Mystery in Meezgole
J. P. Ronan
(Guest Reviewer - Jay McDonald)
2002 BookSurge
ISBN: 1588983463

In small village on the Aegean Sea an international scientific expedition entangles itself in murder & intrigue.

Smuggling, espionage & crime overtake the innocent who find themselves compelled to seek justice. The time span is brief & the action is fast paced. Reluctant heroes are forced to emerge.

Guest Reviewer Jay McDonald writes:

Life will soon slow for the astronomer, Dr. Samuel Tarlach. He concludes his professional career with a field study in the Aegean along the coastline of Turkey. The Italian astronomer, Dr. Sophia Torrenti, is to join him. The lady is to assume his position as the Director of the University of Pittsburgh Observatory later in the year.

Mystery in Meezgole begins with the immersion of the two scientists into the rural landscape of the Turkish countryside. Their destination is a hilltop above the small village, Meezgole, on the Aegean coast. Here the grounds above a villa owned by an English woman, Lady Abatha Christown possesses a small observatory used upon an occasion by the Turkish astronomer, Dr. Uptil Horuk of Ankara.

Upon the arrival of the scientists to Meezgole & before the astronomical expedition can commence, a young woman employed at the villa is murdered. Subha Gundez is the daughter of the village leader, Dincer Gundez. Lacking local police, & wanting to avoid the lengthy delay required for the arrival of police from Ankara, Dincer convinces Dr. Samuel Tarlach to act as the temporary criminal investigator.

Reluctantly, Sam Tarlach agrees. He intends to preserve the evidence while assuring the local people that proper action is being undertaken. The initial efforts of the science expedition are placed entirely into the hands of Dr. Sophia Torrenti. She will organize & train the student assistants who are to arrive from the University of Ankara. Sam will resume his scientific duties once the proper investigating authority appears.

Unknown to the astronomers, Meezgole has a long tradition of smuggling, espionage & intrigue. The villa is full of colorful & mysterious characters collected from around the world. A dangerous plot is immediately unfolding at the villa complete with the participation of Aegean pirates.

A Russian mercenary Villi Knatuek, a German agent Dyhan Von Schmidt, the Persian smuggler Famaraz Shahbazian, as well as British & US secret agents are all present & busy at their trades.

Upon the arrival of the famous Turkish sleuth, Inspector Umit Taskin many of the players involved in the illegitimate designs are dead. Sam has been overwhelmed by all the tragedies but has uncovered the main plot. The villagers have formed armed patrols to protect their families from the lodgers at the villa. All the intricate & illicit arrangements have terminated.

In his unique & clairvoyant style, Umit Taskin quickly reasons the path of the crimes, & concludes the case for the State of the Turkish People.

Mystery in Meezgole is an intense adventure. My anticipation of the action that was yet to unfold was never disappointed. The characters are new & exciting. Sherlock Holmes has a new rival in this exceptional Turkish sleuth.

More from J. P. Ronan:
Druid of Locherbith ">Mystery in Meezgole
(01/02/05)

Guest Reviewer - Jay McDonald
2005©Jay McDonald