The Ottoman Empire is plagued by thefts of antiquities from mosques and churches. Within days, the lost objects appear for sale in Europe. Among them is a reliquary presumed lost for four hundred years and around which an elaborate, mysterious sect has grown.
In Istanbul, magistrate Kamil Pasha is under pressure to break the smuggling ring amid rising tensions between Christians and Muslims. He confronts a mysterious adversary who will stop at nothing to get the reliquary first. With the Balkans aflame and Kamil's personal life in upheaval, the search into the old neighborhoods where Istanbul's crime rings reside may cost Kamil not only his position, but also his life.
The Abyssinian Proof re-creates the gritty underworld of a dying empire in a time of distrust and turmoil.
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"For a historical mystery, much can be learned about the social, political, cultural, religious and historical context of Istanbul in the 19th century. I like the Kamil Pasha character. His character has sufficient complexity to endure many more installments in the series. "
— Ann (4 out of 5 stars)
“Kamil—smart, brave, and compassionate—proves an appealing sleuth...White, a professor of anthropology, clearly knows her period and place.”
— Publishers Weekly“In writing a thoroughly enjoyable and gripping crime novel Jenny White also makes a serious point about today’s politics and invites us to think. This is no mean achievement.”
— Scotsman.com“White has cleverly produced a book that will appeal to listeners who love Dan Brown-type plots and those who want accuracy in their historical mysteries....May infuses the wide range of characters...with vibrant personalities, and her pacing is spot-on as she guides listeners into Istanbul’s back alleys.”
— AudioFile“White infuses this mystery with both historical detail and suspense, artfully conjuring up an irresistible adventure set in an exotic time and place.”
— Booklist" To Dee "
— Jess, 2/13/2014" This second book in the Kamil Pasha mystery series skews a little Da Vinci Code at times, with ancient religious relics, exotic sects, and knife fights in tunnels taking center stage. A fun read, if a little unbelievable at times. "
— Emily, 2/10/2014" Good historical mystery about an area and time not well known. "
— Sandra, 2/8/2014" So far I'm not overly impressed. Great writing but the plot is not moving along. "
— Sarah, 1/29/2014" For a historical mystery, much can be learned about the social, political, cultural, religious and historical context of Istanbul in the 19th century. I like the Kamil Pasha character. His character has sufficient complexity to endure many more installments in the series. "
— Ann, 1/28/2014" Very interesting mystery! Especially for people interested in the history of the Turks and the Ottoman Empire "
— Ngiannotti, 1/17/2014" Gotta love an historical religious mystery, my favourite kind of book. Although I was always looking for more twists than were actually present in the plot and the baddies were easily worked out. A few threads were too neatly tied at the end but it certainly evoked the old part of Istanbul for me. "
— Bec, 1/6/2014" Kamil Pahsa AND he Ethiopian Community in Istanbul!?!!! "
— Margaret, 1/6/2014" Bought this in Hawaii and read it on the way home from vacation. It wasn't as good as her first novel, but still really enjoyed it.. "
— Cayla, 12/29/2013" Kamil Pasha. Ottoman. Rec. by Mary M. "
— Sally, 12/22/2013" Much better than I thought it would be. This mystery takes place in Ottoman Turkey. The characters have some depth, and the mystery is woven into a part of history about which I know little. "
— Ann, 12/16/2013" Even better than book 1 in the series. Written more streamlined and easier to follow.Book 1 also fab, but a bit confusing to follow. Keep on with her! You will lke. "
— Jayme, 12/11/2013" I'm enjoying this series. The author doesn't pander to her reader. Though the author comes from an academic background, she never lectures. The historical detail is organicly woven into the story and Kamil Pasha is a rich character with depth and human flaws. "
— Bernadette, 12/6/2013" Terrific historical mystery set in late 19th century Ottoman Istanbul--complex plot with lots of historical detail. "
— Ma'lis, 12/4/2013" intrigue in Istanbul at the end of the 19th century "
— Dan, 7/13/2013" I stumbled upon this at the library and really enjoyed. It is a nice mystery with the added bonus of a unique setting. "
— Erin, 5/9/2013" Constantinople in 1453 and 1850, murders, mystery, a secret sect make for a compelling tale. It's a first novel and I can't wait to see what Jenny White writes next. "
— Paula, 4/5/2013" Started a little hard to follow but kept getting better. Great picturing of Istanbul at the end of the 19th century. "
— David, 3/25/2013" Even better - by quite a bit - than The Sultan's Seal! Kamil is an interesting protagonist, and White's historical knowledge of Istanbul is impressively used to good result. I'd love to know what my Turkish neighbor would think of these mysteries! Can't wait for another! "
— Leslie, 11/2/2012" This was a fun read - but I wonder how realistic it is to have a protagonist who's agnostic in the 1800's? I wonder if the fact that it's written by a European woman has anything to do with that? "
— Alice, 6/2/2012" good, good, good. want #3! "
— Misty, 4/14/2012" I adored this book - perfect escapist reading by the fire, set in my favorite city of the world, Istanbul. More, please! "
— Helaine, 1/7/2012" Solid 3.5 stars. Excellent incorporation of history into a complex and well-paced mystery. "
— Celiavg, 11/27/2011" intrigue in Istanbul at the end of the 19th century "
— Dan, 4/27/2011" None of the plot lines was satisfactorily concluded. Waste of time. "
— Lois, 1/5/2011" good, good, good. want #3! "
— Misty, 9/27/2010" It was kind of all over the place. Not my favorite read. Some language issues too. "
— Jennifer, 4/1/2010" This second book in the Kamil Pasha mystery series skews a little Da Vinci Code at times, with ancient religious relics, exotic sects, and knife fights in tunnels taking center stage. A fun read, if a little unbelievable at times. "
— Emily, 2/2/2010" If you liked Ms. White's character Kamil Pahsa, this another of the series set in the end of the nineteenth century Istanbul as the sun sets on the Ottoman empire. Well written with superlative details of Turkish history and customs. "
— Kate, 9/10/2009" Constantinople in 1453 and 1850, murders, mystery, a secret sect make for a compelling tale. It's a first novel and I can't wait to see what Jenny White writes next. "
— Paula, 5/22/2009" Terrific historical mystery set in late 19th century Ottoman Istanbul--complex plot with lots of historical detail. "
— Ma'lis, 12/25/2008" Very interesting mystery! Especially for people interested in the history of the Turks and the Ottoman Empire "
— Ngiannotti, 9/22/2008Jenny White is the author of the Kamil Pasha novels, The Sultan’s Seal, The Abyssinian Proof, and The Winter Thief. She is a professor of anthropology and the author of numerous nonfiction works on Turkish society and politics. She lives in Boston.
Wanda McCaddon (d. 2023) narrated well over six hundred titles for major audiobook publishers, sometimes with the pseudonym Nadia May or Donada Peters. She earned the prestigious Audio Award for best narration and numerous Earphones Awards. She was named a Golden Voice by AudioFile magazine.