In the Face of Jinn

Book excerpt: Christine and Elizabeth Shepherd are on a buying trip in India for their California silk business when Elizabeth mysteriously disappears. In search of her sister, Christine ventures alone into Afghanistan and Pakistan disguised in the traditional garb of Islam, and often living among the women of the region, enduring the crushing oppression of Sharia. Christine painfully gains a new understanding of her own country and family as she navigates the mysterious tribes of the Pashtuns, has a dangerous encounter with the Taliban, and learns to fear the "Jinn," the devils that dominate the superstitions of the people she must understand in order to survive. "An impressive first by a Hollywood insider explores the deeply hostile reception two American sisters receive when they penetrate the tightly patriarchal society of Muslim culture....Winning and intensely moving."--Kirkus "The nonstop action and gripping plot twists should keep readers entranced."--Publishers Weekly "Cheryl Howard Crew writes with penetrating insight while she straps you in and takes you on a thrill ride of twists, turns, and sudden fear that doesn't let go until the last page."--Jean M. Auel "In the Face of Jinn brings its audience into uncharges regions of a woman's heart while exploring the unfamiliar fascinating, and sometimes horrifying worlds of Afghanistan, India, and Pakison...a taut thriller."--Walter Mosley