Gigolomurha

Hop-Çiki-Yaya #3

by Mehmet Murat Somer

Kirjan nimetön päähenkilö, päivisin tietokonehakkerina toimiva drag queen -yökerhon omistaja on syvästi masentunut yllättäen päättyneestä suhteestaan. Tomeran pikkusiskon korvike, niin ikään naiseksi pukeutuva, kookas ja rääväsuinen Tupsu, ottaa ohjat käsiinsä ja vetää hänet takaisin maanpinnalle. Kun Tupsu tutustuttaa ystävänsä Haluk Pekerdemiin, kuolettavan komeaan, naimisissa olevaan lakimieheen, veri alkaa taas virrata suonissa. Etenkin kun Halukin sukulaista epäillään minibussikuskin murhasta, sillä eihän mikään vedä vertoja amatöörietsivän hommille – paitsi ehkä jumalainen Audrey Hepburn.

Gigolomurha vie lukijansa Istanbulin yöhön ja sen värikkääseen alamaailmaan. Kutkuttava murhamysteeri päättyy Agatha Christielle ominaiseen loppunäytökseen, jossa kaikki kysymykset saavat vastauksen.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, LGBT, Crime, Turkish, Turkish Literature, Queer

291 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2003

About the author

Mehmet Murat Somer was born in Ankara in 1959. After graduating from university, he worked for a short time as an engineer, and for an extended period as a banker. Since 1994, he has been a management consultant, conducting corporate seminars on management skills and personal development. When not working out in the hammam, he writes books in the Hop-Ciki-Yaya series, of which there are now 6.

Reviews

[Korcan Derinsu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Serinin polisiye açısından en derli toplu kitabı. Atmosfer ilk iki kitaba göre daha az eğlenceli ama cinsellik dozunun artışı kitaba başka bir boyut katıyor. Serileri hemen bitirme takıntım olduğu için ara vermeden okuyorum. Ara vererek okusam kesinlikle daha çok beğenirdim ayrı konu.

[Joy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Olayların nasıl olduğunu, nasıl başlayıp nasıl bittiğini en açık şekilde bu kitapta okudum. O yüzden serinin birinci sırasında benim için. Tüm kitapları okuyup bir de üstüne söylenmeye devam etmemeye karar verdim. Yazar yazdıkça daha da hakim olabilmiş sanırım konuya.

[Sevgican · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seri, her kitapta daha da guzellesiyor. Serinin 3. Kitabi olan jigolo cinayetlerini bir solukta, katil kim diye merak icinde, heyecanla okudum. Kurgu gercekten cok iyiydi. Her sey cok dozundaydi. Serinin diger kitaplarina devam etmeden once biraz ara verecegim. Ama sonra yine, serinin kalanina donup boyle heyecanla okumak istiyorum.

[Burçak Sultan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bu biraz daha iyiydi.. Daha polisiye havası vardı. Diğer iki kitapta suçlular belli olup sadece ispat için uğraşılırken, bu biraz agatha christie havasındaydı.. zaten sonunda suçluyu açıklarken ondan da esinlenmişlerdi :))

[Ibrahim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Serinin üçüncü kitabi. Yine İstanbul kazan travesti dostumuz kepçe geziyoruz. Jigolo Volkan ın ölümünü ve iş dünyası açısından etkilerini araştırıyoruz. Karmaşık, finali biraz açık uçlu, taşlar tam yerine oturamadan paldır küldür bitti. Müzik ve Agatha Christie referansları gülümsetti. Polisiye olarak fazla bir beklenti olmadan okunursa gayet keyfli bir okuma olabilir. Tavsiye ederim.

[Douglas Lord · Rating 5 out of 5]

This variant in the amateur-detective genre manages to be at once familiar (bumbling narrator, slow plot reveal) and quite alien (everything else). The author is Turkish, the mystery is set in Istanbul (not Constantinople!), and the narrator is a transvestite. All aspects that take you pretty far from your average bowling night or Magic Chef party. Names are unfamiliar, manners are peculiar, and customs are weird, as when our hero spits on a mirror to ward off the evil eye. Sporadic action, fennel tea, and the almost complete inscrutability of the narrator might put you off, but for something different, this shoe fits like a pair of Manolos. Plus, the sentiments are familiar no matter what your ethnic, sexual, or culinary orientation (e.g., “I’d imagined us growing old, shaving side by side in the morning, dozing in front of the TV, taking a long cruise together”). Another bonus: sex permeates the entire book. Other titles do this, too, like Henry Miller’s Tropic of Cancer, Sherrilyn Kenyon’s “Dark-Hunter” books, and your sister’s diary. Unlike that last tract, however, Somer isn’t gross, leaving quite a lot to the imagination via a constant undercurrent of sex, something you just don’t get in your typical Spenser-for-hire or 77th Precinct novel.

Find reviews of books for men at Books for Dudes, Books for Dudes, the online reader's advisory column for men from Library Journal. Copyright Library Journal.

[mert · Rating 4 out of 5]

yine çok eğlendirdi beni bu seri. öteki kimlikler, olağan suçlar, gullümü de madisi de bol hayatlar, istanbul, varoşları, alt sınıfları, orospuları, travestileri,... polisiye türünün sınırlarını zorlayan eserleri çok severim ben. bu pek öyle değil ama asla ve kat'a olağan bir polisiye de değil. o yüzden "hop-çiki-yaya"yı yine de favori polisiyelerim arasında anıyorum.

[Anu-vinkkari · Rating 2 out of 5]

Kaukokaipuu vaivaa, siispä tällä kertaa nojatuolikyydillä Turkkiin ja Istambuliin.
Olipa dekkari.
Päähenkilönä loisti turhamainen, kaunis ja älykäs, tietojärjestelmiä murtamalla ja suojaamalla rikastunut transu-homo joka biletti omistamallaan transuklubilla, vaihtoi miestä kuin paitaa, ja lisäksi harrasti itämaisia taistelulajeja sillä tasolla, että pystyi parissa sekunnissa paketoimaan pimeässä sängyn vierelle saapuvat aseistetut pahikset, vaikka oli itse alushoususillaan vuoteessa. Hengästyttävän pitkä virke, mutta kuvaa kirjaa.
Ja se juoni. No, ensin tapettiin kuuluisa gigolo ja sitten joku rikas mies lopuksi sitten tuhottiin ja kopioitiin tiedostoja ja pengottiin tallelokeroita. Pääasiassa kuitenkin vaihdettiin vaatteita, meikattiin, iskettiin miehiä, tapeltiin ja paranneltiin "tyttöporukalla" päähenkilön särkynyttä sydäntä. Loppuhuipennuksena lyhyt luku Christien henkeen, jossa muutaman motiivi-alibi veivauksen jälkeen paljastettiin mahdollisimman epätodennäköinen yllätys-syyllinen. Ja tämä syyllinen tosiaan tuli ihan puun, vai pitäiskö sanoa kaapin takaa.
Ei ehkä sitä perinteisintä puzzle-dekkaria, mutta tulipa luettua.

[Gökçe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yine elime aldığım gibi biten kitaplardan. Ben bu kitabı çok aradım. Bulamadım. Yok yani piyasada. Ve hiç beklemediğim bir anda hediye geliverdi. Ben tabii o mutlulukla okuyuverdim.

Öncelikle Audrey Hepburn alter egolu kahramanımızı çok özlemişim <3 Bu kitabın başında bir aşk acısı çekişi vardı, içim eridi resmen ya :/ Zaten yazarın dilini, bir şeylere hafiften dokundurarak eleştirişini, travestiler, gaylerden oluşan bu dünyayı acındırma olmaksızın dürüstçe yazmasını çok seviyorum. Bu kez İstanbul'un namlı jigololarından biri ölü bulunuyor. Garip olmayacak şekilde kahramanımız da kendini bu cinayetin kenarında köşesinde buluveriyor. Eh dayanamıyor dedektif damarı, hemmen o da araştırmaya başlıyor :D
Burada cinayet bana biraz geri planda kalmış gibi geldi bu sefer ama. Daha kahramanımız merkezli gibiydi sanki. Yine de güzeldi tabii. Seri genel olarak çok güzel. Önüme gelene tavsiye ediyorum bu yüzden :D

[Yooperprof · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the second of M.M. Somer's Turkish transvestite crime stories that I've read. I liked it more than my first, "The Kiss Murder." "Gigolo" is racier, there is more mascara and more sex, not all of which is connected to the plot. Somer incorporates a lot of interesting (and presumably accurate?) detail about the drag queen community in Istanbul, and I genuinely enjoyed the way in which the novel bridges "East" and "West," much like the city itself. As for the intricate plot - well, you might call it "Byzantine" if you wanted to be clever.

[Lyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

For a mystery set in Istanbul featuring a punctilious, Thai boxing, cross-dressing computer hacker/night club owner as the amateur sleuth, this book was not as exciting as I had hoped. A decent mystery and fairly entertaining, but not nearly a juicy as the cover art.

[Aksu Piippo · Rating 1 out of 5]

VMP. Älä koske.

[Vic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not sure of the narrator's pronoun so I'm just going to use 'they'.

I highly enjoyed the book even though mystery and detective thrillers are not really my cup of tea. The mysterious narrator (what is their name????) has such a vivid imagination and strong predilections that it was simply entertaining to read their musings along the way. Their references to old Hollywood glamour was intriguing, particularly since they were Turkish and based in a distinctively middle-eastern setting. I agree with other critiques in that it gave insight into the east-meets-west culture of Istanbul. Given the stereotypes of the conservative nature of the middle east and its very hidden sexy underground scene, I enjoyed reading how openly - and seemingly widespread - queer culture was depicted, even if it was mostly in a privileged setting. However, I am unsure how much of it is based on real life, and would like to hear from a local what their take on it is.

I thought the lusting over Haluk Pekerdem was fun, but it did get unsavoury and boring as they were repeating their daydreams ad nauseum. The narrator does tend to be very haughty and scathingly judgmental to others. However, that was entertaining in own shady way.

The combination of drag club owner, hacking whiz and amateur sleuth makes for a tall tale, though a surprisingly compelling one that makes me feel like reading the other books in the series.

[Can Demir · Rating 2 out of 5]

Bir ara bulduğum her polisiye kitaba atlıyordum. Bu kitabın İngilizce'ye çevrildiğini öğrenince hemen atladım. Ama okurken çok pişman oldum. Nedense bazı yazarlarımız Amerika'yı yeni keşfediyor. Agatha Christie okuyan herkes bir polisiye de ben yazayım diyor, ama kaçırdığı şey, şu an dünyada polisiye edebiyatın çok geliştiği. İşin içine bir sürü teknik ve hukuksal ayrıntıların girdiği çok daha gerçekçi polisiyeler yazıyorlar. Christie şu an yaşasaydı büyük ihtimalle yazdığı çoğu kitaba gülüp geçerdi. Aynı şeyi Esmahan Aykol'da da yaşamıştım. Fazla basit bir kurgu. İnandırıcılıktan ve gerçekçilikten uzak. Maalesef marjinal karakterler koyunca veya bir kaç küfürlü konuşma ekleyince roman daha gerçekçi olmuyor. Hani gazetecilerin veya özel dedektiflerin bir olaya dahil olmasını anlarım da, sıradan bir karakterin, "aa bizim mahallede cinayet işlenmiş gideyim de şunu çözeyim" demesi size ne kadar inandırıcı geliyorsa bana da o kadar geldi.

[Robert Henderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm really warming to the main character, the kick boxing, IT consultant, transexual. I think I've come to terms with the jaring attitudes some of the characters have about homosexuality and not "giving it away for free" as that is just the attitude those working girls would have. It's a pity only four have been translated.

[Elif DEMİREL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Umarım bir gün Almodóvar (en azından İspanyol bir yönetmen) hop-çiki-yaya yı polisiye bir dizi yapar. Bu seriyi izlemek, okumak gibi görselde de çok keyifli olurdu.

I hope one day Almodóvar (at least a Spanish director) makes a hop-çiki-yaya to a detective series. It would be very enjoyable to watch this series, just like reading it visually.

[Ronkeli · Rating 3 out of 5]

Viihdyttävä dekkari, jossa Agatha Christie kohtaa sateenkaariväen Turkissa. Helposti luettava, vetää mukaansa, yllättää ja naurattaakin. Vaikka kirjassa murhataan useampikin ihminen, ei keskitytä tekotapaan tai rikospaikan tonkimiseen, vaan motiiviin ja ihmissuhteisiin. Täydellinen esim. matkalukemiseksi.

[Zahide Ertuğrul · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seride şimdiye kadar okuduğum en iyi kitaptı,her bir kitap öncekinden daha iyi çıkıyor.
Katili tahmin etmek hiç zor olmasa da gidişatı okumak çok keyifli oluyor.
Geçen kitap sinir olduğum Ponpon ise bu kitapta is my girl :)

[CRM · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another stellar installment in the series. Is the main character my favorite in the world, no. But the story is great and this was a joy to read. I feel like I am in Istanbul going around gathering clues and solving a crime. I look forward to the next adventure.

[Judy Abbott · Rating 3 out of 5]

Alıntı

"İpekten!"
"Tamam ayol!" derken küskün küskün alt dudağını sarkıtmıştı bile. "İki kelime gullüm de edemeyeceksem..."
Silahlardan birini eline verdim.
"Nasıl kullanılacağını bilir misin?" diye sordum.
"Ayol askerlik yaptık herhalde. Üstelik de hiç ıskalamam. Merak etmem kocacım."
Yerde yatanın dilsiz olduğunu, konuşamadığını söyledim.
İpekten çömelip onu incelemeye başladı. Bir o yana bir bu yana çevirdi.
"Ben bunu dilli düdüğe çeviririm," dedi en şakıyan sesiyle. "Çözerim o dilini... Yerim ayol!"

[Lila · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this second murder, our detective gets caught up in a complicated blackmail set-up and must rely heavily on friends. The POV of the unnamed narrator drops briefly when the narrator is challenged by the victim's widow and we realize how much the public view is hidden from us.

[Arzu Gokyolcu · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read it twice.. While reading the book, I suddenly start laughing... Strange looks are on me :))) One of the rare books I read with real pleasure...Ponpom and Damper Beyza , I love you..I wish one day you would come to me for tea. for ''gullum:)))) ''kevaşeler''

[Barış · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hop ciki yaya'da bahsi gecen butun muzikleri dinlemek ve filmleri izlemek istiyorum. Keske toplu bir liste olsaydi bir yerde. Polisiyesini degil arkada devam eden hayati ya da bas karakterin ic sesini daha ilginc buluyorum.

[Pia Vilmi · Rating 1 out of 5]

En ymmärrä miksi ylipäätään ryhdyin lukemaan tätä kirjaa.

[Aysegul Ozkan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cok egleniyorum Somer'in kitaplarini okurken. Gercekten hic bilmedigim cok eglenceli bir dunyaya kapi aciyor benim icin. Ustelik isin icinde polisiye de var!

[Gu Gu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beşinin en iyisi bu kitap sanırım. İlmik ilmik çözüme gidiyor. Son sahne ise Agatha Christie benzeri. Kısaca çözüm gümbür gümbür geliyor.

[Virgowriter (Brad Windhauser) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Fun, with an occasional nugget about the protagonist’s queer identity.

[Peter Paker! · Rating 2 out of 5]

meh boring disappointed sad

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

THE GIGOLO MURDER is the third translated Hop-Çiki Yaya Thriller (there are seven books in the series in total) from Turkish author Mehmet Murat Somer. If you are looking for something a little unexpected, then these books are well worth having a look at.

The stories all revolve around an unnamed transvestite heroine as both central character and narrator. In THE GIGOLO MURDER our girl (as he/she always refers to herself), is not well, miserable since the break up of a relationship which meant so much (since the last great love and until the next one comes along!). Dragged along to a show by her dear friend Ponpon (another transvestite and dancer), our heroine meets, and falls for the devastatingly handsome, very married Haluk. It makes perfect sense therefore when Haluk's brother in law is accused of murder, that our heroine would investigate. Investigation comes easy to our heroine - a night-club owning, martial artist, expert computer hacker transvestite who has friends who come in handy on these occasions. Which is just as well because THE GIGOLO MURDER sees her calling in favours and assistance from everybody possible.

Reading the three books in order has actually been a helpful thing. Although each of the stories would stand-alone, THE GIGOLO MURDER is the book in which the crime story picks up and holds a lot more of centre stage. The two earlier books are possibly slightly more memorable for their character development and the explanation of the world in which these characters live. The unnamed heroine of these books is a undoubtedly little arch, frequently histrionic, more than a little temperamental, she is vividly but sensitively drawn. The spotlight, suitably framed and tactfully cast on a part of Turkish / Istanbul society that is possibly unexpected, but undoubtedly close, supportive and self-sufficient.

THE GIGOLO MURDER is really a tremendous crime book, translated in a way that doesn't lose the pace of the story, or the uniqueness of the characters and the setting. This is a series for anybody looking for something a little different, just slightly risqué, but with a tremendous sense of people and place.

Translated so far:

The Prophet Murders
The Kiss Murder
The Gigolo Murder

[Matt · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is almost critic proof, because it's so self-consciously trashy that it's preemptively chilling to think of Somer saying "But I meant that." The book, it appears, is meant as a trifle, a delightful night out with central character, drag queen, super-hacker, and club impresario.

That said, I'm not totally thrilled with this-- it's not that there's too much trangressive gay content here, but there's too little detective work here for my taste. And the ending, especially, seems poorly constructed-- nod as openly as you'd like to genre traditions, but wrapping up the mystery in a drawning room setting is just kind of boring, and shows a lack of imagination, at least to me.

There are some good moments here-- I like the character and the way she has an almost Shadow or Doc Savage style cabal of friends and helpers. There're some funny bits here in terms of the way the characters, especially the secondary characters, use each other sexually, and I think the morality here, especially as it seems to relate to sexuality, is wonderfully heterodox: people operate from a range of motives that are not judged by traditional standards, which is refreshing.

I guess what it comes down to is that I like the tone, the setting, and the backdrop of all this. But the particular mystery here was kind of dull, and doesn't really make me want to read more.