THIS is a first attempt by a married couple. It is not bad but hopefully their next offering will be better edited.

Title: Blood Wedding

Author: PJ Brooke

Publisher: Robinson

The story meanders all over Spain, its setting, and is about the stereotypes that the Spanish and Muslims have about each other.

Part of Spain was once under Arab rule. The architecture, lifestyle, even the heat, reminds residents about their past rulers whom they eventually drove back to Arabia.

The modern influx of Muslims makes the Spanish uneasy and resentful. A series of suspicious racial crimes and fear of terrorism force the police to appoint a liaison officer, Inspector Max Romero.

He befriends some Muslim leaders in an effort to understand their culture.

A beautiful Anglo-Muslim girl Leila, who does not quite follow all the rules of her culture, is murdered.

A religious fanatic is suspected and the police mercilessly hound him to his death. Meanwhile, Romero, who is privy to some insider information, has his doubts.

He suspects that the boy might be innocent, but hiding incriminating knowledge of another crime. He follows certain tips which lead right to his own family.

Romero has to battle his colleagues who outrank him to arrive at the truth.

In the end, a terrorist plot is averted and Romero learns who was really behind the girl's murder.

A good thriller for a first attempt.