The Sultan's Wife by Jane Johnson

Set in 17th-century Morocco, The Sultan's Wife tells the story of two people imprisoned in the court of the maniacal Sultan Moulay Ismail. Nus-Nus, the son of an African chief, is slave and scribe to the sultan; Alys Swann is an Englishwoman captured at sea and imprisoned in the harem. Though Alys' unique beauty and Nus-Nus' worldly experience intrigue the sultan and make them his favourites, they live in fear of his lethal temper and his vicious wife's manipulations. A captivating read that has something for everyone: mystery, adventure, sex, history and romance.

The Sultan's Wife, Jane Johnson, $23.