Preorder at Uncivilized Books, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Penguin Bookshop.

Release date March 26

Available in two formats: softcover and hardcover

A feminist political mystery set in Istanbul during the 1995 elections tells the story of two broke students who witnessed an unusual death on a scuba diving expedition. As the case deepens, they become increasingly entangled with political corruption, religious pressure, and possibly murder.

They try to return to their every day, but their lives are increasingly entangled with the political corruption, religious pressure, and economic instability that results from their experience. Samanci says, "The autobiographically-inspired story I tell in Evil Eyes Sea emerged from my college years in Istanbul, my quirky friends, and my struggles with being a young woman in Turkey's male-centric culture. In this book, I share a window into a country where narrow political views limit personal power — a place that can be beautiful, but also cruel."

PRESS and REVIEWS

2024, May 5, New York Times Book Review

2024, May 4, Third Coast Review, Devony Hof, Review: In Evil Eyes Sea, Two Women Uncover a Mystery at the Heart of Turkish Culture: by Özge Samancı

2024, April 29, Publishers Weekly Evil Eyes Sea

2024, March 15, BookList Evil Eyes Sea

2024, Feb 27, The Beat  Graphic Novel Trailer: Scuba meets stone cold corruption in EVIL EYES SEA

“As entertaining as it is exposing, Samanci’s sophomore title is an exquisite, multilayered showpiece confronting gender inequity, religious manipulations, political corruption, and the gray zones of morals and ethics—gray zones necessary for survival.”—Booklist, STARRED REVIEW

“In this rambunctious murder mystery set in 1990s Turkey, Samancı (Dare to Disappoint) contrasts a playful and vibrant visual style with deadly serious themes.”—Publishers Weekly