It was interesting to read Agatha Christie's blurb quote on book cover - I don't know Urdu but have knowledge of detective novela in the subcontinent. There is only one original writer - Ibn-e-Safi.'

Reading the book gave me general feel of old penny dreadfuls, only more suave. Lead character Imran is shrewd, intelligent man. One who spews Urdu couplets at drop of hat. However, he always projects himself as an bumbling idiot. I thought this was bit too overdone. But, then that was the character USP - and I am led to believe that this is why Imran series by Ibn-e-Safi has done world of business.

This book has two stories - House of Fear and Shootout at Rocks. First one involves traditional secret agents, traitors and imposters. The second one predictably is related to mythical, dynastic drug mafia lord. One big plus the that it is flowing and it is fast-paced. One minor whine - I missed reading Urdu couplets in original, English translation is never the same. :( ( )

If only the Ghalib couplets were also there in original Urdu too ( )