About the book
A concubine is strangled in the Sultan’s palace harem, and a young cadet is found butchered in the streets of Istanbul. Delving deep into the city’s crooked alleyways, and deeper still into its tumultuous past, the eunuch Yashim discovers that some people will go to any lengths to preserve the traditions of the Ottoman Empire. Brilliantly evoking Istanbul in the 1830s, The Janissary Tree is a bloody, witty and fast-paced literary thriller with a spectacular cast.
Reviewed by Denmead Reading Circle:
All agreed interesting new subject, not all liked it. Wanted glossary of names and places and a map. Wanted to know more of Ottoman Empire
Star rating: ***
Hampshire Libraries 
Review by Fair Oak WI:
A fascinating insight into life in 19th Century Istanbul and the Sultan’s palace. The detective story was weak and at times seemed disjointed. Disappointing ending.
Star rating: ***
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Review by anon reading group:
Interesting, good background research – rather slow to get started and slightly weak plot. In spite of this an engaging first novel. a glossary would have been useful!
Star rating: ***
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