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Nora Khalil #1
Quicksand
The beginning of an engrossing new suspense series featuring Philadelphia policewoman Nora Khalil
Officer Nora Khalil is used to navigating different terrains. As part of a joint task force set up by the Philadelphia Police Department, the FBI, and the local sheriff’s offices, she works to keep Philly’s mean streets safe from gang violence, while trying to honor the expectations of her traditional Egyptian-American family. She can hold her own against hardened murderers and rapists, and her years as a competitive runner ensure that no suspect ever escapes on foot.
Nora tries to keep her professional and personal lives separate, but when a mutilated body is discovered in a tough section of town, Nora must rely on both her police training and her cultural background to find out whether this is another gang-related killing or the grisly evidence of something even darker and more disturbing.
Officer Nora Khalil is used to navigating different terrains. As part of a joint task force set up by the Philadelphia Police Department, the FBI, and the local sheriff’s offices, she works to keep Philly’s mean streets safe from gang violence, while trying to honor the expectations of her traditional Egyptian-American family. She can hold her own against hardened murderers and rapists, and her years as a competitive runner ensure that no suspect ever escapes on foot.
Nora tries to keep her professional and personal lives separate, but when a mutilated body is discovered in a tough section of town, Nora must rely on both her police training and her cultural background to find out whether this is another gang-related killing or the grisly evidence of something even darker and more disturbing.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published September 22, 2015
4 people are currently reading
542 people want to read
About the author
Carolyn Baugh
6 books19 followersIn addition to being Associate Professor of History and Arabic at Gannon University in Erie, Pennsylvania, Carolyn Baugh is a mom to two girls who constantly surprise her, and a devoted dog-owner to Carmen the Mutt.
She holds a master's degree (2008) and a PhD (2011) from the University of Pennsylvania in Arabic and Islamic Studies. Her academic focus has been gender issues in early Islamic law. At Gannon, she directs the refugee oral history program and also the Women's Studies program.
She believes she was probably meant to be a jazz pianist in some smoky Parisian bar.
Adulting is not her strong point.
She holds a master's degree (2008) and a PhD (2011) from the University of Pennsylvania in Arabic and Islamic Studies. Her academic focus has been gender issues in early Islamic law. At Gannon, she directs the refugee oral history program and also the Women's Studies program.
She believes she was probably meant to be a jazz pianist in some smoky Parisian bar.
Adulting is not her strong point.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
August 9, 2015
Quicksand by Carolyn Baugh
Wow! I couldn’t put this book down; I loved it.Quite a short novel; 215 pages, but definitely my kind of book; a literate, interesting, fast paced story and the main characters, a team of FBI agents were well rounded people, not shallow figures, without substance, like in some thrillers. I could really relate to the main detective and heroine, Nora Khalil, a Muslim girl with family problems. I believe she is featured in other novels by Carolyn Baugh. If so, I will definitely get some of the other books. I like a story that develops a central character. My wife and daughter have recommended a number of female authors and I’m so glad they have introduced them to me. I have come to really like the way some women authors write; I feel that they write more sympathetically than some men authors I have read. Both my wife and daughter are intellectuals and like brooding, thought provoking stories, whereas, I just want a good entertaining read and this was certainly that. It had its flaws; some implausible situations and some too easily resolved results, but it was a good, uncomplicated, easy read. I give this book 5 stars for pure enjoyment.
Read on 8th August 2015
Wow! I couldn’t put this book down; I loved it.Quite a short novel; 215 pages, but definitely my kind of book; a literate, interesting, fast paced story and the main characters, a team of FBI agents were well rounded people, not shallow figures, without substance, like in some thrillers. I could really relate to the main detective and heroine, Nora Khalil, a Muslim girl with family problems. I believe she is featured in other novels by Carolyn Baugh. If so, I will definitely get some of the other books. I like a story that develops a central character. My wife and daughter have recommended a number of female authors and I’m so glad they have introduced them to me. I have come to really like the way some women authors write; I feel that they write more sympathetically than some men authors I have read. Both my wife and daughter are intellectuals and like brooding, thought provoking stories, whereas, I just want a good entertaining read and this was certainly that. It had its flaws; some implausible situations and some too easily resolved results, but it was a good, uncomplicated, easy read. I give this book 5 stars for pure enjoyment.
Read on 8th August 2015
December 11, 2015
Quicksand is a short, satisfying thriller that caught my attention for two reasons: lady investigator, and a lady investigator of Egyptian descent (i.e. diversity).
Officer Nora Khalid is part of a joint task force with the FBI in Philadelphia where their main goal is to help keep the streets safe. When a young girl is murdered in what appears to be a gang-motivated killing, Nora and her team are called to investigate. Soon after, another young woman is brutally murdered, which indicates to the team that there might be another gang operating in the area.
What I really liked about this one was the main character, Nora. Nora is of Egyptian descent, her parents having immigrated to America to raise her and her younger brother. While I appreciate the fact that this showcases diversity, I really liked how Nora's background became part of the story. Nora is conflicted because she is ambitious and loves her job, but she also wants to appease her more traditional father. Becoming a cop was a big deal for Nora and she is passionate about her job; however, this often means that she has to shield her family from some of the truths of daily life on the job. The tension between Nora’s own ambitions and her father’s more conventional dreams for his daughter, added a really nice human aspect to the overarching mystery of the novel. The question becomes whether or not Nora will cave to the pressure of the family that she cares for or stay true to her own path. Love this kind of inner character conflict and I think it's a very relateable experience. The exploration of this kind of personal growth is what keeps me intrigued as a reader, and it’s why I liked Quicksand so much.
What I was less enthused about was the “romance” between Nora and her FBI colleague Ben. Now, I suppose I might be picky because I’m a romance reader so I expect certain things when romance crops up, but I thought in this case, it came across as a little naïve and juvenile. Now, on Nora’s part I buy this feeling since she’s never dated, but I didn’t really expect or believe it on the part of Ben. There were a lot of deeply felt emotions for people that haven’t even been on a date and who don’t really spend all that much time together in the book.
What I did find really refreshing about Quicksand was the portrayal of these cops and FBI agents as normal people. In many mysteries and romantic suspense stories cops and special agents appear larger than life, almost superhuman. That wasn’t the case here. Nora in particular wasn’t treated as some special superstar, she was a rookie, a talented one, but a rookie nonetheless. Her boss was her mentor and this teaching relationship was a great aspect to the book. This struck me as something different than my usual reading and it was another large part of why I liked reading Quicksand so much.
If you’re a mystery fan that likes human stories, Quicksand is an excellent read. The author doesn’t shy away from the realities of crimes and gang violence, but it is nicely balanced out with the human side of the investigative team.
Originally reviewed at The Book Adventures.
Officer Nora Khalid is part of a joint task force with the FBI in Philadelphia where their main goal is to help keep the streets safe. When a young girl is murdered in what appears to be a gang-motivated killing, Nora and her team are called to investigate. Soon after, another young woman is brutally murdered, which indicates to the team that there might be another gang operating in the area.
What I really liked about this one was the main character, Nora. Nora is of Egyptian descent, her parents having immigrated to America to raise her and her younger brother. While I appreciate the fact that this showcases diversity, I really liked how Nora's background became part of the story. Nora is conflicted because she is ambitious and loves her job, but she also wants to appease her more traditional father. Becoming a cop was a big deal for Nora and she is passionate about her job; however, this often means that she has to shield her family from some of the truths of daily life on the job. The tension between Nora’s own ambitions and her father’s more conventional dreams for his daughter, added a really nice human aspect to the overarching mystery of the novel. The question becomes whether or not Nora will cave to the pressure of the family that she cares for or stay true to her own path. Love this kind of inner character conflict and I think it's a very relateable experience. The exploration of this kind of personal growth is what keeps me intrigued as a reader, and it’s why I liked Quicksand so much.
What I was less enthused about was the “romance” between Nora and her FBI colleague Ben. Now, I suppose I might be picky because I’m a romance reader so I expect certain things when romance crops up, but I thought in this case, it came across as a little naïve and juvenile. Now, on Nora’s part I buy this feeling since she’s never dated, but I didn’t really expect or believe it on the part of Ben. There were a lot of deeply felt emotions for people that haven’t even been on a date and who don’t really spend all that much time together in the book.
What I did find really refreshing about Quicksand was the portrayal of these cops and FBI agents as normal people. In many mysteries and romantic suspense stories cops and special agents appear larger than life, almost superhuman. That wasn’t the case here. Nora in particular wasn’t treated as some special superstar, she was a rookie, a talented one, but a rookie nonetheless. Her boss was her mentor and this teaching relationship was a great aspect to the book. This struck me as something different than my usual reading and it was another large part of why I liked reading Quicksand so much.
If you’re a mystery fan that likes human stories, Quicksand is an excellent read. The author doesn’t shy away from the realities of crimes and gang violence, but it is nicely balanced out with the human side of the investigative team.
Originally reviewed at The Book Adventures.
November 19, 2015
Mon avis en Français
My English review
I expected a lot while starting this novel but it’s true that I definitely did not expect that. This is not an easy book to read, and the author wasn’t easy about all the difficulties she has inserted in her book but that’s also what’s fascinating here.
We discover a heroine that we do not necessarily have the habit of seeing. Nora is an Egyptian-American who made her little way in the police and tries to be strong if front of the ones who don’t think she is capable and to help those in need. Her skills in Arabic and religion can sometimes help her when she’s on the ground, being part of a team dealing with street gangs. But she is also a rather complex heroine, a woman who happens to be strong in her work but not as much in her family. She loves her brother and father, but he has some very different views of what he would want for her life. Indeed, he is determined to arrange a marriage for her to a man she does not know, a choice she hardly wants. But until then, Nora did not actually manage to truly break away from her father. He did not want her to leave his home. She never left. He did not want her to go to the prom with a boy. She did not go. He really does not want her alongside other men and this is something to which she tries to bend even though it is also quite difficult. But now, a desire to emancipate herself becomes more and more present.
We also feel the entire Muslim culture that the author wanted to show through here. The fact that some women are subjected, that men sometimes think they are above religion because they are men but women can not. To understand that sometimes the inter-religion relations are not so easy, to attend the prejudices of the people. To see the courage of some to help others even though their lives may be in danger of seeing that mosques may also allow some to teach things like the language of the country, to be able to speak and read and finally to understand that this is a complex but equally interesting culture.
I didn’t do into the details of the story and it’s true that this is there a real point to note. The story in which the author takes us is not easy and the themes are also very hard. We thus find slavery, murder, rape, pedophile relationships, drugs …. Yes a lot of difficult things that are really well handled here. I found that the author had really managed to write an exciting story, showing us the complexity, the horror that we can have in all things. It is not expected the investigation taking this special twist, everything takes a gigantic scale and we can see the horror of what people can commit. No it was not a very cheerful reading, but it was very interesting and it is very difficult to stop before finishing it. In addition to all this, I was surprised by the couple of the story and I was impatient to understand the word end of the story. So yes, it is a book that I took pleasure to discover and I am curious to read more of the series now.
My English review
I expected a lot while starting this novel but it’s true that I definitely did not expect that. This is not an easy book to read, and the author wasn’t easy about all the difficulties she has inserted in her book but that’s also what’s fascinating here.
We discover a heroine that we do not necessarily have the habit of seeing. Nora is an Egyptian-American who made her little way in the police and tries to be strong if front of the ones who don’t think she is capable and to help those in need. Her skills in Arabic and religion can sometimes help her when she’s on the ground, being part of a team dealing with street gangs. But she is also a rather complex heroine, a woman who happens to be strong in her work but not as much in her family. She loves her brother and father, but he has some very different views of what he would want for her life. Indeed, he is determined to arrange a marriage for her to a man she does not know, a choice she hardly wants. But until then, Nora did not actually manage to truly break away from her father. He did not want her to leave his home. She never left. He did not want her to go to the prom with a boy. She did not go. He really does not want her alongside other men and this is something to which she tries to bend even though it is also quite difficult. But now, a desire to emancipate herself becomes more and more present.
We also feel the entire Muslim culture that the author wanted to show through here. The fact that some women are subjected, that men sometimes think they are above religion because they are men but women can not. To understand that sometimes the inter-religion relations are not so easy, to attend the prejudices of the people. To see the courage of some to help others even though their lives may be in danger of seeing that mosques may also allow some to teach things like the language of the country, to be able to speak and read and finally to understand that this is a complex but equally interesting culture.
I didn’t do into the details of the story and it’s true that this is there a real point to note. The story in which the author takes us is not easy and the themes are also very hard. We thus find slavery, murder, rape, pedophile relationships, drugs …. Yes a lot of difficult things that are really well handled here. I found that the author had really managed to write an exciting story, showing us the complexity, the horror that we can have in all things. It is not expected the investigation taking this special twist, everything takes a gigantic scale and we can see the horror of what people can commit. No it was not a very cheerful reading, but it was very interesting and it is very difficult to stop before finishing it. In addition to all this, I was surprised by the couple of the story and I was impatient to understand the word end of the story. So yes, it is a book that I took pleasure to discover and I am curious to read more of the series now.
August 12, 2020
Amazing for a white author, but I yet the characters are are not there...
November 7, 2015
Originally posted at Butterfly-o-Meter Books on Nov 3 , 2015:
In a Flutter: Interesting
Fluttering Thoughts:
Worldbuilding: The Kingsessing, Philadelphia setting was interesting, certainly tense in terms of cultural clashes and general tension.
Characters: The MC, Nora, was an interesting character, but one I didn’t really get all the way. I admired her efforts, considering she had to overcome some cultural obstacles in order to do what she was doing (and wanted to do), but I didn’t get why those same cultural obstacles still represented an impediment when it came to going all the way with what she wanted. This aspect of Nora didn’t click all the way for me. She obviously went against her father’s notion of what she should be doing on the professional front, but somehow needed an excuse to do so on a more personal level. I simply didn’t get that. Hurrah for finally deciding to be her own person, in whatever way she chose to, in the end. I don’t see the actual choices as important, I must say, but the fact that you’re making them based on your own thinking, feelings, desires, values, and so on.
Anyway, she was a mix of vulnerable and kickass-ish agent, and I rooted for her to settle into her life, I guess. It felt like a New Adult type of novel because of that. I’ve been looking through the novel, but can’t seem to find Nora’a age though I seem to recall she mentions it somewhere. It might actually be a New Adult if she’s 25ish or under.
I found her interesting, bottom line, but I must say not overly likable and not at all exciting. I tend to love loud and proud rebels though, keep in mind. She was a subtler kind of character, not so much a rebel as a slowly developing independent nature, I guess, the do-good type rather than kick-ass, I think. It’s a nuanced and interesting kind of character, but not overly exciting for me on a personal level.
Plot: The mystery / suspense part was good; I liked how the different characters came together and the way different crimes were pieced together to solve the final puzzle – pretty complex but smooth, somehow. There was quite a bit of tension, and enough action to keep the excitement going. I loved the whole cultural thing, the diversity, which is always an interesting area to explore. There was a subtle trace of romance going on too, and I enjoyed that aspect as well.
Writing: Third person, past tense narrative, Nora’s POV (with a couple inserts from a victim in her case). I liked the writing, but somehow made me look at Nora from the outside, not empathize with her much. Third person often does that for me, for some reason. It must be said that the general style wasn’t exactly my favorite, meaning I tend to love snarky, irreverent characters, who tend to express themselves and think in that same note. Nora’s tone wasn’t at all in that vein. So good writing, but not necessarily my fav flavor.
Curb Appeal: Cool cover, hooking blurb. Very good impulsive buy candidate.
All in all, I enjoyed Quicksand and recommend it to lovers of mystery/suspense, especially if you enjoy following different cultures and how they interact, and main characters who aren’t really out to kick ass but more to do the right thing.
In a Flutter: Interesting
Fluttering Thoughts:
Worldbuilding: The Kingsessing, Philadelphia setting was interesting, certainly tense in terms of cultural clashes and general tension.
Characters: The MC, Nora, was an interesting character, but one I didn’t really get all the way. I admired her efforts, considering she had to overcome some cultural obstacles in order to do what she was doing (and wanted to do), but I didn’t get why those same cultural obstacles still represented an impediment when it came to going all the way with what she wanted. This aspect of Nora didn’t click all the way for me. She obviously went against her father’s notion of what she should be doing on the professional front, but somehow needed an excuse to do so on a more personal level. I simply didn’t get that. Hurrah for finally deciding to be her own person, in whatever way she chose to, in the end. I don’t see the actual choices as important, I must say, but the fact that you’re making them based on your own thinking, feelings, desires, values, and so on.
Anyway, she was a mix of vulnerable and kickass-ish agent, and I rooted for her to settle into her life, I guess. It felt like a New Adult type of novel because of that. I’ve been looking through the novel, but can’t seem to find Nora’a age though I seem to recall she mentions it somewhere. It might actually be a New Adult if she’s 25ish or under.
I found her interesting, bottom line, but I must say not overly likable and not at all exciting. I tend to love loud and proud rebels though, keep in mind. She was a subtler kind of character, not so much a rebel as a slowly developing independent nature, I guess, the do-good type rather than kick-ass, I think. It’s a nuanced and interesting kind of character, but not overly exciting for me on a personal level.
Plot: The mystery / suspense part was good; I liked how the different characters came together and the way different crimes were pieced together to solve the final puzzle – pretty complex but smooth, somehow. There was quite a bit of tension, and enough action to keep the excitement going. I loved the whole cultural thing, the diversity, which is always an interesting area to explore. There was a subtle trace of romance going on too, and I enjoyed that aspect as well.
Writing: Third person, past tense narrative, Nora’s POV (with a couple inserts from a victim in her case). I liked the writing, but somehow made me look at Nora from the outside, not empathize with her much. Third person often does that for me, for some reason. It must be said that the general style wasn’t exactly my favorite, meaning I tend to love snarky, irreverent characters, who tend to express themselves and think in that same note. Nora’s tone wasn’t at all in that vein. So good writing, but not necessarily my fav flavor.
Curb Appeal: Cool cover, hooking blurb. Very good impulsive buy candidate.
All in all, I enjoyed Quicksand and recommend it to lovers of mystery/suspense, especially if you enjoy following different cultures and how they interact, and main characters who aren’t really out to kick ass but more to do the right thing.
November 10, 2015
Book review can be found on my blog at http://mysterysequels.com/quicksand-b...
January 21, 2016
Very strong start to a new series.
I particularly liked how the author balanced the revelation of Nora's backstory and work/life relationships with developments in the case they're working.
I particularly liked how the author balanced the revelation of Nora's backstory and work/life relationships with developments in the case they're working.
February 11, 2018
Left my SFF comfort zone behind completely to read this, but that’s the point of a book club, right? Try something new.
I ended up liking this book more than I would have thought. I usually don’t read mysteries, and as soon as the first mutilated corpse showed up I was ready to put this on the “NOPE” shelf. I can deal with demonic sorcerers being bad, or wicked aliens. Evil humans—-well that’s just not entertaining.
The writing was quite good, though, and it’s always interesting to read a story from the viewpoint of someone that’s not like you. Nora’s background as an American Muslim added a lot of depth to her character and I appreciated the way her relationship with her father was explored. I also liked how her Muslim background was a both an asset and hindrance to her at times.
I liked Quicksand, but not enough to become a fan of the mystery genre. My next book better have some magic wands or time travel.
Final note:
The crime explored here was very grisly. Anyone who could be triggered by descriptions of rape need to avoid this book.
I ended up liking this book more than I would have thought. I usually don’t read mysteries, and as soon as the first mutilated corpse showed up I was ready to put this on the “NOPE” shelf. I can deal with demonic sorcerers being bad, or wicked aliens. Evil humans—-well that’s just not entertaining.
The writing was quite good, though, and it’s always interesting to read a story from the viewpoint of someone that’s not like you. Nora’s background as an American Muslim added a lot of depth to her character and I appreciated the way her relationship with her father was explored. I also liked how her Muslim background was a both an asset and hindrance to her at times.
I liked Quicksand, but not enough to become a fan of the mystery genre. My next book better have some magic wands or time travel.
Final note:
The crime explored here was very grisly. Anyone who could be triggered by descriptions of rape need to avoid this book.
April 23, 2019
More like 3.6.
This police procedural features an ensemble of police and FBI working to deal with street violence in Philadelphia. And what looks like a drive-by shooting sets off a complicated community story.
Nora Khalil, protagonist, has to find her footing in the task force and in her family. Well-handled family dynamic.
Nice banter with the officer who likes her as she keeps him at arm's length for personal and professional reasons.
Definitely would like to read more in this series.
This police procedural features an ensemble of police and FBI working to deal with street violence in Philadelphia. And what looks like a drive-by shooting sets off a complicated community story.
Nora Khalil, protagonist, has to find her footing in the task force and in her family. Well-handled family dynamic.
Nice banter with the officer who likes her as she keeps him at arm's length for personal and professional reasons.
Definitely would like to read more in this series.
September 28, 2017
I struggled through this book club selection. The Hallmark Movie Channel may pick it up if they delete all the 'Criminal Minds' violence. I don't think the author knew whether he wanted to give his readers a bit of schmaltz and playful banter or violence and gore. A lot of reviewers liked the Nora Khalil's character. I could not get into her. Sorry.
An interesting note: The other reviewers who rated it 1 star or 2 stars couldn't even be bothered to write a review. Maybe they thought it was a waste of time to write a review after wasting their time reading the book.
An interesting note: The other reviewers who rated it 1 star or 2 stars couldn't even be bothered to write a review. Maybe they thought it was a waste of time to write a review after wasting their time reading the book.
November 9, 2020
3.5 The book is a quick read, but in my opinion gang violence is a different genre' than mystery. One gang member or another is guilty, ok, interchangeable. Baugh was trying to make too many statements with this story: immigration, human trafficking, gang violence, despair and inequity. she did shine a light on difficult topics with an interesting story, but it also seemed a door to gratuitous violence. I liked the character of Nora, though, and will give this author a second chance
October 6, 2023
I’m sorry I couldn’t get past the first few pages without immediately encountering:
- an extremely offensive term
- a graphic rape scene
- a police officer murdering
I feel like there should be some trigger warnings and that’s also way too much for just the start of a book. I didn’t think the heaviness of it was worth it.
- an extremely offensive term
- a graphic rape scene
- a police officer murdering
I feel like there should be some trigger warnings and that’s also way too much for just the start of a book. I didn’t think the heaviness of it was worth it.
September 28, 2017
Philadelphia setting, new series
I really enjoyed this debut with an interesting twist on a police procedural featuring an athletic female Muslim protagonist working a case involving the police and FBI task force.
I really enjoyed this debut with an interesting twist on a police procedural featuring an athletic female Muslim protagonist working a case involving the police and FBI task force.
February 24, 2021
Surprisingly good for a book I found randomly on Libby. Uncanny that the protagonist is a 20-something Muslim woman. At bit overwhelming at first how many characters were introduced in one go, but kinda knew them by the end.
September 26, 2024
This is a good thriller. The characters are well developed, and the engagement with other cultures is interesting. The plot is complicated and has several twists and turns. I will consider other books in this series.
April 4, 2020
I admire the protagonist, Nora Khalil.
October 4, 2015
Quicksand is the first in a new series featuring Nora Khalil, a Muslim-American policewoman. While liaising with the FBI in Philadelphia to investigate gang activity, including the murder of the young sister of a gang leader by the head of a rival gang, Nora’s task force is called in to investigate the murder of a young immigrant Muslim woman found dead in an alley in gang territory. To solve these crimes, Nora has to work within a community terrorized by gangs as well as within a Muslim community suspicious of authority. When evidence is uncovered that links the two murders, Nora’s team has to figure out the connection to keep more people from losing their lives.
This novel’s strengths are Nora, a very likeable main character who is easy to sympathize with, and the sheer readability of the story. I was quickly caught up in Nora’s adventures and found myself eagerly turning the pages to find out what would happen next. The author keeps the action moving at a good pace, and I was rooting for Nora and her colleagues to figure out what was happening and catch the bad guys. There’s the beginning of a romance between Nora and one of the FBI agents that added a little sweetness to the story, too.
The book is not without flaws, though. The central mystery is a little bit weak; I identified a pivotal character long before Nora’s task force recognized that person’s importance. (Also, either the task force isn’t very effective at routine activities like questioning witnesses, or the criminals are really great at surveillance, because potential witnesses do not fare well at all.) And although I really appreciated having the main character be a Muslim from an immigrant family—it’s one of the things that drew me to the book in the first place—I found myself questioning Nora’s decision to go against some of the tenets of her traditional father’s Egyptian culture at the end of the story. It seemed to me that she made that choice a bit too easily, that she should have been more conflicted about it, so that bothered me a bit.
Those quibbles aside, I enjoyed the novel enough that I will be reading the next entry in the series to see what further adventures lie in wait for Nora.
An ARC of this novel was provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This novel’s strengths are Nora, a very likeable main character who is easy to sympathize with, and the sheer readability of the story. I was quickly caught up in Nora’s adventures and found myself eagerly turning the pages to find out what would happen next. The author keeps the action moving at a good pace, and I was rooting for Nora and her colleagues to figure out what was happening and catch the bad guys. There’s the beginning of a romance between Nora and one of the FBI agents that added a little sweetness to the story, too.
The book is not without flaws, though. The central mystery is a little bit weak; I identified a pivotal character long before Nora’s task force recognized that person’s importance. (Also, either the task force isn’t very effective at routine activities like questioning witnesses, or the criminals are really great at surveillance, because potential witnesses do not fare well at all.) And although I really appreciated having the main character be a Muslim from an immigrant family—it’s one of the things that drew me to the book in the first place—I found myself questioning Nora’s decision to go against some of the tenets of her traditional father’s Egyptian culture at the end of the story. It seemed to me that she made that choice a bit too easily, that she should have been more conflicted about it, so that bothered me a bit.
Those quibbles aside, I enjoyed the novel enough that I will be reading the next entry in the series to see what further adventures lie in wait for Nora.
An ARC of this novel was provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 22, 2015
Philadelphia policewoman Nora Khalil is an interesting character. Her parents are Egyptian refugees. Her mother is dead, but her father expects Nora to live the life of an Egyptian Muslim, but Nora is more concerned with her job than her religion. One of the most important job skills she has is her ability to connect with the Arab population in Philadelphia. She can speak the language and knows the customs, therefore she has a better chance to engage with them and win their trust.
Nora Khalil is a believable character. I liked her. I think that i would like to read another book featuring her. I imagine that people like Nora will become more common in the police forces across this country, and the world. There is a large Arab community in my city. Most of them are Christians, but several cities in our area have large Muslim populations. The average US policeman can’t understand what goes on in these tightly knit communities, or even communicate with some Arab-Americans. Many don’t speak English. There can be frustrations on both sides. This book shows one way that problems can be overcome.
Quicksand brings up many ideas that are hard to think about. Most people don’t like to think about the horrors of human trafficking, especially when it involves children. It doesn’t seem possible that young girls could be sold into slavery in this day, but you hear of those things happening throughout the world. Quicksand will open your eyes.
I liked this book, and think that this series really could break new ground. Nora Khalil is an original character. She gives you a glimpse into the problems that Arab-American women have in the United States. Dr. Carolyn Baugh has a winner here.
I give Quicksand 4 Stars out of 5, and a Thumbs Up! I really can’t compare Nora Khalil to anyone else out there, so I’ll just say, “If you are ready to try something different, read Quicksand”.
Nora Khalil is a believable character. I liked her. I think that i would like to read another book featuring her. I imagine that people like Nora will become more common in the police forces across this country, and the world. There is a large Arab community in my city. Most of them are Christians, but several cities in our area have large Muslim populations. The average US policeman can’t understand what goes on in these tightly knit communities, or even communicate with some Arab-Americans. Many don’t speak English. There can be frustrations on both sides. This book shows one way that problems can be overcome.
Quicksand brings up many ideas that are hard to think about. Most people don’t like to think about the horrors of human trafficking, especially when it involves children. It doesn’t seem possible that young girls could be sold into slavery in this day, but you hear of those things happening throughout the world. Quicksand will open your eyes.
I liked this book, and think that this series really could break new ground. Nora Khalil is an original character. She gives you a glimpse into the problems that Arab-American women have in the United States. Dr. Carolyn Baugh has a winner here.
I give Quicksand 4 Stars out of 5, and a Thumbs Up! I really can’t compare Nora Khalil to anyone else out there, so I’ll just say, “If you are ready to try something different, read Quicksand”.
December 28, 2015
Read Jaclyn's full review at The Book Adventures
Quicksand is a short, satisfying thriller that caught my attention for two reasons: lady investigator, and a lady investigator of Egyptian descent (i.e. diversity).
Officer Nora Khalid is part of a joint task force with the FBI in Philadelphia where their main goal is to help keep the streets safe. When a young girl is murdered in what appears to be a gang-motivated killing, Nora and her team are called to investigate. Soon after, another young woman is brutally murdered, which indicates to the team that there might be another gang operating in the area.
What I really liked about this one was the main character, Nora. Nora is of Egyptian descent, her parents having immigrated to America to raise her and her younger brother. While I appreciate the fact that this showcases diversity, I really liked how Nora’s background became part of the story. Nora is conflicted because she is ambitious and loves her job, but she also wants to appease her more traditional father. Becoming a cop was a big deal for Nora and she is passionate about her job; however, this often means that she has to shield her family from some of the truths of daily life on the job. The tension between Nora’s own ambitions and her father’s more conventional dreams for his daughter, added a really nice human aspect to the overarching mystery of the novel. The question becomes whether or not Nora will cave to the pressure of the family that she cares for or stay true to her own path. Love this kind of inner character conflict and I think it’s a very relateable experience. The exploration of this kind of personal growth is what keeps me intrigued as a reader, and it’s why I liked Quicksand so much.
Quicksand is a short, satisfying thriller that caught my attention for two reasons: lady investigator, and a lady investigator of Egyptian descent (i.e. diversity).
Officer Nora Khalid is part of a joint task force with the FBI in Philadelphia where their main goal is to help keep the streets safe. When a young girl is murdered in what appears to be a gang-motivated killing, Nora and her team are called to investigate. Soon after, another young woman is brutally murdered, which indicates to the team that there might be another gang operating in the area.
What I really liked about this one was the main character, Nora. Nora is of Egyptian descent, her parents having immigrated to America to raise her and her younger brother. While I appreciate the fact that this showcases diversity, I really liked how Nora’s background became part of the story. Nora is conflicted because she is ambitious and loves her job, but she also wants to appease her more traditional father. Becoming a cop was a big deal for Nora and she is passionate about her job; however, this often means that she has to shield her family from some of the truths of daily life on the job. The tension between Nora’s own ambitions and her father’s more conventional dreams for his daughter, added a really nice human aspect to the overarching mystery of the novel. The question becomes whether or not Nora will cave to the pressure of the family that she cares for or stay true to her own path. Love this kind of inner character conflict and I think it’s a very relateable experience. The exploration of this kind of personal growth is what keeps me intrigued as a reader, and it’s why I liked Quicksand so much.
September 21, 2015
I enjoyed this book which made me wonder about its possibilities. How hard would it be for a devout Muslim to work as a police officer? Certainly not easy... If Nora really was a practicing Muslim, I would say impossible.
Nora is between a rock and a hard place. Her father finds it hard to accept his little girl working with men, without special privileges, especially when she does not want to meet the groom candidates her aunt has selected for her. Nora just wants to do her job, nothing else! When her 1 year old brother suggests there could be more than friendship between Ben, the young FBI agent she works with and herself, she is shocked: how could she date a non-Muslim?
But she learns about the past and wonders more than ever what is true, how many times has she been lied to, until she decides to handle her own life.
While deciding to be more independent, she works on horrific crimes where young girls have been brutally murdered. With her partner John, she discovers the deaths are linked to drug and prostitution rings, some kind of gang war where the victims are used to frighten the other ones. To understand what is happening and stop the crime wave, Nora will have to use her language skills -she is bilingual and understand almost all forms of Arabic. With the help of a few women from one of the Philadelphia mosques, they will solve the riddle.
I think we will find new adventures of Nora to read soon, and if they are as good as this one, it will be worth it!
The analysis of a prson behavior when she is caught between incompatible feelings of belonging is very interesting. Choices have to be made, and it's never easy. But Nora matures through her adventures, and as well as a thriller, this is a coming of age book.
Nora is between a rock and a hard place. Her father finds it hard to accept his little girl working with men, without special privileges, especially when she does not want to meet the groom candidates her aunt has selected for her. Nora just wants to do her job, nothing else! When her 1 year old brother suggests there could be more than friendship between Ben, the young FBI agent she works with and herself, she is shocked: how could she date a non-Muslim?
But she learns about the past and wonders more than ever what is true, how many times has she been lied to, until she decides to handle her own life.
While deciding to be more independent, she works on horrific crimes where young girls have been brutally murdered. With her partner John, she discovers the deaths are linked to drug and prostitution rings, some kind of gang war where the victims are used to frighten the other ones. To understand what is happening and stop the crime wave, Nora will have to use her language skills -she is bilingual and understand almost all forms of Arabic. With the help of a few women from one of the Philadelphia mosques, they will solve the riddle.
I think we will find new adventures of Nora to read soon, and if they are as good as this one, it will be worth it!
The analysis of a prson behavior when she is caught between incompatible feelings of belonging is very interesting. Choices have to be made, and it's never easy. But Nora matures through her adventures, and as well as a thriller, this is a coming of age book.
December 16, 2015
5 stars.
This book is the first installment in a series of stand-alone books about a bright female detective. Nora Khalil is an Egyptian-American Muslim that has just been moved from the PPD to the Safe Streets Task Force. While she is adjusting to her new co-workers and workplace she is also trying to find a killer before the next victim turns up.
As soon as I picked up this book, I fell in love with Nora Khalil. She is so smart and driven. Yet even though she deals with such grueling cases, she still holds an innocence about her that is so refreshing. I really enjoyed diving into all the Middle Eastern culture and learning even more about it.
Throughout the story, Nora is struggling with the demons on the streets while also trying to make sense of newfound family secrets. On top of that, she deals with racism from the people she meets on the streets and even some that she works with. I was really able to see Nora grow and earn a bit more independence and I loved the way her character developed.
I really did love this novel and I hope to read many more Nora Khalil novels in the future. I give this book 5 stars.
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For more reviews and bookish talk, visit our blog at Pretty Sassy Cool.
This book is the first installment in a series of stand-alone books about a bright female detective. Nora Khalil is an Egyptian-American Muslim that has just been moved from the PPD to the Safe Streets Task Force. While she is adjusting to her new co-workers and workplace she is also trying to find a killer before the next victim turns up.
As soon as I picked up this book, I fell in love with Nora Khalil. She is so smart and driven. Yet even though she deals with such grueling cases, she still holds an innocence about her that is so refreshing. I really enjoyed diving into all the Middle Eastern culture and learning even more about it.
Throughout the story, Nora is struggling with the demons on the streets while also trying to make sense of newfound family secrets. On top of that, she deals with racism from the people she meets on the streets and even some that she works with. I was really able to see Nora grow and earn a bit more independence and I loved the way her character developed.
I really did love this novel and I hope to read many more Nora Khalil novels in the future. I give this book 5 stars.
--
For more reviews and bookish talk, visit our blog at Pretty Sassy Cool.
January 11, 2016
I received this book free through goodreads giveaways.
This book is the first installment in a series of stand-alone books about a bright female detective. Nora Khalil is an Egyptian-American Muslim that has just been moved from the PPD to the Safe Streets Task Force. While she is adjusting to her new co-workers and workplace she is also trying to find a killer before the next victim turns up.
As soon as I picked up this book, I fell in love with Nora Khalil. She is so smart and driven. Yet even though she deals with such grueling cases, she still holds an innocence about her that is so refreshing. I really enjoyed diving into all the Middle Eastern culture and learning even more about it.
Throughout the story, Nora is struggling with the demons on the streets while also trying to make sense of newfound family secrets. On top of that, she deals with racism from the people she meets on the streets and even some that she works with. I was really able to see Nora grow and earn a bit more independence and I loved the way her character developed.
I really did love this novel and I hope to read many more Nora Khalil novels in the future. I give this book 5 stars.
This book is the first installment in a series of stand-alone books about a bright female detective. Nora Khalil is an Egyptian-American Muslim that has just been moved from the PPD to the Safe Streets Task Force. While she is adjusting to her new co-workers and workplace she is also trying to find a killer before the next victim turns up.
As soon as I picked up this book, I fell in love with Nora Khalil. She is so smart and driven. Yet even though she deals with such grueling cases, she still holds an innocence about her that is so refreshing. I really enjoyed diving into all the Middle Eastern culture and learning even more about it.
Throughout the story, Nora is struggling with the demons on the streets while also trying to make sense of newfound family secrets. On top of that, she deals with racism from the people she meets on the streets and even some that she works with. I was really able to see Nora grow and earn a bit more independence and I loved the way her character developed.
I really did love this novel and I hope to read many more Nora Khalil novels in the future. I give this book 5 stars.
January 3, 2016
An excellent start to a fast paced mystery series and an interesting look into the Muslim culture. Nora Kalil is a Philadelphia Police officer working with the FBI and Sheriff Department on the Safe Streets Violent Gang Task Force. Her Egyptian American background gives her a unique insight in working with some of the Muslim people involved with their investigation. This background also creates problems with her father who unlike her. was born in Egypt and believes in the more strict tenets of their religion. The task force is looking into a gang war which centers around drug trafficking in some of the rougher neighborhood of Philadelphia. This lead the task force into the world of a child sex trafficking ring.
The characters are well drawn and it will be interesting to see how they develop in subsequent books in the series. The Nora Kalil mysteries will be a welcome addition to the police procedural mystery genre.
I received this book free from the First Reads program on Good Reads.
The characters are well drawn and it will be interesting to see how they develop in subsequent books in the series. The Nora Kalil mysteries will be a welcome addition to the police procedural mystery genre.
I received this book free from the First Reads program on Good Reads.
December 12, 2016
A solid start to a new mystery series featuring Nora Khalil, a Philadelphia police officer assigned to work with the FBI's Safe Streets Task Force. Khalil brings many skills to the table, including her background as a track star and her knowledge of Arabic languages and Islamic culture. She brings all of these into play when the task force starts investigating several murders that look to be linked to gangs, and lead to more crimes involving human trafficking and sex slavery. Action packed, with vivid descriptions of Philly neighborhoods, Nora's personal life is also complicated by her very traditional Egyptian father, her obligations to take care of her brother, and the pull between independence and cultural norms. An interesting new character on the mystery scene.
Get Quicksand from the Denver Public Library
- Becker
Get Quicksand from the Denver Public Library
- Becker
December 9, 2015
I ended up liking the book less than I thought I would when I was 1/3 of the way through. There were a few characters, members of rival gangs, who were mentioned but not given enough presence for me to really fix on who they were. The main character is very interesting and the cultural aspects of the story are immersive and will get any feminist riled up. I really dislike any book where a person is being tortured or mistreated and the author lets the reader share in the torment. In this book, especially, those segments were completely unnecessary unless a reader actually likes reading about torture. I don't. The story could have been told in a tighter way and the ending is not much of a surprise.
March 30, 2016
Liked this one a lot - especially the character of Nora, whose ability to think fast comes across as wholly authentic (in other words, she's not Jason Bourne in a ponytail). Her world is gritty, but she never gives in to the negativity; that's not to say she's naive or overly optimistic. Instead, she navigates her world - as a woman, as a Muslim, as a police officer - in a way that doesn't compromise her integrity.
The mystery is interesting, but not quite as compelling as watching Nora deal with the external (including her own family) and internal pressure she faces. I hope a sequel is in the works.
The mystery is interesting, but not quite as compelling as watching Nora deal with the external (including her own family) and internal pressure she faces. I hope a sequel is in the works.
July 30, 2016
Nora Khalil is a Philadelphia police officer who is assigned to an FBI joint task force to deal with gangs. She is a Muslim of Egyptian decent & her traditional father and her own beliefs complicate her life. When a new gang run by Somalis that are dealing in human trafficking and sex intrudes on the more traditional gangs, Khalil's Muslim background and Arabic are useful. By the end of the book, Khalil is planning to apply to the FBI. This is to be book 1 of a new series.
October 13, 2015
I received this book as a Goodreads giveaway. Clever title. I liked the main character in this story: An Egyptian female police officer working on a task force in Philadelphia. She has a difficult time reconciling her Muslim background with the violent work she does. Drugs and sex trafficking result in some brutal killings. Hoping for some more stories about her.
January 5, 2016
A different type of investigator, a different type of hero, a young Muslin, Egyptian woman working for the Philadelphia police and working with the FBI. An engrossing, fast paced, thriller involving gang wars and sex trafficking.
January 28, 2016
The book was awesome. I think it was a bit enlightening to the Islam religion, especially from a woman's point of view. I thoroughly enjoyed Nora and her strong personality. A definite recommendation!
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