Paperback: The Sirens of Baghdad, by Yasmina Khadra

Once an Algerian anti-terrorist officer, now living in Provence, "Yasmina Khadra" has delivered a salvo of sharply plotted, searingly written political thrillers set on the front lines of jihadi Islam and the West. Here, an Iraqi village lad is radicalised by the brutality of US troops. Drawn into the equally cruel and mad insurgency in Baghdad, he finds his final target lies in – London. Empathy and excitement mix, guided by an unfailing moral compass.