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Liked It1 of 1 members found this review helpful “SUMMARY: This book contains two novellas starring the detective Erast Petrovich. "The Jack of Spades" has Petrovich on the hunt for an unusually intelligent and high stakes con artist. In "The Decorator" Petrovich has met his match in Jack the Ripper who has traveled to Russia. |
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1 of 1 members found this review helpful
“SUMMARY: This book contains two novellas starring the detective Erast Petrovich. "The Jack of Spades" has Petrovich on the hunt for an unusually intelligent and high stakes con artist. In "The Decorator" Petrovich has met his match in Jack the Ripper who has traveled to Russia.
Kathy S wrote this review Wednesday, September 10 2008. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
APPEAL: I find Erast Petrovich to be a highly likable detective - he is smart, lucky, charming, and loves to don disguises. It is not necessary to read the other mysteries starring him to enjoy these two short tales (but they are recommended as well). The stories are suspenseful but most of the fun is in wondering just how Petrovich can possibly solve a particular case. Russia is always a wonderful backdrop and Akunin makes the most of it. Even the minor characters are well drawn and Erast's latest partner, Tulipov, is a wonderful addition.
SIMILAR BOOKS/AUTHORS: Agatha Christie - Akunin uses similar plot points and writing style. Inspector Porfiry Rostnikov mysteries by Stuart Kaminsky - if you enjoy that Russian flavor, try this fast paced series. The Inspector and Mrs. Jeffries series by Emily Brightwell - love the history but maybe want something a little more cozy? Try these on for size.
RECOMMENDED AUDIENCE: If you like a good mystery and don't mind a little literary flair, Erast Petrovich is a great main character.”
“This book is actually 2 novellas, if you will, containing two different stories.
quinnsmom wrote this review Monday, February 4 2008. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
In story #1, "The Jack of Spades," Fandorin is up against a clever con man whose calling card is the jack of spades. He leaves it behind when he has pulled off a very successful swindle, and things come to a head when an Englishman is swindled out of a huge amount of money that the government must repay. Enter our hero and his new assistant, Tulipov. This one was pretty light hearted and very enjoyable to read.
Story #2 is entitled "The Decorator," and Erast finds himself embroiled in a series of Jack the Ripper-type slayings in the world of prostitutes. This one is much more serious a read, but still a total delight to watch Fandorin at work.
Very, very good, and fans of Erast Fandorin will definitely not be disappointed. One could read this before the other books in the series, but my opinion is that starting with the first and moving on will only help you understand Fandorin's character better.
Very well written and I highly recommend it to those who like mysteries set in a historical time period or place, or to those who have been following the series all along. I had to send to the UK for mine some time back, because I couldn't wait to read it. I guess I'll do the same in January when #6 comes out!”
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