The Prophet Murders

July 28, 2008
Set in modern Istanbul and narrated by a nameless transvestite, this first in Somer's Hop-Çiki-Yaya series is a strange blend of blithe and bloody, more about atmosphere than the mystery itself. A serial killer is murdering transvestites, and the narrator, who kick-boxes for fun and owns part of a nightclub, decides to investigate when police commissioner Selçuk Tanyer and his staff are unable to solve the killings. Cute dialogue and breezy descriptions undercut the seriousness of the crimes, even as the author strives to make a statement about Turkey's treatment of the transvestite community. While the resolution may be pat and the more graphic elements unsettling, the interesting narrator and exotic elements of Turkish culture will appeal to many readers.

September 15, 2008
Translated from Turkish, this intriguing first novel is set almost entirely within the transvestite community of modern-day Istanbul. Our unnamed protagonist, a leading member of her community, owner of a nightclub, and a computer-security specialist, becomes concerned about the safety of her girls when they start dying seemingly accidental deaths. It is only when she makes the connection between the girls original male names (all prophets) and the manner of their deaths (also biblical) that she concludes a transvestite serial killer is on the loose. The police are skeptical but do eventually help out, sharing information from their investigations, but the narrator learns more using her Internet connections and natural flair for investigation. The engaging story moves along quickly and smoothly, leading to an exciting (and dangerous) climax in which the killer is confronted. Recommended for larger mystery collections and for all GLBTQ collections (for its in-depth view of life in a transvestite community).(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2008, American Library Association.)