The Divided Sultanate

A bumbling city guard. A ghastly murder. Terror in the sultan's realm. A grisly crime and a grieving widow plunge Shoki, a lowly city guard - who never wanted the job (thanks mother and father) and is described by his superiors, in their kinder moments, as blundering - into an investigation that involves no less than one who claimed himself a sultan of the realm. Shoki is sure he’s got it right. He knows who the killer is. But does he have the courage to defy his commanders, buck a system that hasn’t the least leeway for independent initiative, and bring a killer to justice?

Shoki Malook has never really found his place in Istan. And investigating bizarre supernatural events in a remote town with an irritating magic inquisitor certainly doesn't inspire his excitement. But when the Sultan dies and a brutal battle for the throne ensues, Shoki's meandering days turn into a fight for his life.