Halfway through the False Idols serialized story (there are 11 episodes total). I'm enjoying it still, but I think I'll switch to the collected edition, so I can binge-read the rest in one go.

If you're a fan of FBI/mystery/globetrotting thrillers, then I think you'll enjoy this. The writing is a little uneven over the course of the book, but that's likely just because of the multiple authors bringing their own stylistic quirks to the story and characters.

Thanks to netgalley.com and Serial Box for the advance copy for my honest review.

"Ties That Bind", is the sixth installment of a series that, will total 11 episodes, that makes up False Idol, Season 1 and the author varies with each episode.

Just gobsmacked by all these rich collector's with who don't seem too have neither camera's or a security system protecting their collection. Seems weird that Kyoshi Tanaka has pieces of his collection in glass, then his desk and files are locked up.

Did find it interesting when she accepts Alberto invite to check out a illegal dig site, that he obtained satellite imagery, identified one of the people at the site and realized that a Muharib backed group of thieves stealing artifacts.

Layla also reunites with her brother and sister, meets her nephew and the attempted effort by her siblings to make her relationship better with her mom.

This one is a nice change of pace from the last couple of episodes.

The Series didn't really hook in me so I won't be reading the rest of them!

Thank you to Netgalley and Serial Box for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

Ties that bind picks up right after episode 5 ended. Layla finds herself on a private jet heading to Tanaka's vacation homes in Crete. Once inside, Tanaka becomes very handsy and Layla knows for sure she will not sleep with him for information. She tricks him into drinking something she made for him that she laced with ambien. And after he passes out, she begins her search around the home looking for incriminating evidence. Finding nothing, Layla remembered that the housekeeper that greeted them did not seem like she was very happy at her job. Layla got a few details out of the head cleaning lady that helped her investigation nicely. When Tanaka awakes to find Layla speaking to the help, he tries to apologize for passing out. Layla slaps him and makes him think he was more forward than he had already been. That gave me quite the chuckle and I cheered Layla on. Back in Cairo she met up with reporter Alberto and things did not go so well when they snuck upon an illegal dig and were caught. With quick thinking, Layla took the gun that Alberto brought along and shot their pursuer. Layla gained more information that night and from the Crete trip, but will it be enough to crack her investigation wide open?

4+ stars
The 6th installment of the False Idols serial continues where the last left off, with Layla avoiding the advances of Kyoshi Tanaka after going with him to his home in Crete. While there, after drugging Tanaka, she has found a frieze that was stolen indicating that Tanaka is likely linked to the terrorist network using stolen art as a cover for movement of arms.
Once back in Cairo, Layla gets invited by Alberto to investigate a nearby dig where satellite imagery indicates there is activity – likely thieves removing artifacts at night. The episode brings back memories for Layla of her growing up impoverished when she sees the thieves use a small boy to go into the rubble to extract artifacts in areas the larger men can’t and in the process almost getting buried alive.
In this episode, Layla is reunited by her brother with her sister she left years ago when Layla left her family to go to college. Layla also is reunited with her mother who hasn’t forgiven her for abandoning her family to go to college.
Really enjoyed this episode as it was different from the prior. Still rapid paced, but the focus turned more to Layla, her family and her relationships. It was a nice change of pace from the prior episodes.
Thank you NetGalley and publisher, Serial Box, for the opportunity to read this ARC.

I don't know where I've been but if the missions that Layla goes to are like the ones described in this book, then I'm all for that trip with her. She's brilliant, smooth and most of all she's got quite a lot to deal with when it comes to her family and her leaving them 11 years ago. I'd love to read the next mission and see where their journey with James leads them!
I'd recommend this if you are looking for some action, thrill and a bit of mystery to read in under 30 minutes!
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.