Matt Beynon Rees Knihy

Palestinští obyvatelé Betléma čelí každodennímu strachu a násilí v kontextu arabsko-izraelského napětí. Umar Júsuf, učitel dějepisu, vychovává své žáky v přesvědčení, že lidské zlo se nesmí tolerovat. Když je jeho bývalý student George Saba obviněn z kolaborace s Izraelci na základě nepodložených důkazů a další talentovaná žačka, Díma Abd ar-Rahmánová, tragicky umírá, Umar si uvědomuje, že hodnoty otevřenosti a spravedlnosti, které učil, se těžko prosazují v realitě plné konfliktů. I přes rostoucí hrozby a útoky na jeho rodinu se rozhodne odhalit skutečného pachatele několika vražd, které vyvolaly další vlnu bezpráví a nenávisti. I když v roli detektiva nakonec uspěje, jeho životní úloha učitele je vystavena těžké zkoušce. Příběh není jen detektivní zápletkou, ale nabízí pohled na každodenní život obyčejných lidí v těžkých časech a zkoumá jejich morální boje, prohry a vítězství.

Píše se rok 1791 a Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart je hvězdou vídeňských koncertních síní. Jako hudební génius a oddaný člen cechu svobodných zednářů se pohybuje ve světě, kde se mísí umění s filozofií, vědou a politikou a kde bují intriky. Šest týdnů před smrtí se velký skladatel svěří své ženě, že ho někdo chce otrávit. Pak skutečně zemře. Městem začnou kolovat zvěsti o dluzích, nevěře a vraždě. Wolfgangova sestra Nannerl jim odmítá uvěřit - proč by někdo usiloval hudebnímu géniovi o život? Pak ale začne na vlastní pěst pátrat a narazí na cosi zlověstného: na zednářské tajemství, které může souviset s bratrovou smrtí. A když se znovu zaposlouchá do tónů Wolfgangovy poslední opery, Kouzelné flétny, napadne ji, že poselství árií může být mnohem hlubší a temnější, než se zdá... Thriller Matta Reese, britského spisovatele žijícího v Jeruzalémě, je často přirovnáván ke knihám Dana Browna. Brilantně napsaný příběh o okolnostech Mozartovy smrti je fikcí, která se opírá o historická fakta, jež autor čerpal v rakouských a českých archivech.

Italy, 1605: For the ruling Borgia family, Rome is a place of grand palazzos and frescoed cathedrals. For the lowly artist Caravaggio, it is a place of rough bars, knife fights, and grubby whores. Until he is commissioned to paint the Pope...Soon, Caravaggio has gained entry into the Borgia family's inner circle, and becomes the most celebrated artist in Rome. But when he falls for Lena, a low-born fruit-seller, and paints her into his Madonna series as a simple peasant woman, Italian society is outraged. Discredited as an artist, but unwilling to retract his vision of the woman he loves, Caravaggio is forced into a duel - and murders a nobleman. Even his powerful patrons cannot protect him from a death sentence. So Caravaggio flees to Malta, where, before he can be pardoned, he must undergo the rigorous training of the Knights of Malta. His paintings continue to speak of his love for Lena. But before he can return to her, as a Knight and a noble, Caravaggio, the most famous artist in Italy - simply disappears...

The fourth Omar Yussef mystery from CWA John Creasey Dagger winner Matt Rees. 'Morse, Rebus, and now Yussef' Observer'Omar Yussef is a splendid creation' Colin Dexter

Omar Yussef travels to Nablus for a wedding but becomes embroiled in a murder investigation following the theft of an ancient Torah scroll. As he navigates the dangerous alleys, he uncovers tensions between militias, secretive business dealings, and the complexities of the Samaritan community, questioning if he'll make it to the wedding.

"In A Grave in Gaza, Omar Yussef and his boss,Magnus Wallender, travel to the Gaza Strip for a routine inspection of the UN schools in the Gaza refugee camps.Upon their arrival they meet James Cree, the UN security officer for Gaza, who informs them that a teacher at one of their schools has been accused of spying and imprisoned. As they try to free the teacher and keep a lid on an explosive political situation, they are pulled into a confrontation with Gaza's warring governmentfactions and the criminal gangs with which they are connected.Omar Yussef confronts the dark elements of Gaza--dirty politics, bribery, assassination, and kidnapping--in his struggle to free the innocent and honor the dead.

'Mozart, music, and murder seamlessly blend together in this fascinating historical mystery. A perfect read.' Tess Gerritsen

It’s 1791 and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart is enlightenment Vienna’s brightest star. Master of the city’s music halls and devoted member of the Freemason’s guild, he stands at the heart of an electric mix of art and music, philosophy and science, politics and intrigue. But six weeks ago the great composer told his wife he had been poisoned. Yesterday, he died. The city is buzzing with rumours of infidelity, bankruptcy and murder. But Wolfgang’s sister Nannerl will not believe base gossip. Who but a madman would poison such a genius? Yet as she looks closer, Nannerl finds traces of something sinister: a Masonic secret that might just be connected to his death. And as she listens to Wolfgang’s bewitching last opera, The Magic Flute, she realizes that the arias might contain more than just the music…

Praise for the Omar Yussef series highlights its engaging portrayal of Palestinian life and the complexities of the region. Critics commend the narrative for its readability and depth, emphasizing how it captures the human experience amid political intrigue and violence. The protagonist, Omar Yussef, navigates a West Bank fraught with corruption, religious tensions, and militia conflicts, making the broader Mideast conflict personal for readers. The story is described as both thrilling and emotionally resonant, shedding light on the realities faced in Palestinian society. The author, Matt Beynon Rees, brings a unique perspective as a former Jerusalem bureau chief for TIME magazine, enriching the narrative with authentic insights. His previous works include another mystery in the series and a nonfiction exploration of the Middle East. Rees currently resides in Jerusalem, continuing to contribute to discussions about the region through his writing.

Arriving to visit his son Ala in the heavily Palestinian neighborhood of Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, Omar Yussef discovers the beheaded body of one of the boy’s roommates. When Ala is arrested as a suspect, Omar Yussef must investigate to prove his son’s innocence, uncovering a deadly conspiracy of international proportions.