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John Putnam Thatcher #9
When in Greece: An Emma Lathen Best Seller
International Business at its crazy best, with John Putnam Thatcher wishing the Sloan did not follow fashions and invest offshore, but in the old USA where they had some control over things. The whole cast has a rollicking good time, with Ken Nicolls the center of the action this time. John Putnam Thatcher comes to the rescue with the help of two incredible archeologists to help.
- GenresMystery
350 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1969
12 people are currently reading
87 people want to read
About the author
Emma Lathen
41 books22 followersAka R.B. Dominic
Emma Lathen is the pen name of two American businesswomen: an attorney Mary Jane Latsis (July 12, 1927 -October 29, 1997) and an economic analyst Martha Henissart (b. 1929),who received her B.A. in physics from Mount Holyoke College in 1950.
http://www.nytimes.com/1997/10/31/boo...
Emma Lathen is the pen name of two American businesswomen: an attorney Mary Jane Latsis (July 12, 1927 -October 29, 1997) and an economic analyst Martha Henissart (b. 1929),who received her B.A. in physics from Mount Holyoke College in 1950.
http://www.nytimes.com/1997/10/31/boo...
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
September 26, 2025
Oh I love this book! It's my favorite of the series, even though almost all of these books are quite good. First I love it because it features Ken Nichols, the young banker we meet in book 1 and revisit occasionally. Here he plays a large, and heroic, part. I also love it because the mystery is truly puzzling. No matter how many times I read it I still get caught up in trying to unwind everything that's going on here. Then I love it because it takes place in an exotic location and doesn't just stick to the major cities. Instead, this book roams over much of Greece. In the process it gives me another thing I love in books - real adventure. Throw in some humor and you get a story I always reread with great pleasure.
It all begins when Wall Street's Sloan Guarantee Trust, third largest bank in the world, sends Nichols to keep an eye on the agreement they're ironing out to help fund a hydroelectric plant in northern Greece. There's not much to do at this point, so everyone thinks it's a good way for the young banker to get a little experience. He'll be back in plenty of time for the birth of his second child - of course. The problem is, no one is expecting the coup, or the earthquake, or the kidnapping. Which turns into more kidnappings, stints with the Friends Relief Committee, goats, and armed guerrillas searching the countryside for Ken.
The story gets even better when the Sloan sends Everett Gabler over to find out what's happening. This is Gabler at his most pendantic - and amusing. Finally it takes Thatcher himself to get to the bottom of things, helped along by two attractive American archaeologists and several voluble Greeks.
While revisiting this book I was struck by how much better it - and the entire series - is than many cozy mysteries today. For one thing the protagonists are intelligent, educated, and focused mostly on doing their jobs, not just being nosy. The police officers are usually competent and often appeal to the Sloan for help solving the crimes. But most of all I've been struck by the criminals and their motives. It generally boils down to money, which makes sense and is a big improvement over petty jealousy and other motives other books repeat endlessly. Also, apparently if you understand business and finance as these authors do, there are plenty of ways to try and cheat the system. Of course in these books they all backfire and justice wins. One way or another. :)
Probably the most pleasure in this book is derived from having read at least the first few in the series so you understand the characters' personalities better. But I suspect it would be a good place to jump in, also. I certainly wasn't able to read the series in order when I first started it decades ago and I still quickly became a fan. Despairing of finding well-written, truly puzzling mysteries once you've finish the classic authors? Give this duo a try and you should be pleased.
It all begins when Wall Street's Sloan Guarantee Trust, third largest bank in the world, sends Nichols to keep an eye on the agreement they're ironing out to help fund a hydroelectric plant in northern Greece. There's not much to do at this point, so everyone thinks it's a good way for the young banker to get a little experience. He'll be back in plenty of time for the birth of his second child - of course. The problem is, no one is expecting the coup, or the earthquake, or the kidnapping. Which turns into more kidnappings, stints with the Friends Relief Committee, goats, and armed guerrillas searching the countryside for Ken.
The story gets even better when the Sloan sends Everett Gabler over to find out what's happening. This is Gabler at his most pendantic - and amusing. Finally it takes Thatcher himself to get to the bottom of things, helped along by two attractive American archaeologists and several voluble Greeks.
While revisiting this book I was struck by how much better it - and the entire series - is than many cozy mysteries today. For one thing the protagonists are intelligent, educated, and focused mostly on doing their jobs, not just being nosy. The police officers are usually competent and often appeal to the Sloan for help solving the crimes. But most of all I've been struck by the criminals and their motives. It generally boils down to money, which makes sense and is a big improvement over petty jealousy and other motives other books repeat endlessly. Also, apparently if you understand business and finance as these authors do, there are plenty of ways to try and cheat the system. Of course in these books they all backfire and justice wins. One way or another. :)
Probably the most pleasure in this book is derived from having read at least the first few in the series so you understand the characters' personalities better. But I suspect it would be a good place to jump in, also. I certainly wasn't able to read the series in order when I first started it decades ago and I still quickly became a fan. Despairing of finding well-written, truly puzzling mysteries once you've finish the classic authors? Give this duo a try and you should be pleased.
March 14, 2025
Here we have another mystery that had been languising on my shelves for several decades. John Putnam Thatcher is an executive with the Sloan Guarantee Trust Co. which (in this story) has heavy financial investments in Greece. A junior officer who is overseeing the project which involves the construction of a hydro-electric plant has gone missing during a period when the government has experienced a coup and part of the countryside has experienced an earthquake. Has the young man been taken hostage and/or suffered from the natural disaster. Answers aren't forthcoming and a senior Sloan officer is swept off the streets of Athens soon after he arrives seeking answers. There is a lot going on and it takes the astute John Putnam Thatcher to make the trip to Greece before things start to sort out. Definitely a thriller or suspense story and enjoyable enough to easily warrant four stars.
April 28, 2012
Imagine reading two mystery novels about Greece in the same week without quite consciously doing so. After reading See Delphi and Die, a historical mystery set in the first century CE, I read a reprint of a classic Mike Shayne mystery and picked up When in Greece. The latter should be considered a modern mystery, but considering the changes in investment practices since its publication date as well as the current economic state of Greece under the European Union, When in Greece might well be considered a “historical” novel, even though it was quite contemporary when first published in 1969. It describes a time when globalization was an “in” strategy for banks as opposed to a time when international exposure is problematic such as we face now. It describes a time when US investment was welcomed with little skepticism as opposed to the aura of suspicion around current efforts.
The authors of this series seem especially well-steeped in the culture of Greece. Chapter titles reflect the dramatic and mythic traditions (“The Trojan Women,” “Seven Against Thebes,” “Prometheus Bound,” “Zeus Descending,” etc.) and, at one point, we see a clever reference to the “deus ex machina” of the Greek theater: “By now the Ambassador and the Minister would not have been surprised to see a hovering helicopter scoop him up from the amphitheater during the first act of Medea.” (p. 140). In addition, I love the way they occasionally turn a phrase. In terms of speaking about gunboat diplomacy, “Scratch a foreign policy thinker, Thatcher reflected, and you find John Paul Jones.” (p. 46)
As for the story itself, I really enjoyed this one because it was different than the typical Emma Lathen mystery where John Putnam Thatcher solves the problems with direct investigation and deduction. When in Greece borders on a thriller as opposed to a mystery because it involves wrongful arrest, abduction of U.S. executives, terrorists, escapes, and conspiracy. Much more of the book involves other executives than Thatcher, though the series protagonist is definitely there at the conclusion and his arrival on the scene is vital for coming to the final conclusion. Indeed, at least one of the supporting characters in the series is humanized a bit in this novel.
Now, even though When in Greece has an exciting thriller element to it, I was also pleased with the mystery. I fell for the obvious “red herring.” Even late in the book, I didn’t trust one of the characters who proved vital to the solution. Yet, and this is critical for my evaluation of mysteries, I didn’t feel like there weren’t adequate clues to the perpetrator of the situation (this narrative is such a tapestry of events that I don’t want to give anything away) from relatively early in the narrative. It’s very difficult to weave together both satisfying clues throughout the book to the actual perpetrator and circumstantial clues to credible “red herrings.”
Yet, the authors who wrote under this nom de plume managed it paradigmatically for this one.
In addition, there were two fascinating female characters in this story. At first, they seem like “harmless” academics. Then, we see a glimpse of raw intelligence and awareness of potential conspiracy that transcends pure knowledge. Throughout the book, we see men underestimating them precisely because they are women and, eventually, we discover how they are strong individuals who refuse to be molded by cultural expectations and circumstances. They are interesting and lively characters who really enhanced my enjoyment of this narrative.
One final kudo is worth mentioning about this series of mysteries. The protagonist, John Putnam Thatcher, is precisely the kind of executive I have always imagined myself to be. He seems to empower his direct reports and he seems to know how to tap into their strengths. He is not surrounded by “Yes” people and welcomes a certain amount of debate and dissension, cognitive dissonance as creative force, if you will. I like his insights into character and his ability to aggregate multiple data points before he makes up his mind. The ancient Greeks believed that virtue was best disseminated in story. Perhaps, we could see Thatcher as the virtuous executive in the classical sense.
The authors of this series seem especially well-steeped in the culture of Greece. Chapter titles reflect the dramatic and mythic traditions (“The Trojan Women,” “Seven Against Thebes,” “Prometheus Bound,” “Zeus Descending,” etc.) and, at one point, we see a clever reference to the “deus ex machina” of the Greek theater: “By now the Ambassador and the Minister would not have been surprised to see a hovering helicopter scoop him up from the amphitheater during the first act of Medea.” (p. 140). In addition, I love the way they occasionally turn a phrase. In terms of speaking about gunboat diplomacy, “Scratch a foreign policy thinker, Thatcher reflected, and you find John Paul Jones.” (p. 46)
As for the story itself, I really enjoyed this one because it was different than the typical Emma Lathen mystery where John Putnam Thatcher solves the problems with direct investigation and deduction. When in Greece borders on a thriller as opposed to a mystery because it involves wrongful arrest, abduction of U.S. executives, terrorists, escapes, and conspiracy. Much more of the book involves other executives than Thatcher, though the series protagonist is definitely there at the conclusion and his arrival on the scene is vital for coming to the final conclusion. Indeed, at least one of the supporting characters in the series is humanized a bit in this novel.
Now, even though When in Greece has an exciting thriller element to it, I was also pleased with the mystery. I fell for the obvious “red herring.” Even late in the book, I didn’t trust one of the characters who proved vital to the solution. Yet, and this is critical for my evaluation of mysteries, I didn’t feel like there weren’t adequate clues to the perpetrator of the situation (this narrative is such a tapestry of events that I don’t want to give anything away) from relatively early in the narrative. It’s very difficult to weave together both satisfying clues throughout the book to the actual perpetrator and circumstantial clues to credible “red herrings.”
Yet, the authors who wrote under this nom de plume managed it paradigmatically for this one.
In addition, there were two fascinating female characters in this story. At first, they seem like “harmless” academics. Then, we see a glimpse of raw intelligence and awareness of potential conspiracy that transcends pure knowledge. Throughout the book, we see men underestimating them precisely because they are women and, eventually, we discover how they are strong individuals who refuse to be molded by cultural expectations and circumstances. They are interesting and lively characters who really enhanced my enjoyment of this narrative.
One final kudo is worth mentioning about this series of mysteries. The protagonist, John Putnam Thatcher, is precisely the kind of executive I have always imagined myself to be. He seems to empower his direct reports and he seems to know how to tap into their strengths. He is not surrounded by “Yes” people and welcomes a certain amount of debate and dissension, cognitive dissonance as creative force, if you will. I like his insights into character and his ability to aggregate multiple data points before he makes up his mind. The ancient Greeks believed that virtue was best disseminated in story. Perhaps, we could see Thatcher as the virtuous executive in the classical sense.
June 14, 2008
This was the first book I had read by this author and, of course, the first in this particular series. Perhaps it was for that reason I had a little trouble getting into the story. I think it assumed a certain amount of background and familiarity with the principal character, as well as the author's style.
I borrowed a paperback copy of the book from a friend several years ago after seeing it on her shelf for a number of years before. She hadn't read it and had no interest in it. It started to fall apart as soon as I opened it and thus I felt morally obligated to stay with it. I'm glad I did.
Although the general theme of the book is international intrigue, it is really more of a comedy. That may also be a reason for my slow start with the book. Lathen has a very dry wit and employs it in unexpected contexts. It is omnipresent. No matter how serious the situation might be, the dominant atmosphere is humorous, sort of an understated slapstick. I suspect the best way to enjoy this series is to begin at the first. Unfortunately, I just noticed that entry I've checked out from the library is 30 years after "When in Greece." Anyway, I'm looking forward to more by this author.
I borrowed a paperback copy of the book from a friend several years ago after seeing it on her shelf for a number of years before. She hadn't read it and had no interest in it. It started to fall apart as soon as I opened it and thus I felt morally obligated to stay with it. I'm glad I did.
Although the general theme of the book is international intrigue, it is really more of a comedy. That may also be a reason for my slow start with the book. Lathen has a very dry wit and employs it in unexpected contexts. It is omnipresent. No matter how serious the situation might be, the dominant atmosphere is humorous, sort of an understated slapstick. I suspect the best way to enjoy this series is to begin at the first. Unfortunately, I just noticed that entry I've checked out from the library is 30 years after "When in Greece." Anyway, I'm looking forward to more by this author.
July 17, 2012
One of my favorites among Lathen's books, all of which I have consistently enjoyed and look forward to re-reading.
The junior figure Kenneth Nicolls gets his fullest--and surprising--role in this book. He is dropped later on in the series--not a major tragedy, but I do miss the additional perspective of a junior in the large financial firm which Thatcher (the detective) essentially runs. One of Lathen's features, however, is variety of characters and perspectives--widely different for each novel, depending on which business and set of issues is explored in each.
By the way, if you like Lathen, don't miss the six books she/they wrote under the name R.B. Dominic, featuring Ben Safford, U.S. Congressman from Ohio. They're as good as the "Emma Lathen" books, but the perspective is Washington, D.C., rather than Wall Street.
The junior figure Kenneth Nicolls gets his fullest--and surprising--role in this book. He is dropped later on in the series--not a major tragedy, but I do miss the additional perspective of a junior in the large financial firm which Thatcher (the detective) essentially runs. One of Lathen's features, however, is variety of characters and perspectives--widely different for each novel, depending on which business and set of issues is explored in each.
By the way, if you like Lathen, don't miss the six books she/they wrote under the name R.B. Dominic, featuring Ben Safford, U.S. Congressman from Ohio. They're as good as the "Emma Lathen" books, but the perspective is Washington, D.C., rather than Wall Street.
July 19, 2016
My favorite Lathan. No matter how many times I read it, I still am delighted by Everett Gabler, whose adventure makes "The Ransom of Red Chief" seem tame. I also adore how Lathan ends with a little thought of Thatcher's - everything in moderation - a version of ancient Greece's "meden agan" that she places in a wonderful and ironic context. Looking up chapter title references was fun, too, although optional!
September 28, 2014
The always controlled and urbane John Putnam Thatcher of the Sloan Guaranty Trust must travel to Greece where a coup has disrupted negotiations between the bank and the government and, even worse, one of his junior trust officers has disappeared. This entry had quite a bit more action and suspense than previous books but was still well written with the understated humor that I enjoy.
July 19, 2012
A bit of a confusing start, but one Thatcher arrives on the scene- in Greece, the good times roll.
Nothing like a government revolution to throw off a business deal, and hide a murder.
Nothing like a government revolution to throw off a business deal, and hide a murder.
June 26, 2019
Even though these books were written in the 1960s they are still excellent reading.
While in some of the stories the social issue is not so relevant today it is still a useful reminder of the issue whether it be greed, racism, political upheaval, or other. This story is set in the upheaval of the colonels' uprising in Greece. John Thatcher, aided by Everett Gabler Ken Nicholls and a few others, as usual makes connections between human behaviour and external events. This book I hadn't previously read and I wasn't sure if it would be too dated - not at all. Great reading and once again the answer to the mystery was well hidden. This story is perhaps a little more light-hearted than usual.
The authors who together made up Emma Lathen had an impressive background in law and accounting and it shows. The characters, story, and background are all painted superbly.
While in some of the stories the social issue is not so relevant today it is still a useful reminder of the issue whether it be greed, racism, political upheaval, or other. This story is set in the upheaval of the colonels' uprising in Greece. John Thatcher, aided by Everett Gabler Ken Nicholls and a few others, as usual makes connections between human behaviour and external events. This book I hadn't previously read and I wasn't sure if it would be too dated - not at all. Great reading and once again the answer to the mystery was well hidden. This story is perhaps a little more light-hearted than usual.
The authors who together made up Emma Lathen had an impressive background in law and accounting and it shows. The characters, story, and background are all painted superbly.
January 28, 2021
The ninth story centering on John Putnam Thatcher, vice-president of the Sloane Bank. The nice thing about these books is that characters grow. When we first met Ken Nicholls in the first book, he was a young bachelor whose only worry was that he would be late for his date. Now, by book nine, he is a happily married man and father of a two year old son and about to be Dad again at any moment. The Sloane sends him for a short trip to Greece to oversee work on a hydroelectric scheme, a trip that should not take more than two weeks but as he is about to leave to return to Athens and thence home, a revolution occurs in Greece and chaos reigns supreme. Great read!
September 3, 2018
Two members the Sloan Guaranty Trust appear to have been engulfed in the Greek revolution of the Colonels. Ken Nicolls and Everett Gabler, separately, disappear in missions regarding a new dam in which the Sloan is investing. After them goes VP John Thatcher, breathing discrete fire, to defend his subordinates. It will become important to sort out the political leanings of the various people who seem to help or hinder.
Delicious satire of tourism and expatriates in Greece.
Read 3 times
Delicious satire of tourism and expatriates in Greece.
Read 3 times
June 4, 2017
Revolution in Greece
There is an attempted coup in Greece and the representative of Sloan Trust in Greece is a young man, smart but perhaps not experienced enough under the circumstance. He disappeared and the senior executives must take charge. It is a lively tale of what happens in international business when the government is in turmoil. A funny story and a smart mystery.
There is an attempted coup in Greece and the representative of Sloan Trust in Greece is a young man, smart but perhaps not experienced enough under the circumstance. He disappeared and the senior executives must take charge. It is a lively tale of what happens in international business when the government is in turmoil. A funny story and a smart mystery.
June 4, 2023
This is cult reading - you either go for a stuffy bunch of clever New York bankers shaking their heads over the wild ways of foreigners and being confounded by all the ways the pursuit of capital can be impeded by said countries' insistence on getting their own way. Interesting time capsule, from the Guy Davenport school of dialogue so it has style, if not permanence.
October 11, 2018
All I can think of is it was very keystone cops!! It was okay.
June 5, 2021
Rereading all of these erudite, martini-dry mysteries. I love them so.
October 26, 2022
One of the funnier books in the series, with a starring role for the hilariously prim Everett Gabler.
December 30, 2020
Really, this is my favorite of all the Emma Lathan books. A winner!
December 18, 2012
I was (still am, I suppose) such a fan of Emma Lathen's mysteries. Though I read a lot of the great mystery/whodunit authors over many years, some of then classics, I find that Emma Lathen's books stand out in my mind more clearly than most.
The characters of the Sloan Bank are all drawn with wit and remain essentially true to themselves in every book. The authors were much better informed than I could ever be about banking and financial matters at the time the books were written. To me, the settings seemed realistic and the plots plausible.
This title is one of my very favorites. It revolves around the 1967 coup instigated by Greek colonels and is one of the wittiest and richest of all the Lathen books. There are so many fabulous scenes and characters, each one perfectly set out and often side-splittingly funny. In this book, Everett Gabler, the most staid and seemingly rigid, of all the bank's officers is the hero who saves the bank's position and almost single-handedly undermines the plot that threatens the lives of opposition figures and his fellow bank officers.
As I recall this book, I yearn to read it again. It's been years, but I bet I'd still find myself laughing and gasping and wishing I was there.
The characters of the Sloan Bank are all drawn with wit and remain essentially true to themselves in every book. The authors were much better informed than I could ever be about banking and financial matters at the time the books were written. To me, the settings seemed realistic and the plots plausible.
This title is one of my very favorites. It revolves around the 1967 coup instigated by Greek colonels and is one of the wittiest and richest of all the Lathen books. There are so many fabulous scenes and characters, each one perfectly set out and often side-splittingly funny. In this book, Everett Gabler, the most staid and seemingly rigid, of all the bank's officers is the hero who saves the bank's position and almost single-handedly undermines the plot that threatens the lives of opposition figures and his fellow bank officers.
As I recall this book, I yearn to read it again. It's been years, but I bet I'd still find myself laughing and gasping and wishing I was there.
March 28, 2014
Emma Lathen wears well. And when one wants to read something mindless while hoping that this long winter comes to an end, she's a good choice. John Thatcher really does end up in Greece, tracking down both Ken Nichols (disappeared after being arrested by some scary Greek army personnel)and Everett Gabler, cantankerous as ever but also kidnapped mid day in Athens. A coup, a new industrial site, leftists, and lots of people with guns -- even a Quaker work camp mixed in there (though no guns there).
October 12, 2022
Delightful!
I have jut discovered Emma Latham and am delighted! I have just spent time in Greece and loved the references - some a little confusing, but most bringing up great memories. Syntagma Square, Omonia, Piraeus, Ermou Street… loved every minute of the book though I struggled a bit to follow the plot line. Rereading helped. The Trojan Ladies delicious!
I have jut discovered Emma Latham and am delighted! I have just spent time in Greece and loved the references - some a little confusing, but most bringing up great memories. Syntagma Square, Omonia, Piraeus, Ermou Street… loved every minute of the book though I struggled a bit to follow the plot line. Rereading helped. The Trojan Ladies delicious!
December 20, 2011
I thought this one was really enjoyable, particularly the misadventures of the Sloan's representatives in Greece, young Ken Nicholls and crusty Everett Gabler. And it was interesting to read about these old troubles in Greece contrasted to the current troubles.
Read
October 15, 2008M Lat
March 31, 2011
complex tapestry of intrigue and action, satisfying conclusion
June 1, 2016
As always, the start to a Lathen mystery is rather ponderous, but the pace picks up and it gets much more interesting as you progress. The plot is very devious.
Read
August 28, 2017Closer to action adventure than murder mystery for the most part. Introduces two redoubtable female archaeologists who come close to stealing the whole show.
April 13, 2018
Kind of slow in parts and a little confusing at the end. Some of the humor was fine, but the characters were not very credible to me. Perhaps it was the almost 40 years since its writing that made it seem non relevant and dated.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews