Michael Lynes Books

'Immensely gripping and suspenseful' Sophie Hannah, New York Times Bestseller 1495 Seville, Andalusia. Can Isaac find the real killer to save his best friend from execution? The Inquisition is determined to execute heretics like Isaac - those who practice Judaism in secret. Friends and family are arrested and set against each other. Isaac's best friend is accused of heresy, and he is forced to choose between him and his own family. King Ferdinand offers to help him - can Isaac trust him? As the mystery unravels what secrets will Isaac uncover about himself, his friends, and his family?

Set in Granada, Andalusia, in 1499, the story follows Isaac Alvarez, a Jewish man forced to convert to Catholicism, who finds himself entangled in a web of intrigue and suspicion. Accused of murdering the Grand Inquisitor, he must navigate a city on the brink of rebellion while trying to clear his name. With the help of his old foe Alonso and his Muslim benefactor Abdul Rahman, Isaac grapples with loyalty, love, and the fight for his family's reunion amidst rising tensions between Catholics and Muslims.

In this gripping sequel to a prize-winning series of historical mysteries, set in Seville in 1498, the tightening grip of the Inquisition forces Isaac and Isabel to confront their loyalties to family and faith. Isabel grapples with her father's heresy and his thirst for vengeance, feeling abandoned as she seeks the truth. Her quest leads her into the darkest corners of Seville, where she uncovers shocking revelations and unexpected feelings. Can she leverage her discoveries to save her father and their family? Meanwhile, Isaac is driven by a desire for revenge against Torquemada for the murder of his wife and best friend. However, he is not alone in wanting the Grand Inquisitor dead; the King orders him to investigate. If Isaac can thwart the assassination, he will save the man he despises, but failure could strip him of the King's protection, leaving him vulnerable to the Inquisition's wrath. His perilous journey to Granada forces him to confront both Torquemada and his own inner truths. The first installment in the Isaac Alvarez Mysteries, Blood Libel, received accolades at the 2020 Emirates Literature Festival, with praise from New York Times bestseller Sophie Hannah for its gripping and thoughtful narrative.

Thirteen dark and mysterious tales from the Middle East showcase the region's unique storytelling traditions and cultural nuances. Each story, crafted by members of the Gulf Chapter of the Crime Writers' Association, delves into themes of intrigue and suspense, offering readers a glimpse into the complexities of life in this diverse area. These narratives promise to engage and captivate, revealing the rich tapestry of crime fiction influenced by Middle Eastern settings and experiences.