The Snake Stone -- Jason Goodwin

The initial question is, “Does the second book in the Investigator Yashim series live up to the brilliant promise of The Janissary Tree?” The answer is a resounding, “Yes!” For me, the author Jason Goodwin is just hitting his stride with this book. He is more comfortable the second time around; he has become a part of nineteenth century Istanbul and has adapted well to the format of fiction.

This second book in the series, The Snake Stone, establishes what we can expect in the future vis-à-vis Yashim’s personality, and his supporting cast of characters. Many devices of my favorite classic murder mysteries are incorporated: the suave detective with refined culinary skills, an extensive knowledge of art, history, and language. Even though he is a eunuch, he is tempted by beautiful women and teased by their kisses. This is one of life’s problems for Yashim. Of course, he gets beat up at times, like all detectives, and faces near-death situations. Others die around him, mysteriously, otherwise it wouldn’t be a detective story.

I think the period chosen by Goodwin, mid 19th-century, late thirties specifically was an ideal era. 1839 marks the beginning of the decline of the Ottoman Empire (ending with the Crimean War). Things were quiet in the English speaking world of the 30’s: Great Britain was consolidating its empire; the U.S. was likewise quietly consolidating under Jackson, then Van Buren, and then Tyler. Historically, it’s just a generation or two out of reach: recognisable, but quaint. Most important, though, is that these years were a wonderful vantage point from which to jump back in history, hundreds and hundreds of years; and Constantinople was still a major hub of political, commercial, and cultural activity. Constantinople was a pivot point for western history: Troy, Byzantium, Constantinople, Istanbul; each has had a significant impact on our western heritage and history.

It is with Yashim’s ruminations about previous empires and peoples, going back centuries where the reader experiences the magic ingredient that makes this series more than just another whodunit. Author Goodwin captures the flavour of the city and its peoples without sounding like a travelogue or page from WikiPedia. He stirs his blend with the artistic flair of a master chef, with a seasoned talent for evoking the sights, sounds, and smells of this great city.
Beneath the historian is a poet.