Talking Location With… Caroline McGhie: NORTH NORFOLK
Historical novel set around CAIRO 1099CE
2nd October 2025
A River of Blood by Adam Williams, historical novel set around CAIRO 1099CE.
The novel opens with an overwhelming level of information highlighting the “Dramatis Personae”, their location and upcoming role, and I think, as an opener, this felt way too heavy for any casual reader, who might be tempted pick up this novel. There is also an insight into the history and warring factions of the era, which does, in fact, help to set the story in context.
The novel starts on the Nile as Gregory, the assistant, is rowing Samuel, a Jewish physician and Gregory’s master and educator (lately of Al Andaluz), along the river (the Pyramids are in the background). There is a nice level of wry banter and erudition between the two, as they steer their way amongst the flotsam and jetsam, reflecting on the bible and their life experiences to date. The author establishes a clear affection and bond between the two.
The men are faced with what seems to be a viscous river coloured blood red and Samuel, given his training, starts to look into the nature of the pollution. However, soon they notice a gored body which they endeavour to drag from the river, but soon they are surrounded by crocodiles. Once the men have managed to dismiss the dangerous reptiles, Samuel can confirm that the torso has suffered a pattern of burns and violence. It is clearly murder and they must take the body to Fustat and face Jahwah, the Wali and Head of the Police Force, an irascible character who revels in his authority.
From that point onwards, there are many adventures along the way, as they try to prove that foul play has indeed taken place but the more they probe, the more they find themselves blocked. More deaths, political intrigue, subterfuge and superstition all hamper their endeavours. And then there is a discovery that shakes them to the core, spicing up an already rollicking storyline.
Ultimately, for me, I found there was just too much information pumped into the story, aspects I felt I had to keep in mind to ensure a smooth reading trajectory. I think if you are a reader who enjoys this period of history and you love a wealth of informative background. stitched with characters creating a colourful read, then this is certainly a novel to pick up.
Tina for the TripFiction Team
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