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William Le Queux (1864 - 1927) was an Anglo-French journalist and writer, diplomat, traveller, flying buff and wireless pioneer who broadcast music from his own station long before radio was generally available. He was phenomenally successful as a novelist and short story writer, and many of his tales are based on his own exploits, albeit vastly exaggerated.

William Le Queux (1864 - 1927) was an Anglo-French journalist and writer, diplomat, traveller, flying buff and wireless pioneer who broadcast music from his own station long before radio was generally available. He was phenomenally successful as a novelist and short story writer, and many of his tales are based on his own exploits, albeit vastly exaggerated.

Hugh Trethowen, deep in debt and readying himself to flee from his creditors, is saved by the news that his older brother is dead and he has just inherited his family’s fortune. Not long after, he becomes acquainted with Mademoiselle Dedieu and falls in love with her. Hugh is intent on marrying her, against the staunch advice of his friend John Egerton. Though both Valérie and John think they have successfully kept Hugh in the dark about their secrets, fate intervenes and Hugh uncovers evidence that tips him off to his fiancée’s unsavory past.

Originally published in 1897, The Eye of Istar follows Zafar-Ben-A’Ziz on his return from London to his home in Omdurman, Sudan. While traveling through the Sahara, Zafar is taken prisoner by the “Veiled Men of the Desert”, and it is at the start of his imprisonment that he meets Azala, a Sultan’s daughter. They fall in love, and Zafar is determined to free Azala from her isolated life in a harem. But he soon discovers a dark power connected to a mysterious mark shared by the pair that complicates his mission.