Death Stalks The Medina In Marrakech... A Death In The Medina by James Von Leyden - Book review #47
Many thanks to Jonathan Ball Publishers for sending me a review copy!
* SPOILER ALERT * SPOILER ALERT * SPOILER ALERT *
Marrakech (Wikipedia - The common English spelling is "Marrakesh", although "Marrakech" (the French spelling) is also widely used.), a virtual oasis in the middle of a desert is vibrant, colorful and always on the move.
Detective Karim Belkacem is stressed about paying for his sister's wedding and restless in his hope for his "big break" in his career. When a body turns up mysteriously, in what appears to be an "honor killing", Karim just can not control his emotions and gets replaced by his most hated rival, Aziz.
A Death In The Medina is James Von Leyden's debut novel and it may very well be the first of a series featuring Detective Karim Belkacem. As someone who can only hope to be able to travel abroad someday, I had a marvelous time walking these beautiful, colorful and diverse streets through the wonderfully atmospheric narrative that describes the city and the people without detracting from the story.
The story of Amina Talal is told through multiple points of view - characters, both native and foreign alike, all strangers to each other are intertwined when it turns out that the victim featured in some way in all of their lives.
Besides Karim, who lives with his mother, Lalla Fatima, sister, Khadija, and his adoptive sister, Ayesha, in their run-down family estate, we also meet Kay, an American divorcee who has bought a riad and turned it into a hotel; her French boyfriend. Sebastien, architect, and developer extraordinaire; Melanie, a tourist; Rashid, a taxi driver, along with a few others, too.
Even though the story is based around death and murder, this book is beautiful in so many ways; the writing is simple yet evocative; the characters live and breath; the city comes to life in every nook and cranny; cinematic imagery in an atmospheric, breathtaking setting - just beautiful!
Although categorized as a thriller A Death In The Medina is more of a murder mystery but it is thoroughly entertaining; I highly recommend this book if you love thrillers, mysteries, and action; even if you're just looking for a change of pace or just a little fiction, grab this book now.
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