A good conspiracy thriller can be it's own reward when it's a well-written. One set in exotic locals that's been written lyrically can transport a reader from a drab, cookie-cutter breakroom to Istanbul and beyond. The Sultan of Byzantium isn't my typical type of reading, but I certainly did enjoy it.
http://www.bookspotcentral.com/2013/11/21/the-sultan-of-byzantium-by-selcuk-altun-review/