Cleopatra Caper

 Cleopatra Caper is a novel by John Amos, his first novel reviewed in this blog. I thought the story had a clever beginning regarding two recent Oxford College grads who are fascinated with becoming private investigators. This is a period piece that takes place in London at the same time that Sherlock Holmes and his pal Dr. Watson are constantly solving cases. The two young guys, Flinders Petri and Thomas Pettigrew, open an office just across the street from Holmes’ office, and they are frustrated that while Holmes has a constant parade of clients, their office remains empty. Clearly, their understanding of life and running a business are lacking. Pettri and Pettigrew are very different characters and Amos does a fine job playing them off against one another. They finally get a referral for their first case when a woman needs their help in her archeological search for Cleopatra’s tomb, a project that is clearly beyond the boys’ knowledge and sophistication. Yet, they are desperate for the work.

 

I got about 25% of the way through the book and chose to continue. It just had too much of an adolescent feel to it. I think this one might due better in the young adult or even early teen group, more so than for the usual more mature mystery-detective novel fan base. I can’t give it a strong recommendation.