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Andreas Kaldis #6
Sons of Sparta
Did the warriors of ancient Sparta simply vanish without a trace along with their city, or did they find sanctuary at the tip of the mountainous Peloponnese? That stark, unforgiving region s roots today run deep with a history of pirates, highwaymen, and neighbors ferociously repelling any foreigner foolishly bent on occupying this part of Greece. Less well-recorded are the Mani s families strict code of honor and their history of endless vendettas with neighbors and with their own relatives. No wonder their farms look like fortresses. When Special Crimes Division Detective Yiannis Kouros is summoned from Athens to the Mani by his uncle, Kouros fears his loyalty to his boss, Chief Inspector Andreas Kaldis, is about be to be tested by family pressure on the detective to act in some new vendetta, for this uncle once headed the Mani s most significant criminal enterprise. Instead, Kouros learns the family is about to become rich through the sale of its property until the uncle is killed, and thus the deal. Acting swiftly to head off a new cycle of violence, Kouros satisfactorily solves the murder. Or so it seems until, back in Athens, Kaldis probe into deeply entrenched government corruption leads straight back to the Mani. Both cops now confront a host of unexpected twists, unanticipated players, unanswered questions and people yet to die."
254 pages, Hardcover
First published October 7, 2014
About the author
Jeffrey Siger
33 books156 followersI am an American living on the Aegean Greek island of Mykonos. A Pittsburgh native and former Wall Street lawyer, I gave up my career as a name partner in my own New York City law firm to write mystery thrillers that tell more than just a fast-paced story. My novels are aimed at exploring serious societal issues confronting modern day Greece in a tell-it-like-it-is style while touching upon the country's ancient roots.
Some Mykonian friends told me if I started sprinkling murders with a message across my adopted country's tourist paradises, I'd likely be banished, if not hung. No one was more amazed than I when my debut novel, Murder in Mykonos (a sort of Mamma Mia setting for a No Country for Old Men story), became Greece's #1 best selling English-language novel (and a best-seller in Greek, as well).
As of September 2016 I have eight Chief Inspector Andreas Kaldis novels out there and receive no more than the customary number of death threats. I'm diligently trying to improve my percentage in that regard with posts about Greece each Saturday on the Murder is Everywhere blogsite I share with nine renowned mystery writers from around the world.
It's been a remarkable journey, punctuated most notably by The New York Times selecting the fourth in my Andreas Kaldis series (Target: Tinos) as one of its five "picks for the beach" while calling the entire series, "thoughtful police procedurals set in picturesque but not untroubled Greek locales;" Left Coast Crime's nomination of the fifth in the series (Mykonos After Midnight) in 2014 as Best Mystery in a Foreign Setting; a 2016 Barry Award Best Novel Nomination for my seventh in the series (Devil of Delphi); starred reviews and official government citations; and this quote from Fodor's Greek Islands Travel Guide under a section titled "Mykonos After Dark," which colleagues say I should consider the equivalent of winning an Oscar: "Some say that after midnight, Mykonos is all nightlife—this throbbing beat is the backdrop to Jeffrey Siger's popular mystery, Murder in Mykonos."
My work is published in the US, UK, Germany (German), and Greece (Greek and English), and I'm honored to have served as Chair of the National Board of Bouchercon, the world's largest mystery convention, and as Adjunct Professor of English at Washington & Jefferson College, teaching mystery writing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
October 9, 2014
This satisfying sixth Andreas Kaldis mystery is quite a change of pace from the high octane, adrenaline-charged action of its predecessor, Mykonos After Midnight. Once again author Jeffrey Siger highlights an area of Greece and weaves its history and culture into his narrative; this time the very tip of the Peloponessian Peninsula which will be familiar to many once Sparta is mentioned. Many readers (and devotees of The Godfather films) are familiar with vendettas being a way of life in Sicily, but what may surprise them is that vendettas are just as important in the Mani. One of the things I found so fascinating about Sons of Sparta is the code of conduct surrounding vendettas in that area. There are rules, and they must be obeyed.
It is Kouros's show in this book, with Kaldis and Tasso working on the periphery, and it's quite a tangled investigation, but there is still plenty of the comraderie and humor that are Siger's trademarks. And as for trademarks, the author's ability to portray what is currently happening in Greece is as strong as ever. Greece is a country in severe financial difficulties, and the foreign criminal elements arriving in an attempt to carve up lucrative "business deals" for themselves is sickening-- reminding me of vultures fighting over the best morsels before the animal has even died. What is heartening is that Siger also shows that there are men and women who are dedicated to doing what's right even if it comes at high personal cost.
Jeffrey Siger's books are a feast for the mind and the senses: an intriguing mystery to solve, one of the best teams of detectives in all of crime fiction, and a wonderful setting all skillfully blended with action, humor, and a touch of steamy sex. I know that I'm preaching to the choir with many, but as for those of you who have yet to read a mystery by Jeffrey Siger... what are you waiting for?
It is Kouros's show in this book, with Kaldis and Tasso working on the periphery, and it's quite a tangled investigation, but there is still plenty of the comraderie and humor that are Siger's trademarks. And as for trademarks, the author's ability to portray what is currently happening in Greece is as strong as ever. Greece is a country in severe financial difficulties, and the foreign criminal elements arriving in an attempt to carve up lucrative "business deals" for themselves is sickening-- reminding me of vultures fighting over the best morsels before the animal has even died. What is heartening is that Siger also shows that there are men and women who are dedicated to doing what's right even if it comes at high personal cost.
Jeffrey Siger's books are a feast for the mind and the senses: an intriguing mystery to solve, one of the best teams of detectives in all of crime fiction, and a wonderful setting all skillfully blended with action, humor, and a touch of steamy sex. I know that I'm preaching to the choir with many, but as for those of you who have yet to read a mystery by Jeffrey Siger... what are you waiting for?
January 14, 2015
Jeffrey Siger weaves together a sophisticated plot and subplots in Sons of Sparta that drive home the historical significance of unique areas in Greece—mountainous Peloponnese, desolate Mani, and metropolitan Athens.
The non-forgiving codes of honor and vendettas among the residents of Mani who haled from pirates and highwaymen and evolved into 21st Century crime families threaten to destroy the small community. When outsiders try to buy land in the area for a hotel and golf course, old allegiances begin to falter with greed. When Special Crimes Division’s Detective Yiannis Kouros is called to Mani by his uncle—an uncle infamous for his cruelty as boss of Man’s crime syndicate—family secrets and breaches of loyalty begin to emerge.
The book is rich with obscure facts about the region that create unknown settings and homes built in Mani to serve more as fortresses than homes. The intricate political climate is fascinating and, with the physical settings, builds a complex environment that Siger skillfully walks the reader through, causing very little confusion in such a complex location and byzantine plot.
While Kouros is absorbed in the building intensity among his relatives, his boss, Chief Inspector Kaldis, is embroiled in the chaos of government corruption. His investigation drives directly to Mani and the maze Kouros is caught in. With each step they take forward, something happens to send them two steps backwards.
Reigning in his family bent on revenge is a full-time job, while trying to figure out exactly what his uncle was doing sends Kouros in circles. The good working relationship between Kouros and Kaldis quickly becomes fractured as they struggle to determine who is lying and where the truth is.
A well-paced book with interesting characters and a killer setting.
This review was provided by Mahala Church for her column Barefoot Reviews for the Nov 2014 edition of The Book Breeze
The non-forgiving codes of honor and vendettas among the residents of Mani who haled from pirates and highwaymen and evolved into 21st Century crime families threaten to destroy the small community. When outsiders try to buy land in the area for a hotel and golf course, old allegiances begin to falter with greed. When Special Crimes Division’s Detective Yiannis Kouros is called to Mani by his uncle—an uncle infamous for his cruelty as boss of Man’s crime syndicate—family secrets and breaches of loyalty begin to emerge.
The book is rich with obscure facts about the region that create unknown settings and homes built in Mani to serve more as fortresses than homes. The intricate political climate is fascinating and, with the physical settings, builds a complex environment that Siger skillfully walks the reader through, causing very little confusion in such a complex location and byzantine plot.
While Kouros is absorbed in the building intensity among his relatives, his boss, Chief Inspector Kaldis, is embroiled in the chaos of government corruption. His investigation drives directly to Mani and the maze Kouros is caught in. With each step they take forward, something happens to send them two steps backwards.
Reigning in his family bent on revenge is a full-time job, while trying to figure out exactly what his uncle was doing sends Kouros in circles. The good working relationship between Kouros and Kaldis quickly becomes fractured as they struggle to determine who is lying and where the truth is.
A well-paced book with interesting characters and a killer setting.
This review was provided by Mahala Church for her column Barefoot Reviews for the Nov 2014 edition of The Book Breeze
October 16, 2014
3.5/5
Jeffrey Siger is a new to me author as I was sent a copy of his book Sons of Sparta. At first I was uncertain whether or not I would enjoy the book, it is a part of a series I had neither heard of or read, however I found this to be a rather intriguing murder mystery set in Greece and I did indeed find myself caught up in the story. I am glad I was sent a copy of the book, otherwise I would most likely not have even known about this series.
October 24, 2014
The motives for crime and murder are complicated by the age old vendetta culture of Sparta and the Peloponnesius area. This detective and police procedural novel set in Greece is atmospheric, with a challenging mystery and intriguing characters, both police and local.
February 25, 2018
Nice mystery thriller, combined with a view on life in Greece.
October 31, 2014
Jeffrey Siger weaves together a sophisticated plot and subplots in Sons of Sparta that drive home the historical significance of unique areas in Greece—mountainous Peloponnese, desolate Mani, and metropolitan Athens.
The non-forgiving codes of honor and vendettas among the residents of Mani who haled from pirates and highwaymen and evolved into 21st Century crime families threaten to destroy the small community. When outsiders try to buy land in the area for a hotel and golf course, old allegiances begin to falter with greed. When Special Crimes Division’s Detective Yiannis Kouros is called to Mani by his uncle—an uncle infamous for his cruelty as boss of Man’s crime syndicate—family secrets and breaches of loyalty begin to emerge.
The book is rich with obscure facts about the region that create unknown settings and homes built in Mani to serve more as fortresses than homes. The intricate political climate is fascinating and, with the physical settings, builds a complex environment that Siger skillfully walks the reader through, causing very little confusion in such a complex location and byzantine plot.
While Kouros is absorbed in the building intensity among his relatives, his boss, Chief Inspector Kaldis, is embroiled in the chaos of government corruption. His investigation drives directly to Mani and the maze Kouros is caught in. With each step they take forward, something happens to send them two steps backwards.
Reigning in his family bent on revenge is a full-time job, while trying to figure out exactly what his uncle was doing sends Kouros in circles. The good working relationship between Kouros and Kaldis quickly becomes fractured as they struggle to determine who is lying and where the truth is.
A well-paced book with interesting characters and a killer setting.
The non-forgiving codes of honor and vendettas among the residents of Mani who haled from pirates and highwaymen and evolved into 21st Century crime families threaten to destroy the small community. When outsiders try to buy land in the area for a hotel and golf course, old allegiances begin to falter with greed. When Special Crimes Division’s Detective Yiannis Kouros is called to Mani by his uncle—an uncle infamous for his cruelty as boss of Man’s crime syndicate—family secrets and breaches of loyalty begin to emerge.
The book is rich with obscure facts about the region that create unknown settings and homes built in Mani to serve more as fortresses than homes. The intricate political climate is fascinating and, with the physical settings, builds a complex environment that Siger skillfully walks the reader through, causing very little confusion in such a complex location and byzantine plot.
While Kouros is absorbed in the building intensity among his relatives, his boss, Chief Inspector Kaldis, is embroiled in the chaos of government corruption. His investigation drives directly to Mani and the maze Kouros is caught in. With each step they take forward, something happens to send them two steps backwards.
Reigning in his family bent on revenge is a full-time job, while trying to figure out exactly what his uncle was doing sends Kouros in circles. The good working relationship between Kouros and Kaldis quickly becomes fractured as they struggle to determine who is lying and where the truth is.
A well-paced book with interesting characters and a killer setting.
January 18, 2017
Loved it. I'll just make sure not to upset the locals during our upcoming trip to Greece.
September 28, 2018
Most interesting series, which I first entered with the eighth book, and am now trying to read the antecedent books, with challenges in finding the origin books. This one is more of a political thriller, as well as a murder mystery, in a part of the Greek island on which Sparta is located. On the south end of the island is an area known for generational blood feuds, which complicates the local, as well as national, implications & impact. Underlying the series is the historical political and economic history of Greece and its various islands. This book was written before the mass migrations of people through Turkey & Greece en route to more western countries of Europe.
November 5, 2017
I originally selected this for the 2017 BookRiot Read Harder prompt "read a book published by a micropress," but I second-guessed myself after I finished the book. While I think the publisher meets the definition in terms of number of employees, I think it may publish too many titles/editions to be considered a micropress. I found a couple of back-up options, so I decided to go with one of those for the official pick instead. I'm still marking it as a BookRiot read since that was my primary driver for reading it at the time.
This is the first book I've read in this police procedural series set in modern Greece, but the sixth book in the series. While I was unfamiliar with the series, I was able to follow the plot without feeling lost and felt like this could be read as a stand-alone as written. I normally try to read a series in order, but like finding a series that can be read like a series of stand-alones with recurring characters. The story moved along briskly and the murder mystery folded in elements of both family and international intrigue. I didn't fully connect with the characters, but that may be due to diving into the series where I did rather than starting from the beginning. I enjoyed the setting though and would be willing to try an earlier book in the series based on this installment.
This is the first book I've read in this police procedural series set in modern Greece, but the sixth book in the series. While I was unfamiliar with the series, I was able to follow the plot without feeling lost and felt like this could be read as a stand-alone as written. I normally try to read a series in order, but like finding a series that can be read like a series of stand-alones with recurring characters. The story moved along briskly and the murder mystery folded in elements of both family and international intrigue. I didn't fully connect with the characters, but that may be due to diving into the series where I did rather than starting from the beginning. I enjoyed the setting though and would be willing to try an earlier book in the series based on this installment.
December 26, 2019
Still not as good as his first few books, the idea behind the story is good, a change of settings and getting Kouros to play a bigger role, but the plot is in fact subpar and some actions and decisions from the characters questionable. The fact is that Jeffrey Siger struggles with the resolution of a story and put that with a plot that is not so nicely laid out and you get this book.
It is not a lost cause though, still worth a read, a lighthearted detective story with some nice writing and natural dialogue to make the story interesting overall.
It is not a lost cause though, still worth a read, a lighthearted detective story with some nice writing and natural dialogue to make the story interesting overall.
March 9, 2021
Siger's books are getting better as he goes along. The plots are more complex and the Greek culture aspects are a little richer. This one features a McGuffin that is poorly handled, other than to set up the potential guilty party, or most guilty party. I don't know the southern part of Greece very well, only having been to Corinth, but Siger gets the geography exactly right, as well as his continued rant on the corruption of Greek government.
February 17, 2024
Sons of Sparta by Jeffrey Siger is the sixth book of the Andreas Kaldis mystery series set in contemporary Greece. While Andreas is busy investigating deep corruption in Athens, his protégé Detective Yianni Kouros takes center stage in this mystery.
Yianni's uncle summons him to the family estate in Mani, a region where unforgiving vendettas last for generations. Yianni's uncle, infamous crime boss and head of the family, tells Yianni of an upcoming business deal with developers, which the rest of the family opposes. When his uncle is murdered before the deal goes through, Yianni is worried that his family loyalty may soon be in conflict to his duty in law enforcement. Yianni must keep his cousins from starting a new rampage of revenge killing among Mani families, while simultaneously investigating his uncle's murder, to bring the killer to justice.
Subplots and suspects abound (I lost track, recommend take notes!), augmented by fascinating descriptions of Greek regions, history and politics.
Yianni's uncle summons him to the family estate in Mani, a region where unforgiving vendettas last for generations. Yianni's uncle, infamous crime boss and head of the family, tells Yianni of an upcoming business deal with developers, which the rest of the family opposes. When his uncle is murdered before the deal goes through, Yianni is worried that his family loyalty may soon be in conflict to his duty in law enforcement. Yianni must keep his cousins from starting a new rampage of revenge killing among Mani families, while simultaneously investigating his uncle's murder, to bring the killer to justice.
Subplots and suspects abound (I lost track, recommend take notes!), augmented by fascinating descriptions of Greek regions, history and politics.
September 6, 2018
The theme of this novel is family but families who have a history with vendetta. While I read this novel with great interest, I wish the author would do something to improve how he presents his sex scenes. I find them awkward.
Loved the ending of this novel!
Loved the ending of this novel!
May 24, 2026
Pulpy in mostly all the right ways (could have done with some less misogyny). Mostly very fun to listen to while driving up and down the Mani Peninsula so that you can see the places he’s talking about ;)
December 31, 2017
A really good entry in Siger's Greek series. Loved the relationships between Kaldis and his team.
July 11, 2020
A fascinating tale of a wild region of a part of the world I haven't visited (via written word) since college.
July 7, 2022
Kouros, who works with Andreas Kaldis is called to the Mani by his uncle. His uncle is killed, and he tries to solve the case. There are a lot of vendettas and killings in that part of Greece. Meanwhile, Kaldis is probing into government corruption, and near the end, the two cases seem to merge.
November 22, 2024
Just okay.
August 8, 2025
Hooked onto this series. Can't wait to read the next one
February 9, 2026
A very good read!
As usual another highly entertaining read.I found it a very difficult to put it down and will now move on to the next Kaldis detective mystery.
As usual another highly entertaining read.I found it a very difficult to put it down and will now move on to the next Kaldis detective mystery.
May 7, 2024
A fun Kaldis mystery that sees protegee Yianni Kouros take the lead in a case that gets personal in Greece's storied Mani region--the finger of the Peloponnese jutting into the sea south of Sparta. The solution to this case is elusive until the very end as we don't get any narration or insights from the murderer's perspective until after the answer is known (which is not regularly the case in these stories). It was great to see a different part of Greece, outside of Kaldis's usual stomping grounds of Aegean islands and Athens. The Teacher loose end of the previous installment is not invoked here (at least not directly?) while a future case, perhaps on Crete is nicely teased while justice is exacted here without our police protagonists being any the wiser. How could it not be the case in Greece's version of the wild west?
May 1, 2015
Special Crimes Division detective Yianni Kouros has been called from Athens by his uncle for what could mean his family is in trouble. Returning to the region of his family on the tip of Peloponnese Island, Kouros reminisces about the time he spent with his family in Mani.
Unfortunately, his uncle isn’t a squeaky clean citizen. Kouros’ father was sent to Athens while Uncle stayed at the family home barely making ends meet. Life was not easy for his family, but the tide turned when he began to reap the benefits of a side business consisting of “piracy and banditry”. Uncle claims to be retired from that life and Kouros would like to believe him. Unfortunately, his uncle and cousins are embedded in the old world culture of revenge and even murder when the family has been wronged.
His uncle has gathered his children and Kouros to tell them he has decided to sell of part of the family property to a developer. A golf course, hotel and air strip will replace the land used by the family for many generations. Uncle feels this will be better for his children after he is gone, as the money it brings in will give them all a comfortable life. But before the paperwork can be signed with the hotel developer, Uncle dies in a car accident.
Kouros is suspicious, so he quietly starts to investigate the death and finds there are more questions than answers. Calling in a favor from a co-worker, he finds his suspicions are warranted when the evidence shows Uncle was murdered.
Trying to keep the crime quiet and investigate it at the same time is not easy. When his cousins find out, they are literally gunning for the person that killed their father.
The case isn’t as simple as that. It involves illicit affairs, double crossing crooks and long lost love. As hard is Kouros tried to keep his investigation quiet, his boss Chief Inspector Andreas Kaldis catches wind of the problems and becomes part of the investigation. The two men work feverously to find the killer before anyone else dies.
This is the sixth book in Siger’s Chief Inspector Andreas Kaldis Mystery series. The plot was solid, twisting and turning to the end while leaving little breadcrumbs of clues throughout to lead the reader to the killer. There were believable surprises and an interesting love triangle.
I hesitate to say this reads well as a stand-alone novel. It was a good story, with good characters, but a bit confusing. There is a very fine line between adding too much back story and not enough. For me there wasn’t enough. I kept going back to the beginning chapters to figure out the characters until I was about half way through the book, part of that could be the Greek names were difficult for me to remember with so many characters being introduced.
Sadly I am not well read when it comes to Greek Mythology, so most of the references were lost on me. That is certainly not the author’s fault. Siger painted a picture of a beautiful region of Greece. It was a perfect setting for the juxtaposition of the warring clans with vendettas and the bucolic countryside filled with Greek traditions.
Siger is a gifted writer, he allows the reader to step out of their life and travel to Greece. I would suggest starting with the first book in his series, and then read all of them up to Sons of Sparta. If you want to jump in feet first into a good mystery with interesting characters go ahead and start with Sons of Sparta.
Copyright © 2015 Laura Hartman
DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL CONNECTION: I have a material connection because I received a review copy that I can keep for consideration in preparing to write this content. I was not expected to return this item after my review.
Unfortunately, his uncle isn’t a squeaky clean citizen. Kouros’ father was sent to Athens while Uncle stayed at the family home barely making ends meet. Life was not easy for his family, but the tide turned when he began to reap the benefits of a side business consisting of “piracy and banditry”. Uncle claims to be retired from that life and Kouros would like to believe him. Unfortunately, his uncle and cousins are embedded in the old world culture of revenge and even murder when the family has been wronged.
His uncle has gathered his children and Kouros to tell them he has decided to sell of part of the family property to a developer. A golf course, hotel and air strip will replace the land used by the family for many generations. Uncle feels this will be better for his children after he is gone, as the money it brings in will give them all a comfortable life. But before the paperwork can be signed with the hotel developer, Uncle dies in a car accident.
Kouros is suspicious, so he quietly starts to investigate the death and finds there are more questions than answers. Calling in a favor from a co-worker, he finds his suspicions are warranted when the evidence shows Uncle was murdered.
Trying to keep the crime quiet and investigate it at the same time is not easy. When his cousins find out, they are literally gunning for the person that killed their father.
The case isn’t as simple as that. It involves illicit affairs, double crossing crooks and long lost love. As hard is Kouros tried to keep his investigation quiet, his boss Chief Inspector Andreas Kaldis catches wind of the problems and becomes part of the investigation. The two men work feverously to find the killer before anyone else dies.
This is the sixth book in Siger’s Chief Inspector Andreas Kaldis Mystery series. The plot was solid, twisting and turning to the end while leaving little breadcrumbs of clues throughout to lead the reader to the killer. There were believable surprises and an interesting love triangle.
I hesitate to say this reads well as a stand-alone novel. It was a good story, with good characters, but a bit confusing. There is a very fine line between adding too much back story and not enough. For me there wasn’t enough. I kept going back to the beginning chapters to figure out the characters until I was about half way through the book, part of that could be the Greek names were difficult for me to remember with so many characters being introduced.
Sadly I am not well read when it comes to Greek Mythology, so most of the references were lost on me. That is certainly not the author’s fault. Siger painted a picture of a beautiful region of Greece. It was a perfect setting for the juxtaposition of the warring clans with vendettas and the bucolic countryside filled with Greek traditions.
Siger is a gifted writer, he allows the reader to step out of their life and travel to Greece. I would suggest starting with the first book in his series, and then read all of them up to Sons of Sparta. If you want to jump in feet first into a good mystery with interesting characters go ahead and start with Sons of Sparta.
Copyright © 2015 Laura Hartman
DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL CONNECTION: I have a material connection because I received a review copy that I can keep for consideration in preparing to write this content. I was not expected to return this item after my review.
August 24, 2015
Jeffrey Siger in his new book, “Sons of Sparta” Book Six in the Chief Inspector Andreas Kaldis Mystery series published by Poisoned Pen Press gives us another adventure with Chief Inspector Andreas Kaldis.
From the back cover: Did the warriors of ancient Sparta simply vanish without a trace along with their city, or did they find sanctuary at the tip of the mountainous Peloponnese? That stark, unforgiving region’s roots today run deep with a history of pirates, highwaymen, and neighbors ferociously repelling any foreigner foolishly bent on occupying this part of Greece. Less well recorded are the Mani’s families’ strict code of honor and their history of endless vendettas with neighbors and with their own relatives. No wonder their farms look like fortresses.
When Special Crimes Division Detective Yiannis Kouros is summoned from Athens to the Mani by his uncle, Kouros fears his loyalty to his boss, Chief Inspector Andreas Kaldis, is about be to be tested by family pressure on the detective to act in some new vendetta, for this uncle once headed the Mani’s most significant criminal enterprise. Instead, Kouros learns the family is about to become rich through the sale of its property –until the uncle is killed, and thus the deal. Acting swiftly to head off a new cycle of violence, Kouros satisfactorily solves the murder. Or so it seems until, back in Athens, Kaldis’ probe into deeply entrenched government corruption leads straight back to the Mani. Both cops now confront a host of unexpected twists, unanticipated players, unanswered questions –and people yet to die.
You can never get too much of Greece. I am very happy with Jeffrey Siger as he, as far as I can find out, is the only writer that is showcasing Greece in his murder mystery series. This time the spotlight is on Detective Yiannis Kouros. It seems his uncle was going to sell of part of the family land to developers. Before that could happen the uncle is murdered. Now Kouros has to find this murderer before the cousins do and extract a vendetta. The story hums along at a fast pace as Kouros is working to figure out just what is going on. All the while there is the background of Greece, The culture of Greece and the people of Greece which these elements are very important. “Sons of Sparta” is loaded with twists and turns and red herrings that will leave you guessing all the while you are flipping pages to find out what happens next. Mr. Siger has provided us with marvelous characters in Kouros and Kaldis and I look forward to reading about more of their adventures.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Poisoned Pen Press. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
From the back cover: Did the warriors of ancient Sparta simply vanish without a trace along with their city, or did they find sanctuary at the tip of the mountainous Peloponnese? That stark, unforgiving region’s roots today run deep with a history of pirates, highwaymen, and neighbors ferociously repelling any foreigner foolishly bent on occupying this part of Greece. Less well recorded are the Mani’s families’ strict code of honor and their history of endless vendettas with neighbors and with their own relatives. No wonder their farms look like fortresses.
When Special Crimes Division Detective Yiannis Kouros is summoned from Athens to the Mani by his uncle, Kouros fears his loyalty to his boss, Chief Inspector Andreas Kaldis, is about be to be tested by family pressure on the detective to act in some new vendetta, for this uncle once headed the Mani’s most significant criminal enterprise. Instead, Kouros learns the family is about to become rich through the sale of its property –until the uncle is killed, and thus the deal. Acting swiftly to head off a new cycle of violence, Kouros satisfactorily solves the murder. Or so it seems until, back in Athens, Kaldis’ probe into deeply entrenched government corruption leads straight back to the Mani. Both cops now confront a host of unexpected twists, unanticipated players, unanswered questions –and people yet to die.
You can never get too much of Greece. I am very happy with Jeffrey Siger as he, as far as I can find out, is the only writer that is showcasing Greece in his murder mystery series. This time the spotlight is on Detective Yiannis Kouros. It seems his uncle was going to sell of part of the family land to developers. Before that could happen the uncle is murdered. Now Kouros has to find this murderer before the cousins do and extract a vendetta. The story hums along at a fast pace as Kouros is working to figure out just what is going on. All the while there is the background of Greece, The culture of Greece and the people of Greece which these elements are very important. “Sons of Sparta” is loaded with twists and turns and red herrings that will leave you guessing all the while you are flipping pages to find out what happens next. Mr. Siger has provided us with marvelous characters in Kouros and Kaldis and I look forward to reading about more of their adventures.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Poisoned Pen Press. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
October 17, 2015
SONS OF SPARTA is the sixth of the series starring Andreas Kaldis, although the first I've read. This book works as a standalone, as it focuses more on Special Crimes Division Detective Yiannis Kouros. Kouros works for Kaldis, and I must admit that my lack of familiarity with the series, combined with the similarity between the names Kaldis and Kouros, made for some occasional confusion.
At the start of the book, Kouros is summoned to his family's ancestral home in the Mani at the southernmost tip of the Greek island of Peloponnese. This may the area where the ancient warrior Spartans disappeared to, and it is certainly an area where family disputes currently erupt into war in an instant. Kouros has been summoned by his uncle, who is killed shortly after Kouros' arrival. Kouros' uncle held an exalted position in the local criminal world, so there are any number of possible murderers. While Kouros investigates in the Mani using his family contacts there, Kaldis finds that a corruption investigation he is undertaking in Athens also leads to the Mani. In the end, both Kaldis and Kouros are surprised by the identity of the killer, while the reader may be less so.
SONS OF SPARTA, with its deep immersion into the Greek underworld, feels a little like a book about the Italian mafia. Corruption exists at various levels, from small towns in the Mani to the big city of Athens, and involving hoodlums, businessmen, foreigners, and politicians. Siger's writing contrasts the dark side of power with the stunning light of Peloponnese. The beauty of the location shines through the madness and provides a sort of travelogue of the Greek seaside.
Given that this is a book that is about what is essentially the Greek mafia, it is not surprising that the men hold all the power. That perspective may also be an accurate depiction of Greek society. However, it is difficult for a woman reading the book to see women constantly treated as objects and peripheral to any of the important decisions. Women in this book play the roles of sexual objects (if they are young and attractive), cooks and housekeepers (if they are old or unattractive), and even as insane. But they are never really respected. It will be worthwhile to read another of the series to find out if this is because this book is set in the Mani, or if it is Siger's normal perspective.
This review first appeared at www.reviewingtheevidence.com.
At the start of the book, Kouros is summoned to his family's ancestral home in the Mani at the southernmost tip of the Greek island of Peloponnese. This may the area where the ancient warrior Spartans disappeared to, and it is certainly an area where family disputes currently erupt into war in an instant. Kouros has been summoned by his uncle, who is killed shortly after Kouros' arrival. Kouros' uncle held an exalted position in the local criminal world, so there are any number of possible murderers. While Kouros investigates in the Mani using his family contacts there, Kaldis finds that a corruption investigation he is undertaking in Athens also leads to the Mani. In the end, both Kaldis and Kouros are surprised by the identity of the killer, while the reader may be less so.
SONS OF SPARTA, with its deep immersion into the Greek underworld, feels a little like a book about the Italian mafia. Corruption exists at various levels, from small towns in the Mani to the big city of Athens, and involving hoodlums, businessmen, foreigners, and politicians. Siger's writing contrasts the dark side of power with the stunning light of Peloponnese. The beauty of the location shines through the madness and provides a sort of travelogue of the Greek seaside.
Given that this is a book that is about what is essentially the Greek mafia, it is not surprising that the men hold all the power. That perspective may also be an accurate depiction of Greek society. However, it is difficult for a woman reading the book to see women constantly treated as objects and peripheral to any of the important decisions. Women in this book play the roles of sexual objects (if they are young and attractive), cooks and housekeepers (if they are old or unattractive), and even as insane. But they are never really respected. It will be worthwhile to read another of the series to find out if this is because this book is set in the Mani, or if it is Siger's normal perspective.
This review first appeared at www.reviewingtheevidence.com.
March 24, 2024
UPDATE: March 24, 2024
I actually reread this book back in February, during our trip to Southeast Asia. But I somehow forgot to include it in the reviews I wrote for books I read on that trip - and I just noticed it today. Reading over my original review, I find myself agreeing with most of my points. About the only thing I'd add is that I really want to explore this area of Greece sometime.
This sixth entry in Jeffrey Siger's Andreas Kaldis series was one of my favorites for a number of reasons.
First of all, Siger's writing was once again solid. In this novel, he introduces the reader to the Mani region of Greece - an area most non-Greeks probably know little about. His descriptions of Greece's most southern region were both vivid and informative. I especially liked how he wove the region's long-standing tradition of family feuds and revenge killings into an interesting plot.
Second, his characters (Chief Inspector Andreas Kaldis, Yianni Kouros, Lila, Tassos, Maggie...) continue to entertain. But what stood out in this sixth entry was Siger's elevation of Kaldis' protege Yianni Kouros as the protagonist. It gave the reader a much deeper appreciation for the young policeman.
Finally, I liked this plot better than some of the first five plots. It was complex - but not overly so. And its climax and denouement were better than some of his previous works in the series. As you know, I never go deeply into plots in these reviews to avoid spoilers. But I will tell you that it revolves around the suspicious death of Kouros' uncle - a well-known and deeply feared criminal mastermind (think Greek godfather). As Yianni uncovers the details surrounding his uncle's death, he discovers that all is not as it seems...and that includes the relationships in his family.
In the end, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this sixth entry. And I continue to look forward to reading the rest of the series - especially as our upcoming trip to Greece draws nearer.
I actually reread this book back in February, during our trip to Southeast Asia. But I somehow forgot to include it in the reviews I wrote for books I read on that trip - and I just noticed it today. Reading over my original review, I find myself agreeing with most of my points. About the only thing I'd add is that I really want to explore this area of Greece sometime.
This sixth entry in Jeffrey Siger's Andreas Kaldis series was one of my favorites for a number of reasons.
First of all, Siger's writing was once again solid. In this novel, he introduces the reader to the Mani region of Greece - an area most non-Greeks probably know little about. His descriptions of Greece's most southern region were both vivid and informative. I especially liked how he wove the region's long-standing tradition of family feuds and revenge killings into an interesting plot.
Second, his characters (Chief Inspector Andreas Kaldis, Yianni Kouros, Lila, Tassos, Maggie...) continue to entertain. But what stood out in this sixth entry was Siger's elevation of Kaldis' protege Yianni Kouros as the protagonist. It gave the reader a much deeper appreciation for the young policeman.
Finally, I liked this plot better than some of the first five plots. It was complex - but not overly so. And its climax and denouement were better than some of his previous works in the series. As you know, I never go deeply into plots in these reviews to avoid spoilers. But I will tell you that it revolves around the suspicious death of Kouros' uncle - a well-known and deeply feared criminal mastermind (think Greek godfather). As Yianni uncovers the details surrounding his uncle's death, he discovers that all is not as it seems...and that includes the relationships in his family.
In the end, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this sixth entry. And I continue to look forward to reading the rest of the series - especially as our upcoming trip to Greece draws nearer.
March 28, 2015
The sixth in the series of mysteries featuring Chief Inspector Andreas Kaldis, this fast-paced novel is set in the Mani, one of the main fingers of the Greek Peloponnese peninsula, home of the ancient Spartans and the first area to declare war against the Turks in 1821, initiating the Greek War of Independence. The region is stark and barren, life is tough and families adhere to a strict code of honor, loyalty and vendetta. Regardless of when the feud began, revenge and retribution are handed down through the family – father to son, son to grandson and so it goes. And the Mani is where Kaldis’ right-hand man, Detective Yiannis Kouros’ is originally from. Summoned by his uncle to return to Mani for an important family reunion, Kouros is reluctant for many reasons, including his uncle’s past on the other side of the law, but family loyalty and ties cannot be denied. But Kouros learns that his uncle is excited about an imminent business transaction that will benefit the entire family, securing its future way past Uncle’s earthly departure – a prospect Uncle as the Greek patriarch is pleased to achieve. But Uncle is murdered before the deal is inked and Kaldis and Kouros get to work following the murder mystery trail against the backdrop of family vendettas, government corruption and business greed. As usual Jeffrey Siger imbues his novels with tidbits of history, culture and social norms and effectively captures the cadence of Greek life as it is. Another enjoyable read.
January 17, 2015
At times this seemed more of a Greek comedy rather than the billed murder mystery. The relationship between the principal characters all police employees is very entertaining, almost telepathic and aids to lighten the reality of the murder itself. Chief Inspector Andreas Kaldis allows his colleague Detective Yianni Kouros to investigate the mysterious death of his uncle not long after a family get together in the isolated southern region of Mani. With a tradition of family feuds going back centuries, things are not quite what they seem and soon Kaldis is guiding the investigation from Athens. This is a very entertaining murder mystery full of lighter moments, and minimal Greek history to set the background and atmosphere. This is the sixth in this series of cases for Kaldis written by Jeffery Siger as a frequent visitor to Greece uses his personal knowledge to great effect.
December 25, 2014
This is the first book that I've read by Jeffrey Siger, and it was wonderful.
I enjoyed the characters; they were well defined and very detailed. And, even though I have not read the previous "Andres Kaldis" stories, I didn't feel at all confused. Jeffrey Siger has done a wonderful job in introducing the characters and their backgrounds, for those of us that are "new" to Kaldis.
Loved that the story takes place in Greece! The setting added so much more to the story.
Kaldis finds himself thrown into family when his Uncle dies.....murder or natural????? How does Kaldis balance feelings between Cop / Nephew? And, will another Vendetta begin?
Definitely will be reading ALL of Jeffrey Siger's novels!
(I don't like to give away too much of the story....I don't care for "spoilers.")
I enjoyed the characters; they were well defined and very detailed. And, even though I have not read the previous "Andres Kaldis" stories, I didn't feel at all confused. Jeffrey Siger has done a wonderful job in introducing the characters and their backgrounds, for those of us that are "new" to Kaldis.
Loved that the story takes place in Greece! The setting added so much more to the story.
Kaldis finds himself thrown into family when his Uncle dies.....murder or natural????? How does Kaldis balance feelings between Cop / Nephew? And, will another Vendetta begin?
Definitely will be reading ALL of Jeffrey Siger's novels!
(I don't like to give away too much of the story....I don't care for "spoilers.")
December 1, 2014
As a true Jeffrey Siger fan, I was delighted to be given a free copy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is a complete contrast to the last book in the series as we move to the Mani area in the Peloponnese. This time the apparently more sedate action focuses on Yianni Kouros and the death of his uncle. I enjoyed the background, the history of family feuding, but I have to say I prefer it when the story revolves round Andreas Kaldis ( although there was a lovely moment with his son). The plot is cleverly interwoven to cover Russian mafia, taverna owners, slave trafficking not to mention centuries of inter family grudges, which is all brought together very satisfactorily at the end. The portrayal of Yianni’s female cousin is also one to remember!
This is a complete contrast to the last book in the series as we move to the Mani area in the Peloponnese. This time the apparently more sedate action focuses on Yianni Kouros and the death of his uncle. I enjoyed the background, the history of family feuding, but I have to say I prefer it when the story revolves round Andreas Kaldis ( although there was a lovely moment with his son). The plot is cleverly interwoven to cover Russian mafia, taverna owners, slave trafficking not to mention centuries of inter family grudges, which is all brought together very satisfactorily at the end. The portrayal of Yianni’s female cousin is also one to remember!
September 4, 2014
3.5 really. Slow start, but then fairly funny. A murder mystery set in Greece, where the intricacies of Maniot clannishness and vendettas come into play.
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