The Case of Set Al-Husen

The Case of Set Al-Husen is the first book of a detective trilogy. It combines suspense with a metaphysical dimension, offering readers an engaging and innovative literary experience. The narrative unfolds with three mysterious cases: the murder of a student in Talaat Harb Square, the mysterious burning of a well-known journalist, and the murder of a film producer's wife on New Year’s Eve. These cases are all connected to a recent incident that has drawn public attention— the killing of fifteen street children. Through these events, the author sheds a light on major moral and social conflicts within Egyptian society, exposing the dark undercurrents of social hypocrisy, violence, and indifference toward vulnerable individuals.

The central character, Noah Al-Alfi, is a criminal investigator endowed with supernatural abilities that allow him to see ghosts. Together with his companion, Qutz, they form a unique duo dedicated to solving crimes. Noah's character is complex and brimming with contradictions, while Qutz presents a more realistic character that complements his partner's qualities. This interplay between the two characters creates a compelling balance within the narrative.

The novel transcends the norms of a typical crime story, delving into serious social issues such as child abuse, religious hypocrisy, and moral corruption. It highlights the struggles of marginalized individuals and underscores the importance of social responsibility toward these groups. The author skillfully weaves elements of mystery and imagination with a psychological analysis of the characters, inviting the reader to engage in the unraveling of the cases' secrets.

The narrative style of Al-Mahdi effectively blends classical Arabic in descriptions with colloquial Arabic in dialogue, creating a vibrant and realistic text. The narrative style of Al-Mahdi effectively blends classical Arabic in descriptions with colloquial Arabic in dialogue, creating a vibrant and realistic text. Despite the fantastical elements in Noah's character, the author maintains a logical flow of events, drawing on scientific and social facts that lend credibility to the story. Moreover, the choice of locations, such as Downtown and Siwa enriches the local dimensions to the work.

The novel goes beyond the investigative element of a crime novel and explores humanity in a world rife with injustice and indifference. The Case of Set Al-Husen showcases Al-Mahdi's talent for infusing a detective narrative with social and philosophical depth, making it a noteworthy contribution to Egyptian crime literature.