This is the first book from Akunin I've read and I really liked it. Usually I can't bring myself to read English translations from Russian - I don't know, there's something missing in them, I think it's the innate humor of the Russian language - but this translation was very good and read really smoothly.I didn't know what to expect, since all I knew about Fandorin was that he's a fan of things Japanese, has a Japanese servant and is good at martial arts - but the most entertaining feature of the book was the atmosphere of the 19-th century Russia, with all the props: champagne! bears! pancakes! hotel rooms full of exotic plants and gaslights! honest Orthodox people with their good-natured lamentations and exclamations! I can imagine this might become irritating in the long run, but I haven't read anything Russian for quite a while, so I just devoured this stuff.The book consists of two long novellas, and I definitely liked the first one better. Would like to read another one in this vein; the second story was also good, but less taut and less enjoyable, especially towards the end. The resolution, given what must have happened to lead to it, was unsatisfactory to me.I'd definitely read more of this series. Too bad that getting cheap books in Russian - indeed, nearly any books apart from classics - is nigh impossible here in Japan. Oh well. Maybe later.
Jack of Spades: I love this story because of the comic relief it provides after gruesome murders in the first four novels. Plus the image of Erast Fandorin and Masa sword-fighting almost stark naked in the snow makes the story worth reading. The turns in Erast's private life only confirm, at least to me, that he is very human character. There are also some moments of a Sherlock Holmes type duality when the question of work and "dull routine of existence" are discussed. Momus and Mimi are excellent baddies, if you can call them that.The Decorator: I had forgotten how gruesome this story is. It's not one of my favourites, as I don't find the Jack the Ripper aspect all that interesting. The depiction of the Decorator's deeds brings more to my mind NBC's Hannibal.The story has a slower feeling pace than previous stories, probably because of the incredibly dark atmosphere the murders give to the story. There is so much you really wish to know about mutilated victims.Erast Fandorin, however, should really sort out his personal life. He's not a loner type, but his broodiness stands in the way for his romantic side.
What do You think about Special Assignments (2008)?
Boris Akunin writes historical thrillers set in Imperialist Moscow and is the pseudonym of Grigory Chkhartishvili (an academic in his other life). I've read every English translation so far in his "Erast Fandorin" series, and every one is fantastic escapist literature. The characters are a bit over the top (as they should be) and the historical detail is rich. The writing is much better than the kind of blockbuster brain candy you get in most thrillers; they go down easy, but you don't feel stupider in the morning. Special Assignments introduces Anisii Tulipov as Fandorin's awkward and unlucky new assistant helping him out on two new cases: Jack of Spades, the devious con-man, and The Decorator, an Ivan the Ripper type serial killer. The book is like two fast-paced novels in one, both equally gripping and crafty.
—Kevin
A collection of two novellas featuring the intrepid Fandorin, equal parts light and shade. The first is a remarkably light-hearted romp as our hero finds himself pursuing a con-man while trying to salvage his love life. An interesting comic turn from Akunin, if somewhat sleight.Things take a decidedly darker turn in the second story, however. Exploring the idea that a fanatical serial killer - perhaps Jack the Ripper his very self - is stalking the women of Moscow, the tone and descriptions are quite deal more grisly than the earlier books. While perhaps not always convincing, a number of twists and turns delivers the kind of emotional gravitas that we expect from the series.
—Kris McCracken
I absolutely love this series of books translated from the Russian. The main character is Erast Fandorin, a special investigator of many talents who works for the Tsarist government in late 19th century Moscow. This book consists of two stories....one is rather amusing and concerns the Jack of Spades, a con man who is a master of his trade. The second tells a dark tale of a Jack the Ripper type murderer who is slaughtering local prositutes.........or is the killer actually the infamous Ripper? The author has great style and the stories are complex and thoroughly enjoyable. Highly recommended.
—Jill Hutchinson
