Intrigue in Istanbul by Erica Ruth Neubauer is a thrilling historical mystery set in Istanbul in 1926. The story follows Jane and Mr. Redvers as they follow the footsteps of Jane’s archaeologist father, who has mysteriously disappeared while on a mission to find the lost heart of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent. As they unravel clues and face danger along the way, Jane realizes she is being pursued by unknown individuals who will stop at nothing to prevent her from solving the mystery.

What starts as a straightforward investigation quickly becomes an international game of cat and mouse, with Jane encountering suspicious characters everywhere from Turkey to Hungary. Even her trusted friends may not be what they seem. With very few leads, Jane’s search for her father uncovers ancient secrets and reveals an unidentified enemy who poses a significant threat.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. Firstly, I must mention that the cover is stunning and immediately captures your attention. This was my first experience with Erica Ruth Neubauer’s writing and the first book I have read in this series, but it worked well as a standalone novel. The writing style was superb, holding my interest throughout. The setting of 1920s Istanbul was vividly depicted and added depth to the story. The pacing was excellent, keeping me engaged from start to finish. The plot was gripping and full of twists that kept me guessing until the end.

The characters were likable and well-developed, making it easy to root for them as they faced various challenges. I particularly enjoyed Jane’s determination and resourcefulness in her quest to find her father. Mr. Redvers provided wholehearted support as a sidekick character.

Overall, Intrigue in Istanbul is an intriguing historical mystery that will keep readers captivated from beginning to end. I am looking forward to diving into the next book in this series and exploring more of Erica Ruth Neubauer’s work.

**ARC Via NetGalley**