In the Face of Jinn: A Novel [Hardcover]

Cheryl Howard Crew (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 24, 2005

Two American sisters, Christine and Elizabeth Shepherd, are on a silk-buying trip in India for their business in California. After Elizabeth mysteriously disappears, Christine is compelled to challenge the ineffectual U.S. and Indian bureaucracies and venture alone, with various strangers as guides, to find her sister. Disguised in the traditional female garb of some Islamic cultures, Christine continues her search in Afghanistan and Pakistan. 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.

Inspired by her own extensive travel throughout the region, Cheryl Howard Crew has written an unforgettable story with a strong determined heroine who rises powerfully from the pages of this novel.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

A California exotic goods importer embarks on a perilous rescue mission through India, Pakistan and Afghanistan in this vibrant, adventure-filled debut by the wife of film director Ron Howard. When Christine Shepherd's sister and business partner, Elizabeth, vanishes after a violent terrorist attack in India, Christine catapults herself into a world of warring tribal clans and the emerging Taliban. As Christine loses hope that Liz is alive, her desperate search becomes a vengeful hunt for the man responsible for the attack, terrorist Farrukh Ahmed. This unlikely but winning heroine, who's armed with an extensive knowledge of weaponry thanks to her relationship with "surrogate father" and retired FBI agent Cloid Dale, manages to survive everything from a series of horrific sexual assaults to a gut-wrenching parasitic illness. The story's greatest strength (and weakness) lies in its wide range of characters. Though some people are only sketchily described, Howard Crew uses most to compassionately reflect the region's religious and cultural diversity. Among the more interesting folks Christine encounters are Reggie Duke, a melanoma-spotted Aussie and retired SAS trooper with whom she develops a special camaraderie, and Mir Hasan, a mysterious gray-eyed Muslim with whom she falls passionately, if not convincingly, in love. The nonstop action and gripping plot twists should keep readers entranced. Agent, Mary Evans. (Apr.)

From Booklist

Crew's debut spans the genres of adventure, romance, and travelogue as she traces her heroine's trek through northwest India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. Sisters Liz and Christine Shepherd own a lucrative import business in California, and make frequent forays to the Middle and Far East to refresh their inventory. Just at the end of a trip, Liz disappears near an area rife with clan wars and rumors of foreign kidnappings. Christine vows to find her, despite being warned off her efforts by both the FBI and local Indian bureaucrats. Her harrowing journey takes her through both friendly and nonfriendly Indian provinces; she encounters drug and arms dealers, as well as the Taliban; she is raped, barely navigates a mine field with limbs intact, and eventually falls in love with her Muslim guide. Crew, married to director Ron Howard, traveled the area extensively, and the sights, sounds, and smells of this harsh land leap from every page. Several characters remain a bit sketchy, but Christine is vibrant and gutsy. Deborah Donovan
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 320 pages
• Publisher: St. Martin's Press; First Edition edition (March 24, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0312326483
• ISBN-13: 978-0312326487
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 6.2 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,115,529 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A female adventure story, May 12, 2005

By 

Aloura Charles "study bug" (Tallahassee, Florida) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: In the Face of Jinn: A Novel (Hardcover)

This story draws you in from the first chapter! It's so refreshing to read an adventure story with a strong female heroine- who's less than perfect, but spirited enough to win your heart and your undivided attention. The author's painstaking research has paid off in a vivid and realistic glimpse into the seldom seen world of India and the Middle East. The reader really feels swept into the story, experiencing the dangers and emotional trials along with the heroine. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes historical, adventure stories like MAIDEN VOYAGE or MEMOIRS OF A GEISHA.

7 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing!!!!, May 17, 2005

By 

Sarina A. Neer - See all my reviews
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This review is from: In the Face of Jinn: A Novel (Hardcover)

This book was one of the best I have read in a while! Her attention to detail, and the research that must have gone into this book is astounding.

I connected with Christine (the heroine) right from the start. She was such a realistic charatcter. I couldn't put the book down, out of fear of missing something.

I don't mean to give anything away, but a good tip would be to have a box of tissues ready for the end.

Keep writing more Cheryl! I can't wait for your next one, hopefully it won't take 9 years.

7 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great, page turner., April 27, 2005

By 

Kathleen Letscher "book lover" (Miami, FL) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: In the Face of Jinn: A Novel (Hardcover)

Cheryl Crew has painted such a vivid picture of her characters that you experience the journey right along with them.

Caught up in the mystery and threat of countries most of us only read about, Cheryl Crew immediately places us in the midst of danger. Preparing for the fate that lies ahead, Christine summons the strength and courage to forge ahead with a vengeance in search of her sister.

In the Face of Jinn is one of the best page turners I have ever read. The author's research and travels to Afghanistan, India and Pakistan provide us with a feeling for these countries and an insight into the people. The setting will captivate you. The characters and universal themes of loss, a search for truth, and a yearning for love will definitely touch your heart.

Man or woman alike, this book is well worth the read.