Reviewed By: Cheryl - RAM
![[4 stars]](../images/spots/6_paw_40.gif)
The Death of Achilles
Amazon US TPB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada TPB Amazon Canada HC
Boris Akunin
Class/Genre: Mystery Historical Humorous
Series: Erast Petrovich Fandorin # 4
Akunin's Fandorin has been described as a "Slavic Sherlock Holmes" - surely because Fandorin, like Holmes, lives in the nineteenth century. There are similarities, to be sure - both are highly analytical detectives and masters of disguise. But there are differences as well - Fandorin acts more as a James Bond-type secret agent than as a private detective, restricting his activities to complex political problems. He is also less resistant than Holmes to female charms.
Fandorin does not have much time in this novel to chase ladies. He has just arrived back from Japan, where he mastered some Japanese skills which are extremely useful for a secret agent. Although the years in Japan have left Fandorin quite out-of-touch with the current political situation in Moscow, it soon becomes clear that he need not fear being sidelined because of this. The 'Russian Achilles', the famous and extremely popular General Sobolev, unexpectedly dies. Fandorin's new colleagues are concerned with crowd control at the funeral; Fandorin knows that this is a suspicious death, and insists on starting an investigation into it.
The situation is extremely complex; as the plot develops, and the characters conspire, more and more dead ends and red herrings are revealed. This time, it is a brilliant and truly psychopathic opponent who plays Moriarty to Fandorin's Holmes.
Some readers may find the somewhat formal language and very convoluted plot not to their taste, but readers who enjoy period novels and dashing brilliant heros should enjoy 'The Death of Achilles' as well as the rest of Fandorin's adventures.
Cheryl - RAM
Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Cheryl - RAM
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