Customer Reviews

Death by Design

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The Inspector Cetin Ikmen series brings the history and geography of modern day Istanbul to life. The whole series offers a view of the Turkish, Ottoman, and Kurdish cultures mixing at one of the crossroads of the world. In this book Ikmen moves out of his element to London as an undercover agent. Nadel's history in the mental health service in London brings an astonishing depth to the characters in this book. It also describes the ugly side of the manufacture of counterfeit designer goods, and, in this case, the connection to terrorism and its human cost. The whole series is a treat for the "armchair traveller" and this book is one of the best.

I just finished Barbara Nadel's latest book in the Inspector Ikman series. This author never disappoints. I have read all of her previous books and hope to see more published in the future. Her style is professional and creative, weaving a gripping mystery while teaching fascinating facts about Turkish culture.

I am a huge fan of this series. As a person with great love for the Turkish people and having visited the country twice, I love the insight into Turkish lives and thoughts provided by Barbara Nadel. But, I have to say this is my least favorite novel in the series. It was depressing and had little interaction between Ikmen and his fellows. That's the part that really makes the books good, and we just didn't get it this time. Anxiously anticipating the next one.

It is certainly pleasurable and gratifying to experience the international scene via this mystery series by Barbara Nadel, and I enjoyed identifying with the hard-working and sensitive Istanbul inspector Cetin Ikmen and his colleagues as they attempted to infiltrate a nefarious Islamic radical organization intent on harming innocents in London. The plot is lively, and action is engrossing and ongoing. One gets a sense of law and order successfully operating across the globe in a kind of reassuring harmony engaged to defeat those whose greed or ideology would mobilize them to exploit illegal workers or other vulnerable populations (i.e., the politics is congenial to a liberal, democratic reader). Local details are impressively well laid out; this is a real strength, and there are salacious details that keep any reader awake. Overall, the book is fun and gratifying. Further, the "cast of characters" at the beginning helps one keep track of details and adds to the pleasure. "Death by Design" is not art by any means; it's not even the most entertaining of international thrillers. But I wouldn't discourage anyone from buying it. On balance, thumbs (slightly) up.