A forty-year-old conspiracy leads to murder and more lives are threatened. When a fellow passenger is killed on the first day of their tour of Iran, Harry believes it was no accident. But who would want him dead and why? The murdered man was clearly no tourist so why was he on the tour? What is the link with the hotel manager? The questions keep coming. Harry becomes suspicious of several of his fellow passengers who he is convinced are not what they claim to be. He will need Aunt Jessica’s steadying hand to stop him rushing into danger to solve the mystery. Revel in the magnificent setting as you take a tour of ancient Persia, exploring the glories of Darius the Great’s magnificent palace at Persepolis, the mud-brick desert cities from the 13th century, the palaces and gardens, to the peak of architectural splendour in Shah Abbas 17th century capital of Isfahan. But be prepared for treachery and deceit as the past demands revenge. A whodunit with plenty of unexpected twists with a touch of humour. It will keep you guessing until the end.
What readers are saying: –
‘The thing I love about Judith Cranswick’s books is that you are transported to another word. The writing is so vivid, you can see the magnificent sights – the rich colours of the mosques, the sparkle of the palaces – hear the throng of the busy marketplaces and smell the perfumes of the lush Persian gardens. ‘Well researched. I never realised that Iran had such a rich history and the stories associated with the last Shah’s family were fascinating.’ ‘Another unputdownable gem in a great series.
Peril in Persia – a pictorial journey
TEHRAN
Like Harry and the rest of the party, the mirrored walls and ceilings of Golestan Palace took my breath away when I saw it. How about this for a throne?
KERMAN
After a short flight, the party arrived in the desert city of Kerman. Their first tour was to the Friday Mosque.
RAYEN
Rayen citadel is the largest surving adobe structure in Iran. Built 1000 years ago, it was still occupied until the mid-19th century.
Up on the roof, Harry was able to take photos of the whole complex.
YAZD
Zazd is the home of Zoroastrianism, and their stay here included visits to the Fire Temple and the impressive Towers of Silence where the dead were laid to rest.
Yazd is a city famous for its wind towers which help to circulate fresh cool air throughout the building. This beautiful building in the centre of Dowlatabad Garden boasts the tallest and most impressive in the country.
SHIRAZ
The must-see site in Shiraz is the famous Nasir al-Mulk Mosque, more commonly known as the Pink Mosque, where the sun’s rays shining through the stained-glass window all but obliterate the patterns on the carpets.
PERSEPOLIS
The highlight for many tourists to the country is Darius the Great’s ceremonial palace at Persepolis where he received tribute from all the vassal states within his vast empire.
ISFAHAN
Isfahan was my favourite city, and this picture was taken from a café balcony at the end of the square. The main Shah Mosque lies at the far end, with the Palace with its spacious balcony from where Shar Abbas and his guests could watch the polo races taking place in the square on the right. Opposite is the Ladies Mosque on the left.
The picture on the cover of Peril in Persia is the main entrance to the Shah Mosque.
There are so many wonderful photos I would love to share with you if only there was more space. Sadly, the chances of visiting this beautiful country to appreciate its glorious treasures in the near future look very remote. My husband and I were lucky to be on what must have been one of the last tours to visit in November 2019. (And yes, we did have an accompanying historian with us – the wonderful Diana.)