WWI has ended. Elsa Schluss, who served at the front as a trained nurse, is working on her desertation. She intends to get her Phd in psychology and is employed under a noted Austrian Psychologist. Elsa reluctantly agrees to treat a traumatized war veteran as they travel toward Damascus where he is to perform one last service for his country. She plans to use him as a case study. This patient turns out to be the son of an English Lord, whose real father is an Arab Chieftain. The government needs Lord Sonnenby - Henry - to influence his desert family, guaranteeing British oil interest in the area.
This one week case study for her dissertation and treatment of Henry turns into attempted murder on the Orient Express. The entire trip becomes deadly and Elsa, Henry and assorted diplomatic men and displaced characters fight to stay alive and make sense of a world populated by persons who all seem to have ulterior motives and something to hide.
Annmarie Banks succeeded in creating characters that I became truly fond of, afraid of or hated. Strong emotions. She also made me laugh out loud and sit on the edge of my seat as I shared, what turned out to be, a great adventure through the Arabian desert with a beautiful, smart, strong Elsa Schluss.
I had so much fun reading this book. Escapism at its best!
And I think I am a little in love with Henry . . .
This one week case study for her dissertation and treatment of Henry turns into attempted murder on the Orient Express. The entire trip becomes deadly and Elsa, Henry and assorted diplomatic men and displaced characters fight to stay alive and make sense of a world populated by persons who all seem to have ulterior motives and something to hide.
Annmarie Banks succeeded in creating characters that I became truly fond of, afraid of or hated. Strong emotions. She also made me laugh out loud and sit on the edge of my seat as I shared, what turned out to be, a great adventure through the Arabian desert with a beautiful, smart, strong Elsa Schluss.
I had so much fun reading this book. Escapism at its best!
And I think I am a little in love with Henry . . .
