A eunuch detective named Yashim stars in the first of Goodwin's series of Ottoman Empire mysteries. It is 1836 and the sultan hopes to catch up with the West by instituting political changes -- however, murder ensues in his court and Yashim must be called in to help protect the sultan's rule. With beautiful descriptions of Istanbul's palace and streets, this engaging and bizarre historical mystery will keep you reading.  (TKY125, $15.00)