This book is two short stories featuring Erast Fandorin. The second story I did not finish once I grasped where it was going. Called “The Decorator,” it is about Jack the Ripper moving his operations to Moscow. However, it becomes quickly obvious that Jack is supposed to be not only a woman but one who is murdering prostitutes because they are defiling their bodies. The whole idea was so abhorrent to me that I refused to read any more of it.

See my complete review here:

http://whatmeread.wordpress.com/tag/special-assignments/

Two novellas bound in one, both telling of Fandorin's work on behalf of Moscow city.

In The Jack of Spades Fandorin is first assisting his patron - Prince Dolgurukoi, governor of Moscow - against some con-men, and is then being subjected to a con himself. As most con-type stories, the tone is light.

The Decorator is a dark and disturbing tale of a serial killer. Expect lots of gore as Fandorin delves into the darkest sides of humanity.

What to Expect

Each novel is written as a different type of mystery. Akunin set out to rectify the low-brow reputation of the mystery genre in post-USSR Russia by writing worthy literature and exploring the wide gamut of sub-genres. Each novel is therefore excellently written as a different type of detective case. While there is continuity in the protagonist's life between the novels, each is very different in themes and tones.

I've written a condensed review of the whole series on my website.

What I liked

I like the writing style. The prose is intelligent and flowing, the mysteries are complex, and the cast is varied (though those that make repeat appearances tend to die). Fandorin himself is a great character, even though as a main character he still remains an enigma - a tantalising mystery in itself that keeps readers engaged and clamouring to know more.

I love the historical background. Akunin has done his research into Russian culture, mannerisms, environment, personalities, etc. of the late 19th century / early 20th century. Most of the stories take place around Moscow, and Fandorin gets to meet and associate with the people of the times (from the low-life criminals of Khitrovka, to the grand-dukes of the imperial family). In a few cases, Akunin also has Fandorin active around notable events of the era, at times filling in details where history has left us stumped.

Akunin is also a Japanophile, and has Fandorin spend a few years in Japan. While details are sketchy (and we want more! More!), it is clear that he has a great love and deep knowledge of that culture and times.

What to be aware of

Be aware that each of the novel is told in a different style. Besides the obvious (something new and different in each volume), one keyword  is 'told'. They are almost all in 3rd person perspective, and quite often not from the point of view of Erast Fandorin (which is both tantalising and frustrating at times). It's this distance that keeps Fandorin an enigma, and keeps us coming back to learn more.

Fandorin has a Sherlockian intellect and impressive physical prowess. He is not without his faults (most notably hubris), but as a hero he is certainly a cut above the rest. He also tends to get involved with a different femme fatale in each book. This suits the detective genre perfectly, regardless of modern sensibilities.

While the books are not really related and have few continuing characters, I'd still strongly recommend to read them in order.

Lastly, and this has nothing to do with Fandorin, since these are professional translations (amazingly done by Andrew Bromfield) via a traditional publisher, the price of ebooks and hardcovers is almost the same. The ebooks are also missing some of the illustrations and other typographical effects that are present in the print. I'd definitely recommend reading the print edition, where possible.

Summary

Should you read these novels? Yes! By all means, if you love historical mysteries these novels are a must read. It is an intelligent, engaging, and just different enough series to be in a class of its own. It's not surprising that in his home country of Russia, Akunin out-sells JK Rowling. In fact, since it's been a few years since I've read them, I think I'll go back and re-read my favourites (Winter Queen, State Counsellor, and The Coronation).

--
[a:Assaph Mehr|14422472|Assaph Mehr|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1445823325p2/14422472.jpg], author of [b:Murder In Absentia|29500700|Murder In Absentia (Felix the Fox, #1)|Assaph Mehr|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1457914061s/29500700.jpg|46845657]: A story of Togas, Daggers, and Magic - for lovers of Ancient Rome, Murder Mysteries, and Urban Fantasy.

me, @ Boris Akunin after he kills off another character I’ve grown extremely fond of: Oh? OH U WANNA GET FUCKED UP???

ANYWAY! I really liked the first story in this because it was very much fun shenanigans and Fandorin FINALLY having someone other than Masa to depend on and trust T_T

THE SECOND STORY,,,,I don’t wanna talk about it,,,,I’m in mourning,,,,,,it basically got rid of all the fun almost found family vibe from the first story 3 and the twist at the end was,,,,,,bad

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.

4.5 כוכבים

This is the first Erast Fandorin Mystery that I've read, although not the first Akunin. The person who loaned it to me said, "It's so Russian" and I agree with that assessment wholeheartedly. Interesting look at 1880s Russia and well written. This is actually two short stories, the first I really enjoyed, the second was more of a serial killer tracking story - and while I was curious about the mystery, even judicious skimming didn't keep me from reading things and thinking, "ick."