In Istanbul, in the late 1590's, the Sultan secretly commissions a great book: a celebration of his life and his empire, to be illuminated by the best artists of the day - in the European manner. At a time of violent fundamentalism, however, this is a dangerous proposition. Any work of representational art is an affront to Islam. So for their own safety, the illustrious circle of artists are not allowed to know for whom they are working.

But when one of the miniaturists goes missing and is feared murdered, their Master has to seek outside help. Did the dead painter fall victim to professional rivalry, romantic jealousy or religious error? With the Sultan demanding an answer within three days, perhaps a clue lies somewhere in the half-finished pictures themselves . . .

Orhan Pamuk, Turkey's leading novelist, is a writer celebrated around the world. In My Name is Red he has fashioned a thrilling murder mystery which is also a dazzling meditation on love and artistic devotion.