Ahoy there me mateys! This is me fifth work by the author but not me last. I have loved every one. This story takes place after a dead djinn in cairo which was set in 1912 in alternate Cairo and followed female investigator Fatma el-Sha’arawi. These two can be read in any order but I am glad to have read them the way I did. The first book was a taste at 40 pages and this was a bit longer at 130.

This book follows Hamed al-Nasr who is a rank and file investigator who is called on to look into a simple haunting. The haunting turns out to be something very complicated (and fun!). I really enjoyed Hamed’s sidekick Onsi who is a great foil. The world building remains exquisite. The writing deals with diverse characters, well-written women, fun magic, steampunk elements, and fuzzy feelings of hope at the end. Note that there isn’t much insight into the plot here. Both stories are short enough to read and experience the wonder and joy for yerself. Arrr!

Side note: I wished for a novel set in this world and me wish was granted! Get ready for a master of djinn set to come out on May 11, 2021! ARRRR!