This series plunges readers into the intricate world of a vulnerable schoolteacher navigating complex mysteries. Set against the backdrop of a Palestinian refugee camp, the stories delve into themes of justice, identity, and the resilience of the human spirit. Readers will be captivated by the compelling narratives and the profound insights into life under challenging circumstances.
For decades, Omar Yussef has been a teacher of history to the children of Bethlehem. When a favourite former pupil, George Saba, is arrested for collaborating with the Israelis in the killing of a Palestinian guerrilla, Yussef is convinced that he has been framed. With George facing execution Yussef sets out to prove his innocence.
Praise for the Omar Yussef series highlights its engaging portrayal of Palestinian life. Critics commend the narrative for its readability and depth, with The Washington Post noting its vivid depiction of contemporary challenges. David Baldacci appreciates the humanity woven into the complex cultural dynamics, while Entertainment Weekly emphasizes the personal touch Rees brings to the Mideast conflict through Omar's experiences. The story is described as both thrilling and poignant, shedding light on the realities of life in the Palestinian territories. TIME.com acknowledges the gritty and often disturbing truths of Palestinian society, praising Rees for infusing heart into his characters while delivering a gripping narrative. The San Francisco Chronicle calls it an evocative and compassionate tale. In the midst of trying to save two men, Omar Yussef navigates the corruption and violence stemming from Gaza’s warring factions and their associated criminal gangs. Author Matt Beynon Rees, originally from South Wales, previously served as the Jerusalem bureau chief for TIME magazine and continues to contribute to the publication. He has written another mystery in the Omar Yussef series and a nonfiction work exploring the complexities of the Middle East. Rees currently resides in Jerusalem.
When Omar Yussef travels to Nablus, the West Bank's most violent town, to attend a wedding, he little expects the trouble that awaits him. An ancient Torah scroll belonging to the Samaritans, descendants of the biblical Joseph, has been stolen. But when the dead body of a young Samaritan is discovered, a seemingly straightforward theft inquiry takes an unexpected turn. As Omar sets out to find the perpetrators of this murder, he is driven down into the murky alleys and tunnels of the old casbah in Nablus. Here, as he uncovers the secret deals of one of the region's richest businessmen, and the shadowy world of the tiny Samaritan community, he begins to wonder whether he will be able to attend the wedding after all . . .
The fourth Omar Yussef mystery from CWA John Creasey Dagger winner Matt Rees. 'Morse, Rebus, and now Yussef' Observer'Omar Yussef is a splendid creation' Colin Dexter