I almost didn't finish this book because I didn't understand it. Steeped in historical detail about a time and people I know little about, the story unfolded slowly, almost languorously. I even put it down to start another but it pulled me back. I'm glad it did.

It's a twisty, turny murder mystery with red herrings and hidden clues wrapped in head scarfs and turbans. Zaytuna, a mystic torturing herself with her own past. Her brother, too large, too strong, too hard on himself, but a fine observer of others. The detective, Ammar. And of course, the corpse, Zayd, who's only time on stage was spent face down on the packed earth.

Stir them together with a generous helping of political intrigue, religious fervor, and a world a millennium gone to get the rich stew of a story I found satisfying to the end - once I was able to open my eyes and see.

I feel like Laury Silvers has truly given me a peek behind the veil.

Highly recommended.