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Inspector Ikmen #18
On the Bone
In Istanbul - the golden city on the Bosphorus - ancient myths and modern evils are at work...On the Bone is the eighteenth novel in the brilliant Istanbul crime thriller series starring Inspector Cetin Ikmen, 'the Morse of Istanbul' (Daily Telegraph), from Barbara Nadel. Perfect for fans of Donna Leon and Lindsey Davis. 'Nadel's evocation of the shady underbelly of modern Turkey is one of the perennial joys of crime fiction' - Mail on Sunday On a buzzing street in the fashionable district of Beyoglu, a young man drops dead. Ümit Kavas's death was natural but the autopsy betrays a shocking his last meal was human flesh.Under desperate pressure from their superiors, Inspector Cetin Ikmen and his colleague Mehmet Süleyman begin their most obscure investigation yet. How did Ümit Kavas, apparently a good, liberal man, come to partake in the greatest taboo of all? Did he act alone? And who was his victim?Soon they find themselves embroiled in a dark web of underground of Turkey's old secular elite; a community of squatters; and a new gastronomy scene breaking every boundary. But where does the truth lie?What readers are saying about On the 'Combines beautifully honed storytelling and fascinating insights into life in Istanbul''One of her best yet''Fascinating in its depiction of the changed Turkish political landscape, and how that change affects the people of Istanbul from all walks of life, from the rich to the poor, the transsexuals to the young married couples, the police departments to the military'
302 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 14, 2016
20 people are currently reading
130 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Nadel
60 books210 followersBarbara Nadel is an English crime-writer. Many of her books are set in Turkey. Born in the East End of London, Barbara Nadel trained as an actress before becoming a writer. Now writing full-time, she has previously worked as a public relations officer for the National Schizophrenia Fellowship's Good Companion Service and as a mental health advocate for the mentally disordered in a psychiatric hospital. She has also worked with sexually abused teenagers and taught psychology in schools and colleges, and is currently the patron of a charity that cares for those in emotional and mental distress. She has been a regular visitor to Turkey for more than twenty-five years.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
February 11, 2016
Visit the locations here One The Bone Booktrail
2000s: In the golden city on the Bosphorus – a dead man’s last meal was found to be human flesh
On the Bone – best not to think about that title so closely – is a stomach churning visit to the city of Istanbul. A city where controversy and taboo apparently live side by side.
As the novel opens in the party and fun side to the city – Istikial Caddesi, the party street in the city which has many streets of the celebrating kind. So for a body to be found here – and with stomach contents which will churn yours. Before his death, he is troubled by what he’s eaten but claims he was curious.
Now this is the city where Islam is one of the main religions and food has to be blessed and no pork is allowed for example. The importance and religious significance of food is well known. One company is heavily criticise for having had traces of pork found in their products. Nothing compared to what follows.
The novel then delves deep into not just the bowels of the characters but the bowels of the city – with the underground ‘scene’ to rival any other one you’ve ever seen in a novel. There are some ultra references to modern day politics and religion – the first mention of ISIS in a novel that we know of.
Not for me I’m afraid. Many people will love this and be attracted to its dark nature, but this was something I just couldn’t stomach if you pardon the pun. I don’t feel that I really appreciated the good parts of the book as the overall images and taste that I had in my mouth just overtook everything else. I love Barbara Nadel and her other books so this won’t put me off reading her books again. Just not this one I’m afraid.
2000s: In the golden city on the Bosphorus – a dead man’s last meal was found to be human flesh
On the Bone – best not to think about that title so closely – is a stomach churning visit to the city of Istanbul. A city where controversy and taboo apparently live side by side.
As the novel opens in the party and fun side to the city – Istikial Caddesi, the party street in the city which has many streets of the celebrating kind. So for a body to be found here – and with stomach contents which will churn yours. Before his death, he is troubled by what he’s eaten but claims he was curious.
Now this is the city where Islam is one of the main religions and food has to be blessed and no pork is allowed for example. The importance and religious significance of food is well known. One company is heavily criticise for having had traces of pork found in their products. Nothing compared to what follows.
The novel then delves deep into not just the bowels of the characters but the bowels of the city – with the underground ‘scene’ to rival any other one you’ve ever seen in a novel. There are some ultra references to modern day politics and religion – the first mention of ISIS in a novel that we know of.
Not for me I’m afraid. Many people will love this and be attracted to its dark nature, but this was something I just couldn’t stomach if you pardon the pun. I don’t feel that I really appreciated the good parts of the book as the overall images and taste that I had in my mouth just overtook everything else. I love Barbara Nadel and her other books so this won’t put me off reading her books again. Just not this one I’m afraid.
January 19, 2016
On the Bone, a mystery crime novel set in the Turkish city of Istanbul, is a novel full of controversial topics which many may not wish to read about.
The topic of human transgression is rife in this book and includes many taboo subjects that could especially offend those of a certain religion or those with a weak stomach.
Intrigued? Want to know more?
The Story of ‘On the Bone’
“Could guilt kill?” (Pg. 1)
Well can it? People do bad things all the time but do they feel that bad that it becomes a consequence of their death?
I think that this would be hard to prove, although it is often said that people die of a broken heart so why would this be any different?
Űmit Kavaş, a well-known progressive thinker in certain circles, is found dead in Istikial Caddesi, home to Istanbul’s party streets, but what was the cause?
“He felt hot, then cold, then hot again. His chest hurt. Indigestion, his body rejecting food it hadn’t been designed to eat. Or had it? Of course it hadn’t. He’d known it was wrong. But at the same time he had been curious.” (pg. 1)
What did he eat?
From page 1 you are drawn in, trying to guess what he could have ingested that would not only make him ill but also question himself.
Before we find out any more we are introduced to one of the main characters, Cetin Ikmen, the detective that will shortly be in-charge of the investigation into the young man’s death.
Being set in Turkey, where Islam is one of the main religions, it naturally becomes an underlying theme of the novel.
When we first meet Cetin Ikmen, he and his wife are having a conversation about contaminated food sources from the Anatolia Gold company.
“Product giant Anatolia Gold had owned up to selling tinned products that contain traces of pork.” (pg. 4)
At this point I am sure that Cetin Ikmen believed that this was going to be the most controversial food discussion he would be having that day. That is until he speaks to a pathologist who has just completed an autopsy of Mr Kavaş.
“’Human flesh? Are you sure?’
‘Absolutely,’ the doctor said. ‘And what’s more, it has been cooked and was accompanied by an apple and plum sauce... Was the apple included because it is claimed by some that human flesh is similar to pork?’” (Pg. 5)
The idea of cannibalism is just too much for many people to comprehend; why would someone want to eat the flesh of another human? Is this a case of ignorance? Perhaps Kavaş believed he was trying pork. He knew what he had done was wrong, but was it wrong because of his religious beliefs or because he had committed an illegal act?
The topic of human transgression is rife in this book and includes many taboo subjects that could especially offend those of a certain religion or those with a weak stomach.
Intrigued? Want to know more?
The Story of ‘On the Bone’
“Could guilt kill?” (Pg. 1)
Well can it? People do bad things all the time but do they feel that bad that it becomes a consequence of their death?
I think that this would be hard to prove, although it is often said that people die of a broken heart so why would this be any different?
Űmit Kavaş, a well-known progressive thinker in certain circles, is found dead in Istikial Caddesi, home to Istanbul’s party streets, but what was the cause?
“He felt hot, then cold, then hot again. His chest hurt. Indigestion, his body rejecting food it hadn’t been designed to eat. Or had it? Of course it hadn’t. He’d known it was wrong. But at the same time he had been curious.” (pg. 1)
What did he eat?
From page 1 you are drawn in, trying to guess what he could have ingested that would not only make him ill but also question himself.
Before we find out any more we are introduced to one of the main characters, Cetin Ikmen, the detective that will shortly be in-charge of the investigation into the young man’s death.
Being set in Turkey, where Islam is one of the main religions, it naturally becomes an underlying theme of the novel.
When we first meet Cetin Ikmen, he and his wife are having a conversation about contaminated food sources from the Anatolia Gold company.
“Product giant Anatolia Gold had owned up to selling tinned products that contain traces of pork.” (pg. 4)
At this point I am sure that Cetin Ikmen believed that this was going to be the most controversial food discussion he would be having that day. That is until he speaks to a pathologist who has just completed an autopsy of Mr Kavaş.
“’Human flesh? Are you sure?’
‘Absolutely,’ the doctor said. ‘And what’s more, it has been cooked and was accompanied by an apple and plum sauce... Was the apple included because it is claimed by some that human flesh is similar to pork?’” (Pg. 5)
The idea of cannibalism is just too much for many people to comprehend; why would someone want to eat the flesh of another human? Is this a case of ignorance? Perhaps Kavaş believed he was trying pork. He knew what he had done was wrong, but was it wrong because of his religious beliefs or because he had committed an illegal act?
February 13, 2016
What a seething cauldron modern-day Istanbul is! On The Bone, the 18th in Barbara Nadel's series featuring Inspector Cetin Ikmen, is a fascinating, multi-faceted story featuring race and religion, Syria, ISIS, cannibalism, the Dark Web and other elements too numerous to mention. At times, the tale is a little too diverse, and as usual keeping tabs on who is related to whom can be testing, but this is a fine novel by a superb writer.
August 31, 2016
It was no surprise that I really enjoyed this book. The Inspector Ikmen crime series is very well written, I have looked forward to each and every book, and enjoyed them all immensely. Barbara Nadel is a fantastic crime writer, I'm only surprised she isn't more lauded. More Ikmen please Barbara.
December 25, 2021
A man in his 30’s dies on the street from a heart attack. An autopsy reveals human flesh in his stomach. Ikmen is assigned the case and quickly finds a person of interest, an eccentric American chef who for some strange reason is protected by the security services. The search is on of missing persons who might have been the meal.
We are introduced to eccentric liberal artists squatting in a run down villa. These artists have discredited secular military officers as friends who frequently visit and commiserate over the Islamist ruination of Ataturk’s republic. They have been harassed by two Syrian teenagers for their lack of religion. These teenagers are now missing.
What ensues is a frustrating pursuit of justice with Ikmen being restrained by the security services. A police officer is killed. Jewish blood and a rare disease further narrow the victim’s identity. ISIS in Syria is also a destination. It gets a little confusing with all the characters involved.
Still an intriguing and interesting pursuit.
We are introduced to eccentric liberal artists squatting in a run down villa. These artists have discredited secular military officers as friends who frequently visit and commiserate over the Islamist ruination of Ataturk’s republic. They have been harassed by two Syrian teenagers for their lack of religion. These teenagers are now missing.
What ensues is a frustrating pursuit of justice with Ikmen being restrained by the security services. A police officer is killed. Jewish blood and a rare disease further narrow the victim’s identity. ISIS in Syria is also a destination. It gets a little confusing with all the characters involved.
Still an intriguing and interesting pursuit.
April 25, 2020
This is the 18th book in a series which probably features the police characters and their families all the way through. References to relationships and history were simultaneously confusing (because not detailed enough) and annoying (because repeated too much). That's my problem, not her mistake.
I felt underwhelmed at her attempts to generate suspense or emotional response. I frequently find this in mystery writing, and am always puzzled when it's in an award-winning book. Perhaps those who give the awards overlook the poor writing style in favor of the content. And the mystery was intriguing, and the detecting was good, with a good amount of red herrings and politics.
Also, what exactly does the picture on the cover have to do with the story?
I felt underwhelmed at her attempts to generate suspense or emotional response. I frequently find this in mystery writing, and am always puzzled when it's in an award-winning book. Perhaps those who give the awards overlook the poor writing style in favor of the content. And the mystery was intriguing, and the detecting was good, with a good amount of red herrings and politics.
Also, what exactly does the picture on the cover have to do with the story?
February 25, 2025
While the references to canabalism and ISIS were disturbing, I found the book interesting and educational. She didn’t hide the culture and lifestyle practises of ISIS and the difficulties faced daily on the region. We are so removed from the way of life in Turkey and Syria and we are so very fortunate, it is important to gain an understanding of their way of life. The list of names in the front of the book was invaluable in keeping up with who is who. Not for everyone but I found the book very interesting and written very well.
October 18, 2021
This is the third book which I have read in this series about police detectives in Turkey. This is a far-fetched story involving cannibalism and jihad but it is an entertaining read. There are a lot of characters and I found it hard to keep track of who was who and there probably are a few too many coincidences but on the plus side side I do like Inspector Ikmen and the exotic characters who inhabit Istanbul.
January 4, 2025
set in Istanbul, Turkey.
Interestingly, the medical examiner distracts himself with listening to "Israeli superstar Ofra Haza's Yemenite Songs on his iPod. He didn't understand the words of what were modern adaptations of sixteenth-century rabbinical tests, but he loved the tunes." page 291. check it out?
Interestingly, the medical examiner distracts himself with listening to "Israeli superstar Ofra Haza's Yemenite Songs on his iPod. He didn't understand the words of what were modern adaptations of sixteenth-century rabbinical tests, but he loved the tunes." page 291. check it out?
September 8, 2018
Another excellent Inspector Ikmen mystery. I enjoy these books so much, but this one didn't have the usual character personal back stories that I’m so used to with these novels, as such it wasn't quite as enjoyable as others.
August 12, 2025
Disappointing
This book is just too long. Whilst not a fan of cosy style books Nadel’s writing is turgid and depressing. Ikmen needs a revamp, or perhaps he should retire, but that is unlikely when he still makes the author money.
This book is just too long. Whilst not a fan of cosy style books Nadel’s writing is turgid and depressing. Ikmen needs a revamp, or perhaps he should retire, but that is unlikely when he still makes the author money.
September 18, 2025
Am restarting this series where I left off some years ago. I had forgotten how much I love the way Nadel combines plot with cultural details. For those of us who love Istanbul, tis is a wonderful series.
July 14, 2017
Celebrity chef, cannibalism, alternative life styles, ISIS, social unrest, murder... What's not to love. Inspector Ikmen takes in stride.
March 8, 2018
A really gruesome tale and believable in that a certain person gets away scot-free and enrages Ikmen.
December 29, 2018
Several controversial topics confound Inspector Ikmen and Suleyman in their investigation of several murders.
February 22, 2023
The best in the series (of what I've read so far)
February 22, 2023
A very different crime..slightly distasteful if you’ll excuse the pun.
Still love this series though
Still love this series though
July 6, 2016
Interesting book
I have not read another of this author's books so did not pre judge .
The opposite sides of the coin in Turkey with dyed in the wool traditionalists and the modern on the other side is interesting .
The mentions of Isis and the young bring things to the fore .
The subject of cannibalism was handled discreetly , though it's not a subject I would seek out .
The difficulty I had , and it was an important one , was the names . Apart from the main characters I really didn't know who was who .
They put the names and who they were in the preface , but as I read on Kindle it is impossible to keep referring back to see. This is where a paper book would be better.
I have not read another of this author's books so did not pre judge .
The opposite sides of the coin in Turkey with dyed in the wool traditionalists and the modern on the other side is interesting .
The mentions of Isis and the young bring things to the fore .
The subject of cannibalism was handled discreetly , though it's not a subject I would seek out .
The difficulty I had , and it was an important one , was the names . Apart from the main characters I really didn't know who was who .
They put the names and who they were in the preface , but as I read on Kindle it is impossible to keep referring back to see. This is where a paper book would be better.
November 3, 2016
I had a hard time trying to finish the book. Unlike her earlier works, plot development was slow and winded. The topics of cannibalism and ghastly works underlying gourmet dining and of the ISIS threat would normally add excitement and thrill to the story, but I felt very little if not none. The ending was also unconvincing. I may need to reread (re-listen) to it again but don't think I will for a long time.
March 10, 2016
Cannibalism is used as a great metaphor
I love how Barbara continues Inman's story. Turkey has been in much turmoil since Gezi. I think the use of cannibalism is a great metaphor for what the Turks are going through. The subject matter may be difficult for some but I believe it is used effectively. Brava Barbara!
I love how Barbara continues Inman's story. Turkey has been in much turmoil since Gezi. I think the use of cannibalism is a great metaphor for what the Turks are going through. The subject matter may be difficult for some but I believe it is used effectively. Brava Barbara!
Read
March 20, 2016Truth, lies and family secrets. Foodies and a chef who goes over the bounds of good taste- cannibalism.
ISIS, the power of social media in radicalizing young people.
It's all about finding out who was serving human flesh.
Rather disturbing. Not much about the private lives of ikmen and Suleyman.
ISIS, the power of social media in radicalizing young people.
It's all about finding out who was serving human flesh.
Rather disturbing. Not much about the private lives of ikmen and Suleyman.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 22, 2016
I enjoyed the book and ongoing character and social development, within this particular contemporary Turkish location and with another view of Isis from the east, as well as current "foodie culture", cannibalism, and other assorted issues. It did keep me reading, although there were stretches that seemed to carry on too long without getting to their relevance to the story and plot.
June 24, 2016
good!! as something to interest everyone religion, politics, canabilisim, culture, love of food, smoking, isis, Syria,the dark Web to name a few and been back in the company of inspector Cetin Ikmen is like welcoming a member of the family home!! would advise to read from the beginning of the series through to this the 18th book about inspector Ikmen.
July 24, 2016
Barbara Nadel's latest episode from modern Istanbul is as dramatic as ever. This time round it is also darker and even more troubling.
Turkey is one of the worlds most important countries and Nadel's regular glimpses into it's world show us change at an alarming pace and deep divisions we recently saw playing out in the recent coup. In fact in light of this On the Bone seems prophetic.
Turkey is one of the worlds most important countries and Nadel's regular glimpses into it's world show us change at an alarming pace and deep divisions we recently saw playing out in the recent coup. In fact in light of this On the Bone seems prophetic.
June 23, 2016
Enjoyed. Can definitely recommend!
May 13, 2023
This is probably the darkest of the series …. a multitude of characters and wide ranging events but Nadel never fails to impress
January 30, 2016
Good but rather depressing. Barbara Nadel's books get darker and less hopeful each time.
April 23, 2016
Thrilling story.
April 22, 2017
A little slow and not as good as previous books.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews