The Peacock and the Sparrow by I.S. Berry


The Peacock and the Sparrow

by I.S. Berry





The Peacock and the Sparrow
 was published on 24th October 2024 by No Exit Press. 
My thanks to the author and the publisher for sending me a copy to review and to 
Random Things Tours for inviting me to take part on the tour.




Synopsis

Shane Collins, a world-weary CIA spy, is ready to come in from the cold. Stationed in Bahrain for his final tour, he’s anxious to dispense with his mission — uncovering Iranian support for the insurgency. But then he meets Almaisa, an enigmatic artist, and his eyes are opened to a side of Bahrain most expats never experience, to questions he never thought to ask. When his trusted informant becomes embroiled in a murder, Collins finds himself drawn deep into the conflict, his romance and loyalties upended. In an instant, he’s caught in the crosswinds of a revolution. He sets out to learn the truth behind the Arab Spring, win Almaisa’s love, and uncover the murky border where Bahrain’s secrets end and America’s begin.






My Review

I have to be honest this took me a while to get into and get my head around the plot due to my lack of knowledge of the unknown quantity of the setting and also the background history to this part of the world. However, I’m glad I kept going because it drew me in with what was happening in what was, for me, an unknown setting for the story. It really opens your eyes to the different aspects of life in Bahrain that we don’t get to know about , or choose to ignore.

The characters are explored and developed in detail along with their relationships to each other and you find yourself spending a lot of time wondering who you can trust and should you. Berry has a knack of really bringing them to life which at times makes your skin crawl and also has you looking over your shoulder whilst you read the narrative.

The descriptive writing creates vivid images in your imagination and leaves nothing unturned whether it be either a character or a setting. Consequently you feel the emotions and the tensions as the story develops along with Shane’s relationship with Almaisa.

The link to The Peacock and the Sparrow in 1001 Arabian Nights is clever and if that doesn’t get you thinking about morals and manipulation then nothing will. I leave it up to you to read this incredible debut novel and make your own decisions about what you take away from it.






About the Author






I. S. Berry spent six years as an operations officer for the CIA and has lived and worked in Europe and the Middle East, including two years in Bahrain during the Arab Spring. She has a degree in Law from the University of Virginia, and is a member of the Mystery Writers of America, International Thriller Writers, International Association of Crime Writers, and the Association of Former Intelligence Workers. The Peacock and The Sparrow was her debut novel, published in 2023. Berry currently lives in Virginia with her husband and son

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