This is my favorite of the Mary Russell series and let me tell you, it’s hard to choose a favorite out of this amazing series. Each and every book Laurie King adds, is a treat. One thing that I loved about this story in particular was the mood. Suspense exists throughout the story as Mary and Holmes travel through Palestine and unravel a mystery. But beyond that, is a journey through a land filled with mystique and history. A land full of people and culture. I found the characters Ali and Mahmoud mysterious, aggravating, and likeable. And as a linguist I found the discussion and use of languages intriguing. My desire to learn Arabic was renewed with this book. All in all, this story is a thoroughly enjoyable mad chase from one end of Palestine to the other, full of notable and memorable characters and events in history.