Jason Goodwin

Jason Goodwin is a British writer and historian, best known for his series of historical mystery novels set in the Ottoman Empire, featuring the detective Yashim.

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. The Bellini Card

    An Investigator Yashim Mystery

    In "The Bellini Card," readers are transported to the 19th century, where the Ottoman Empire's intrigue and mystery set the stage for an enthralling historical mystery. The story follows the eunuch detective Yashim, who is tasked with a delicate mission by the Ottoman Sultan: to find a lost painting by the renowned Renaissance artist Bellini. The quest leads Yashim to Venice, a city as enigmatic and layered as the mystery he seeks to unravel. Amidst the city's canals and fading grandeur, Yashim navigates through a labyrinth of deceit, danger, and historical secrets, relying on his wit and resourcefulness. The novel masterfully blends historical facts with fiction, offering readers a vivid glimpse into the past while keeping them engrossed in the suspense and intrigue of the detective's journey.

    The 9283rd Greatest Book of All Time
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  2. 2. The Janissary Tree

    Set in the bustling city of Istanbul during the 1830s, this historical mystery follows Yashim, a eunuch detective, as he navigates the complex world of the Ottoman Empire to solve a series of murders threatening the stability of the Sultan's reign. With the empire on the brink of modernization, Yashim must unravel a conspiracy involving the elite Janissary corps, a powerful military group recently disbanded, while contending with political intrigue and cultural tensions. His unique position allows him access to both the Sultan's court and the city's underbelly, making him the perfect sleuth to uncover the truth behind the sinister plot.

  3. 3. Lords Of The Horizons

    A History of the Ottoman Empire

    This captivating historical narrative delves into the rise and fall of the Ottoman Empire, exploring its vast influence over Europe, Asia, and Africa from the 13th to the 20th century. Through a rich tapestry of stories, the book unveils the empire's complex societal structures, its cultural and architectural achievements, and the intricate political maneuvers that shaped its destiny. With vivid descriptions and insightful analysis, it paints a picture of an empire that was both a formidable military power and a melting pot of diverse cultures and traditions, leaving a lasting legacy on the world stage.

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