In the second book of the Arabesk trilogy, set in an alternate city of Alexandria in the heart of an Ottoman Empire that never fell, we find the confused Ashraf Bey now Chief of Detectives and with a series of murders to solve. Murders which involve the woman he didn't marry, planned marriage or not, despite the fact, or because of, they're uncomfortably in love. The first question I like a review to answer is whether or not a book is worth reading, and in this case it's a resounding yes. If you missed the first book, Pashazade, you should start there for the back story...and the adventure. This series was originally published in the UK in 2002, and we're only now getting a chance to enjoy them. Lavie's review is reposted from the original printing. - Ern

(Source: Spectra)