Step into the gritty, vibrant streets of East London with the Hakim and Arnold series, where a dynamic detective duo tackles crime amidst a melting pot of cultures! Written by Barbara Nadel, this gripping mystery series blends heart-pounding investigations with deep dives into cultural identity, religious extremism, and urban life. If you love crime fiction that’s as thought-provoking as it is thrilling, Mumtaz Hakim and Lee Arnold’s adventures are your next obsession.
Unlike typical detective tales, this series stands out for its bold exploration of modern London’s diverse communities. From the legacy of the 2012 Olympics to the tensions of coexisting cultures, Nadel crafts a world that feels raw, real, and utterly captivating. Ready to unravel the mysteries with this unlikely pair? Let’s dive in!
How Hakim and Arnold Began
Barbara Nadel, a London-born author with a knack for weaving exotic settings into crime fiction, launched the Hakim and Arnold series in 2012. Best known for her Inspector Ikmen novels set in Istanbul, Nadel turned her lens to her hometown’s East End, inspired by its rich multicultural tapestry. A psychology graduate and former mental health advocate, she infused her stories with authentic human struggles and societal insights. The series was born from Nadel’s desire to explore London’s evolving identity through the eyes of two contrasting detectives: Lee Arnold, a gruff ex-soldier, and Mumtaz Hakim, a hijab-wearing Muslim widow with a sharp mind.
The Heart of Hakim and Arnold
The series kicks off with A Private Business (2012), set during the 2012 London Olympics. Lee and Mumtaz are hired to protect a comedian stalked by a sinister figure, uncovering a web of religious fanaticism and crime in Newham’s diverse streets. In An Act of Kindness (2013), the duo investigates a homeless soldier’s murder, exposing organized crime and secrets tied to a secretive lawyer. Poisoned Ground (2014) sees Mumtaz go undercover in a psychiatric hospital to clear a nurse accused of terrorism, tackling issues like patient abuse and cultural prejudice. Enough Rope (2015) dives into a kidnapping case, revealing tensions between East End gangsters and the ultra-wealthy.
Nadel’s storytelling shines through her vivid portrayal of East London’s cultural mosaic. Themes of religious extremism, from jihadist recruitment to far-right ideologies, are handled with nuance, never preaching but always probing. Mumtaz’s identity as a Muslim woman navigating Islamophobia and community expectations adds depth, while Lee’s gritty pragmatism grounds the narrative. The urban setting—bustling Brick Lane, trendy Shoreditch, gritty Newham—becomes a character itself, reflecting London’s beauty and brutality.
The series’ style is both accessible and layered, blending fast-paced plots with social commentary. Fans praise its realistic dialogue and complex characters, though some note its darker, occasionally grim tone compared to Nadel’s lighter Istanbul tales. Yet, this rawness is what makes Hakim and Arnold unforgettable.
Why Hakim and Arnold Resonates
The Hakim and Arnold series has carved a niche in crime fiction by fearlessly tackling contemporary issues. Its portrayal of multicultural London resonates with readers who see their own communities reflected in its pages. Mumtaz, in particular, breaks stereotypes as a strong, independent Muslim woman, earning praise for challenging mainstream narratives. The series’ exploration of social fractures—poverty versus wealth, tradition versus modernity—strikes a chord in today’s polarized world.
While not as widely known as Nadel’s Ikmen series, Hakim and Arnold has a loyal following, with fans on Goodreads and Amazon lauding its authenticity and bold themes. Its influence lies in its ability to humanize complex issues, making it a must-read for those craving crime fiction with a conscience. With nine books, the latest being The East Ham Golem (2025), the series continues to evolve, cementing Nadel’s reputation as a perceptive chronicler of modern life.
- Publication Years: 2012–2025
- Number of Books: 9
- Setting: East London
- Genre: Crime/Mystery
Grab A Private Business and dive into Hakim and Arnold’s thrilling, thought-provoking world! Whether you’re a mystery buff or a fan of stories that mirror real life, this series will keep you hooked from page one.