Comments (17)

What did you think about this title?
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Mar 16, 2024quiltnsuzy rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
This was a fast read and a fascinating look into a culture I know nothing about. The American author has lived there, so writes from experience. I didn't realize this was the first in a series. It will be interesting to read more.
Jan 16, 2022gingerjantz rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
An engrossing detective story infused with the Islamic culture of Saudi Arabia. An eye-opener on many levels.
Jun 14, 2016411ninja rated this title 3.5 out of 5 stars
The mystery was a classic recipe mystery but still entertaining. What carries the most interest for me is the look into the lives of Saudi women. Although not immediately I will want to finish this trilogy to learn more about the culture.
rowanquincy
Dec 27, 2014rowanquincy rated this title 4.5 out of 5 stars
I enjoyed the details of like in Saudi Arabia, particularly the parts pertaining to women. Had my attention the whole book.
Jun 05, 2014Roundcat rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
Years ago I heard a talk by a woman who lived in Saudi Arabia. I was appalled at the limitations on her life, even though she lived in the U.S. compound. This book gave me some insight as to the life of Saudi women today. The two main…
May 23, 2014carolannbagan rated this title 3 out of 5 stars
had this been the first book i read in the series i probably wouldn't have read the rest of the series.
Apr 18, 2014pasmendiola rated this title 2.5 out of 5 stars
I'll admit the story is fantastical as has been said , I still find it a wonderful peek into another culture, which I think was the main idea of the author
Feb 03, 2014Pisinga rated this title 3 out of 5 stars
In terms of describing Saudi Arabia's traditions, way of life and attitudes towards women - as beings who are at the lowest level of classification of all living creatures, the book is interesting, but I would not put it in genre of…
Jan 30, 2014kenglish43 rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
An interesting look into another culture, even if improbable.
Oct 12, 2013
This is the first in a trilogy, which unfortunately I've read in completely the reverse order! Zoe Ferraris (the author), an American woman, had been married to a Saudi man and lived in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, she has a unique view of…
Oct 02, 2013JCLEmilyW rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
This fascinating story investigates the mysterious disappearance of sixteen year old Nouf in the harsh desert surrounding her city. The mystery unfolds through twists and turns that illuminate the gender-segregated, deeply religious…
Aug 19, 2013JCLJanineM rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
Very interesting & revealing setting -- Saudia Arabia -- with solid whodunnit plot. Provides an intimate look at parts of Saudi / Muslim society while keeping reader involved in solving mystery.
Oct 22, 2012allietx rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
I couldn't put this lovely story down. Dear characters painted against the interesting Saudi backdrop combined with a compelling mystery made this one of my favorite reads this year. I was excited to learn that this is only the first in a…
Aug 09, 2012Heligirl rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
What at great mystery novel and written by someone who clearly knows the Saudi Muslim culture. Very enlightening, and also entertaining as a murder mystery.
Sep 30, 2010jpo rated this title 3.5 out of 5 stars
Good book but disturbing at times has a very sad ending
Sep 09, 2010Library_Liz rated this title 3.5 out of 5 stars
The mystery of Nouf's death, the Saudi landscape, and the taut, nuanced romantic tensions between the desert-guide investigator Nayir and the Lab Tech who is assisting him, are enough to keep you turning the pages. It's hot and dusty and…
Sep 27, 200921221018293347 rated this title 3 out of 5 stars
Very good first novel. Set in modern day Saudi. Nayir is on the track of Nouf disappearance to discover if she died or was killed. Good mystery; good insight into modern day Saudi; bit of a romantic element with female lab tech who is…