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The Greek Detective #8
The Gifts of Poseidon: The Mysteries of the Greek
When a lucky fisherman hooks a fabulous golden-scaled fish, it seems the future prosperity of the island of Liteos is assured. But fifteen years later, the golden fish are all but gone, and the fishers’ nets bring up increasingly poor catches from an almost barren sea. Then a young couple discover a body in a remote cove, and the dead man is identified as Tassos Hardouvelis, an entrepreneur who envisioned a new future for Liteos’s fishermen – a vision not everyone welcomed. Was Tassos’s death an accident? How could he have died at two different times? And is there more than one killer at the heart of this baffling mystery?
In his eighth case, enigmatic investigator Hermes Diaktoros enters a world of lively red herrings where the ties of blood are strong and the truth is painstakingly obscured. Sizzling in the summer heat, The Gifts of Poseidon is a hymn to Greece, to its beauty, its people and its food. Against this delectable back-drop, it is above all a compelling and dramatic story of the extraordinary sacrifices ordinary people will make to protect the ones they love.
Anne Zouroudi writes beautifully - her books have all the sparkle and light of the island landscapes in which she sets them... Lovely, delicious prose and plot - as tasty as one of those irresistible honey-soaked Greek confections (Alexander McCall Smith)
Diaktoros is a delight. Half Poirot, half deus ex machina, but far more earth-bound than his first name suggests, the portly detective has an other-worldly, Marlowesque incorruptibility as he waddles through the mean olive groves (Guardian)
In his eighth case, enigmatic investigator Hermes Diaktoros enters a world of lively red herrings where the ties of blood are strong and the truth is painstakingly obscured. Sizzling in the summer heat, The Gifts of Poseidon is a hymn to Greece, to its beauty, its people and its food. Against this delectable back-drop, it is above all a compelling and dramatic story of the extraordinary sacrifices ordinary people will make to protect the ones they love.
Anne Zouroudi writes beautifully - her books have all the sparkle and light of the island landscapes in which she sets them... Lovely, delicious prose and plot - as tasty as one of those irresistible honey-soaked Greek confections (Alexander McCall Smith)
Diaktoros is a delight. Half Poirot, half deus ex machina, but far more earth-bound than his first name suggests, the portly detective has an other-worldly, Marlowesque incorruptibility as he waddles through the mean olive groves (Guardian)
348 pages, Paperback
First published December 9, 2016
31 people are currently reading
163 people want to read
About the author
Anne Zouroudi
33 books143 followersBorn in rural Lincolnshire in 1959, Anne moved to South Yorkshire at the age of two. Following her education at Sheffield High School for Girls, she went into the IT industry, a career which took her to both New York’s Wall Street and Denver, Colorado. In America she began to take seriously her ambition to write fiction, and bought a typewriter for her first short stories.
On returning to the UK, she booked a summer holiday with her sister. The location they chose was a tiny island in southern Greece.
“We arrived at night; there was nothing to see,” she recalls. “But the next morning, I opened the shutters of our rented house, and bam! Love at first sight. The brilliant blue sea, the scent of herbs on the breeze, the timelessness of the place… It was the first moment of a love affair which has lasted twenty years.”
Anne spent a number of years living in the islands; she married a Greek, and her son was born there.
Returning again to the UK, she was still writing, but the short stories had grown into novels.
Anne“I wrote three, and whilst I was getting interest in my writing, those novels didn’t find publishers, though a northern-based thriller came close,” she says. “Then I decided to write a novel set in Greece, based on a character who’d come to my mind whilst I was living there. He became Hermes Diaktoros. I sent the manuscript to an agent, and went off to spend some time in Greece. When I returned, I got the call I’d been waiting for. I’d written the right book at last.”
Series:
* The Greek Detective
On returning to the UK, she booked a summer holiday with her sister. The location they chose was a tiny island in southern Greece.
“We arrived at night; there was nothing to see,” she recalls. “But the next morning, I opened the shutters of our rented house, and bam! Love at first sight. The brilliant blue sea, the scent of herbs on the breeze, the timelessness of the place… It was the first moment of a love affair which has lasted twenty years.”
Anne spent a number of years living in the islands; she married a Greek, and her son was born there.
Returning again to the UK, she was still writing, but the short stories had grown into novels.
Anne“I wrote three, and whilst I was getting interest in my writing, those novels didn’t find publishers, though a northern-based thriller came close,” she says. “Then I decided to write a novel set in Greece, based on a character who’d come to my mind whilst I was living there. He became Hermes Diaktoros. I sent the manuscript to an agent, and went off to spend some time in Greece. When I returned, I got the call I’d been waiting for. I’d written the right book at last.”
Series:
* The Greek Detective
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
June 4, 2017
Another delightful Hermes Diaktoros mystery. A body is found by two young people--it looks like the victim's been killed twice. His top half is saturated with water and eaten by crabs and his bottom half stabbed in several places. Hermes enters the picture and solves the crime, exacting his own unique justice.
Highly recommended.
Highly recommended.
September 8, 2017
Absolute delight from start to finish - Anne Zouroudi has not lost her touch. She has a real gift for bringing places to life - descriptions that conjure up tastes, smells, sights - you feel you could reach out and touch things in her books. Add to that the wonderful Hermes Dioktoros and some great plots and you have one of the best and most enjoyable detective series ever. I've recently listened to the first in this series on audiobook, having first read it many years ago, and was struck again by just how good a writer she is.
Fans of Donna Leon and Alexander McCall Smith will enjoy these very much.
Fans of Donna Leon and Alexander McCall Smith will enjoy these very much.
November 16, 2017
This is the second book by this author that I read and I utterly enjoyed it. I love exploring Greek island life through Zouroudi's crime stories. The writing is masterful and intrigue awaits at every page. I found it hard to put this book down at bedtime and often read longer than intended. Highly recommended for lovers of Greek island fiction and crime fiction in general. It doesn't get better than this for the who-dunnit enthusiast!
May 22, 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!
This series features the mercurial (wink, wink!) detective from Athens, Hermes Diaktoros (Hermes Messenger). Without giving too much away, I will tell you that he's not your typical detective. It is especially intriguing that he always responds to someone asking him who he's working for by replying: "I work for a higher authority." Hmm...his name is Hermes the Messenger and he works for "a higher authority"...like I said, intriguing, right?
Seriously, I've loved the Zouroudi series since I first discovered it years ago when I picked up this novel while traveling. Because she's lived on the Greek islands, she is able to paint life there in an authentic way - warts and all. And having visited a number of the Greek islands, I can tell you that they are simultaneously stunningly beautiful and stiflingly backward. And Ms. Zouroudi's writing brings out both characteristics in her descriptions of the locales and the locals.
If you enjoy modern mysteries that border on the esoteric, without ever crossing the line, then this series is for you. "Apoláfste, filoi mou!" ("Enjoy, my friends!")
Postscript: It was nice to wrap up this series on a high note, after the disappointment of the previous two entries. I can't wait for her next novel in this series - it's been way too long! (This was published in 2016.)
This series features the mercurial (wink, wink!) detective from Athens, Hermes Diaktoros (Hermes Messenger). Without giving too much away, I will tell you that he's not your typical detective. It is especially intriguing that he always responds to someone asking him who he's working for by replying: "I work for a higher authority." Hmm...his name is Hermes the Messenger and he works for "a higher authority"...like I said, intriguing, right?
Seriously, I've loved the Zouroudi series since I first discovered it years ago when I picked up this novel while traveling. Because she's lived on the Greek islands, she is able to paint life there in an authentic way - warts and all. And having visited a number of the Greek islands, I can tell you that they are simultaneously stunningly beautiful and stiflingly backward. And Ms. Zouroudi's writing brings out both characteristics in her descriptions of the locales and the locals.
If you enjoy modern mysteries that border on the esoteric, without ever crossing the line, then this series is for you. "Apoláfste, filoi mou!" ("Enjoy, my friends!")
Postscript: It was nice to wrap up this series on a high note, after the disappointment of the previous two entries. I can't wait for her next novel in this series - it's been way too long! (This was published in 2016.)
June 1, 2017
I love all the Anne Zouroudi books with her enigmatic detective Hermes Diaktoris, known as the fat man.
Her description of the countryside, the people, their work and lives puts you right there. The way she writes about their joys and sadness, their simple kindnesses and acts of evil mean the characters are well fleshed out and I also love the way she writes about the food, which plays a big part in her stories.
This story brings a very odd death to the island of Leitos. Luckily our well dressed detective is already there, plimsolls gleaming as white as ever.
I hope we get more about Hermes. Is he quite of this world or this time?
Her description of the countryside, the people, their work and lives puts you right there. The way she writes about their joys and sadness, their simple kindnesses and acts of evil mean the characters are well fleshed out and I also love the way she writes about the food, which plays a big part in her stories.
This story brings a very odd death to the island of Leitos. Luckily our well dressed detective is already there, plimsolls gleaming as white as ever.
I hope we get more about Hermes. Is he quite of this world or this time?
June 28, 2017
An interesting book. It took a while to get going, what with introducing all the characters, but once it got going it was a fun read, not too serious. The plot reveal was not obvious, which is always good, and all of the characters were interesting, even the ones who weren't very nice. It's not Agatha Christie level mystery, of course, but still very well written.
May 9, 2023
Another wonderful episode in the Greek Detective series.
The descriptions of the various Greek dishes make your mouth water and you long to be sitting in a greek waterside taverna on a sunny holiday.
The usual island life scandals and family secrets abound but they are no match for the detecting skills of Hermes!
The descriptions of the various Greek dishes make your mouth water and you long to be sitting in a greek waterside taverna on a sunny holiday.
The usual island life scandals and family secrets abound but they are no match for the detecting skills of Hermes!
December 23, 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I thought Hermès interaction with the young man about red herrings was clever as well as the way he solved the many problems the islanders were having especially the murder.
April 8, 2020
Brilliant!
Absolutely love this series of books and this one was no exception! Please keep writing them Anne and I promise to keep reading them! Highly recommend this book. Thank you.
Absolutely love this series of books and this one was no exception! Please keep writing them Anne and I promise to keep reading them! Highly recommend this book. Thank you.
December 18, 2021
As always, a thoroughly enjoyable tour through the greek islands, their people, customs and food. And a morality play combined with a detective novel! What is not to like. I hope Ms Zouridi writes more!
May 18, 2022
Hermes is back, back again...
Always brilliant. A sedate, but intriguing tale featuring the amazing Hermes Diaktoros of Athens and his supernatural powers of deduction. The descriptive writing brings Greece to life.
Always brilliant. A sedate, but intriguing tale featuring the amazing Hermes Diaktoros of Athens and his supernatural powers of deduction. The descriptive writing brings Greece to life.
June 25, 2017
Set in the beautiful Greek islands and intriguing, as always with this series. Who are you Hermes?
October 15, 2017
Always a lovely read from Anne Zouroudi. Hermes Diaktoros is a great character
April 3, 2018
The Gifts of Poseidon
Really enjoy this ‘Greek detective’ series - can’t wait for the next one! A sunny, relaxing read, just the thing for a rainy, grey Easter.
Really enjoy this ‘Greek detective’ series - can’t wait for the next one! A sunny, relaxing read, just the thing for a rainy, grey Easter.
February 28, 2022
The penultimate Hermes Diaktoros book, unless Ms. Zouroudi writes some more. Epicure, gentleman, investigator, confessor, advisor - the fat man solves another mystery as only he can.
May 28, 2024
This series is brilliant! I wish there were more of them. Brilliant writing, awesome characters, delicious food descriptions, you feel like you are in Greece. Hermes is a legend! Seriously good!
September 22, 2024
Just okay.
December 31, 2024
Another good one in the series. Unexpected murderer, well written.
May 5, 2025
Found this in the library of the cruise ship we were on and we were going to Mykonos. A perfect read, Loved it from start to finish.
June 30, 2019
Always a joy to read, the Greek novels by Anne Zouroudi featuring the detective Hermes Diaktoros (from Athens). A man is found dead on the island of Liteos, and Hermes must uncover the truth in a close-knit community where the ties of blood are strong...
March 29, 2017
The Gifts of Poseidon sees enigmatic detective Hermes Diaktoris return for his 8th case. He is on the fictional island of Liteos, based on the Greek island of Alonissos, when a man's body is found. Murder or natural causes? Hermes and the police have divergent views on the subject.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. It is a pleasant read with a clever plot which I had no hope of guessing. You really feel the setting, whether it is the heat, the food or the Greek way of life, and it is easy to immerse yourself in it. Then there is the enigmatic Hermes Diaktoris who works for the "highest authorities". Who or what these authorities are is open to interpretation, as is Hermes himself. He is obviously rich, smart, charming and fairly omniscient as not only does he solve the crime he manages to resolve issues for some people who often don't realise their lives need fixing.
The Gifts of Poseidon is an excellent, charming read with a heartwarming feel good factor so I have no hesitation in recommending it.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. It is a pleasant read with a clever plot which I had no hope of guessing. You really feel the setting, whether it is the heat, the food or the Greek way of life, and it is easy to immerse yourself in it. Then there is the enigmatic Hermes Diaktoris who works for the "highest authorities". Who or what these authorities are is open to interpretation, as is Hermes himself. He is obviously rich, smart, charming and fairly omniscient as not only does he solve the crime he manages to resolve issues for some people who often don't realise their lives need fixing.
The Gifts of Poseidon is an excellent, charming read with a heartwarming feel good factor so I have no hesitation in recommending it.
April 9, 2017
What I enjoy most in Anne Zouroudi's novels, are her vivid descriptions of the surroundings. You feel as if you are actually experiencing yourself the sounds, the scents, the tastes of the picturesque Greek islands in which she places her stories. And the end always comes with this satisfying feeling, that a higher power wove it's way into the story, punishing the wrong doers and bringing justice to those who suffered.
April 29, 2017
Some mysteries give insights into cities or countries, some into humans, some into darkness, and some just lead you down a bloody path full of clues--classic whodunits. This book is a whodunit.
I prefer insights to puzzles, but some readers must like the old English parlor mystery, even one transposed to the Greek isles. Just not me.
To help with the book, one character explains his mystery reading method: "I try to spot all the red herrings...the trouble with red herrings is, you don't know until you get to the end whether they were red herrings or not."
That should work fine for this book.
(Note: I gave it three stars because whodunits are not my cup of tea--Remember, this isn't a translated Greek mystery, but thoroughly Brit-written by an author from Lincolnshire.)
I prefer insights to puzzles, but some readers must like the old English parlor mystery, even one transposed to the Greek isles. Just not me.
To help with the book, one character explains his mystery reading method: "I try to spot all the red herrings...the trouble with red herrings is, you don't know until you get to the end whether they were red herrings or not."
That should work fine for this book.
(Note: I gave it three stars because whodunits are not my cup of tea--Remember, this isn't a translated Greek mystery, but thoroughly Brit-written by an author from Lincolnshire.)
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews