Molly Foust reviewed Istanbul passage by Joseph Kanon
Review of 'Istanbul passage' on 'Goodreads'
4 stars
This brooding, smoky, mystery masterfully evokes late 1940's Istanbul and the weary hang-over of wartime. The story centers on the character of Alexi, a traitor to Romanian dictator Antonescu and the Russians, as well as an alleged butcher of Jews. His whispered crimes cast a creepy pallor over the plot especially support the compelling character of protagonist Leo Bauer. The women characters, in spy-thriller fashion, can be deceptive or vapid, a shadow of substance suggested by Anna, Leon's wife who has gone into some sort of catatonia that is never fully explained.
The set is full of fiesty international characters, and the atmosphere film noir meets Istanbul. I loved it, it is a cut above your average historical mystery.
This brooding, smoky, mystery masterfully evokes late 1940's Istanbul and the weary hang-over of wartime. The story centers on the character of Alexi, a traitor to Romanian dictator Antonescu and the Russians, as well as an alleged butcher of Jews. His whispered crimes cast a creepy pallor over the plot especially support the compelling character of protagonist Leo Bauer. The women characters, in spy-thriller fashion, can be deceptive or vapid, a shadow of substance suggested by Anna, Leon's wife who has gone into some sort of catatonia that is never fully explained.
The set is full of fiesty international characters, and the atmosphere film noir meets Istanbul. I loved it, it is a cut above your average historical mystery.