The Bellini Card--A Novel

December 8, 2008
Near the start of Edgar-winner Goodwin's fine third historical to feature the eunuch Yashim, who serves the Ottoman rulers of early 19th-century Turkey (after 2008's The Snake Stone
), Yashim's close friend Stanislaw Palewski, the Polish ambassador to the Turkish sultan, accepts an undercover assignment on the sultan's behalf. Posing as an American, the diplomat travels to Venice in an effort to locate a portrait of Mehmet the Conqueror (who reclaimed Constantinople from the Christians in 1453), painted by the legendary artist Gentile Bellini. Fortunately for Palewski, Yashim, who has a secret plan for the painting's recovery, intervenes in time to set the mission on the right track after the murder of two art dealers. While Yashim initially plays a backstage role, the eunuch and a shadowy power broker engage in an exciting and complex duel of wits in the book's final quarter. Once again, Goodwin skillfully blends deduction, action sequences and period color.

Third in the Yashim the Detective series, Goodwin's latest offering should appeal to historical fiction and mystery lovers alike. Set during the Ottoman Empire, with Istanbul and Venice providing the backdrop, this tale teams with exotic characters with dubious motives. When the sultan asks the detective to acquire a famous painting rumored to be available in Venice, Yashim sends his friend Pawlewski to investigate. Stephen Hoye's narration is superb--his pacing and accents are wonderfully executed. His creation of distinctive, memorable characters is further enhanced by his seemingly effortless transitions between voices. Filled with eccentric personalities with curious names, the story is a bit confusing at times. Still, it's a pleasure to listen to Hoye's performance. M.H.N. (c) AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

Starred review from October 1, 2009
In his third mystery to feature eunuch detective Yashimfollowing "The Snake Stone" (2007), also available from Tantor MediaEdgar Award winner Goodwin (www.jasongoodwin.net) has the investigator for the Ottoman Court traveling to Venice, where murders obscure his hunt for a portrait. Audie Award winner Stephen Hoye ("Rich Dad, Poor Dad") handles the multiple accents and voices with ease. Fans of Jenny White's Kamil Pasha mysteries and Caleb Carr's detailed historical novels will love this superb foray into another time and place, in which Goodwin integrates 19th-century history with a fine mystery; highly recommended to readers of both. ["To be savored," read the review of the Farrar hc, "LJ" 1/09.Ed.]Janet Martin, Southern Pines P.L., NC

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