What do you think?
Rate this book
The Athenian Mysteries #6
The Singer from Memphis
This “witty” mystery set in ancient Greece is “sure to amuse Lindsey Davis and Elizabeth Peters fans” (Booklist, starred review). In this historical murder mystery that “blends humor with fascinating details about the ancient world,” Nicolaos, the only private investigator in Athens, discovers that helping a writer with his book research can be very dangerous (Library Journal). Would-be author Herodotus has hired Nico and his priestess wife, Diotima, to accompany him to Egypt to research that ancient country’s history. Unfortunately, Egypt happens to be in the throes of a rebellion against its overlords, the Persian Empire. Pirates infest the sea route. Three different armies roam the Egyptian countryside. The river is full of crocodiles. Everywhere Nico turns, there’s a secret agent ready to kill him, and possibly worse, he can’t find a decent cup of wine anywhere. A simple investigation is about to turn into a dangerous adventure of international espionage, in a novel that is “recommended for lovers of historical mystery and all things ancient Greek (and Egyptian and Persian and Libyan)” (Historical Novel Society).
334 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 17, 2016
78 people are currently reading
311 people want to read
About the author
Gary Corby
11 books210 followersI'm the author of the Athenian Mysteries.
Nicolaos, the ambitious son of a minor sculptor, walks the mean streets of Classical Athens as an agent for the promising young politician Pericles.
Murder and mayhem don't faze Nico; what's really on his mind is how to get closer (much closer) to Diotima, the intelligent and annoyingly virgin priestess of Artemis, and how to shake off his irritating 12 year old brother Socrates.
Nicolaos, the ambitious son of a minor sculptor, walks the mean streets of Classical Athens as an agent for the promising young politician Pericles.
Murder and mayhem don't faze Nico; what's really on his mind is how to get closer (much closer) to Diotima, the intelligent and annoyingly virgin priestess of Artemis, and how to shake off his irritating 12 year old brother Socrates.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
March 29, 2016
3.5 stars
Set in 456 B.C. this sixth book in the Athenian mystery series combines adventure and intrigue. Nicholaos, a private investigator in Athens, is hired by Herodotus to take him to Egypt. It is dangerous as Egypt is in the middle of a rebellion against Persia. Nicholaos' wife, Diotima, decides to accompany them on this mission that includes a pirate attack, attacks on Nicholaos by both a Spartan and a Persian agent, a vendetta by the Egyptian Public Employee Union and a camel ride in the desert during a sand storm,
Along the way, Nicholaos keeps getting "hired" by different factions to do things that are in opposition to each other. Nicholaos has to do some real maneuvering just to stay alive which is hard to do without any wine. The Egyptians drink beer. Oh, the shock and horror of that. The book has some really funny events and yet is based on real historical events and people. Luckily the book provides a time line and a cast of characters.
This is a fun, easy book that is perfect for a summer read. You can have a really good time and learn a little something. That's a great combination.
Set in 456 B.C. this sixth book in the Athenian mystery series combines adventure and intrigue. Nicholaos, a private investigator in Athens, is hired by Herodotus to take him to Egypt. It is dangerous as Egypt is in the middle of a rebellion against Persia. Nicholaos' wife, Diotima, decides to accompany them on this mission that includes a pirate attack, attacks on Nicholaos by both a Spartan and a Persian agent, a vendetta by the Egyptian Public Employee Union and a camel ride in the desert during a sand storm,
Along the way, Nicholaos keeps getting "hired" by different factions to do things that are in opposition to each other. Nicholaos has to do some real maneuvering just to stay alive which is hard to do without any wine. The Egyptians drink beer. Oh, the shock and horror of that. The book has some really funny events and yet is based on real historical events and people. Luckily the book provides a time line and a cast of characters.
This is a fun, easy book that is perfect for a summer read. You can have a really good time and learn a little something. That's a great combination.
December 29, 2018
This delightful mystery is the 6th volume of the exciting and funny Athenian mystery series created by the Aussie author Gary Corby.
The historical details concerning this Classical Greek period of history are very well researched and explained at the beginning of the book, with also a wonderful timeline, while at the end of the book you'll find a well documented Author's Note.
Also at the beginning of the book you'll notice an interesting list of Real and fictional characters, while at the end there's also a beautiful explained glossary concerning this Greek mystery.
Story-telling is of an absolute great quality, because the tale itself is brought to us in a delightful and witty fashion where all his characters come vividly to life, and where our sleuthing pair of Nicolaos (Fictional) and his wife Diotima (Real) are on a new investigating mission that will take them to Egypt after being hired by Herodotus and sent by Pericles of Athens.
The story is set in the year 456 BC, and it is in this story that Herodotus of Halicarnassus will make his introduction, and besides him there's also Socrates, Nico's younger brother, Pericles, Charitimides and some other engaging characters involved.
And so Nico and Diotima are on their way to Egypt, so Herodotus can do some research on that ancient country's history, while at that precise moment Egypt finds itself in the hands of his overlords, the Persian Empire.
What will follow is an exciting mystery where secret agents from all sides are trying to kill Nico, who in his endeavour to complete a historical investigation, by trying to find the Crook and Flail, is also confronted by a dangerous adventurous world of international espionage, and so in the end Nico and Diotima must do all they can to survive this threatening Egyptian ordeal.
Very much recommended, for this is another thrilling and likeable mystery, and one that I like to call as: "A Delightful & Exciting Athenian Mystery"!
The historical details concerning this Classical Greek period of history are very well researched and explained at the beginning of the book, with also a wonderful timeline, while at the end of the book you'll find a well documented Author's Note.
Also at the beginning of the book you'll notice an interesting list of Real and fictional characters, while at the end there's also a beautiful explained glossary concerning this Greek mystery.
Story-telling is of an absolute great quality, because the tale itself is brought to us in a delightful and witty fashion where all his characters come vividly to life, and where our sleuthing pair of Nicolaos (Fictional) and his wife Diotima (Real) are on a new investigating mission that will take them to Egypt after being hired by Herodotus and sent by Pericles of Athens.
The story is set in the year 456 BC, and it is in this story that Herodotus of Halicarnassus will make his introduction, and besides him there's also Socrates, Nico's younger brother, Pericles, Charitimides and some other engaging characters involved.
And so Nico and Diotima are on their way to Egypt, so Herodotus can do some research on that ancient country's history, while at that precise moment Egypt finds itself in the hands of his overlords, the Persian Empire.
What will follow is an exciting mystery where secret agents from all sides are trying to kill Nico, who in his endeavour to complete a historical investigation, by trying to find the Crook and Flail, is also confronted by a dangerous adventurous world of international espionage, and so in the end Nico and Diotima must do all they can to survive this threatening Egyptian ordeal.
Very much recommended, for this is another thrilling and likeable mystery, and one that I like to call as: "A Delightful & Exciting Athenian Mystery"!
October 13, 2019
Another greatly entertaining "Athenian Mystery" from Gary Corby. Our Athenian agent is given quite an assignment by Pericles, sending him and his wife with Herodotus down the Nile to danger, interesting diversions and characters along with a path that leads to pyramids. The action married to comic relief makes for a delightful book.
There is also a very helpful historical reference at the end of the book where Corby sets us straight with fact vs fiction.
Kindle purchased from Amazon
There is also a very helpful historical reference at the end of the book where Corby sets us straight with fact vs fiction.
Kindle purchased from Amazon
April 10, 2016
Gary Corby's latest Athenian Mystery, The Singer From Memphis (Soho Crime 2016) is--again--wonderful. Husband-and-wife Nicolaus and Diotima set out to provide safe passage for Herodotus (yes, the famous ancient Greek historian) as he travels to dangerous areas of ancient Egypt to research his first history book. Along the way, they wage a battle against pirates, are rescued by triremes, run into old enemies who might become friends, avoid death by a varied number of adversaries, and solve a long-standing mystery. The entire story is told in a modern voice (time-traveled to Ancient Greece) with a wit that avoids what could otherwise be a dry unfolding of historic events.
Corby's historic voice is refreshingly modern and consummately readable:
"Every man, woman, and child in this city... don't want to be governed... They want to be left alone ... Have you ever noticed how cheap it is to rule a law-abiding citizen who just wants to be left alone? I love citizens like that."
One of my favorite parts is how Corby shows that in some ways, life hasn't changed in two thousand years. Here is one of the characters complaining that life was better when he was a child:
"In the old days, gentlefolk of distinction would gather here in our lounge... Try doing that with these new rich. They walk in and expect to be served quickly. They demand a mausoleum bigger than their neighbors, then complain about anything that costs more than a coffin of paper mache. ... How I yearn for those past times."
The characters are well-researched as are the settings and the history. I particularly love that Corby includes Author's Notes detailing the history and where he took artistic license, as well as a glossary to define those ancient words no longer in use.
I've read every book in the series (see my review of Death Ex Machina here) and eagerly await the next.
Note to Gary: I finished this in two days. Can you write the next one faster?
Corby's historic voice is refreshingly modern and consummately readable:
"Every man, woman, and child in this city... don't want to be governed... They want to be left alone ... Have you ever noticed how cheap it is to rule a law-abiding citizen who just wants to be left alone? I love citizens like that."
One of my favorite parts is how Corby shows that in some ways, life hasn't changed in two thousand years. Here is one of the characters complaining that life was better when he was a child:
"In the old days, gentlefolk of distinction would gather here in our lounge... Try doing that with these new rich. They walk in and expect to be served quickly. They demand a mausoleum bigger than their neighbors, then complain about anything that costs more than a coffin of paper mache. ... How I yearn for those past times."
The characters are well-researched as are the settings and the history. I particularly love that Corby includes Author's Notes detailing the history and where he took artistic license, as well as a glossary to define those ancient words no longer in use.
I've read every book in the series (see my review of Death Ex Machina here) and eagerly await the next.
Note to Gary: I finished this in two days. Can you write the next one faster?
March 2, 2017
Following Herodotus, the war reporter, intrepid traveller and first historian, around the Ancient World is a stroke of genius. Nico from Athens is hired to guard and guide the historian from Halicarnos as he travels to Memphis, then capital of Egypt, which is ruled by Persia at the time. Shaping up nicely for culture clashes and wars.
The witty title refers to a tavern singer called Djanet who will be a contact for Nico, but it turns out that she's part of a move to overthrow the rulers. The Egyptian civil service, which is the longest running body of any sort in the world, is a particular class of Egyptian society and the members are used to doing well for themselves. They don't want to upset their profitable lives. Add an assassin after Herodotus, and a burly soldier captain, not forgetting Diotima who is Nico's wife, obsessed with philosophy, poetry and history, and you have a fine list of ingredients. Get the characters right and the adventure is sure to follow.
I greatly enjoyed this book, which improved as it went along and described the lands and issues very well. The tone is light, like the Marcus Didius Falco mysteries, but there is plenty of danger and murder. I hadn't previously read any of the Athenian Mysteries but I surely will.
An ARC was sent to me. This is an unbiased review.
The witty title refers to a tavern singer called Djanet who will be a contact for Nico, but it turns out that she's part of a move to overthrow the rulers. The Egyptian civil service, which is the longest running body of any sort in the world, is a particular class of Egyptian society and the members are used to doing well for themselves. They don't want to upset their profitable lives. Add an assassin after Herodotus, and a burly soldier captain, not forgetting Diotima who is Nico's wife, obsessed with philosophy, poetry and history, and you have a fine list of ingredients. Get the characters right and the adventure is sure to follow.
I greatly enjoyed this book, which improved as it went along and described the lands and issues very well. The tone is light, like the Marcus Didius Falco mysteries, but there is plenty of danger and murder. I hadn't previously read any of the Athenian Mysteries but I surely will.
An ARC was sent to me. This is an unbiased review.
May 7, 2016
Why haven't I heard of this marvelous series before? See my Amazon review: https://www.amazon.com/review/R1RDT3Q...
November 13, 2019
Highly entertaining. The wit is in full evidence ( did you ever think traveling with Herodotus could be boring?) Corby does, and the result is plentiful laughs along with a mystery that holds up if does not challenge. The usual enormous amount of historical information deftly inserted into the book, along with scenes of surprising sobriety. Usually Corby has been content to land jokes. No quarrel with that, but when he does decide to get serious, well, it opens up some brilliant insights into the mind of a Golden Age Athenian.
Highly recommend.
Highly recommend.
May 13, 2016
I fell for Gary Corby's grasp of history and his excellent storytelling the first time I picked up one of his Athenian mysteries. Nicolaos is the perfect sleuth, called upon to investigate all sorts of interesting situations by Athens' premier citizen, Pericles. Nico's wife Diotima (a former priestess) is quite talented at deduction herself, and even his younger brother Socrates (yes, that Socrates) can come up with a good question or two (dozen).
Corby has created the perfect little time machine in which readers can visit ancient Greece and still feel at home. There are action sequences at sea and on dry land that will certainly keep the pages turning, and since there is no shortage of secret agents representing all the various factions in Egypt, readers will be kept guessing at the outcome. Traveling along with the world's first historian is yet another perk of reading this book.
One of the ways Corby makes readers feel so at home in this ancient world is with his use of humor. In this book, that humor begins with the title. How many of you thought of Elvis Presley when you saw "The Singer from Memphis"? I would imagine most of you did, unless you knew that Gary Corby writes mysteries set in ancient Greece and that there was a city in Egypt named-- you guessed it-- Memphis. But in this book, one of the characters is a young female who makes a living singing in a bar in Memphis, and the first time Nicolaos sees her, she's singing a song in Greek about suspicious minds. (Any Elvis fans smiling?) There's another instance of subtle humor when I was reminded of what happened when someone wore a red shirt in the original Star Trek series. Whether subtle or laugh-out-loud funny, Corby's humor brings his story to life and helps his readers make the transition to the ancient world.
The Singer from Memphis has a wonderful setting and characters and an engrossing mystery with more than a hint of a treasure hunt to it. For those of you who are wavering because you think you'll be unable to pronounce words, know what some of the words are, or be lost in history, waver no more. Corby has included a short cast of characters complete with pronunciation, a brief historic timeline to set up the story (although you really don't need it), and a glossary to define any of the words you may not be familiar with. Rest assured that Corby does a marvelous job of placing you in the ancient world without the feeling that you're drowning in history. In addition, his Author's Note at the end should not be missed-- although he warns you not to read it first because it's full of spoilers. This section tells you what is true and what isn't in the story as well as several other fascinating facts. Is it necessary to read this series in order? No, but I can see you reading one and then going back for the others.
Gary Corby has prepared the feast, and it's sitting on the table, waiting for you. All you need to do is to sit down and begin enjoying yourself.
Corby has created the perfect little time machine in which readers can visit ancient Greece and still feel at home. There are action sequences at sea and on dry land that will certainly keep the pages turning, and since there is no shortage of secret agents representing all the various factions in Egypt, readers will be kept guessing at the outcome. Traveling along with the world's first historian is yet another perk of reading this book.
One of the ways Corby makes readers feel so at home in this ancient world is with his use of humor. In this book, that humor begins with the title. How many of you thought of Elvis Presley when you saw "The Singer from Memphis"? I would imagine most of you did, unless you knew that Gary Corby writes mysteries set in ancient Greece and that there was a city in Egypt named-- you guessed it-- Memphis. But in this book, one of the characters is a young female who makes a living singing in a bar in Memphis, and the first time Nicolaos sees her, she's singing a song in Greek about suspicious minds. (Any Elvis fans smiling?) There's another instance of subtle humor when I was reminded of what happened when someone wore a red shirt in the original Star Trek series. Whether subtle or laugh-out-loud funny, Corby's humor brings his story to life and helps his readers make the transition to the ancient world.
The Singer from Memphis has a wonderful setting and characters and an engrossing mystery with more than a hint of a treasure hunt to it. For those of you who are wavering because you think you'll be unable to pronounce words, know what some of the words are, or be lost in history, waver no more. Corby has included a short cast of characters complete with pronunciation, a brief historic timeline to set up the story (although you really don't need it), and a glossary to define any of the words you may not be familiar with. Rest assured that Corby does a marvelous job of placing you in the ancient world without the feeling that you're drowning in history. In addition, his Author's Note at the end should not be missed-- although he warns you not to read it first because it's full of spoilers. This section tells you what is true and what isn't in the story as well as several other fascinating facts. Is it necessary to read this series in order? No, but I can see you reading one and then going back for the others.
Gary Corby has prepared the feast, and it's sitting on the table, waiting for you. All you need to do is to sit down and begin enjoying yourself.
May 27, 2016
A sparkling treat for the intellect and spirit, THE SINGER FROM MEMPHIS offers enough action, wit, and urgent mystery solving to make this historical fiction a page-turner.
At a time when the Middle East is in geopolitical turmoil (not now, but back in ancient Greece ~ 456 BC when Pericles led Athens) Athenian detective Nicolaos (Nico) starts out on an assignment to escort writer Herodotus safely through Egypt’s war zone. Too soon, he finds himself an agent for Athens working with an agent for the Egyptian rebel leader, Inaros. Along with his astute wife, Diotima, Herodotus, and Inaros’ agent and guard, Nico goes on a quest for a missing artifact that could prevent a battle between Persia and Egypt and the death and destruction of innocents.
Pearls of history-fiction crop up throughout the book such as a life and death sea battle with real triremes, Herodotus researching his book (THE HISTORIES) still in print after 2,500 years, and the White Fort’s tight bureaucratic control through The Public Service (public servants) who hold back Nico’s mission by way of public ordinances.
Author Gary Corby’s Athenian Mystery #6 sprinkles details about the ancient world throughout the story using Nico’s deep POV so the reader begins to smell the ocean air, feel the dirt of the inns and agora, and hear the noises along the wharves. Included are a Timeline, Author’s Notes on what’s real and what’s not in the story, and a Glossary. All these elements combine to give the reader an exciting and thrilling virtual adventure through a time of violent upheaval and ever-changing alliances. It is well worth going back to Athenian Mystery #1 to see how Nico’s detective trade began at the start of the Age of Pericles.
At a time when the Middle East is in geopolitical turmoil (not now, but back in ancient Greece ~ 456 BC when Pericles led Athens) Athenian detective Nicolaos (Nico) starts out on an assignment to escort writer Herodotus safely through Egypt’s war zone. Too soon, he finds himself an agent for Athens working with an agent for the Egyptian rebel leader, Inaros. Along with his astute wife, Diotima, Herodotus, and Inaros’ agent and guard, Nico goes on a quest for a missing artifact that could prevent a battle between Persia and Egypt and the death and destruction of innocents.
Pearls of history-fiction crop up throughout the book such as a life and death sea battle with real triremes, Herodotus researching his book (THE HISTORIES) still in print after 2,500 years, and the White Fort’s tight bureaucratic control through The Public Service (public servants) who hold back Nico’s mission by way of public ordinances.
Author Gary Corby’s Athenian Mystery #6 sprinkles details about the ancient world throughout the story using Nico’s deep POV so the reader begins to smell the ocean air, feel the dirt of the inns and agora, and hear the noises along the wharves. Included are a Timeline, Author’s Notes on what’s real and what’s not in the story, and a Glossary. All these elements combine to give the reader an exciting and thrilling virtual adventure through a time of violent upheaval and ever-changing alliances. It is well worth going back to Athenian Mystery #1 to see how Nico’s detective trade began at the start of the Age of Pericles.
October 29, 2016
The host of fans that Gary Corby has garnered with his Athenian mysteries have probably been counting the days until the next one. His unique blend of humor and ancient history are a proven delight. So, for those who have been waiting for the sixth in this popular series, here ‘tis.
Once again Nicolaos, the only private investigator in ancient Athens and an exceptional one at that, tells his story. He is surprised to receive a visit from the up and coming historian, Herodotus who is planning a research trip to Egypt where there is an uprising against the Persian Empire. Nico is to be described as a bodyguard but his actual task is to help the Egyptians rebelling against Persian rule.
Pericles who is Nico’s mentor and a politician warns that Herodotus may be a Persian spy. Nonetheless, he advises Nico to take the job. So, Nico accompanied by his priestess wife, Diotima, Herodotus and his company set out. Their course take them into the midst of the conflict where they are attacked by pirates and must be rescued by the Athenian fleet and Herodotus is almost done in by a Spartan assassin. Still, there is further trouble ahead.
Upon arrival Nico finds Maxyates, an intelligent barbarian who says Troy is his homeland, and the untrustworthy Barzanes, a devilish enemy well remembered by Nico who is now serving the King of Persia. Add a murdered general, secret agents at the ready to kill him and Nico has more than he bargained for. Plus, Corby reminds us there’s not a good cup of wine to be found anywhere.
Sprightly, humorous, rich with historical detail The Singer From Memphis is another winner from Gary Corby.
Once again Nicolaos, the only private investigator in ancient Athens and an exceptional one at that, tells his story. He is surprised to receive a visit from the up and coming historian, Herodotus who is planning a research trip to Egypt where there is an uprising against the Persian Empire. Nico is to be described as a bodyguard but his actual task is to help the Egyptians rebelling against Persian rule.
Pericles who is Nico’s mentor and a politician warns that Herodotus may be a Persian spy. Nonetheless, he advises Nico to take the job. So, Nico accompanied by his priestess wife, Diotima, Herodotus and his company set out. Their course take them into the midst of the conflict where they are attacked by pirates and must be rescued by the Athenian fleet and Herodotus is almost done in by a Spartan assassin. Still, there is further trouble ahead.
Upon arrival Nico finds Maxyates, an intelligent barbarian who says Troy is his homeland, and the untrustworthy Barzanes, a devilish enemy well remembered by Nico who is now serving the King of Persia. Add a murdered general, secret agents at the ready to kill him and Nico has more than he bargained for. Plus, Corby reminds us there’s not a good cup of wine to be found anywhere.
Sprightly, humorous, rich with historical detail The Singer From Memphis is another winner from Gary Corby.
May 18, 2016
A strange man shows up wanting a sort of bodyguard for a trip to Egypt except that there is a war on. Pericles had suggested it after hearing rumors of a Persian spy from Hellenic background and sends him to our hero. Herodotus, yes that one, engages Nico and Diotima and off they go. A secondary commission is to help the rebel leader do something to help take Memphis. He sends them to a singer for help. They are on a quest to find some lost symbols of authority that will help get the Persians out. Old friends are there if you use the term loosely - Markos and Barzenes. Some crazy things happen and crazy alliances occur. Quite entertaining dry humor as usual. Love this series and only missed Socrates a touch. Herodotus made up the loss with the quotes from the Histories and the random musings.
June 9, 2016
I enjoyed this book, and was pleased that this series has continued to be entertaining. In this episode Nikolaos and Diotima are in Egypt, accompanying Herodotus on his book research tour, and working for Pericles as an agent to help overcome the last Persian resistance in Egypt. A Libyan prince named Inaros, allied with Athens, has defeated the Persian occupiers in lower Egypt, but the Persian army is holed up in an impregnable fortress in the capital, Memphis, awaiting reinforcements from Persia.
The novel is a rip snortin' action adventure from beginning to end - not usually something I like, but it works pretty well here. It helps that Corby provides us with a lot of historical detail; and it helps that this was an especially interesting time in Greek, Persian, and Egyptian history.
The novel is a rip snortin' action adventure from beginning to end - not usually something I like, but it works pretty well here. It helps that Corby provides us with a lot of historical detail; and it helps that this was an especially interesting time in Greek, Persian, and Egyptian history.
June 11, 2016
I might be rounding up a smidgen.
It's always fun to return to the ongoing career of detective/agent Nicolaos, the (fictional) older brother of Socrates (though Socrates doesn't really figure in this installment). He and his wife and partner Diotima, along with the reader, re-encounter some old adversaries, traverse difficult terrain, cope with new animals (crocodiles and camels), and learn about the impressive power, antiquity, and self-interest of government bureaucracy.
As always, Corby combines an engaging story with a detailed history lesson -- and at the end, in his Author's Note, makes clear the lines between the two.
It's always fun to return to the ongoing career of detective/agent Nicolaos, the (fictional) older brother of Socrates (though Socrates doesn't really figure in this installment). He and his wife and partner Diotima, along with the reader, re-encounter some old adversaries, traverse difficult terrain, cope with new animals (crocodiles and camels), and learn about the impressive power, antiquity, and self-interest of government bureaucracy.
As always, Corby combines an engaging story with a detailed history lesson -- and at the end, in his Author's Note, makes clear the lines between the two.
December 30, 2015
This series just gets better as the years go by! I've always loved Gary Corby's Athenian series because its honest, laugh-out-loud funny, and even romantic. There's not many books about Athens it seems most are about the Romans so I appreciate it even more.
June 2, 2016
My favorite in this series
This is an exciting tour of Egypt with Herodotus, father of History along taking notes! A fun book, the leads have matured at a natural pace and an overall fun adventure set in ancient times with ancient times problems. Well done!
This is an exciting tour of Egypt with Herodotus, father of History along taking notes! A fun book, the leads have matured at a natural pace and an overall fun adventure set in ancient times with ancient times problems. Well done!
July 2, 2016
The Athenians, Spartans, Persians, pretty much everyone, are after the crook & flail. A frantic romp through ancient Egypt with a hapless hero, his friends and enemies. Quite enjoyable--reminded me of No Roads Lead to Rome by R.S. Gompertz.
May 25, 2016
See the review on my blog: http://www.colindsmith.com/blog/2016/...
June 29, 2020
As part of keeping my spirits up during the COVID-19 pandemic, I've decided to reread two series of novels set in Greece. Why? Because my wife and I are holding out hope that our September/October trip to Greece still will happen...fingers crossed!
I finished all the books in "The Seven Deadly Sins" series featuring Hermes Diaktoros (Hermes Messenger) - which are set in modern Greece. So, it was time to begin "The Athenian Mysteries" series, featuring Nicholaos, son of Sophroniscus the sculptor and older brother of an extremely inquisitive young boy named Socrates. Along with Diotema - a priestess of Artemis and daughter of the hetaera Euterpe (a high-class call girl) - Nicholaos is arguably the world's first private investigator. After all, the first novel in the series is set in ancient Athens just days after the first democracy is established there (461 B.C.).
Like all good history writers, Corby blends known facts from the past with delightful fiction. Not only do the books in this series entertain, they also provide the reader with a great sense of what it was like to live nearly 2,500 years ago at the birthplace of western civilization. Anyone who loves classical Greece will love these books. And anyone who doesn't know much about classical Greece can learn a lot about it in this historically accurate - and fun - series.
"Apoláfste, filoi mou!" ("Enjoy, my friends!")
P.S. This is an interesting entry in the series because it takes place in Egypt, not Greece. Although the bulk of the action is set in Memphis - a city I've never visited - it did bring back many fond memories of my trip to Egypt with Nadia all those years ago. All in all, this was an enjoyable reread for me. Now, it's on to the final novel in the series: "Death on Delos."
I finished all the books in "The Seven Deadly Sins" series featuring Hermes Diaktoros (Hermes Messenger) - which are set in modern Greece. So, it was time to begin "The Athenian Mysteries" series, featuring Nicholaos, son of Sophroniscus the sculptor and older brother of an extremely inquisitive young boy named Socrates. Along with Diotema - a priestess of Artemis and daughter of the hetaera Euterpe (a high-class call girl) - Nicholaos is arguably the world's first private investigator. After all, the first novel in the series is set in ancient Athens just days after the first democracy is established there (461 B.C.).
Like all good history writers, Corby blends known facts from the past with delightful fiction. Not only do the books in this series entertain, they also provide the reader with a great sense of what it was like to live nearly 2,500 years ago at the birthplace of western civilization. Anyone who loves classical Greece will love these books. And anyone who doesn't know much about classical Greece can learn a lot about it in this historically accurate - and fun - series.
"Apoláfste, filoi mou!" ("Enjoy, my friends!")
P.S. This is an interesting entry in the series because it takes place in Egypt, not Greece. Although the bulk of the action is set in Memphis - a city I've never visited - it did bring back many fond memories of my trip to Egypt with Nadia all those years ago. All in all, this was an enjoyable reread for me. Now, it's on to the final novel in the series: "Death on Delos."
February 17, 2025
A really interesting entry into the series, as this reads less like a murder mystery, despite some mysterious murders, and leans more into the intrigue and agent work for Nico. (That said, did we ever get confirmation of who killed *spoiler* Tutu and the Blind General? Was it the Tjaty..?) I enjoyed having old characters return, because that's among my favorite part of this series--was it characters I particularly wanted to return..? Eh...they won me over by the end (I'm sad about Markos, amazingly, and I can appreciate Barzanes but I really wanted another character from Ionia to return T_T) The ending is rushed and even a bit incomplete. The true ending to the story is provided in the author's notes, which I love reading as much nearly as the story itself. I feel like the more impactful side characters died, while the less developed ones survived... Djanet was...fine. I'd forget her presence in most scenes, and it read as much when it took quite awhile to mention her actions during group settings... This was a fine romp in ancient Egypt, but a bit too much politicking when I really wanted a fun murder mystery. I'm excited for the next book, but not if it's going to be the last (at the time of this review)!
December 12, 2020
This is another rather "fun" series of historical novels. Nico and Diotima, the Nick and Nora of antiquity, are an engaging couple and author Gary Corby knows how to keep the action moving.
Of course the plot was a trifle contrived and somewhat convoluted--especially the denouement--but one must stay within the confines of history. And in my previous reading of history, Egypt kind of falls off my horizon with the Assyrian conquest two or three hundred years before the era of this book. It never again became a major player in the eastern Mediterranean until the Hellenistic era under the Ptolemys. So there were some things that were new to me, as Inaros of Libya the leader of the revolt against the Persians at the time of this story.
I wonder if the real Herodotus was as chatty and inquisitive as he is drawn here? I suppose he was, for how else would he gather material for his magnum opus, The Histories. After all as Corby informs us in the afterword, our word "history," which come down to us almost without change from Latin, is Greek and means "inquiry."
Of course the plot was a trifle contrived and somewhat convoluted--especially the denouement--but one must stay within the confines of history. And in my previous reading of history, Egypt kind of falls off my horizon with the Assyrian conquest two or three hundred years before the era of this book. It never again became a major player in the eastern Mediterranean until the Hellenistic era under the Ptolemys. So there were some things that were new to me, as Inaros of Libya the leader of the revolt against the Persians at the time of this story.
I wonder if the real Herodotus was as chatty and inquisitive as he is drawn here? I suppose he was, for how else would he gather material for his magnum opus, The Histories. After all as Corby informs us in the afterword, our word "history," which come down to us almost without change from Latin, is Greek and means "inquiry."
September 13, 2021
Athenian investigator Nico and his priestess wife Diotima embark on a journey to ancient Memphis on another mission for Pericles. Egypt is in chaos, their pharaoh dead and overrun by Persians, with Egyptians attempting to regain their freedom and the Prince of Libya determined to be the next Pharaoh. Nico and Diotima accompany the writer/traveler Herodotus, but the real mission is to find the pharaonic crook and flail for the Prince. They cross paths with an assortment of characters, including the "Blind General," an embalmer named Tutu, and a tavern singer named Djanet, and frenemies like the Persian Barzanes and the assassin Markos of Sparta, all of whom have their own secrets and agendas, leading to murders, vile rumors, camels, a nasty desert storm, double-dealing and double-crossing. It's a fun and exciting adventure, with plenty of wit and humor and accurate details about the ancient world from Herodotus himself!
September 10, 2023
Set in 456 BC, Gary Corby’s “The Singer from Memphis” (2016) is the sixth book in the series involving a young man, Nicolaos (Nico), who serves as a criminal investigator for Pericles. Pericles encourages the historian Herodotus to hire Nico to serve as a bodyguard on his trip to Egypt. This duty is just a ruse to serve as a cover story for Nico to contact Inaros, a Libyan claiming to be a descendant of the Pharaoh, who is attempting to overthrow their Persian overlords. At this point, the Persians occupy Memphis, and Nico is to assist Inaros in a secret plan to dislodge them. The plot of this espionage story is excellent, and the discussions of Egyptian customs are very interesting. There are also some very witty sections, particularly some of the conversations between Herodotus and other characters. Highly recommended. You should read the earlier books in the series before reading this one, as there are several spoilers for the earlier works.
June 19, 2019
I enjoyed this a great deal. It's a mystery or adventure story, set in Egypt long ago. I suspect all of the Athenian Mysteries series will be going on my orders from the local library. Real characters from the ancient world appear - in this one, Herodotus will be a familiar name. The narrator is "the obly private investigator in ancient Athens". There is a good plot, many historical references all of which seem to be well researched (though I am no expert) and details like an account of how piracy worked in ancient days - I found that really interesting. The style is lively, the narrator nicely self deprecating. His wife Diotima was a real person, the teacher of Socrates! It does not get much better than that. This was entertaining, educational, amusing - a fun easy read.
August 11, 2025
Each book in this series is better than the last, and that is saying g something as the previous.stories are brilliant. Nicholas in this instalment travels to.Egypt, of course his wife Diotima goes with him. Officially he has been hired by the Author Herodotus to act as his guide abroad, unofficially Perecles has commissioned Nicholas to meet with the Prince of Lybia and see what aid he requires from Athens to aid him in his uprising against Persia which has ruled Egypt for almost seventy years. Ikaris (the Prince) aims to see himself crowned Pharaoh but to do this he needs Nicolas to help him find a list Egyptian teasure. Nicholas is a Greek man in an Egyptian city surrounded by Persian soldiers so he's got his work cut out for him this time..................
January 26, 2018
This book took Nicolaos and Diotema into Egypt with Herodotus the historian. The benefit for me of this was getting a linkage in the history of the civilisations of the region, Persia, Greece and Egypt. So often in the learning of history we are presented one ancient civilisation in isolation, and do not really make the connection to where other civilisations were at the time. So you don't really see how they vary in how their communities are structured or how they run.
I almost missed the clues to the culprit along the way, but when the end came I thought that I had an inkling earlier.
This was another enjoyable book by Gary Corby, but I missed any Easter Eggs that were in it.
I almost missed the clues to the culprit along the way, but when the end came I thought that I had an inkling earlier.
This was another enjoyable book by Gary Corby, but I missed any Easter Eggs that were in it.
September 17, 2022
I was enjoying the ride that this book is until I got to the end and realized there wasn't much of a mystery. I liked seeing Nico and Diotima as fish out-of-water and learn a bit about ancient Greece-era Egypt, but the story around them felt a little weak compared to the other books in the series. It felt much more linear than previous entries and more of an excuse to bring back familiar faces for a Mexican-standoff situation that wasn't all that compelling to me.
Fun entry, but not the best this series had to offer.
Fun entry, but not the best this series had to offer.
September 27, 2023
This was an enjoyable romp through 456BC Egypt, where Nicolaos, an Athens PI, has to accompany Herodotus to Egypt as the area rebels against Persia and something hidden in the tomb of Imhotep nearly 70 years before becomes critical.
Agents from Sparta and Persia trail Nicolaos, his wife and Herodotus as they travel to Memphis and out to the oasis of Siwa. It’s entertaining, never too dark and with good historical accuracy. Persian Barzanes and Spartan Markos are good creations in an engaging story.
Agents from Sparta and Persia trail Nicolaos, his wife and Herodotus as they travel to Memphis and out to the oasis of Siwa. It’s entertaining, never too dark and with good historical accuracy. Persian Barzanes and Spartan Markos are good creations in an engaging story.
August 29, 2017
Another enjoyable book in this very interesting and well-researched series. This time Nico and Diotima travel to Egypt — both as travel guides to Herodotus, a would-be historian, and as agents for Athens. Egypt is under divided rule, between the Persians and a Libyan prince who claims to be a descendant of the last pharaoh. Naturally danger travels with them as they encounter a number of unusual situations. Highly recommended.
December 2, 2019
2.5? I wasn't sure what to make of this book. Mostly it felt like I was in ", A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum", abet mostly in Egypt, not Greece. And, then, to break up the action, someone is murdered in a horrible way. Maybe I should have started with book 1, maybe the author just wants to break up amusing travelogues with gruesome murders?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews