Second in a series

Finished January 10
The Snake Stone by Jason Goodwin
As the subtitle indicates, investigator Yashim returns. For those of you who haven't read the first book in this series, The Janissary Tree, I highly recommend it. (It's not just me, it won an Edgar!) Yashim is a eunuch, previously part of the sultan's household who was granted his freedom many years ago. He still has a good relationship with the Valide Sultan (mother of the sultan) and visits her. The sultan has moved out of Topkapi Palace to his new palace, Besiktas, but many things still center on Topkapi and the Sultanhamnet area.
Yashim's vegetable seller friend has been attacked and badly injured. Shortly thereafter, the bookseller that he often goes to is killed. When a Frenchman who has befriended Yashim is found dead, Yashim investigates what is going on as a defence of having the blame resting on him. He consults with his friend, the Polish ambassador, Palewski and finds that his household is also involved in what is happening.
This is a great story, every bit as good as the first book, and again has a bit of a romance present. Yashim's friends are varied and interesting and many make their appearance again here.

A Historical Mystery with a unique setting

Finished June 6
The Janissary Tree by Jason Goodwin
This mystery is set in 1830s Istanbul, with a eunuch as the detective. Yashim Togalu is a trusted friend of the sultan's mother, the valide. He has been summoned by the seraskier, the commander of the sultan's troops to investigate the disappearance of four young officers. He is also summoned by the valide to investigate the murder of a girl in the harem and the disappearance of the valide's Napoleonic jewels. He works at investigating both, and starts focussing on the Janissaries when the officers bodies start appearing with clues relating to Janissary methods.
Ten years before this the sultan had routed the Janissaries, who policed not only the city but also were spread around the empire. While many were killed, many more went into other professions and Yashim begins to wonder if they have regrouped and are planning a revolution.
Yashim receives assistance from several of his friends including the ambassador of Poland and Preen, a dancer transvestite. He also gets help from the Russian ambassador's wife, an archivist, and a new friend from his neighbourhood.
I found the history of Istanbul that was included here very interesting, without feeling that it was forced in. The characters were interesting and Yashim's own feelings and thoughts brought to life very well. The details that were included were pertinent to the plot and yet interesting in their own right as well. I will definitely be hoping for a second book featuring Yashim.