As is well understood by anyone who has read 'Seven Pillars of Wisdom', by T.E. Lawrenc, whom most know as Lawrence of Arabia, the current situation in the Middle East is the result of the manoeuvres, double-dealing and interference of the British (the Kingmakers of the title) in this area. The novel is set in Tehran at precisely that time, with Reza Shah, the father of the future Shah later deposed by Khomeini, having gone through a coup d'état from Cossack commander to war minister and on his way to becoming king with the help of the British. The city is also swarming with spies because the Russians and Americans have their eyes on the oil-rich northern region of Persia in addition to the British. Against this backdrop moves a British spy, Malcolm, who dreams of retracing Lawrence's steps and becoming Malcolm of Persia: the man who single-handedly, with his capacity for intrigue, led the Russians and Americans out of the country, thus putting all power in the hands of Great Britain. Pebbles in the perfect cog of the intrigue become Ali, a local 14-year-old who works multiple jobs to support his family, and Rose, the nurse who has taken the boy's fate to heart and taught him English. In a game of multiple betrayals and early Jihādist calls, Malcolm's plan will have devastating consequences, for him and for the nation he serves.
An excellent historical novel, well-written and well-documented, which highlights to the reader the turmoil of the era and presents a detailed description of the peoples and settings. Only the character of Rose leaves some doubts, because her behaviour leads the reader to get the wrong idea of her, even making them think at some points that instead of a normal nurse she might herself be a spy. In the light of the facts, this confusion makes the novel somewhat less enjoyable.

In the shadow of the kingmakers by Vihad Imani tells some of the story of the post-WW1 countries’ geo-political maneuvering for control of Persia’s/Iran’s oil resources. Set in 1924 Tehran, the story revolves around the relationships between local Iranians such as young Ali who works at a restaurant and overhears spies manipulating each other, the British Embassy nurse who teaches him English in between his stints as a gardener and occasional waiter. A British spy/military officer is overheard manipulating an American into photographing a sensitive religious site in order to generate unrest with the locals. Locals also manipulate locals under the guise of being suitably religious or loyal to the government or the Cossacks who played a role in the newly-appointed prime minister…

At its core, this is the story of Ali, a young lad who had to leave school early despite his thirst for knowledge and the better life an education could bring him. His father’s early death means Ali must work menial jobs to support his mother and siblings. Ali is loyal to his father’s honour as a Cossack soldier and to Islam. He avoids being manipulated into protests but is accused anyway and locked away. The Embassy nurse takes on ambassadors and military generals, imploring them to fight to save Ali. But their careers, money and oil are more important to them.

This was a multi-layered story with many threads. I enjoyed its complexity and sense of reality.

Inspired by true events, this historical thriller will grab you from the first page and never let go. As British spy James Malcolm, American Rose Pearce, and young Ali navigate the treacherous landscape of post-World War I Tehran, their lives become intertwined in a web of espionage, international power struggles, and personal sacrifice. A gripping tale that will leave you breathless and hungry for more.

A gripping historical thriller that transports readers to the aftermath of World War I and the political turmoil of Tehran. Inspired by true events, the story follows James Malcolm, a ruthless British spy caught in a dangerous game of espionage. When an act of sabotage goes awry, James finds himself at the mercy of international forces, and the consequences are devastating.

Through vivid storytelling and meticulous attention to historical detail, the author paints a vivid picture of a tumultuous era.