Prince Zaleski

Its not just in modern times that detective shows need a gimmick. Whether the protagonist is an anthropologist, coroner, cook, author, deception expert, hyperthymesia sufferer, vampire etc.
You always need some unique angle on the detective, well as i said, this is not a recent phenomenon.
This is a set of three detective mysteries which can only be solved by Prince Zaleski the worlds greatest historian!
Its no wonder there's only three given the problems inherent with coming up with cases only solvable by a historian.
The first two are ok but the third is REALLY good. Its on such a larger scale than the other cases. Overall this is a decent set of mysteries.

These three stories are cut from the same pattern. In each, the author, calling himself by his own name, Shiel, goes to see the secluded Prince Zaleski and tells him the story of a current mystery, often reading directly from newspapers or diaries. Zaleski then unravels the threads of the puzzle in a long narrative filled with strange philosophical ramblings. Only in the third story does Zaleski leave his home to do some in-person investigating, but the focus of the story stays on Shiel waiting for the Prince's return. We still only hear the solution from Zaleski when he gets back. I'm not sure any reader could anticipate Zaleski's revelations and solve the puzzle before it is explained, so these stories end up being a bit tedious. They show more will, however, introduce you to more than a few obscure words! show less

I was given the extravagantly beautiful Tartarus Press edition for my birthday which in itself deserves a five star rating. Sadly I can't say the same for Shiel's detective. After having heard about him in the context of the occult detective and decadent genres I was sure I'd love Prince Zaleski. Jad Adams mentions him in his excellent "Madder Music and Stronger Wine" and Alan Moore has reference him one or twice.

Instead I found myself alternatively bored and horrified by the racial faux pas in the stories. As a person who loves Decadence and can usually take dated language with a grain of salt this took me by surprise. I don't know. It just didn't appeal to me. Hopefully you'll enjoy it more than I did.

A classic collection of three mystery short stories in high-decadent style by a master stylist ... although these are not his best work