THE TURKISH GAMBIT

A witty and gabby historical whodunit from Russia is set in 1877 during hostilities between the motherland and the Ottomans. As diplomat/stutterer/detective Erast Fandorin investigates a case of espionage, the accused’s lovely, spirited fiancée keeps getting in his way. Paul Michael nicely delivers the lengthy conversations of les Russes. But his narrative, with slurred diction that sounds ever so modern and American, clashes with the book’s setting, atmosphere, and sophistication. Michael lacks variety and an appreciation for the book’s humor. Y.R. © AudioFile 2005, Portland, Maine [Published: AUG/SEP 05]