Product Description

A novel of death, detection and conspiracy in 19th-century Istanbul - the first of a series of thrillers featuring Yashim, the Ottoman Detective.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1986 in Books
• Published on: 2007-06-07
• Binding: Paperback
• 352 pages

Sunday Telegraph, June 3 2007
This congenial murder mystery, blending historical scholarship and
deft characterisation, is upmarket crime fiction with a smile on its face.

The Times, June 2 2007
The richly detailed evocation of the period, which gives The
Janissary Tree such an authentic feel, is combined with a playful humour
and a hero unconventional enough to rival Boris Akunin's Erast Fandorin.

Independent on Sunday
'Goodwin has created a subtle character that deserves to endure.'

Customer Reviews

Somehow doesn't quite hit the mark
Much like some of your other recent reviewers, I was expecting to really enjoy this book but it was just so slow. I see that Jason Goodwin is a historian originally and this reads exactly like a history book of 19th century Istanbul with a bit of a story layered on top. The atmosphere and history are indeed fascinating but I'd had enough by the middle of the book and I think he needs to up his pace a little (or a lot!). An interesting idea for a central character however and definite potential for the future.

Turkish Delight
Let me start by saying this is a jolly good read - and a great book to take on holiday to a Turkish beach, especially if you are off on a trip to Istanbul as part of your visit.

I read it within three days of starting it - I was quickly dragged into the story and the pace builds up to a nice `want to know' ending.

If you are 'into' the Historical detective story, this is almost as good as it gets. Plenty of historically accurate detail - the sort of `everyday detail' needed to spice up the story - food, clothing, buildings.

And the essential characters are there: The not quite accepted by anyone `detective'; the manipulative bad-guy; an exotic beautiful temptress; and a tart-with-a-heart with a difference (one of my favourite characters I have to say).

What this is is firmly `escapist' - but with a slightly educational twist - I did get a sense of what Istanbul must have been like, and a sense of the origins of the modern Turkish dilemma between secularism and tradition. If at times the writing felt too worthy, it only lasted a short time and we were soon back chasing fire-raisers through the seedy streets.

This is not Orhan Pamuk - but it isn't meant to be.

Pleasant but too slow paced
The story is slightly too convoluted for me, with a lot of political implications. The athmospheres of 19th century Istambul are fascinating, as is the central charachter, Yashim, yet I found the pace of the story a little too slow, and not as gripping as I was expecting.