
| ISBN | 9781919607511 |
| PRICE | £8.99 (GBP) |
| PAGES | 260 |
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
Tracy S, Librarian
This richly descriptive murder mystery set in Marrakech is divine.
It has a good main character and the story itself is wonderfully told.
Ramzi runs a bed and beakfast and is quite disillusioned, so when a gust is found dead, Ramzi jumps at the chance to discover the facts and find the killer.
This is such a fun read and I spent a day reading. I was surprised at how much i learned about the country and it's customs, the author has obviously researched this book in order to give the reader an authentic experience.
Janet M, Reviewer
Having recently been to Marrakech, it was lovely to re-immerse myself in the sights and sounds of the place. This was a fun and entertaining read. I loved the character of Ramzi. Looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
Angela S, Reviewer
Firstly thank you Netgalley for this Arc
Loved the book but my main attraction was it was based in Marrakech and having been on holiday there quite a few times it was nice to recognise places
Laura P, Reviewer
The setting is the most prominent feature of the book. The sights and sounds of Marrakech are on every page. The author obviously knows Morocco and the city of Marrakech very well. I found myself excitedly perusing online maps during my read to see where all the mentioned towns and sights were located. Brebner easily describes the atmosphere and culture of this exotic setting.
Most of the story centers around a riad, owned by our amateur sleuth Ramzi. His riad is located inside the ancient Marrakech medina. I have always wanted to stay at a riad so it was lovely to read about their decor and placement in a community.
The writing style is light and humorous making the book a fast read. The murder investigation centered on Ramzi's conversations with all of the characters. He doesn't allow his sleuthing to be noticed during the conversations so it seems to the other parties that Ramzi is just visiting with them. No one is aware that he is investigating the murder. The ending was a surprise and, again, the setting is the main clue.
I enjoyed reading this novel and look forward to reading the additional books in the series. Note that I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Kate T, Reviewer
why arent there more murder mystery's based in this wonderful country. or more in other countries come to that because its such a bright twist on the norm. this was so different a read for me and i mean that in the best way.
its really an eye opener on how different scenes,setting and landscapes can completely make a book. it also reminded me how much i love other cultures and they too make a book something special.
feeling the colors of Marrakech come to life was brilliant. i felt i was right there amongst the narrow alleyways and Ramzi's bed and breakfast.
i felt so bad for him in many moments. from his entanglement in a murder mystery. to his unrest at his current life. and also the relationship with his wife was also a mystery in itself. there was a lot to unpack with this one. from the culture to the landscapes we are taken to. and then there is the prejudice which never seem to anger and frustrate me.
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