Mary Reed
One For Sorrow
A John The Eunuch Mystery
Poisoned Pen Press
1999
It was great fun to read this mystery set in Constantinople during the time of the Byzantine Empire. The book's glossary provided some definitions and background material which was very helpful. I really liked the characters, and the good writing made it a page-turner.
John the Eunuch, Lord Chamberlain, tries to find out who killed his friend Leukos. Just prior, a mysterious stranger arrived in town. He is later found to be a knight from King Arthur's Court seeking an audience with the Emperor in his search for the Holy Grail. He was also looking for Leukos before he was killed. Later, others die mysteriously very close to where Leukos was found. It also turns out that people in the Emperor's Christian court have been secretly consulting a soothsayer who reads the future in chicken entrails, the same one Leukos had an appointment with on the day he was killed. Before the investigation is complete, John is asked to stop poking around, which further intrigues him. John suspects everyone and, in the process of his investigation, reveals some things about his past.
This book follows a number of short stories featuring John the Eunuch, and the authors hope to follow up with more novels. I hope you'll buy a copy, and/or ask your librarian if they can get it! You can find out more about the books, stories and authors at their site.
Released January, 2001, Two for Joy
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