HomeCrime FictionThe damascened blade

Cover of The damascened blade

Crime Fiction · 2003 · PG-13

The damascened blade

by Barbara Cleverly

The North-West Frontier, 1910 — and a body at a British fort.

For14+GenreCrime FictionLength306 pagesRead time~8 hours

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Content snapshot

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What's in this book, at a glance — five things readers want to know before they start.

Violence

Some

Colonial frontier violence; depicted seriously and historically

Language

Barely any

Mild language

Sexual Content

Some

Romantic tension in an isolated military setting

Substance Use

Barely any

Social drinking in a colonial context

Emotional Intensity

Some

The isolation of the frontier and the cross-cultural dynamics add psychological depth

What this book is about

Joe Sandilands travels to the rugged borderland between British India and Afghanistan, where the Pathan tribes hold power and the British maintain their presence by skill and nerve. When a murder occurs at a remote fort, Sandilands must investigate among soldiers, tribesmen, and a surprising gathering of women — each with their own stake in the outcome. The third Joe Sandilands novel is vividly atmospheric and morally complex.

Notes for sensitive readers

Reader-flagged moments and themes that may affect your experience.

Colonial frontier violence

Historical setting with moral complexity

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