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Hakim and Arnold #3
Poisoned Ground
Ex-soldier Lee Arnold and his Muslim assistant Mumtaz Hakim run a detective agency in London’s ethnically diverse, crime-ridden East End.
Mumtaz is approached by an Egyptian woman, Salwa, whose husband is in Belmarsh on terrorism charges.
Salwa convinces Mumtaz of her husband’s innocence and persuades her to go undercover to prove it. But Salwa is not what she seems.
Trapped in an old tunnel that leads to the London docks, will Mumtaz escape with her life?
Mumtaz is approached by an Egyptian woman, Salwa, whose husband is in Belmarsh on terrorism charges.
Salwa convinces Mumtaz of her husband’s innocence and persuades her to go undercover to prove it. But Salwa is not what she seems.
Trapped in an old tunnel that leads to the London docks, will Mumtaz escape with her life?
Hardcover
First published September 4, 2014
4 people are currently reading
63 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Nadel
61 books213 followersBarbara Nadel is an English crime-writer. Many of her books are set in Turkey. Born in the East End of London, Barbara Nadel trained as an actress before becoming a writer. Now writing full-time, she has previously worked as a public relations officer for the National Schizophrenia Fellowship's Good Companion Service and as a mental health advocate for the mentally disordered in a psychiatric hospital. She has also worked with sexually abused teenagers and taught psychology in schools and colleges, and is currently the patron of a charity that cares for those in emotional and mental distress. She has been a regular visitor to Turkey for more than twenty-five years.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
December 4, 2016
This is a series which I have followed throughout and have found to be consistently excellent, depicting a grit and realism in a changing East End of London and a willingness to raise controversial issues and portray how the crimes which blight the area have evolved. In theory, it sounds like this combination of an ex-soldier and cop, Lee Arnold, employing a female Muslim assistant in Mrs Mumtaz Hakim has the makings of a comic parody, but thanks to Barbara Nadel's unique perspective she seamlessly pulls it off, ensuring this is both topical and very timely. As a born and bred Eastenders herself, Nadel has observed the changes in the area first hand and the melting pot of cultures and beliefs that have come to define the region. That this novel deals with the mental health service is also home territory for Nadel, having worked as an advocate with the service prior to focusing on writing full-time and her understanding and compassion for the service-users and patients shines through.
This is the third novel is the series and sees the Arnold Agency in Green Street, Upton Park still short on funds, despite the appeal of Mumtaz, who has drawn a host of Asian women to seek her assistance. Not women who would typically use a private investigations agency, they are comfortable discussing their problems with a fellow covered Muslim, both a widow and step-mother. That her father, Baharat Huq, has long established his family in the community adds respectability to approaching Mumtaz, as well as a familiarity with most of the Asian families that live in the surrounding neighbourhood. Despite her degree in psychology and education, prior to the murder of her abusive husband, Ahmet, Mumtaz did not work and he would not have condoned her doing so, but with his reign over it is left to Mumtaz and sixteen-year-old stepdaughter, Shazia, to attempt to move on from the debts that he left the family. Whilst appearing the perfect Muslim, Ahmet had a number of vices, including gambling, but his sexual abuse of both Mumtaz and his own daughter has bonded mother and step-daughter. As Mumtaz downsizes from their former home to a more affordable flat, the Sheikh family are awaiting the money that Ahmet borrowed with some serious interest payments and continuing to threaten Mumtaz, with an all too obvious interest in attractive Shazia.
When Mumtaz is approached by Salwa el Shamy, an Egyptian woman whose husband is currently residing at HMP Belmarsh on suspicion of stashing a home-made bomb in his work locker, she in initially disinclined to listen to the protestations of her husbands innocence. Now regarded as a terrorist herself, Salwa is given short shrift by the community and at the mercy of the national press. Her allegations of sexual abuse of patients and over medication at the institution seem more plausible and she squares her accusations firmly at the other Egyptian national employed at the unit, Dr el Masri, stating ideological and religious differences with her husband. Mumtaz placing herself in danger and going undercover in the form of an advocacy role at Ilford Psychiatric Hospital is a risk that Lee is reluctant to take, but convinced that there are questions to answer, Mumtaz takes on her toughest case yet. As el Shamy's eldest daughter, Rashida, wrestles with her own conscience and challenges the practices of female genital mutilation, Salwa clashes with her increasingly confident daughter, questioning the actions of her family and jeopardising their future together.
Simultaneously Lee Arnold is engaged by his trusted solicitor, Derek Anderson, into locating the whereabouts of the errant husband of Shirley Rivers', Phil, not for the return of the money that he has fleeced from her house sale but purely to know he is safe and well. As a woman who sold her company in the height of the dot com frenzy, Shirley should be seething, but she tells Lee she is not interested in prosecuting, merely wishing to ascertain that her husband is safe. As Lee passes through the man's social circles and winds up at the Southend home of his parents, his father Ken Rivers' swears blind to have no knowledge of his sons whereabouts, but just where is Ken acquiring the money for his nightly high rolling in Southend casino? It does not help relationship matters for Lee that the casino is the workplace of his current squeeze, Susan, who is already nursing a jealous streak, suspicious of his friendship with both the indomitable DI Vi Collins and his unerring support for partner, Mumtaz. With Vi Collins facing her own mortality with health worries and sidekick DS Tony Bracci temporarily resident under the feet of Lee and mynah bird, Chronus, all of the team have seen better days, but it is Mumtaz and Lee who will bear the scars of the investigations that threatens to make or break the reputation of the Arnold Agency. The lifeblood of this supreme series is just how well-realised Mumtaz, Lee, Vi and Shazia are, and with these strong and credible characters at the fore this is a continually engaging series, offering a different angle on urban crime. Furthering both the cases and the personal lives of the protagonists, this is a heartfelt portrayal of a changing East End and bodes well for the future of this innovative series.
Double standards play a fundamental role in much of what unfolds throughout the course of the novel, from Naz Sheikh and his overt sexual threats to Mumtaz and Shazia, and his supposed adherence to his religion being contrary to everything he does. Likewise, positioning herself in Ilford Psychatric Hospital, one of the few remaining institutions in the age of a move towards community care, afford Mumtaz a birds eye view of the attitudes of some staff who believe that the vulnerable service-users are at their mercy and whose intentions are not always honourable. In the wake of a culture of abuse of patients and cover ups of scandals at hospitals there have been clear examples of precedent.
Best-known for her long-running Inspector Ikmen Istanbul based series, now numbering over twenty novels, Barbara Nadel is a versatile author. For crime fiction fans seeking a vibrant community, topical themes and depicting the mix of cultures that now live side by side in East London, Nadel is a perceptive and insightful chronicler. Tackling issues ranging from the legacy of the London Olympics to the implications of arranged marriages and accepting the westernisation of the young who are part of this buzzing and eclectic area she is consistently well appraised. With a fifth novel in the Hakim and Arnold series in the pipeline, this is an exceptional series which has gone from strength to strength and tackles issues surrounding the realities of the cultures living side by side. Nadel's awareness of the prevailing regimes and understanding of beliefs across the whole spectrum allows her to provide an unbiased but very honest commentary on the problems. Excellent.
This is the third novel is the series and sees the Arnold Agency in Green Street, Upton Park still short on funds, despite the appeal of Mumtaz, who has drawn a host of Asian women to seek her assistance. Not women who would typically use a private investigations agency, they are comfortable discussing their problems with a fellow covered Muslim, both a widow and step-mother. That her father, Baharat Huq, has long established his family in the community adds respectability to approaching Mumtaz, as well as a familiarity with most of the Asian families that live in the surrounding neighbourhood. Despite her degree in psychology and education, prior to the murder of her abusive husband, Ahmet, Mumtaz did not work and he would not have condoned her doing so, but with his reign over it is left to Mumtaz and sixteen-year-old stepdaughter, Shazia, to attempt to move on from the debts that he left the family. Whilst appearing the perfect Muslim, Ahmet had a number of vices, including gambling, but his sexual abuse of both Mumtaz and his own daughter has bonded mother and step-daughter. As Mumtaz downsizes from their former home to a more affordable flat, the Sheikh family are awaiting the money that Ahmet borrowed with some serious interest payments and continuing to threaten Mumtaz, with an all too obvious interest in attractive Shazia.
When Mumtaz is approached by Salwa el Shamy, an Egyptian woman whose husband is currently residing at HMP Belmarsh on suspicion of stashing a home-made bomb in his work locker, she in initially disinclined to listen to the protestations of her husbands innocence. Now regarded as a terrorist herself, Salwa is given short shrift by the community and at the mercy of the national press. Her allegations of sexual abuse of patients and over medication at the institution seem more plausible and she squares her accusations firmly at the other Egyptian national employed at the unit, Dr el Masri, stating ideological and religious differences with her husband. Mumtaz placing herself in danger and going undercover in the form of an advocacy role at Ilford Psychiatric Hospital is a risk that Lee is reluctant to take, but convinced that there are questions to answer, Mumtaz takes on her toughest case yet. As el Shamy's eldest daughter, Rashida, wrestles with her own conscience and challenges the practices of female genital mutilation, Salwa clashes with her increasingly confident daughter, questioning the actions of her family and jeopardising their future together.
Simultaneously Lee Arnold is engaged by his trusted solicitor, Derek Anderson, into locating the whereabouts of the errant husband of Shirley Rivers', Phil, not for the return of the money that he has fleeced from her house sale but purely to know he is safe and well. As a woman who sold her company in the height of the dot com frenzy, Shirley should be seething, but she tells Lee she is not interested in prosecuting, merely wishing to ascertain that her husband is safe. As Lee passes through the man's social circles and winds up at the Southend home of his parents, his father Ken Rivers' swears blind to have no knowledge of his sons whereabouts, but just where is Ken acquiring the money for his nightly high rolling in Southend casino? It does not help relationship matters for Lee that the casino is the workplace of his current squeeze, Susan, who is already nursing a jealous streak, suspicious of his friendship with both the indomitable DI Vi Collins and his unerring support for partner, Mumtaz. With Vi Collins facing her own mortality with health worries and sidekick DS Tony Bracci temporarily resident under the feet of Lee and mynah bird, Chronus, all of the team have seen better days, but it is Mumtaz and Lee who will bear the scars of the investigations that threatens to make or break the reputation of the Arnold Agency. The lifeblood of this supreme series is just how well-realised Mumtaz, Lee, Vi and Shazia are, and with these strong and credible characters at the fore this is a continually engaging series, offering a different angle on urban crime. Furthering both the cases and the personal lives of the protagonists, this is a heartfelt portrayal of a changing East End and bodes well for the future of this innovative series.
Double standards play a fundamental role in much of what unfolds throughout the course of the novel, from Naz Sheikh and his overt sexual threats to Mumtaz and Shazia, and his supposed adherence to his religion being contrary to everything he does. Likewise, positioning herself in Ilford Psychatric Hospital, one of the few remaining institutions in the age of a move towards community care, afford Mumtaz a birds eye view of the attitudes of some staff who believe that the vulnerable service-users are at their mercy and whose intentions are not always honourable. In the wake of a culture of abuse of patients and cover ups of scandals at hospitals there have been clear examples of precedent.
Best-known for her long-running Inspector Ikmen Istanbul based series, now numbering over twenty novels, Barbara Nadel is a versatile author. For crime fiction fans seeking a vibrant community, topical themes and depicting the mix of cultures that now live side by side in East London, Nadel is a perceptive and insightful chronicler. Tackling issues ranging from the legacy of the London Olympics to the implications of arranged marriages and accepting the westernisation of the young who are part of this buzzing and eclectic area she is consistently well appraised. With a fifth novel in the Hakim and Arnold series in the pipeline, this is an exceptional series which has gone from strength to strength and tackles issues surrounding the realities of the cultures living side by side. Nadel's awareness of the prevailing regimes and understanding of beliefs across the whole spectrum allows her to provide an unbiased but very honest commentary on the problems. Excellent.
September 18, 2014
Having only recently read my first Barbara Nadel novel (Body Count), I was very excited to read Poisoned Ground given that it is set not only in London, which I love but the East End which I know well and is where I stay when I'm in London. Nadel has captured the setting of the East End better than any novel I've read in that setting for a long time. It felt like I was part of the book and I had no trouble picturing the majority of places described which always makes a book more enjoyable for me. Some of the book is set in Southend which I've never visited yet again was brought to life on the page. As with all good authors Nadel writes about what she knows, bringing knowledge and a feeling of authenticity that you don't get with people that write about stuff they don't know.
Poisoned Ground is the third book in this series yet it took me only pages to warm to the characters of Lee Arnold and Mumtaz Hakim and I never felt like a stranger looking in on their world. Nadel has done a fantastic job of continuing their story for returning readers yet introducing them to new readers without recapping too much of the previous books plots. Both are likeable characters not without their faults and they are definitely unique which in this genre of fiction can often be a difficult thing to achieve. I also particularly like books where a PI is the main character, they often end up working alongside or for the law but at the same time they can operate outside of it too. They also seem to find their lives in danger more than the police, which is definitely the case here.
As always to discuss the plot further than the blurb would ruin the story but there are two main threads to the book. Lee Arnold is on the lookout for a missing man which takes him to Southend to spy on the man's father. His investigation leads him to his girlfriend's casino where he finds himself in a bit of a sticky situation shall we say... I especially like missing persons cases as they get your brain working trying to piece everything together and you never know just who to trust so you find yourself second guessing everybody that you meet. Mumtaz meanwhile is approached by an Egyptian woman, Salwa, who wants help proving that her husband, behind bars on terrorism charges is innocent. Mumtaz goes undercover in a local hospital to gather potential evidence against the doctor that set Salwa's husband up. Salwa at first comes across as pretty innocent but we see her at home where she lives very religiously and she's quite hostile and aggressive to her daughter and at times threatening. For me it was hard to feel any sympathy for Salwa given her attitude. Again though this is Nadel writing what she knows and that is really evident whilst reading.
Despite all that's being thrown at them Lee and Mumtaz are both facing issues in their personal lives. Mumtaz especially is having a hard time of it given that she still owes money to the man that murdered her husband who is being increasingly threatening towards her. Normally not 'knowing' the characters given this is my first time reading about them I wouldn't ordinarily feel the emotional connection you get with characters you've followed for a couple of books but such is the talent of Nadel to create likeable and believable characters, I really felt Mumtaz's pain and was really rooting for her to overcome what she was facing. Lee is having relationship trouble and work trouble and again for me was a very likeable character. I particularly liked the character of Vi who is a police officer and friend of Lee's. Followers of Barbara on Twitter will recognise a certain operation Vi has during the book on her neck. (Sorry Barbara but that picture still freaks me out!)
I was wondering whether the two cases being worked on were separate or whether they would somehow turn out to be related. Either way both had me gripped and jumping between the two of them helped to break it up rather than have the whole thing feeling rushed. It's definitely a book that keeps you guessing and gripped to the book. It's a read in a few sittings book as you won't want to put it down. I can't really say why for fear of ruining the story but Underground London is something I especially love, the tunnels running beneath the city have long been a fascination of mine so I was particularly gripped for the latter half of the book when Mumtaz finds.... oops just read and find out!
Ultimately the book has left me wanting to read the earlier books in this series ASAP and hoping that the wait for more isn't too long. There's no shortage of crime fiction set in London yet it's not often it's of a standard as high as this. Definitely not one to miss and comes very highly recommended by me.
Poisoned Ground is the third book in this series yet it took me only pages to warm to the characters of Lee Arnold and Mumtaz Hakim and I never felt like a stranger looking in on their world. Nadel has done a fantastic job of continuing their story for returning readers yet introducing them to new readers without recapping too much of the previous books plots. Both are likeable characters not without their faults and they are definitely unique which in this genre of fiction can often be a difficult thing to achieve. I also particularly like books where a PI is the main character, they often end up working alongside or for the law but at the same time they can operate outside of it too. They also seem to find their lives in danger more than the police, which is definitely the case here.
As always to discuss the plot further than the blurb would ruin the story but there are two main threads to the book. Lee Arnold is on the lookout for a missing man which takes him to Southend to spy on the man's father. His investigation leads him to his girlfriend's casino where he finds himself in a bit of a sticky situation shall we say... I especially like missing persons cases as they get your brain working trying to piece everything together and you never know just who to trust so you find yourself second guessing everybody that you meet. Mumtaz meanwhile is approached by an Egyptian woman, Salwa, who wants help proving that her husband, behind bars on terrorism charges is innocent. Mumtaz goes undercover in a local hospital to gather potential evidence against the doctor that set Salwa's husband up. Salwa at first comes across as pretty innocent but we see her at home where she lives very religiously and she's quite hostile and aggressive to her daughter and at times threatening. For me it was hard to feel any sympathy for Salwa given her attitude. Again though this is Nadel writing what she knows and that is really evident whilst reading.
Despite all that's being thrown at them Lee and Mumtaz are both facing issues in their personal lives. Mumtaz especially is having a hard time of it given that she still owes money to the man that murdered her husband who is being increasingly threatening towards her. Normally not 'knowing' the characters given this is my first time reading about them I wouldn't ordinarily feel the emotional connection you get with characters you've followed for a couple of books but such is the talent of Nadel to create likeable and believable characters, I really felt Mumtaz's pain and was really rooting for her to overcome what she was facing. Lee is having relationship trouble and work trouble and again for me was a very likeable character. I particularly liked the character of Vi who is a police officer and friend of Lee's. Followers of Barbara on Twitter will recognise a certain operation Vi has during the book on her neck. (Sorry Barbara but that picture still freaks me out!)
I was wondering whether the two cases being worked on were separate or whether they would somehow turn out to be related. Either way both had me gripped and jumping between the two of them helped to break it up rather than have the whole thing feeling rushed. It's definitely a book that keeps you guessing and gripped to the book. It's a read in a few sittings book as you won't want to put it down. I can't really say why for fear of ruining the story but Underground London is something I especially love, the tunnels running beneath the city have long been a fascination of mine so I was particularly gripped for the latter half of the book when Mumtaz finds.... oops just read and find out!
Ultimately the book has left me wanting to read the earlier books in this series ASAP and hoping that the wait for more isn't too long. There's no shortage of crime fiction set in London yet it's not often it's of a standard as high as this. Definitely not one to miss and comes very highly recommended by me.
August 17, 2017
I love these stories about an unlikely PI partnership: a Muslim widow and an ex-copper. The fact that part of the story takes place in my own home territory, Southend, is an added bonus. In this book, Mumtaz goes undercover in a mental health facility – a truly terrifying place where bad things go on at night, and being a whistle-blower could lose you more than just your job. As ever, a complicated but compelling plot kept me turning the pages.
November 16, 2021
I had enjoyed the first book in this series about a small private detective agency in London so was pleased to see this book in my local library. This is a compelling read which I stayed up long past my bedtime to finish. There are two main strands to the story as ex-police detective, Arnold, is trying to track down a man who has disappeared after defrauding his rich wife while Mumtaz Hakim, goes undercover as a volunteer in a mental hospital to find evidence that her client's husband, who is on remand for possession of a bomb, was framed. There are lots of twists and turns and some interesting sub-plots as well. I was a bit disappointed at the end as I found it difficult to believe but this is well worth a read and I will certainly try to find the second book in this series.
March 29, 2020
I really enjoyed the first two in the series and although this one was easy to read I found the plot(s) rather predictable so that is the reason for an average score although I do like both Lee and Mumtaz as their relationship is somewhat difficult at times due to the religious angle.
Will still read the next one as I do enjoy the lives of the main protagonists.
Will still read the next one as I do enjoy the lives of the main protagonists.
July 25, 2024
With "The Turkish Detective" now on the BBC, I hope someone is working on an adaptation of the Hakim & Arnold series. Good plots, suspenseful situations, and really relevant questions about race and religion in contemporary Britain.
December 21, 2019
I'm really pleased to have discovered this author, will be reading more for sure.
February 15, 2023
Listened to this on audible. Again not something for the squeamish but well narrated and I do care about what happens to the main characters so I stick with it.
March 13, 2016
This is indeed a dark, bleak and brutal book. The truth is revealed gradually as the two detectives work their way through their investigations. There is plenty of action and excitement as well as a build up of suspense.
I have not found another novel in this genre where one of the protagonists is a Muslim woman. I found this very interesting, but would also like to know what Muslim women readers think of the portrayal.
I am interested in the characters' back stories and will be reading more in this series.
I have not found another novel in this genre where one of the protagonists is a Muslim woman. I found this very interesting, but would also like to know what Muslim women readers think of the portrayal.
I am interested in the characters' back stories and will be reading more in this series.
September 23, 2016
This is a rattling good thriller, but it is intelligent enough for me to feel that I'm not wasting my time. I loved it.
She's incredibly good at dropping hooks to keep you going. What's in the lock up garage? Will Raschida be married off to a foul husband?
She's incredibly good at dropping hooks to keep you going. What's in the lock up garage? Will Raschida be married off to a foul husband?
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews