The Angel of Khan el-Khalili

How it reads

The Angel of Khan el-Khalili is fantasy (historical fantasy, specifically), and its dominant mood is eerie. It's atmospheric and uncanny, with a sense that something is wrong. It moves fast: plot-driven and hard to put down, the kind of book that carries you along even when you're tired.

It's set in an international setting, in the historical past, told in the third person, staying close to one character. Its central concerns are faith, secrets and justice. In weight it sits in the middle: substantial without being heavy going.

It stands alone, so there's nothing else you need to read first or after. The ending resolves happily. At 32 pages it's a single-sitting book. It's moderately known: read by plenty of people, but not a household name.