The Killing Curse

Omar Zagouri #4

by H.B. Moore

From USA Today bestselling author H.B. Moore comes the newest Omar Zagouri adventure from the Amazon bestselling historical thriller series.

Omar Zagouri should have known that the hunt for an ordinary art thief in London would end up being far from ordinary. Abducted and carted across several countries until he’s locked up in the middle of Jordan’s desert, Omar becomes the target of an underground crime organization that dates back to the Crusaders era. As Omar works to uncover the deadly secrets that connect centuries of deceit, he finds himself trying to prevent an honor killing from turning into another tragedy, while exposing the ancient crime organization for generations of lethal corruption.

More Omar Zagouri Thrillers:
Finding Sheba
Lost King
Slave Queen
First Heist (novella)
Beneath (short story)

Genres: Fiction, Historical Fiction, Ebooks, Mystery, Thriller, Action

450 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 2, 2017

About the author

Heather B. Moore is a USA Today bestselling author of more than seventy publications. She writes historical novels and thrillers under pen name H.B. Moore. She writes women's fiction, romance and inspirational non-fiction under Heather B. Moore. This can all be confusing, so her kids just call her Mom. Heather attended Cairo American College in Egypt, the Anglican School of Jerusalem in Israel, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Brigham Young University in Utah. Heather is represented by Dystel, Goderich, and Bourret.

Please join Heather's email list at: HBMoore.com/contact

Blog: MyWritersLair.blogspot.com

Website: HBMoore.com

Twitter: @heatherbmoore

Instagram: @authorhbmoore

Facebook: Heather B. Moore All About Books

Literary awards: 2019 Maggie Award Winner, 6-time Best of State Recipient for Best in Literary Arts, 4-time Whitney Award Winner, and 2-time Golden Quill Award Winner

Alternate Goodreads Page: Heather B. Moore

Reviews

[Tadiana ✩Night Owl☽ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked up this suspense thriller as a Kindle freebie a little while ago, but just got around to opening it up. Once I started reading, it was really tough to put down, so props for that! In this adventure from Moore's Omar Zagouri spy novel series, Aamira, a young woman from a prominent family of Al-Karak, Jordan who's been going to college in Britain, is in deep trouble (though she doesn't know it yet) from the very first chapter: Her father, a prideful and traditional man, has been having her watched and knows she's been sneaking out at night on dates with a man, when she's promised in marriage to her cousin. That's enough for Dad: he picks up the phone and orders an honor killing of his daughter, to take place when she returns to Al-Karak within the next ten days.

Meanwhile, Omar Zagouri is uneasy because his cousin Chad is dating Aamirah, and Omar knows that her family is involved in some high-profile art thefts that Omar's been investigating. He moves to confront Chad and Aamirah, thinking she must be aware her brother is an art thief, and ends up far more deeply involved than he ever would have guessed!

This modern timeline alternates with one from the year 1187, in the thick of the Crusades and the Europeans' battles with Saladin. This earlier timeline focuses on a young woman, Eleanor, who is the stepdaughter of Raynald of Châtillon, a French nobleman and prominent leader in the Crusades. Her mother was Stephanie of Milly, a wealthy heiress. (Raynald and Stephanie are actual historic people, although Eleanor is fictional). Eleanor is supposed to obediently become engaged to a nobleman, Azzo, but she meets a handsome Muslim warrior while she's sneaking out of the castle for a walk. Of course, there are links between Eleanor's story and the one set in modern times.

Though this is part of a series, it works fine as a stand-alone read. There were a few slower parts, and a few eyebrow-raising coincidences, and the novel didn't have quite the depth I would have liked. It's a little lightweight, PG rated. So it's a bit of a soft 4 stars for me. But overall it was a compelling story, and I learned a lot about a rather obscure historic time and place. The whole honor killing tradition is such a terrible one that still continues today. Props to Heather Moore for taking it on in this novel.

[Julie Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Talk about edge of your seat and heart pounding action. I love this series! Each book is power packed with lots of action, suspense, history and romance. I love how the author weaves together the historical aspects with the modern story to create a fantastic read. I honestly was holding my breath during several moments of this book. The chapters switch between Omar, Aamira and Eleanor(Nadia) and as much as I hate jumping ahead because I don't want to skip any details.....I jumped several chapters ahead to find out what came next for one character. I just read the first paragraph and thought, phew she's safe, then turned back to where I was in the book. But once I reached the chapter where I thought the character was safe, ahhhhhhh, I was completely thrown for a loop! Don't make any assumptions until the very end of the book!

The opening scenes in each of the books in this series grab your attention and hook you into the story where you are on edge watching for certain characters and what is going to happen to them. I keep starting to type out some info about a character and then find myself quickly erasing it because everything that I want to say leads into a spoiler and this is a book you don't want spoiled! I want to tell you about Aamira but everything I start to say leads into that spoiler I was talking about. I will tell you that's she's been away at University in England and is scheduled to go home with her father right away. From there it's just this interconnected, nonstop, reveal after reveal that unravels some of the best laid plans and hidden secrets.

Omar, well Omar is the same Omar that we love from the other books(I'm assuming you've read the other books and know about his reckless but smart but crazy stunts-if you haven't well that pretty much sums him up, but he's so much more than that). I really like Omar's character. He's witty, shows emotion, is very devoted, cares for others, a great protector, smart and just crazy(good crazy). If you've read the other books, I have one word for you...Helicopter. That's Omar for you! If you haven't read the other books, you're in for some fun with whichever book you pick up first.

Eleanor's historical story was sooooooooo GOOD! I know it's historical fiction but I love how the author can create characters or bring to life historical figures and write their stories in such a way that endears them to us readers(me especially). I kept hoping that there was a different outcome in parts of Eleanor's story. Near the beginning the modern characters talk about her life in a very brief synopsis type way. So you know going into the unveiling of Eleanor, and the further delving into her life what is coming. But I kept wishing it could change just a little. Even with that wish, it still was very well written and kept me excited waiting for her chapters.

Very well written, great characters, perfect intensity, fantastic read!!! I highly recommend this book and this series to anyone who enjoys a historical fiction with lots of action and some romance. Being part of a series, I would recommend reading them in order but if you haven't and just want to dive into this one, I think you'd be fine. The author writes it in such a way that you're not getting a whole overview of previous books but enough little tidbits scattered throughout to know backstories of the main characters from the series.

Content: Clean. Some violence including war in the ancient chapters with some executions, men fighting, modern chapters have gun fights, tribal wars and fast paced chases, but nothing graphic. Romance wise some kissing and a fade to black scene with a married couple.

I received a copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

Happy Reading!!!

[Aimee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Man, I am such a fan of Heather Moore. I swear she can write any genre fantastically. This is probably one of my favorite series from her. I love the edge of your seat, fast paced nature of these thrillers. I would recommend reading them in order just because there is a progression to the relationship between Omar and Mia that happens slowly throughout this series. If you don't much care about that side of things (which is honestly such a minimal part of the plot) then I think you can read these book in any order and be happy.

One of my favorite things about this book (and the others in this series) is that it has two stories in one. You have the modern day thriller going on- edge of your seat, action packed, full throttle- and in between you have a story from long, long ago. Usually the stories from long ago are a bit less edge of your seat and more personal- full of rich history and intense emotion. The two stories always connect together and it just makes the book so fantastic. I love the different feel to each side.

Omar is smart and edgy. He's always in the middle of some dangerous game and sometimes it looks like there is no way out. I love Omar's instincts and the way he always gets the job done. Nothing comes easy for Omar.

I blew through this book so quickly. I couldn't put it down. It was full on from start to finish- heart pounding and exciting. The story was so good!

Content: Violence, frequent mild swearing (which I didn't love), mentions of a couple living together and having a sexual relationship but it's nothing more than a mention.

- I received a copy of this book from the author. A positive review was not required and all opinions expressed are my own.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this book the other day and picked it up just to start the first chapter or two at the most. Yeah right! I couldn't put it down. Before I realized it I was on chapter 7 and it was getting really late. I tried really hard to pace myself but it is so hard with a book this good. It is really hard to write reviews for this series because I don't want to include any spoilers. I will keep it simple.

The Killing Curse in now my favorite in the series. It was fantastic. I love the characters. I love that the stories in this series always have a fictional historical story intertwined. It was kinda funny because I was so into the modern day story that I was almost disappointed when it switched to the historical. Almost. Until of course I started reading the historical. Moore has a way a weaving two intricate stories that build off each other and pop off the page. I love that the story is fast paced, full of action, great amount of intensity, and then a little romance. I never know what's coming.
Moore did amazing introducing awareness about 'honor killings'. I had not ever heard of this before and was quite surprised to learn this was heavily practiced in the past but more startling is that it still happens today.

The only thing I wish could have been added is the poetry/scroll of Nadia. But I appreciate that the author allows the reader to imagine.

I am still enjoying the high of an exceptional story several days later. I was recommending it to family before I was halfway through! Love this series and hope Moore continues to write about Omar and Mia.

Other notes:
This book is clean.
I counted 5 incidents of profanity (the "f" word was not used).
The romance is simple. Several small kisses. One kiss with a little building heat. One fade out moment between a married couple.
Non graphic Violence - modern day fighting, gun fights, tribal wars, kidnapping

I received a free copy for my honest review.

[Mara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh. My. Goodness. How does Heather Moore write such complex stories? This is the latest in the Omar Zagouri thriller series and I think it's the most action packed of them all. For those who are new to the series they usually have 3 storylines--2 in the present going on in different parts of the Middle East (or wherever he and Mia are) that are tied together, and 1 in ancient times which connects with the present day storyline. The way Heather Moore does this makes for great storytelling.
Omar's in London trying to mix business--training a new agent, Joseph Bar, and bring down notorious art thief, Ehan Sayid, with pleasure--attending his cousin's (Chad) graduation from college, all in one weekend. Oh Omar, you should know better. It seems as if trouble follows you around. With all the action--shooting, a kidnapping, even rocket launchers I'm surprised Omar is still alive. Of course Mia's there to save his rear a couple of times.
Aamira is one of the main characters. There's not much I can say about her without having to post a spoiler alert. She's from Al Karak, Jordan and has been in London attending college where she met Chad, Omar's nephew, but goes back to Jordan after their graduation. I'd love a follow up book or novella about Aamira.
Eleanor's (Nadia) story is told from ancient Karak starting about 1187 A.D. and takes place during the Crusader wars. Her step-father was Raynald of Chatillon, leader of the Christian Crusaders and her mother was Stephanie of Milly, a wealthy French heiress. Eleanor's birth father was Humphrey III, Lord of Toron who died when she was a young girl. Her story is incredible. Her life took a completely different turn from what she thought it would be or planned it to be, not once, but twice in just a matter of months.
This is a fast paced story and I couldn't stop reading it; I wanted to see what was going to happen next to Aamira, Eleanor (Nadia) and Omar. As soon as I thought someone was safe, things changed. The characters are great and become real to me as I'm reading. I can't wait for Omar's next adventure.

[Pascale’s*ARC,Unwind,Read,Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

Non-stop, Heart-pounding Action!

I love this series. I get so into the storyline that I find myself getting tense and saying, "Don't do it!" I had to hold myself back from jumping ahead and finding out what happened to Aamira and Nadia. I was on tenterhooks from the first page to the end! I love this genre of suspense and clean romance. There is a bit of swearing in this book but it is used sparingly and infrequently. This is a full-length novel. It is very fast-paced and the characters are engaging and realistic. This book would make a great movie! I really enjoyed the element of mixing the two stories of the past and the present, which shows the genealogy and the link between the two. I had a hard time putting the book down. I highly recommend this book. An enthusiastic two thumbs up and 5 stars! I can only hope that the story does not end here but that it will continue...

[Lucinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent book in this series.

Every time I read one of these I think it's the best yet, but this one really is. Who else can weave 3 love stories in one book, historical and contemporary, so well done?

And it's about time! That's all I'll say.

[Lisa Paskins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, I’ve already admitted to a crush on Omar Zagouri in a previous review. He doesn’t always say the right things, wear the right clothes or come away from his adventures unscathed but he does do it all with his own kind of swagger and bravado and you just have to swoon. This novel comprises three different stories. Omar, and Aamira are current, modern day. Eleanor (Nadia) is from a time long past that still has relevance because of what is happening in modern day. Deadly secrets carry over from the crusaders era and the machinations of an ancient crime organization are threatening Omar and the people he loves.
Reading this book will broaden your perspective and give you a micro view of a completely different culture. You are immersed in tribal wars and antiquated practices. You can smell the exotic foods, and feel the heat rising from the desert sand. You can sense the desperation of people trapped between two different cultures.
Each of the three stories is action packed and has your heart beating out of your chest. You will experience history, romance, suspense and action and you will root out loud for the good guys, that’s Omar. Expect him to blow something up, crash something and narrowly escape. This is a well written novel with very developed characters that come to life.
I received a copy from the author in exchange for a fair review.

[Lisa Shepherd · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the mix of past and present day characters and how their stories intertwined. The storylines alone were enough to grab me from the start and keep me wanting to read more, but reading and understanding more about "honor killings" and their history—and the fact that they're still happening today—added even more intrigue for me. (I especially liked the author's notes at the end.) I always appreciate a book where I can be entertained but also learn something, and this definitely did that.

[Shantel Clemons · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Killing Curse killed it

Another great adventure with Omar Zagouri! This guy is resourceful. The author has written and entwined historical data into a descriptive present day narrative that will keep the reader wanting more. I have all the books in this series so far, and I have enjoyed reading them all.

[Pattisue · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Bloody portrayals of violence, murder, and war. Brief language.
This heart stopping thriller kept me up all night. I could not put it down until I reached the conclusion. Moore has the uncanny ability to immerse the reader into the world she creates. Omar and Mia come to the rescue of Aamira Sayid and cousin Chad. Controversial topics of honor killings, family betrayals, and arranged marriages are handled with sensitivity and finesse. I was completely transported to the Middle East—the customs, traditions, the blistering heat and the raw beauty of the desert. This is not a pretty romance. It is rough and raw and real. Scenes of devastation, brutality, murder, and war, fill these pages. “It seemed they’d created a female member of the family who was too smart for their own good. And now she was paying the ultimate price. At least the family tradition of control over her would end with her death.” Tribal covenants and lawlessness are the common themes between the two stories. The mesmerizing blend of historical and contemporary stories is brilliantly presented. Another startling addition to the Omar Zagouri series.
“Do not fear tomorrow when you must live today.”
*I received a copy of this story from the author. All opinions are uniquely my own.

[Mindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intriguing and quite the thriller. This book had me at the edge of my seat (well, bed)! I couldn't put it down.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Is there any genre Heather Moore CAN’T write about? She is amazing at keeping my interest while teaching many historical lessons. I love your books Heather.

[Melissa’s Bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this fourth book in the Omar Zagouri series. I like this series because it usually is focused on a relic from the past and the author goes back and forth between telling the modern day story and also the story behind the relic. In this story, there are a series of paintings and poems about Nadia who was the wife of Saladin's son, who lived during the times of the Crusades. A modern day crime family who descends from Saladin is trying to obtain the paintings and poems to preserve the honor of their family. As Omar tries to prevent the theft of these paintings, he discovers that the daughter of this family is in danger of being the victim of an honor killing. The honor killings have been going on in this family for centuries.

It's a surprisingly fast read filled with action and adventure. I was drawn into Eleanor/Nadia's story and found myself hurrying through the modern day to get to the story from the Crusades. Looking forward to Omar's next adventure.

[Nashellej · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omar Zagouri has got to be my new favorite super hero. He is a real guy with real problems who does real things. Ok, the rocket launcher introduced in the book was a little crazy, but I chalk it up to adrenaline. ;) It was totally acceptable and I loved it.

In each Omar Zagouri thriller, Moore seemlessly transitions between different points of view of characters both in modern and ancient times. The Killing Curse was no different. Switching between the events happening now with Omar vs ancient times with Eleanor(Nadia) helps to heighten the tension, the excitement, and keep the story moving effectively through the book as comparisons and connections are made.

This book handles a couple of difficult topics that were very well-handled by Moore, bringing awareness and thought to something that effects more people in this world than we know.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!! I was caught up in the intrigue with the first chapter. Then continued to ignore my kids so I could finish it. Very suspenseful. Loved the history in it. Opened my eyes to honor killings. Great book!

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This thriller is edgy and will leave the reader enthralled, quickly turning page after page.

Read full review in the 2017 September issue of InD'tale Magazine.

[Marcella · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't think I have read an action filled book as this one for awhile. The author's note of knowledge brings change certainly hit home for me. I must admit that I was never aware of the continued use of "honor killings" in today's world.
This should be a required reading for every teenage girl if for no other reason than to make them aware of the importance of the love of a caring family and the strength many woman display in times of turmoil. The author does an outstanding job of providing a realistic environment for all her characters throughout history.
I certainly will be reading more books by H.B. Moore, especially more of the Omar Zagouri Thriller series . . . And this is a reach for me as I am more of a foodie, cozy mystery reader and have stayed away from thrillers. No more. H.B. Moore you have opened a new door of reading for me. This books is outstandingly well written, exciting while believable. A definite recommendation.

[Jacque · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honor killings go back in history as far back as the twelfth century to a more recent time in 2016.  "The Killing Curse" is another well researched novel by H.B. Moore that will have you stunned that men would murder female members of their own families for perceived activities that brought dishonor to them. Aamira is about to find out the price she would pay for falling in love with Chad, who she met in college, because she had been promised to another not of her choosing.  Aamira discovers that several women in her family have died from mysterious causes, most recently her aunt.  Aamira does her own investigating and discovers an awful truth about her aunt's death and the cover-up that followed. 


This is a story I just couldn't put down.   

[Donna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Educational

This is actually a good book and well worth reading. I had no idea that such an archaic practice existed. While the story has several love stories evolving we get a glimpse into the past, traditions, religion, and evil that is very much alive today. I found the point of view of a Muslim very enlightening and in the zealots very frightening. I am grateful to have received knowledge and better understanding of other faiths. This is a fast paced story of intrigues, romances, history, and beliefs that riled my sense of justice... but is too deep for this "Happily Ever After" fluff reader to put on my must read again list.

[Angi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this one hard to follow at first. I'm not as familiar with the history of the middle east as I am egypt or other places the Omar Zagouri novels have taken place. Because of this lack of knowledge I read the first chapter or so and found myself disinterested. It took me a year or so to come back to it. when I got past the initial beginnings of the Eleanor/Nadia story then the book sucked me in. It was not a disappointment. Action packed until the end. Can't wait for the next one in the series!

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this next installment in the Omar Zagouri series. Omar attends his cousins’ graduation from college in London England and realizes that his cousins’ girlfriend is from the Sayid family of Al Karak, Jordan, sister of Ehan Sayid, a suspected art thief. The story deals with honor killings, a very sad subject but Omar is such a fascinating character and the plot moves quickly. I love the parallels between present day and history. So well written! Another great Omar Zagouri novel!

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the fourth book in the Omar Zagouri series. It brought to light the horrible practice of honor killings. I have learned a lot about the Middle East and have enjoyed learning about the people and customs, past and present. It is definitely a thriller with some romance to balance out the action. Another winner from H.B. Moore.

I received an ARC in exchange for a honest review.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Killing Curse

Honor killings, the murder of a family member for allegedly violating the family 's code of honor, is an ancient practice that still occurs when enough numbers to be frightening. This novel alternates between today and the ancient Middle East telling the stories of two female members of the same family as they are faced with this custom. Very enjoyable reading.

[Catherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

A well written blend of modern day adventure and history of the crusades.
I enjoyed the historical part but adventure books are not really very enjoyable for me. The interesting feature of this story was the theme of honour killings.If you like adventure with guns and helicopters then this would be a good read for you.

[Hyrum Littlefield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two thumbs up!

Heather Moore is one of my favorite authors and I love her Omar Zagouri series. They are so action packed and the characters are the best. I also learn a lot about ancient history. Just really fun to read.

[Holly Bennett · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

I cared about the characters. A thriller incorporating a foreign service, global travel, a history of war between Muslims and Christians, today and years ago, wrapped up in honor killings.

[Janene · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a read

I am always amazed at the in depth research that Moore puts into her novels. The historical stories are fascinating and enlightening. Omar Zagouri and Mari are always in an interesting adventure. I highly recommend this book .

[Kathy Floyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

An outstanding book.

I found myself reading during the day, not just at night, to find out what was happening. I liked being able to feel the curse during ancient times as well as the present. Great writing.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

great blend of stories

I really enjoyed this book and how it combined two different timeframes/eras into one story. I think I liked the historical story more than the contemporary story.