Title:	Deadline Istanbul
	Author:	Peggy Hanson
	Published:	2013, Wildside Press, LLC.
	No. of Pages:	308
	Cover Price:	$14.99 Paperback, $3.99 Kindle

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Deadline Istanbul is the first book in the Elizabeth Darcy Series, written by Peggy Hanson. Elizabeth, a journalist, is sent to Istanbul to temporarily take the place of friend and colleague, Peter Franklin, who was recently murdered. While she does have stories to write, her main goal is to find Peter's murderer. Elizabeth spent time in Istanbul several years previously working closely with Peter, so she is familiar with the area and the language. She becomes involved with several suspicious people who are definitely suspects in her mind, and she doesn't know who to trust.

During the course of the novel, there are several attempts on Elizabeth's life; a stranger breaks into her hotel room, and during a weekend trip, her room is ransacked. While investigating, a young terrorist and a prominent archeologist are murdered, a friend and fellow reporter is kidnapped, and another reporter is run down by a car; that attack was actually meant for Elizabeth. The entire novel is quite suspenseful, and definitely fascinating.

Hanson's writing style makes this novel easy to read, and there are several endearing things about the novel that will make readers excited for the publication of the next installment of the series. A beautiful white cat, Sultana, finds clues, but is also a friendly companion to Haldun Katlu, a reporter who turns out to be invaluable in Elizabeth's investigation. There are quotes at the top of each short chapter that are taken from Turkish literature, books on cats, and Elizabeth's favorite novel (and mine), Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice; while a little distracting, these quotes are very helpful in understanding Turkish culture and the novel. A favorite thing about the book is Hanson's vivid descriptions of the incredible sounding Turkish food. It makes a reader want to visit Turkey just to eat.

Hanson has plenty of experience living in exotic places, and is an excellent writer and storyteller; not only do her characters come alive, but also the country and its culture. Elizabeth seems like a real person, in that she is not particularly beautiful, isn't young, and isn't some kind of super-powerful person who survives no matter what the odds. While Sultana has the bad guys figured out, readers will be surprised at the outcome. This book is highly recommended for suspense/thriller readers who want something different and enjoy a well-written, good story.

Special thanks to PJ Nunn of Breakthrough Promotions for supplying a review copy of this book.

This book may be purchased at Amazon:
Deadline Istanbul (The Elizabeth Darcy Series), Paperback Edition
Deadline Istanbul (The Elizabeth Darcy Series), Kindle Edition