What do you think?
Rate this book
John the Eunuch #12
An Empire for Ravens
Missing treasure, murder, possible treason... Emperor Justinian's former Lord Chamberlain, John, gets a letter from his longtime comrade, Felix, and, placing loyalty to a friend above his own safety, risks defying imperial edict by leaving his exile in Greece for Rome where Felix is in some kind of trouble. For years a Captain of the Excubitors at the court in Constantinople, Felix has achieved his ambition to become a General when Justinian sends him to serve under General Diogenes in fighting for Rome against the besieging Goths. John's covert entrance into Rome is ambushed, driving him deep into ancient catacombs before he exits into the heart of the city. Arrested and brought before Diogenes, John learns that Felix is missing. It has been two days since he went to call upon Archdeacon Leon, a troublesome man at the heart of Felix's dispatch to the city. When sent to lodge at Felix's quarters, John finds the household in disarray, evidence that Felix has taken a questionable lover and run up his usual debts, and someone is rifling supplies. Then a young woman servant, also missing, is found dead. John has many mysteries to solve before Diogenes' courier to Justinian can return and prompt John's immediate execution.
278 pages, Hardcover
Published October 23, 2018
1 person is currently reading
34 people want to read
About the author
Mary Reed
36 books24 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
Mary Reed and Eric Mayer began writing together in 1992. They have contributed to a number of anthologies such as Royal Whodunnits, MammothBook of Historical Whodunnits and Mammoth Book of Shakespearean Detectives, as well as to Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine. They have also published several short stories set in and around the 6th century Constantinople court of Emperor Justinian I as well as four (to date) novels about their protagonist John the Eunuch, Lord Chamberlain to the emperor. The series was listed as one of four Best Little-Known Series in Booklist Magazine in 2003, and a Greek edition of the first novel, One For Sorrow, appeared in late 2002. They live in Pennsylvania.
Mary Reed and Eric Mayer began writing together in 1992. They have contributed to a number of anthologies such as Royal Whodunnits, MammothBook of Historical Whodunnits and Mammoth Book of Shakespearean Detectives, as well as to Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine. They have also published several short stories set in and around the 6th century Constantinople court of Emperor Justinian I as well as four (to date) novels about their protagonist John the Eunuch, Lord Chamberlain to the emperor. The series was listed as one of four Best Little-Known Series in Booklist Magazine in 2003, and a Greek edition of the first novel, One For Sorrow, appeared in late 2002. They live in Pennsylvania.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
April 7, 2019
"An empire of ravens"--the devastated 6th century Rome under the attack of Goths. John the Eunuch goes to Rome in answer to a plea from his very good friend, Felix, the Excubitor ex-commander, now general. John illegally leaves Greece, his place of exile. In the catacombs beneath the city, besides Christian burial sites is a Mithraeum [John and Felix are followers of Mithra, this religion now proscribed] and many Mithraic symbols are on the walls; in fact John first enters Rome through the catacombs. He finds Felix's murdered body and the novel is taken up with his solving this mystery and finding his killer, also attempting to find the body of a murdered plebeian girl, seeking justice for her family, and locating a trove of Christian artifacts from an earlier time.
Quite knotty problems but John is up to the task. One of the best John the Eunuch mysteries thus far.
Highly recommended.
Quite knotty problems but John is up to the task. One of the best John the Eunuch mysteries thus far.
Highly recommended.
November 6, 2018
It's the times of Emperor Justinian. John, his former Lord Chamberlain, receives news from his loyal friend and comrade Felix. His friend is in trouble, and he doesn't hesitate to leave his exile in Greece in order to save him.
But when the man arrives in Rome, things have already turned bad. Felix, an experienced Captain of the Empire, is already missing. With suspicions scattered around many people who saw him recently, and a woman involved in his life turning up dead, things get more complex by the minute. Is John ready to find out who lies behind this conspiracy? Or is he putting his own life in danger?
Twelfth book in the Lord Chamberlain Mystery series, An Empire of Ravens is an interesting story that, once again, blends historical fiction with mystery. Set in an era that defined Imperial Rome, it is atmospheric and very descriptive. There is a lot of background to the stories involved, which is very satisfying, making this a good mystery read. All in all an interesting book to read, it is strongly recommended to fans of historical mystery books.
But when the man arrives in Rome, things have already turned bad. Felix, an experienced Captain of the Empire, is already missing. With suspicions scattered around many people who saw him recently, and a woman involved in his life turning up dead, things get more complex by the minute. Is John ready to find out who lies behind this conspiracy? Or is he putting his own life in danger?
Twelfth book in the Lord Chamberlain Mystery series, An Empire of Ravens is an interesting story that, once again, blends historical fiction with mystery. Set in an era that defined Imperial Rome, it is atmospheric and very descriptive. There is a lot of background to the stories involved, which is very satisfying, making this a good mystery read. All in all an interesting book to read, it is strongly recommended to fans of historical mystery books.
December 9, 2018
Rome, in the 6th Century AD, was a terrifying place to live and no one travelled there unless they had to. For John, the Lord Chamberlain exiled to Greece by the Emperor, it was even more perilous. When word got back to the Emperor, John would be executed for disobeying orders to remain in exile, and in danger of forfeiting his life as a Mithran convert.
John, in answer to a plea for help by his friend Felix, arrives at the outskirts of Rome to be set upon by guards. Disguised as farmers, he and his companion Marius are forced to flee, Marius falling out of the cart to certain death, and John to enter the Catacombs. mystery book cover
Arrested by General Diogenes’ guards, John manages to talk his way out of being incarcerated or killed and makes his way to Felix’s house, where more mystery abounds. A girl Clementina, who turns out to been having an affair with Felix, has moved in. Felix’s former servants have fled, leaving only a strange person – a cook – behind.
Followed at first by Diogenes’ henchman Viteric, and then joined by the spy as John makes friends, danger lurks in every alley and dingy house.
Starved, and terrified of the Goths which attack the city – and which John helps defend – the local populace cannot be trusted to betray or murder this tall, commanding man. There is no mistaking the former Lord Chamberlain, and word of John’s arrival and brave fighting on the battlements spreads throughout the city.
This twelfth story in the John, the Lord Chamberlain, series does not disappoint. Although the story starts slowly, it builds to a crescendo of violence, betrayal, and tragedy as the answer to Felix’s disappearance unfolds. John is an interesting and sympathetic character, enigmatic but immensely likable.
Mary Reed and Eric Mayer have produced a novel rich in history, a testament to the incredible amount of research they put into each story. One could believe that you were in the city with John, sharing his adventures, so vivid is the imagery.
Recommended!
John, in answer to a plea for help by his friend Felix, arrives at the outskirts of Rome to be set upon by guards. Disguised as farmers, he and his companion Marius are forced to flee, Marius falling out of the cart to certain death, and John to enter the Catacombs. mystery book cover
Arrested by General Diogenes’ guards, John manages to talk his way out of being incarcerated or killed and makes his way to Felix’s house, where more mystery abounds. A girl Clementina, who turns out to been having an affair with Felix, has moved in. Felix’s former servants have fled, leaving only a strange person – a cook – behind.
Followed at first by Diogenes’ henchman Viteric, and then joined by the spy as John makes friends, danger lurks in every alley and dingy house.
Starved, and terrified of the Goths which attack the city – and which John helps defend – the local populace cannot be trusted to betray or murder this tall, commanding man. There is no mistaking the former Lord Chamberlain, and word of John’s arrival and brave fighting on the battlements spreads throughout the city.
This twelfth story in the John, the Lord Chamberlain, series does not disappoint. Although the story starts slowly, it builds to a crescendo of violence, betrayal, and tragedy as the answer to Felix’s disappearance unfolds. John is an interesting and sympathetic character, enigmatic but immensely likable.
Mary Reed and Eric Mayer have produced a novel rich in history, a testament to the incredible amount of research they put into each story. One could believe that you were in the city with John, sharing his adventures, so vivid is the imagery.
Recommended!
August 8, 2018
Appreciate the ARC for this book from NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press and, as always it was great to visit with John and Cornelia. I also liked the vignette's that came back to Cornelia and john's home as a diversion from a complicated plot that often made my head spin. 4.5 stars rounded up to 5.
This is the crux of it:"Emperor Justinian's former Lord Chamberlain, John, gets a letter from his longtime comrade, Felix, and, placing loyalty to a friend above his own safety, risks defying imperial edict by leaving his exile in Greece for Rome where Felix is in some kind of trouble"
John, defying Justinian's exile and facing execution ( he has about 3 weeks), is enmeshed in many complicated issues not the least of which is the siege of Rome by the Goths under Totila.He sneaks into Rome, finds his dear friend is deceased and insists on figuring out what has happened.
Everything was wrapped up tidily in a terrific epilogue ( John and Cornelia's walk and discussion back home in Greece) which ended the story with the announcement that John was being recalled by Justinian to resume his imperial service. Exciting presage of what is to come.
This is the crux of it:"Emperor Justinian's former Lord Chamberlain, John, gets a letter from his longtime comrade, Felix, and, placing loyalty to a friend above his own safety, risks defying imperial edict by leaving his exile in Greece for Rome where Felix is in some kind of trouble"
John, defying Justinian's exile and facing execution ( he has about 3 weeks), is enmeshed in many complicated issues not the least of which is the siege of Rome by the Goths under Totila.He sneaks into Rome, finds his dear friend is deceased and insists on figuring out what has happened.
Everything was wrapped up tidily in a terrific epilogue ( John and Cornelia's walk and discussion back home in Greece) which ended the story with the announcement that John was being recalled by Justinian to resume his imperial service. Exciting presage of what is to come.
August 13, 2020
This is an entertaining historical mystery set in the time of Emporer Justinian in Ancient Rome .
John , former Lord Chamberlain to Justinian , is in exile in Greece- forbidden from returning to Rome- when he gets a letter from his old friend Felix asking for help .
Captured on his return to Rome , John is given permission by General Diogenes to search for Felix .
He finds murder and missing treasures which all leads to the catacombs of the dead - is his own life
now in danger ?
This is a very entertaining mystery set in a time of great conflict , with great characters and an interesting plot
I was given an arc of the book by NetGalley and the Publisher in exchange for an honest review
John , former Lord Chamberlain to Justinian , is in exile in Greece- forbidden from returning to Rome- when he gets a letter from his old friend Felix asking for help .
Captured on his return to Rome , John is given permission by General Diogenes to search for Felix .
He finds murder and missing treasures which all leads to the catacombs of the dead - is his own life
now in danger ?
This is a very entertaining mystery set in a time of great conflict , with great characters and an interesting plot
I was given an arc of the book by NetGalley and the Publisher in exchange for an honest review
September 19, 2018
I'm a fan of this series that I consider one of the best in the historical mystery field.
It's well researched, well written and I love the characters and the historical setting.
This time we're not in Constantinople but in Rome during one of the barbarian sieges.
Once I started the book I was hooked and I was enthralled by both the plot and the historical events described in the book.
A wonderful reading experience and I hope there'll be soon another instalment in this series.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to Poisoned Pen Press and Edelweiss for this ARC
It's well researched, well written and I love the characters and the historical setting.
This time we're not in Constantinople but in Rome during one of the barbarian sieges.
Once I started the book I was hooked and I was enthralled by both the plot and the historical events described in the book.
A wonderful reading experience and I hope there'll be soon another instalment in this series.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to Poisoned Pen Press and Edelweiss for this ARC
July 1, 2019
A strong series - and although the writing style is not my cup of tea, I can can see how these novels would provide a very good time for lots of readers, especially historical mystery fans who would like to leave Victorian London or in-between-wars England for a while. A recommend.
I received an ecopy from NetGalley and the publishers in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ecopy from NetGalley and the publishers in exchange for an honest review.
October 17, 2018
In this 12th of the series former Lord Chamberlain, John has left his home in Greece to travel back to Rome to help his friend Felix.
I found it difficult to be interested in these characters or the story probably because I had not read the previous eleven books.
A NetGalley Book
I found it difficult to be interested in these characters or the story probably because I had not read the previous eleven books.
A NetGalley Book
August 29, 2018
What a wonderful way to explore the ancient Roman Empire ! For those of us who have gaps in their historical knowledge, Reed's book is a gift. AN EMPIRE FOR RAVENS provided an entertaining immersion into ancient religions, warfare, politics and social structure.
The protagonist, John, is a classic adventure hero that should appeal to a wide range of readers, but would be a sure inspiration to lure young men in to the pleasure of reading. I have not read the other books in this series, but
will want to return to this series, starting with Book 1, and experience all of the boldness and bravery of this engaging literary hero.
The books are "smart," but not so dense as to be daunting--highly recommended for any reader.
The protagonist, John, is a classic adventure hero that should appeal to a wide range of readers, but would be a sure inspiration to lure young men in to the pleasure of reading. I have not read the other books in this series, but
will want to return to this series, starting with Book 1, and experience all of the boldness and bravery of this engaging literary hero.
The books are "smart," but not so dense as to be daunting--highly recommended for any reader.
September 17, 2018
In this, the 12th in a series featuring John the Eunuch, Eric Mayer and Mary Reed return to the world where the Roman Empire is concentrated in Constantinople, and the City of Rome is a shell of its former self. I am already a fan of the series in which John is Lord Chamberlain to the Emperor Constantine; part detective, part fixer, former soldier. In the latest installment, John is in exile in Greece but soon finds himself in the City of Rome summoned by an old friend but held by an unexpected mystery.
What makes this 12th in the series especially intriguing is the setting of post imperial Rome. Few fiction books do such a great job conveying the decay of society, political power, and physical environment in this time period. To wrap this time period and place around the story makes this well written mystery all the more enjoyable.
What makes this 12th in the series especially intriguing is the setting of post imperial Rome. Few fiction books do such a great job conveying the decay of society, political power, and physical environment in this time period. To wrap this time period and place around the story makes this well written mystery all the more enjoyable.
January 24, 2019
The 12 book in John the Lord chamberlain series. John is in exile on order of Emperor Justinian not to return to Rome. A call from his old friend Felix makes him risk his life to get past the invading Goths to return to Rome. Given the freedom to find Felix by General Diogenes while he checks up on him. John finds murder and missing treasures which all leads to the catacombs of the dead. This is a good mystery which also gets you involved in the many changes of history of Rome.
I was given an ARC of this book by Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I was given an ARC of this book by Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews