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Ben Canaan #1
Murder in Constantinople
A gripping, immersive historical murder mystery in which a wayward boy from London's East End is pulled into the hunt for a serial killer on the eve of the Crimean War.
London, 1854. Twenty-one-year-old Ben Canaan attracts trouble wherever he goes. His father wants him to be a good Jewish son, working for the family business on Whitechapel Road, but Ben and his friends, the 'Good-for-Nothings', just want adventure.
Then the discovery of an enigmatic letter and a photograph of a beautiful woman offer an escapade more dangerous than anything he'd imagined. Suddenly Ben is thrown into a mystery that takes him all the way to Constantinople, the jewel of an empire and the centre of a world on the brink of war.
His only clue is three 'The White Death'. Now he must find what links a string of grisly murders, following a trail through kingmaking and conspiracy, poison and high politics, bloodshed and betrayal. In a city of deadly secrets, no one is safe - and one wrong step could cost Ben his life.
London, 1854. Twenty-one-year-old Ben Canaan attracts trouble wherever he goes. His father wants him to be a good Jewish son, working for the family business on Whitechapel Road, but Ben and his friends, the 'Good-for-Nothings', just want adventure.
Then the discovery of an enigmatic letter and a photograph of a beautiful woman offer an escapade more dangerous than anything he'd imagined. Suddenly Ben is thrown into a mystery that takes him all the way to Constantinople, the jewel of an empire and the centre of a world on the brink of war.
His only clue is three 'The White Death'. Now he must find what links a string of grisly murders, following a trail through kingmaking and conspiracy, poison and high politics, bloodshed and betrayal. In a city of deadly secrets, no one is safe - and one wrong step could cost Ben his life.
352 pages, Paperback
Published October 14, 2025
101 people are currently reading
914 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
April 2, 2025
I gave up. The insane anachronisms (electric bulbs! discovery of novel viruses! a kerfuffle over an unlicensed gun!) in 1854 Constantinople almost killed me, but there were hosts of other clunkers, including Turkish street urchins quoting “the Bard” in English- the apparent lingua franca in Constantinople(eye roll). Then, beyond that, the leaden expository dialogue and improbable plotting drove me batty. Maybe if I read to the end I’d discover some time travel twist that explains this mess but it comes off as lazy sloppiness. Don’t!
October 28, 2025
Somehow, I missed Murder in Constantinople when it first showed up on Edelweiss, but I saw a friend had reviewed it and thought—that sounds like a book for me! So I requested it and received it and—behold!—it was a book for me.
I love historical mysteries, particularly with maginalized people at the center of the plot. I also loved reading biographies of Florence Nightingale when I was a kid. Aaaaand...
Murder in Constantinople features a central character who's a young Jewish man, growing up in London, bitter because his father, a tailor, pulled him out of school so he could work for the family business.
But wait! There's more: our young man travels to Constantinople looking for a woman he loved and thought was dead, but whose portrait has shown up.... Well, I'm not going to tell you that bit because that would be a spoiler.
What about Florence Nightingale? Well, Crimean War, British troops launching from Constantinople to the field of battle and all that. Nightingale only has a cameo role, but that doesn't keep me from loving the fact that she and our central character are crossing paths. She's also a real-world version of the strong women characters who play key roles in this novel.
In Constantinople, as in London, there's plenty of anti-Semitism—and also Jewish communities that are tightly bound and protective of one another. So, when our central character lands arrives he seeks out the local synagogue where he's welcomed by a Turkish rabbi with Spanish ancestry.
so—
• Jewish identity in both London and Constantinople
• A young man deprived of an education that he hoped might help him up the social ladder
• The Crimean War, with side notes about British soldiers fighting there
• An interesting assortment of bad-ass women
• A brief appearance by Florence Nightingale
What else could a reader of historical mysteries want? I'm strongly recommending this title for any readers of historical mysteries who share share even one of my interests in historical context, marginalization, or bad-ass women. Seriously, you *will* enjoy it.
I received a free electronic review copy of this title from the publisher via Edelweiss; the opinions are my own.
I love historical mysteries, particularly with maginalized people at the center of the plot. I also loved reading biographies of Florence Nightingale when I was a kid. Aaaaand...
Murder in Constantinople features a central character who's a young Jewish man, growing up in London, bitter because his father, a tailor, pulled him out of school so he could work for the family business.
But wait! There's more: our young man travels to Constantinople looking for a woman he loved and thought was dead, but whose portrait has shown up.... Well, I'm not going to tell you that bit because that would be a spoiler.
What about Florence Nightingale? Well, Crimean War, British troops launching from Constantinople to the field of battle and all that. Nightingale only has a cameo role, but that doesn't keep me from loving the fact that she and our central character are crossing paths. She's also a real-world version of the strong women characters who play key roles in this novel.
In Constantinople, as in London, there's plenty of anti-Semitism—and also Jewish communities that are tightly bound and protective of one another. So, when our central character lands arrives he seeks out the local synagogue where he's welcomed by a Turkish rabbi with Spanish ancestry.
so—
• Jewish identity in both London and Constantinople
• A young man deprived of an education that he hoped might help him up the social ladder
• The Crimean War, with side notes about British soldiers fighting there
• An interesting assortment of bad-ass women
• A brief appearance by Florence Nightingale
What else could a reader of historical mysteries want? I'm strongly recommending this title for any readers of historical mysteries who share share even one of my interests in historical context, marginalization, or bad-ass women. Seriously, you *will* enjoy it.
I received a free electronic review copy of this title from the publisher via Edelweiss; the opinions are my own.
October 19, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley and RBMedia for providing me with an ALC.
This book was trying too hard to be everything. Initially it gives you a cozy mystery vibe, with the amateur detectives and all but then goes to 1854 Constantinople and is all into spies and princes and conspiracies??? I did not feel the historical setting at all for one, it was filled to the brim with anachronisms. The plot itself felt meh, I wasn't really invested in it after the first few chapters maybe. It also focused too much on the interactions and too little on the actual investigation. The subsequent books might be better but I don't think this book/series is for me because it felt all over the place.
The narrator did a decent job with the book but I personally didn't find anything exceptional. That could also be because I wasn't really invested in the book itself.
This book was trying too hard to be everything. Initially it gives you a cozy mystery vibe, with the amateur detectives and all but then goes to 1854 Constantinople and is all into spies and princes and conspiracies??? I did not feel the historical setting at all for one, it was filled to the brim with anachronisms. The plot itself felt meh, I wasn't really invested in it after the first few chapters maybe. It also focused too much on the interactions and too little on the actual investigation. The subsequent books might be better but I don't think this book/series is for me because it felt all over the place.
The narrator did a decent job with the book but I personally didn't find anything exceptional. That could also be because I wasn't really invested in the book itself.
October 6, 2025
"Murder in Constantinople" reads like a boys-own-adventure. There are political machinations, espionage, murder, secret societies, travel, war, criminal detection, and a naive hero blundering into situations beyond his abilities.
And if you suspend belief and accept it as such, you will find an enjoyable romp through 19th century Constantinople at the time of the Crimean War - where politics and high society meld, where "everyone from high to low has secrets, all tied together in an invisible web", where conspiracies abound, and a serial killer is on the loose. Can our young runaway find his feet whilst avoid being the target of a secret group of assassins .... only time will tell.!
The first in a new series, the scene setting begins here and once it gets going, the action follows.
And if you suspend belief and accept it as such, you will find an enjoyable romp through 19th century Constantinople at the time of the Crimean War - where politics and high society meld, where "everyone from high to low has secrets, all tied together in an invisible web", where conspiracies abound, and a serial killer is on the loose. Can our young runaway find his feet whilst avoid being the target of a secret group of assassins .... only time will tell.!
The first in a new series, the scene setting begins here and once it gets going, the action follows.
December 9, 2025
[NetGalley Read #50]
3.5 ⭐️
"Heartbreak is not cured by flights of fancy."
Good.
Went in expecting something along the lines of a murder mystery of the Golden Age (Agatha Christie, Sayers, Chesterton, etc.) and was slightly dismayed by the espionage nature of the story (though that's more because of my own experience with the genre). Nevertheless, it's a good story, mixing a lot of things and managing to keep it entertaining.
The scope of this story is massive. From London's East End to Constantinople, throwing in a bunch of characters, politics, countries, and nationalities. The Turks, English, Russians, the Polish, Greeks, and an American couple. There are themes of identity, politics, war, espionage, power and the consequences of all these things and the people they affect.
Characters are good. Some of them are better written than the others. Some are there to serve the larger part of the story and nothing more. The central character, Benjy, is very good. With his background established, his troubles explored, his adventures, brushes with death, and unflappability in the face of danger makes him the most fleshed out character of the story.
It's a relatively easy book to read. There are a lot of words, some Jewish (or Hebrew, I guess), some Arabic, some in other languages, that you may or may not need to Google. It borders on jarring just so but never crosses that line. So that's good. It is, I would say, a medium-length book (340+ pages). It feels very long, though. There are A LOT of things happening in just this one book. And it is told from the perspectives of multiple people, often the perspective changing within one chapter.
All that being said, I liked it a lot. The scope of the story, the thriller/espionage elements which originate from a small mystery related to the main character, and the main character himself, along with many, many secondary characters make for a fun read. Waiting for the next one.
Recommended. 👍
3.5 ⭐️
"Heartbreak is not cured by flights of fancy."
Good.
Went in expecting something along the lines of a murder mystery of the Golden Age (Agatha Christie, Sayers, Chesterton, etc.) and was slightly dismayed by the espionage nature of the story (though that's more because of my own experience with the genre). Nevertheless, it's a good story, mixing a lot of things and managing to keep it entertaining.
The scope of this story is massive. From London's East End to Constantinople, throwing in a bunch of characters, politics, countries, and nationalities. The Turks, English, Russians, the Polish, Greeks, and an American couple. There are themes of identity, politics, war, espionage, power and the consequences of all these things and the people they affect.
Characters are good. Some of them are better written than the others. Some are there to serve the larger part of the story and nothing more. The central character, Benjy, is very good. With his background established, his troubles explored, his adventures, brushes with death, and unflappability in the face of danger makes him the most fleshed out character of the story.
It's a relatively easy book to read. There are a lot of words, some Jewish (or Hebrew, I guess), some Arabic, some in other languages, that you may or may not need to Google. It borders on jarring just so but never crosses that line. So that's good. It is, I would say, a medium-length book (340+ pages). It feels very long, though. There are A LOT of things happening in just this one book. And it is told from the perspectives of multiple people, often the perspective changing within one chapter.
All that being said, I liked it a lot. The scope of the story, the thriller/espionage elements which originate from a small mystery related to the main character, and the main character himself, along with many, many secondary characters make for a fun read. Waiting for the next one.
Recommended. 👍
October 13, 2025
Finished reading: October 12th 2025
*** A copy of this book was kindly provided to me by Netgalley and Tantor Audio in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ***
REVIEW
WARNING: it's another unpopular opinion!!
August 7, 2025
As someone born and raised in Istanbul, my expectations for this book were high—and I’m happy to say it did not disappoint. It is a fast-paced, gripping murder mystery set against the backdrop of 1850s Istanbul, skillfully weaving historical events and political intrigue into its narrative.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is how it immerses the reader in the city’s rich and tumultuous past, particularly the wars and shifting alliances of the era. The pacing is excellent, keeping me engaged from start to finish. The mystery itself was well-crafted, with enough twists to keep me on my toes.
That said, I couldn’t help but notice some anachronisms—most notably, the way nearly every character seemed to speak perfect English. Given that even in today’s Istanbul this wouldn’t be the case, it did pull me out of the story at times. Aside from this, the book delivered a compelling plot, atmospheric storytelling, and a fascinating glimpse into a crucial period of Istanbul’s history.
Thank you to the publisher for the ARC, this was my honest opinion
One of the book’s greatest strengths is how it immerses the reader in the city’s rich and tumultuous past, particularly the wars and shifting alliances of the era. The pacing is excellent, keeping me engaged from start to finish. The mystery itself was well-crafted, with enough twists to keep me on my toes.
That said, I couldn’t help but notice some anachronisms—most notably, the way nearly every character seemed to speak perfect English. Given that even in today’s Istanbul this wouldn’t be the case, it did pull me out of the story at times. Aside from this, the book delivered a compelling plot, atmospheric storytelling, and a fascinating glimpse into a crucial period of Istanbul’s history.
Thank you to the publisher for the ARC, this was my honest opinion
November 12, 2025
Mixed feelings on this.
The first half took me forever to get into - it almost seemed like I was getting a lesson on the Jewish Identity.
Many things were highly improbable, but this book was compared to Indiana Jones, so 10/10 accuracy for that comparison.
The second half picked up the pace, but it could have used some editing. Ending was appropriate, epilogue set up next book in the series.
Overall this will be entertaining to those that like capers / high adventure genre, but it was a bit challenging for me.
The first half took me forever to get into - it almost seemed like I was getting a lesson on the Jewish Identity.
Many things were highly improbable, but this book was compared to Indiana Jones, so 10/10 accuracy for that comparison.
The second half picked up the pace, but it could have used some editing. Ending was appropriate, epilogue set up next book in the series.
Overall this will be entertaining to those that like capers / high adventure genre, but it was a bit challenging for me.
December 19, 2025
2.5
I don't know if it is just me but so far 3/4 of the books for my book club i haven't enjoyed. The fourth book I didn't read so who knows what the overall count is. That being said each book we finish we get an embroidery patch for our matching tote bag. Let it be known, I will be getting that patch and I only get the patches if I finish so hence me pushing through this.
I am also determined to try new books and commit to this club. I shan't give up.
I don't know if it is just me but so far 3/4 of the books for my book club i haven't enjoyed. The fourth book I didn't read so who knows what the overall count is. That being said each book we finish we get an embroidery patch for our matching tote bag. Let it be known, I will be getting that patch and I only get the patches if I finish so hence me pushing through this.
I am also determined to try new books and commit to this club. I shan't give up.
Want to read
August 19, 2025A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
November 25, 2025
Thank goodness for the maps! Nice book.
August 21, 2025
This historical fiction novel is a detective story that takes place in Constantinople during the Crimean War. The protagonist Ben is a young Jewish man who is the black sheep of his family. Due to circumstances that arise he is forced to flee his family home in London for the Continent.
I am not very familiar with Jewish or Turkish Culture or the Crimean War so I can't say whether the details are accurate. There weren't any mistakes egregious enough to take me out of the story. The language is modern and not what would have been used in the mid 1800s but that doesn't bother me as it is very difficult to mimic archaic speech and attempts to do so are usually really jarring.
The novel was nicely paced with plenty of action and likeable characters. I would classify this as a cozy mystery although there are one or two disturbing scenes. The stakes just never felt that high and things were wrapped up with an ease that is typical for cozy mysteries.
I liked the setting as it is unfamiliar to me but described well enough for me to conjure up an image that gave life to the scenes.
The story got a bit melodramatic at points and I rolled my eyes a couple times when Ben was making a speech but overall, the writing was clean and direct.
It seems to me that the author has set the character up to be recurring in a series, and if this is the case, I am on board to read the next adventure.
My thanks to Netgalley and Steerforth & Pushkin for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I am not very familiar with Jewish or Turkish Culture or the Crimean War so I can't say whether the details are accurate. There weren't any mistakes egregious enough to take me out of the story. The language is modern and not what would have been used in the mid 1800s but that doesn't bother me as it is very difficult to mimic archaic speech and attempts to do so are usually really jarring.
The novel was nicely paced with plenty of action and likeable characters. I would classify this as a cozy mystery although there are one or two disturbing scenes. The stakes just never felt that high and things were wrapped up with an ease that is typical for cozy mysteries.
I liked the setting as it is unfamiliar to me but described well enough for me to conjure up an image that gave life to the scenes.
The story got a bit melodramatic at points and I rolled my eyes a couple times when Ben was making a speech but overall, the writing was clean and direct.
It seems to me that the author has set the character up to be recurring in a series, and if this is the case, I am on board to read the next adventure.
My thanks to Netgalley and Steerforth & Pushkin for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 20, 2024
It's 1854 and the Crimean War rages. Ben Canaan, the son of a respectable Jewish tailor, is a bit of a wild lad who falls foul of police and local crime baron, finds himself on his way to Constantinople where the Russians plan to murder the Sultan using a man made plague known as the White Death...er, or something.
Almost completely implausible, full of anachronism and historical error, its plot hackneyed and predictable, this novel nonetheless has a sort of simple charm which does carry the reader along without causing complete offense to intelligence and well being.
Almost completely implausible, full of anachronism and historical error, its plot hackneyed and predictable, this novel nonetheless has a sort of simple charm which does carry the reader along without causing complete offense to intelligence and well being.
November 10, 2025
📚Murder in Constantinople
✍🏻A.E. Goldin
Blurb:
A gripping, immersive historical murder mystery in which a wayward boy from London's East End is pulled into the hunt for a serial killer on the eve of the Crimean War.
London, 1854. Twenty-one-year-old Ben Canaan attracts trouble wherever he goes. His father wants him to be a good Jewish son, working for the family business on Whitechapel Road, but Ben and his friends, the 'Good-for-Nothings', just want adventure.
Then the discovery of an enigmatic letter and a photograph of a beautiful woman offer an escapade more dangerous than anything he'd imagined. Suddenly Ben is thrown into a mystery that takes him all the way to Constantinople, the jewel of an empire and the centre of a world on the brink of war.
His only clue is three 'The White Death'. Now he must find what links a string of grisly murders, following a trail through kingmaking and conspiracy, poison and high politics, bloodshed and betrayal. In a city of deadly secrets, no one is safe - and one wrong step could cost Ben his life.
My Thoughts:
This book is a historical fiction about international political espionage with a mysterious serial killer. It was certainly more of a serious vibe than It did have good humorous moments and likable characters. He’s a proud member of the Good-For-Nothings, to his father’s despair, and is much more interested in causing a ruckus and getting one over on the richer residents of London. He’s got a decent life until he takes things too far and accidentally shoots a man in the leg. In an instant, Ben has to flee the country until things cool down.The novel was nicely paced with plenty of action and likeable characters. I would classify this as a cozy mystery although there are one or two disturbing scenes. The stakes just never felt that high and things were wrapped up with an ease that is typical for cozy mysteries. ..This book would be good for readers looking for historical political intrigue, unrest, social historical issues, and conspiracies.
Thanks NetGalley, Pushkin Vertigo and Author A.E. Goldin for the complimentary copy of "Murder In Constantinople" I am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#PushkinVertigo
#A.E.Goldin
#MurderinConstantinople
⭐️⭐️⭐️
✍🏻A.E. Goldin
Blurb:
A gripping, immersive historical murder mystery in which a wayward boy from London's East End is pulled into the hunt for a serial killer on the eve of the Crimean War.
London, 1854. Twenty-one-year-old Ben Canaan attracts trouble wherever he goes. His father wants him to be a good Jewish son, working for the family business on Whitechapel Road, but Ben and his friends, the 'Good-for-Nothings', just want adventure.
Then the discovery of an enigmatic letter and a photograph of a beautiful woman offer an escapade more dangerous than anything he'd imagined. Suddenly Ben is thrown into a mystery that takes him all the way to Constantinople, the jewel of an empire and the centre of a world on the brink of war.
His only clue is three 'The White Death'. Now he must find what links a string of grisly murders, following a trail through kingmaking and conspiracy, poison and high politics, bloodshed and betrayal. In a city of deadly secrets, no one is safe - and one wrong step could cost Ben his life.
My Thoughts:
This book is a historical fiction about international political espionage with a mysterious serial killer. It was certainly more of a serious vibe than It did have good humorous moments and likable characters. He’s a proud member of the Good-For-Nothings, to his father’s despair, and is much more interested in causing a ruckus and getting one over on the richer residents of London. He’s got a decent life until he takes things too far and accidentally shoots a man in the leg. In an instant, Ben has to flee the country until things cool down.The novel was nicely paced with plenty of action and likeable characters. I would classify this as a cozy mystery although there are one or two disturbing scenes. The stakes just never felt that high and things were wrapped up with an ease that is typical for cozy mysteries. ..This book would be good for readers looking for historical political intrigue, unrest, social historical issues, and conspiracies.
Thanks NetGalley, Pushkin Vertigo and Author A.E. Goldin for the complimentary copy of "Murder In Constantinople" I am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#PushkinVertigo
#A.E.Goldin
#MurderinConstantinople
⭐️⭐️⭐️
November 24, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and RBMedia for providing this eARC in audiobook format in exchange for my review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
This historical murder mystery pulls no punches as it brings the reader along on the journey of self-proclaimed troublemaker Ben Canaan as he is pulled deeper into a world of political intrigue and danger that leads him into Constantinople, where he is way out of his depth. The author is masterful in vividly describing settings, making the reader feel like they are in the mix with Ben and does a great job making Ben a nuanced character, particularly in weaving in commentary about Jewish identity and how poverty can become so suffocating. Perhaps most powerfully, A.E. Goldin discreetly challenges the idea of an ethnostate, instead offering that there is more dignity in community than there is in hoarding power to subjugate other people. However, there are moments where the dialogue feels like stilted exposition that sometimes feels like the story is in a rush to pull the pieces together, which is particularly noticeable in an audiobook format.
The narration reflects this well-crafted world-building and excitement. The sole narrator, Liam Gerrard, injects life into the story with his narration. He seamlessly weaves dialogue and narration and really commits to expressing the personalities of different characters. He is very charismatic in his narration of this book, pulling you into the world of Ben Canaan and making the whole world melt away around you, leaving you to focus on the story alone. The pace of reading is smooth, and this book lends itself well to the audiobook format, with the narrator briefly mentioning the chapter and chapter title before jumping straight into the story, thus avoiding pulling you out of the narrative. Sometimes the aforementioned stilted exposition shows up in the accent work, which is a bit uneven, with some accents being extremely realistic and convincing, as though the narrator has lived in these accents, whilst other accents seem melodramatic, especially in grand speeches.
Overall, it is an enjoyable read, and it would be interesting to see more adventures from this character.
This historical murder mystery pulls no punches as it brings the reader along on the journey of self-proclaimed troublemaker Ben Canaan as he is pulled deeper into a world of political intrigue and danger that leads him into Constantinople, where he is way out of his depth. The author is masterful in vividly describing settings, making the reader feel like they are in the mix with Ben and does a great job making Ben a nuanced character, particularly in weaving in commentary about Jewish identity and how poverty can become so suffocating. Perhaps most powerfully, A.E. Goldin discreetly challenges the idea of an ethnostate, instead offering that there is more dignity in community than there is in hoarding power to subjugate other people. However, there are moments where the dialogue feels like stilted exposition that sometimes feels like the story is in a rush to pull the pieces together, which is particularly noticeable in an audiobook format.
The narration reflects this well-crafted world-building and excitement. The sole narrator, Liam Gerrard, injects life into the story with his narration. He seamlessly weaves dialogue and narration and really commits to expressing the personalities of different characters. He is very charismatic in his narration of this book, pulling you into the world of Ben Canaan and making the whole world melt away around you, leaving you to focus on the story alone. The pace of reading is smooth, and this book lends itself well to the audiobook format, with the narrator briefly mentioning the chapter and chapter title before jumping straight into the story, thus avoiding pulling you out of the narrative. Sometimes the aforementioned stilted exposition shows up in the accent work, which is a bit uneven, with some accents being extremely realistic and convincing, as though the narrator has lived in these accents, whilst other accents seem melodramatic, especially in grand speeches.
Overall, it is an enjoyable read, and it would be interesting to see more adventures from this character.
December 27, 2025
Silly fun, with some occasional very good parts. He's going for a Jewish James Bond vibe, but in the 1850s. Ben Canaan (surely meant to evoke the hero from Exodus, which is a somewhat politically loaded reference, properly understood) is an edgy genius from the East End with a family replete with cartoon Yiddishisms--honestly the weakest part of the novel, since they're all constantly making with the "oy"s and "shlemiels" and this and that, just in case you forget that they're, you know, a Jewish family in 185os London's East End. They engage in a decent little debate over Jewish emancipation vs Jewish tradition to show Goldin's done some homework, though that doesn't connect to much else in the novel. The concept is clear, and more or less pulpy: Fleming-type intrigue and global drama, corrected for racism and xenophobia.
This one's got a Crimean War setting (a decent proxy for the kinds of multinational entanglements standard for the Cold-War spy thriller), masked assassins with deadly drugs, basically a version of SMERSH, Fleming's original antagonist for Bond, a decent variety of derring-do, a cameo from a great Russian writer, and I suppose a bit of detection from our hero. (Not that much, though other characters persist in calling him a "detective.") Also, BIG dollops of exposition (hey, genius little brother who reads all the papers, please explain the causes and sides of the Crimean War to me! You will definitely sound like a 10-year-old!), a bunch of goofy interjections from Ben that presumably are meant as clever badinage but that remind me of, I dunno, Tom Swift or something instead.
And that gets to the research Goldin didn't do, which the abundant anachronisms highlight. Among them, a character is "compromised"; someone is called a "serial killer"; someone is left to "bleed out"; someone mentions "equity" in a company; someone doesn't want to contribute to the "narrative," in the modern sense. (Oh, and there are way more!) In a novel that strives for period flavor and diction, those jarred.
This one's got a Crimean War setting (a decent proxy for the kinds of multinational entanglements standard for the Cold-War spy thriller), masked assassins with deadly drugs, basically a version of SMERSH, Fleming's original antagonist for Bond, a decent variety of derring-do, a cameo from a great Russian writer, and I suppose a bit of detection from our hero. (Not that much, though other characters persist in calling him a "detective.") Also, BIG dollops of exposition (hey, genius little brother who reads all the papers, please explain the causes and sides of the Crimean War to me! You will definitely sound like a 10-year-old!), a bunch of goofy interjections from Ben that presumably are meant as clever badinage but that remind me of, I dunno, Tom Swift or something instead.
And that gets to the research Goldin didn't do, which the abundant anachronisms highlight. Among them, a character is "compromised"; someone is called a "serial killer"; someone is left to "bleed out"; someone mentions "equity" in a company; someone doesn't want to contribute to the "narrative," in the modern sense. (Oh, and there are way more!) In a novel that strives for period flavor and diction, those jarred.
October 29, 2025
I'm always game for a historical mystery, and this looked like the start of a potentially fun series. Our protagonist Ben is the son of a Jewish tailor in London's East End, but he's more interested in running the streets with his friends and mixing with local gangsters than taking on the drudgery of a respectable but low-paying trade. The first part of the book lays out the home and lives of a typical Jewish family in London of the mid-19th century. However, a chance visit to fit Lord Palmerston for a suit, along with Ben's con artistry at Claridge's leads to his passage on a British troop trip bound for the Crimean War, by way of Constantinople.
It seems (per a clunky flashback) that a woman he fell in love with three years ago may be living in the Ottoman capital. From there the story only gets more and more bonkers, as he becomes immersed in geopolitical plots against the Sultan and succession. He makes allies in the Jewish community, picks up a Tatar sidekick (who can somehow speak English), and generally gets mixed up in all kinds of nonsense. It's all rather over the top, and not helped by anachronisms scattered throughout (Ben's sidekick calls him "Beef Wellington" even through that didn't exist as a recipe name until 50+ years later, Earl Grey tea is drunk even though that name hadn't been coined for another 30 years, there's reference to electric lights, which also weren't around for another 30 years, and so on). Cameos from Leo Tolstoy and Florence Nightingale are shoehorned in for no story reason.
By the final bits of the book, it was all just feeling too "Boys Own" for my taste. Ben starts the book as a complete jerk and of course by the end has matured and there's a treacly scene at the end where he's reunited with his family. All in all, readers who are seeking fluffy fun from their historical mysteries may enjoy this, but those seeking a proper mystery series set in Ottoman Constantinople will be best served by Jason Goodwin's "Yashim the Eunuch" series, which is set about twenty years before this.
It seems (per a clunky flashback) that a woman he fell in love with three years ago may be living in the Ottoman capital. From there the story only gets more and more bonkers, as he becomes immersed in geopolitical plots against the Sultan and succession. He makes allies in the Jewish community, picks up a Tatar sidekick (who can somehow speak English), and generally gets mixed up in all kinds of nonsense. It's all rather over the top, and not helped by anachronisms scattered throughout (Ben's sidekick calls him "Beef Wellington" even through that didn't exist as a recipe name until 50+ years later, Earl Grey tea is drunk even though that name hadn't been coined for another 30 years, there's reference to electric lights, which also weren't around for another 30 years, and so on). Cameos from Leo Tolstoy and Florence Nightingale are shoehorned in for no story reason.
By the final bits of the book, it was all just feeling too "Boys Own" for my taste. Ben starts the book as a complete jerk and of course by the end has matured and there's a treacly scene at the end where he's reunited with his family. All in all, readers who are seeking fluffy fun from their historical mysteries may enjoy this, but those seeking a proper mystery series set in Ottoman Constantinople will be best served by Jason Goodwin's "Yashim the Eunuch" series, which is set about twenty years before this.
August 27, 2025
This book would be good for readers looking for historical political intrigue, unrest, social historical issues, and conspiracies.
Unfortunately, I am not one of those readers.
The book is touted as “Alfred Hitchcock meets Indiana Jones,” but I felt neither of those things. None of the suspense and tension I would expect from Hitchcock nor the adventure and action of Indiana Jones.
It takes too long for a murder to occur (or be discovered, as it were). As someone who reads a lot of murder mysteries, this just isn’t the format I prefer. I expected it to be a murder mystery involving action and adventure to find the culprit. But murders aren’t actually being investigated until 47% of the way through. To boot, the culprit is revealed at 64%. So approximately 15% of this book is spent sleuthing and putting together clues, which is a lot less than I expect from a mystery.
Part of the problem is the pacing - a lot of segments, such as the backstory in the beginning and the boat ride to Constantinople, could have been a few paragraphs long so we could jump into the real meat of the story earlier. Every time the pace would pick up with an action scene, it would slow down again in the next chapter, sometimes with characters just waiting around in one place for information.
There are a lot of characters, relationships, and politics involved in the story. Ben is a relatively likable, if not all that quick-witted, protagonist, and I enjoyed Ismail and Shoshanna as well. I found the villain to be both predictable and one-note and the overall mystery to be disappointing. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for some historical fiction with an emphasis on Constantinople and particularly how its history is shaped by the religious affiliations within the city.
But if you’re looking for Hitchcock meets Indiana Jones, keep searching.
I read an e-ARC from the publisher on NetGalley for review consideration. All opinions are my own. Thank you.
Unfortunately, I am not one of those readers.
The book is touted as “Alfred Hitchcock meets Indiana Jones,” but I felt neither of those things. None of the suspense and tension I would expect from Hitchcock nor the adventure and action of Indiana Jones.
It takes too long for a murder to occur (or be discovered, as it were). As someone who reads a lot of murder mysteries, this just isn’t the format I prefer. I expected it to be a murder mystery involving action and adventure to find the culprit. But murders aren’t actually being investigated until 47% of the way through. To boot, the culprit is revealed at 64%. So approximately 15% of this book is spent sleuthing and putting together clues, which is a lot less than I expect from a mystery.
Part of the problem is the pacing - a lot of segments, such as the backstory in the beginning and the boat ride to Constantinople, could have been a few paragraphs long so we could jump into the real meat of the story earlier. Every time the pace would pick up with an action scene, it would slow down again in the next chapter, sometimes with characters just waiting around in one place for information.
There are a lot of characters, relationships, and politics involved in the story. Ben is a relatively likable, if not all that quick-witted, protagonist, and I enjoyed Ismail and Shoshanna as well. I found the villain to be both predictable and one-note and the overall mystery to be disappointing. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for some historical fiction with an emphasis on Constantinople and particularly how its history is shaped by the religious affiliations within the city.
But if you’re looking for Hitchcock meets Indiana Jones, keep searching.
I read an e-ARC from the publisher on NetGalley for review consideration. All opinions are my own. Thank you.
December 9, 2025
A Riveting Debut with Immersive Historical Flair
Murder in Constantinople (Ben Canaan #1) by A.E. Goldin is a thoroughly engaging historical mystery that successfully transports the reader to the turbulent streets of 1854 London and the opulent, treacherous heart of Constantinople.
The greatest strength of this novel is its immersive atmosphere. Goldin excels at painting a vivid picture of both the fog-bound grime of Whitechapel and the vibrant, chaotic splendour of the Ottoman capital on the eve of the Crimean War. You can almost smell the spices in the Grand Bazaar and sense the tension of a city teetering on the brink of international conflict. The historical setting isn’t just a backdrop; it’s a driving force in the plot, intricately weaving real-world political intrigue with the fictional murders.
Ben Canaan is a likable and relatable protagonist. His restlessness and desire for a life beyond his father’s expectations feel authentic, and his journey from a wayward "Good-for-Nothing" to an amateur sleuth in over his head is compelling. The mystery itself is satisfyingly complex, with the ominous phrase "The White Death" providing a chilling through-line that connects a web of conspiracy, kingmaking, and betrayal.
That said, the pacing is excellent, and the plot delivers plenty of tense moments and unexpected turns. The climax is exciting and well-executed, leaving the door open for future adventures while providing a solid resolution to this chapter.
Overall, this is a strong and promising start to the Ben Canaan series.
Murder in Constantinople (Ben Canaan #1) by A.E. Goldin is a thoroughly engaging historical mystery that successfully transports the reader to the turbulent streets of 1854 London and the opulent, treacherous heart of Constantinople.
The greatest strength of this novel is its immersive atmosphere. Goldin excels at painting a vivid picture of both the fog-bound grime of Whitechapel and the vibrant, chaotic splendour of the Ottoman capital on the eve of the Crimean War. You can almost smell the spices in the Grand Bazaar and sense the tension of a city teetering on the brink of international conflict. The historical setting isn’t just a backdrop; it’s a driving force in the plot, intricately weaving real-world political intrigue with the fictional murders.
Ben Canaan is a likable and relatable protagonist. His restlessness and desire for a life beyond his father’s expectations feel authentic, and his journey from a wayward "Good-for-Nothing" to an amateur sleuth in over his head is compelling. The mystery itself is satisfyingly complex, with the ominous phrase "The White Death" providing a chilling through-line that connects a web of conspiracy, kingmaking, and betrayal.
That said, the pacing is excellent, and the plot delivers plenty of tense moments and unexpected turns. The climax is exciting and well-executed, leaving the door open for future adventures while providing a solid resolution to this chapter.
Overall, this is a strong and promising start to the Ben Canaan series.
August 6, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Pushkin Press for providing an eARC in exchange for my review.
Murder in Constantinople is an engaging and captivating historical mystery that transports readers from the gritty alleys of London’s East End to the vibrant, complex world of the Ottoman Empire. The story follows Ben, the son of a humble tailor, whose quiet life is upended when he becomes entangled in a murder that forces him far from home—and deep into a web of intrigue.
What begins as a local mystery quickly evolves into an international adventure, as Ben is drawn across the ocean and into a richly imagined Constantinople. Along the way, he forms unlikely alliances with a colorful cast of characters, each adding depth and nuance to the journey and investigation.
The author’s writing style is fluid and immersive, balancing suspense and historical detail with ease. I particularly appreciated the worldbuilding—Constantinople comes alive on the page with its mix of cultures, political tensions, and hidden corners. The characters, too, are memorable and well-drawn, with Ben’s growth and determination anchoring the story.
Overall, Murder in Constantinople is a well-crafted mystery with heart, atmosphere, and a satisfying blend of action and character development. A thoroughly enjoyable read for fans of historical fiction and crime novels alike.
Murder in Constantinople is an engaging and captivating historical mystery that transports readers from the gritty alleys of London’s East End to the vibrant, complex world of the Ottoman Empire. The story follows Ben, the son of a humble tailor, whose quiet life is upended when he becomes entangled in a murder that forces him far from home—and deep into a web of intrigue.
What begins as a local mystery quickly evolves into an international adventure, as Ben is drawn across the ocean and into a richly imagined Constantinople. Along the way, he forms unlikely alliances with a colorful cast of characters, each adding depth and nuance to the journey and investigation.
The author’s writing style is fluid and immersive, balancing suspense and historical detail with ease. I particularly appreciated the worldbuilding—Constantinople comes alive on the page with its mix of cultures, political tensions, and hidden corners. The characters, too, are memorable and well-drawn, with Ben’s growth and determination anchoring the story.
Overall, Murder in Constantinople is a well-crafted mystery with heart, atmosphere, and a satisfying blend of action and character development. A thoroughly enjoyable read for fans of historical fiction and crime novels alike.
January 2, 2026
This is a solid thriller with an interesting lead, the plucky, ne'er-do-well Ben Canaan, who is a bit of a scamp and manages to thrust himself into a number of thorny situations. It's good to see Jewish characters in genre fiction, and this story manages to weave together the historic place Jews occupied in the world in the mid-19th century with a good conspiracy yarn with a handful of very interesting characters, particularly Ben's sidekick, a 14-year-old out of Oliver Twist who refers to the English Canaan as "Beef Wellington." In some ways it shares a bit of DNA with David Liss's London-set books that take place in the earliest part of the 18th century, though Liss's protagonist, Ben Weaver, isn't quite as slippery, and leads more often than not with his fists. Canaan, unlike Weaver, seems to be making things up as he goes along; Weaver is a bit more grounded.
The writing is generally very competent; Goldin does a bit of head-hopping at times that sometimes is a bit distracting, particularly late in the book, and the introduction of a character two-thirds of the way through who becomes the linchpin for the conspiracy-oriented plot is a bit distracting, as if he was having trouble holding it all together. Still, it's eminently enjoyable, and I look forward to the next installment.
The writing is generally very competent; Goldin does a bit of head-hopping at times that sometimes is a bit distracting, particularly late in the book, and the introduction of a character two-thirds of the way through who becomes the linchpin for the conspiracy-oriented plot is a bit distracting, as if he was having trouble holding it all together. Still, it's eminently enjoyable, and I look forward to the next installment.
November 28, 2024
I've read 160 pages (about 47%) and gave up. Don't get me wrong- it can be an entertaining read. I enjoyed the pace, the travelling to the other side of the world, the action and the aspect of being from a Jewish minority- so well depicted. It became more and more tiring as I went though reaching a point where I can't stand it anymore.
First offence- the main character moves to Constantinople in XIX century, yet nearly everyone can speak English. Hard to believe to say the least.
Then, there is the fact that he went all the way there to find out what happened to the love of his life- but the minute he finds out she is no longer 'available', he just moves on. Not a single page dedicated to what he felt, he simply keeps getting his eye on the next pretty girl and trust me- there are plenty of them, every 20 pages or so and they all love to hang out with him in one way or another. In my eyes, it seems more like a dream of the author to be surrounded by beautiful women than a good story-telling.
To finish, I enjoyed the style of writing- it has a potential so given that it's a debut novel, I don't cross the author entirely, I am confident he is capable of producing something worth reading in near future.
First offence- the main character moves to Constantinople in XIX century, yet nearly everyone can speak English. Hard to believe to say the least.
Then, there is the fact that he went all the way there to find out what happened to the love of his life- but the minute he finds out she is no longer 'available', he just moves on. Not a single page dedicated to what he felt, he simply keeps getting his eye on the next pretty girl and trust me- there are plenty of them, every 20 pages or so and they all love to hang out with him in one way or another. In my eyes, it seems more like a dream of the author to be surrounded by beautiful women than a good story-telling.
To finish, I enjoyed the style of writing- it has a potential so given that it's a debut novel, I don't cross the author entirely, I am confident he is capable of producing something worth reading in near future.
October 24, 2025
ARC Review
I really wanted to like *Murder in Constantinople* more than I did. As someone who genuinely enjoys historical mystery novels, I went in expecting intrigue, atmosphere, and a clever storyline—but what I got instead felt oddly cartoonish and stretched beyond believability.
The story follows Benjamin Canaan, a young man from a Jewish East End family who refuses to follow in his father’s tailoring footsteps. Instead, he joins a group of small-time criminals and ends up, somehow, tangled in espionage work in Constantinople. The setup could’ve been compelling, but Ben’s constant luck-based survival through absurd situations made it hard to take seriously. Nothing ever felt earned.
The pacing also dragged for a while—it took nearly a third of the book for the main plot to even begin. The side characters felt unrealistic too, like the street urchins who conveniently speak English and always seem to have food and shelter ready for strangers.
There are glimmers of an interesting story buried in there, and the idea itself had potential. Unfortunately, between the uneven tone, pacing issues, and improbable events, it just didn’t work for me. A solid concept, but lacking the sharpness and depth I look for in a historical mystery.
I really wanted to like *Murder in Constantinople* more than I did. As someone who genuinely enjoys historical mystery novels, I went in expecting intrigue, atmosphere, and a clever storyline—but what I got instead felt oddly cartoonish and stretched beyond believability.
The story follows Benjamin Canaan, a young man from a Jewish East End family who refuses to follow in his father’s tailoring footsteps. Instead, he joins a group of small-time criminals and ends up, somehow, tangled in espionage work in Constantinople. The setup could’ve been compelling, but Ben’s constant luck-based survival through absurd situations made it hard to take seriously. Nothing ever felt earned.
The pacing also dragged for a while—it took nearly a third of the book for the main plot to even begin. The side characters felt unrealistic too, like the street urchins who conveniently speak English and always seem to have food and shelter ready for strangers.
There are glimmers of an interesting story buried in there, and the idea itself had potential. Unfortunately, between the uneven tone, pacing issues, and improbable events, it just didn’t work for me. A solid concept, but lacking the sharpness and depth I look for in a historical mystery.
November 2, 2025
A detective novel situated in the 1850s with a Jewish twist. Ben Canaan, son to Jewish immigrants is dissatisfied and unhappy with the way his life is evolving. The expectation that he will continue in his family business as a tailor amongst the lower class of London has him out on the streets looking for something else, or just running away from what feels to be his destiny. As his Grandfather extols to him "Unless he wants to stop being a Jew altogether. Which he is free to do if he so wishes. But he will spend his life running from himself, in pursuit of the thing that he is not."
After some minor skirmishes as a youthful hothead, he finds himself in Constantinople, embroiled in a search after the truth. Who is the murderer of these 5 'unrelated' deaths, all caused by the unknown agent "White Death?"
Well written at a fast moving pace, Goldin introduced me to many terms from the 1850s. Zoetrope "a pre-film animation device from the 19th century that creates the illusion of movement from a sequence of still images viewed through vertical slits in a spinning cylinder." Daguerreotype "one of the first photographic processes, announced in 1839." Gibbets "a structure that's used to execute criminals by hanging them." Stramonium " a medicinal substance used to treat night terrors.” To name just a few.
The novel ends as our protagonist is acknowledged both internally and externally as an up and coming detective. My ebook version promised a sequel next year (2026). I look forward to following this detective.
After some minor skirmishes as a youthful hothead, he finds himself in Constantinople, embroiled in a search after the truth. Who is the murderer of these 5 'unrelated' deaths, all caused by the unknown agent "White Death?"
Well written at a fast moving pace, Goldin introduced me to many terms from the 1850s. Zoetrope "a pre-film animation device from the 19th century that creates the illusion of movement from a sequence of still images viewed through vertical slits in a spinning cylinder." Daguerreotype "one of the first photographic processes, announced in 1839." Gibbets "a structure that's used to execute criminals by hanging them." Stramonium " a medicinal substance used to treat night terrors.” To name just a few.
The novel ends as our protagonist is acknowledged both internally and externally as an up and coming detective. My ebook version promised a sequel next year (2026). I look forward to following this detective.
August 6, 2025
Murder in Constantinople is an entertaining if mostly boilerplate mystery-adventure featuring the typical roguish hero and plucky, exotic love interest. You'll also find the requisite international espionage and masked ball scenes here, too, plus some bad American accents thrown in for good measure.
I enjoyed the descriptions of Constantinople as this is one of my favorite settings, and the hero's Jewish background was a fresh new take. Still, for a mystery novel, it could have been more mysterious. I can't recall a plot twist that was at all surprising. Unlike what you'd expect from a mystery, everything here is pretty much exactly as it seems. One culprit's identity was never even properly revealed. Meanwhile, the modern, police procedural dialogue felt anachronistic, and I frequently had to remind myself this was taking place in the 1850s. Also, as another reader pointed out, there's a reference to electric light bulbs which needs to be corrected.
The romance was a little understated and the epilogue dragged on, but otherwise, this was a decent read. There's potential here for a great series with some refinements.
Thanks to the publisher and author for the ARC!
I enjoyed the descriptions of Constantinople as this is one of my favorite settings, and the hero's Jewish background was a fresh new take. Still, for a mystery novel, it could have been more mysterious. I can't recall a plot twist that was at all surprising. Unlike what you'd expect from a mystery, everything here is pretty much exactly as it seems. One culprit's identity was never even properly revealed. Meanwhile, the modern, police procedural dialogue felt anachronistic, and I frequently had to remind myself this was taking place in the 1850s. Also, as another reader pointed out, there's a reference to electric light bulbs which needs to be corrected.
The romance was a little understated and the epilogue dragged on, but otherwise, this was a decent read. There's potential here for a great series with some refinements.
Thanks to the publisher and author for the ARC!
October 22, 2025
I really wanted to like this book more than I did. It took 30% of the book to even get to a point where I realized we were finally getting to a plot. We start the story in the Whitechapel area of London with Ben and his friends who would rather rob and swindle than do a real job. Ben's father s a tailor who thought Ben would follow in his footsteps but Ben has no interest and would rather break into parties, stealing jewelry and wallets. Anything Ben can do to "get rich quick" seems to be his goal.
However, something happens when Ben's father takes a job working with a member of the government and in the jacket pocket is a picture of a girl that Ben used to date. Then in a sudden shift, Ben finds himself joining the crew of a ship under an alias and making his way to Constantinople and perhaps to follow the trail of the girl he though had died years ago.
The story just feels a bit slow and messy. I usually love a good murder mystery but this one didn't really keep me engaged and I never really felt as though Ben was investigating anything. It almost felt as though he was being lead around by a leash to the next step.
However, something happens when Ben's father takes a job working with a member of the government and in the jacket pocket is a picture of a girl that Ben used to date. Then in a sudden shift, Ben finds himself joining the crew of a ship under an alias and making his way to Constantinople and perhaps to follow the trail of the girl he though had died years ago.
The story just feels a bit slow and messy. I usually love a good murder mystery but this one didn't really keep me engaged and I never really felt as though Ben was investigating anything. It almost felt as though he was being lead around by a leash to the next step.
August 19, 2025
I'm glad that the characters were written speaking English as I know no Turkish. There are lots of nitpicks in the tale but the story was so much fun and the nitpicks only made me go snooping into the real truths without detracting from the flow of the story.
The characters are so well depicted that I would recognize them in a crowded airport or train depot by their mannerisms alone. The connection between London and the capitol of Turkey was real at that time (1854), and so was the author's family history of being milliners in London in the 19th century.
There's action, adventure, coming of age, suspense, and more in this first thriller in a new series.
I requested and received a temporary uncorrected digital galley from Steerforth & Pushkin | Pushkin Vertigo via NetGalley. Pub Date Oct 14, 2025 ****review
#MurderInConstantinople by @a.e.goldin #BenCanaanMysteriesBk1 @pushkin_press
#historicalresearch #familyhistory #Crimea @amateurdetective #Turkey #London #suspense #culturalexplorations #cozycrime #historicalthriller
The characters are so well depicted that I would recognize them in a crowded airport or train depot by their mannerisms alone. The connection between London and the capitol of Turkey was real at that time (1854), and so was the author's family history of being milliners in London in the 19th century.
There's action, adventure, coming of age, suspense, and more in this first thriller in a new series.
I requested and received a temporary uncorrected digital galley from Steerforth & Pushkin | Pushkin Vertigo via NetGalley. Pub Date Oct 14, 2025 ****review
#MurderInConstantinople by @a.e.goldin #BenCanaanMysteriesBk1 @pushkin_press
#historicalresearch #familyhistory #Crimea @amateurdetective #Turkey #London #suspense #culturalexplorations #cozycrime #historicalthriller
October 3, 2025
A.E. Goldin dips his toe into the mystery/cozy genre with “Murder in Constantinople”.
This first outing introduces us to Ben Canaan and the beginning of a new series. The book takes place in 1854 in London, England. Ben, at the young age of 21, is stretched beyond his comfort zone as he is trying to solve 3 murders with little to go on.
I would love to give you more details, but this audiobook was enjoyable, but forgettable. As in the audiobook just finished and I’m at a loss as how to describe the book. The author has the pacing down of the classics (Christie, Doyle, etc.) where they take their time and set everything up. However, this isn’t the page turner of those great writers.
This is Mr. Goldin’s first book. So, this is a great way to waste some time. Harmless, but unremarkable. I see potential in his writing ability. Hopefully enough readers will stick around to see if he does improve.
Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for providing an ARC for an unbiased review.
This first outing introduces us to Ben Canaan and the beginning of a new series. The book takes place in 1854 in London, England. Ben, at the young age of 21, is stretched beyond his comfort zone as he is trying to solve 3 murders with little to go on.
I would love to give you more details, but this audiobook was enjoyable, but forgettable. As in the audiobook just finished and I’m at a loss as how to describe the book. The author has the pacing down of the classics (Christie, Doyle, etc.) where they take their time and set everything up. However, this isn’t the page turner of those great writers.
This is Mr. Goldin’s first book. So, this is a great way to waste some time. Harmless, but unremarkable. I see potential in his writing ability. Hopefully enough readers will stick around to see if he does improve.
Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for providing an ARC for an unbiased review.
December 20, 2025
This was a useful corrective to my gaps of knowledge about the Crimean War. This was also interesting to see Jewish immigrant life, albeit in London --similarities to American experience, but largely earlier. In what promises to be the beginning of a series, we follow Ben Canaan, ne'er-do-well, or son assumed to take over the family business with no interest in doing so. A chance piece of paper in a suitcoat pocket that his father is to make for a member of Parliament, coupled with an unfortunate impersonation that was twigged to the police, sets Ben off to Constantinople to maybe find his first love, or maybe find out what the connection is between a cluster of murders. The Jewish community in Constantinople provides a home, and invitations, and a refuge as Ben works to figure out who (or what) the White Death is.
The beginning starts with a murder. I thought I knew who both players were; re-reading this after I finished the novel, I realized that I was half right (I think).
Where to next, Mr. Canaan?
The beginning starts with a murder. I thought I knew who both players were; re-reading this after I finished the novel, I realized that I was half right (I think).
Where to next, Mr. Canaan?
February 14, 2025
A DRC was provided by Edelweiss in exchange for a fair and breathless review.
Sharp historical thriller with a complex plot that still moves the reader along briskly. There is plenty of details about mid-Victorian London with a Dickensian flair, Constantinople with its feeling of being the fading but still glamorous center of many a nation's intrigues, and the clothes, food and travel that made up the lives of real people. The emergence of Ben Canaan from cocky punk to budding spy for Palmerton's government is a little uneven, but thankfully he has pluck and sheer dumb luck to carry him through. There are touches of the steampunk supernatural that seem unnecessary, but Goldin slips in questions about emerging modern identities - religion versus assimilation, family versus nationalism, emerging socialism versus rampant capitalism to balance the drama. It's a rip-roaring adventure worthy of a sequel.
Sharp historical thriller with a complex plot that still moves the reader along briskly. There is plenty of details about mid-Victorian London with a Dickensian flair, Constantinople with its feeling of being the fading but still glamorous center of many a nation's intrigues, and the clothes, food and travel that made up the lives of real people. The emergence of Ben Canaan from cocky punk to budding spy for Palmerton's government is a little uneven, but thankfully he has pluck and sheer dumb luck to carry him through. There are touches of the steampunk supernatural that seem unnecessary, but Goldin slips in questions about emerging modern identities - religion versus assimilation, family versus nationalism, emerging socialism versus rampant capitalism to balance the drama. It's a rip-roaring adventure worthy of a sequel.
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