Detective Files Turned into Novels: Four New Books by İsmail Yetimoğlu

İsmail Yetimoğlu, who worked for many years in the field of private investigation in Türkiye, is bringing works inspired by his professional experiences and life stories to readers under the MaviAy Books imprint.

The English editions of three of his books have been published on Amazon, while the Turkish editions of all four books have been published on Google Play Books. Sometimes, a single clue is enough to uncover the truth behind an event. At other times, it takes years of accumulated notes, the ability to understand people, and the courage to ask difficult questions. Author İsmail Yetimoğlu, also known as “Detective Ziverbey,” brings into his novels and short stories the stories that emerged from the people, events and questions he encountered throughout his career as an investigator. Yetimoğlu transferred the investigative experience he gained during his public service into the professional field by establishing MaviAy Detective Agency in 2003. Through the Association of Private Detectives, which he founded in 2007, he worked to contribute to the institutionalisation of the profession and the development of ethical principles. After retiring from public service in 2009, he continued his investigative activities. Following the closure of his Istanbul office in 2024, he turned his years of experience into written works. Rather than focusing solely on solving a single case, Yetimoğlu’s books bring together events from different periods of life, human relationships, and the moral questions that arise in the pursuit of truth. Although the events in the works are inspired by real life, the characters and experiences have been reinterpreted within a literary fictional framework. How does a detective become a detective? Kuzey: The Rebellious Child Growing Up in the Shadows traces the answer back to childhood. Growing up under pressure within his family, Kuzey’s desire to protect his mother and siblings gradually develops into a strong sense of justice. The observation and problem-solving skills he develops during his years at boarding school later find a new expression in the investigative duties he undertakes in public service. The novel takes readers to the beginning of Kuzey’s journey towards becoming “Detective Ziverbey.” Mrs. Dolunay: The Memories of a Female Detective offers a perspective on the world of investigation through the experiences of a female detective. Professional assignments, friendships and difficult decisions unfold alongside one another, while the story explores courage, loyalty, love and human dignity. The central question of the novel is not only how the truth can be discovered, but also which values should be upheld while pursuing it. Crazy Asuman tells the story of two women who, despite coming from different backgrounds, both know loneliness well. Asuman faces the pressures of her neighbourhood as her emotions and body change during her youth. Despite the boundaries imposed on her by those around her, she strives to build a life of her own. Mavişim, meanwhile, grows up largely alone as the only child following her parents’ divorce and gradually becomes withdrawn. Meeting Asuman becomes a turning point in Mavişim’s journey towards discovering herself and what she wants from life. As their bond grows stronger, both women become drawn into mysterious relationships and a dangerous intelligence mission. The novel brings together two lives shaped by social pressure and loneliness with personal transformation and crime-fiction suspense. The fourth book, Madness Cannot Be Without a Little Sense, invites readers into the villages of the Black Sea region and the world of courageous and extraordinary characters. In the stories of Deli Ali, Tilki Emice, Kelle Avcıları and Haydar, difficulties are sometimes overcome through practical intelligence, sometimes through fearlessness, and sometimes through a remark that makes people smile even in the most difficult moments. The book consists of short stories that combine the region’s humour with the struggle for survival. MaviAy Books’ visual storytelling approach is also an integral part of these publications. Supported by chapter illustrations, the books aim to allow readers to experience the characters and settings of the stories scene by scene. Through the narrative world that Yetimoğlu intends to continue under the title “True-Life Detective Stories,” his works extend from private investigation to family life, from the journeys of female characters to stories from the Black Sea region. Access to the Turkish editions: Kuzey · Mrs. Dolunay · Çılgın Asuman · Delilik Az Akılla Olmaz Access to the English editions: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0HKGDNCKW