Four for a boy
Description
Thus, when a wealthy philanthropist is killed in broad daylight in the Great Church, it isn't entirely surprising that the future ruler Justinian engages an anonymous young slave called John to investigatewhat many believe could be part of a succession conspiracy.
In this series prequel, John the Eunuch takes his first dangerous steps along the path that will lead him to hold office as Lord Chamberlain. Among the suspects are many whose lives might be touched byan emperor, from senators, churchman, and wealthy businessmen to laborers, beggars, and prostitutes. Before he can track down the murderer, John mustfirst win the respect of Felix, the excubitor reluctantly assisting him, discourage the advances of the romantic but naove Lady Anna, and make peace with his own fate.
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Published Reviews
Booklist Review
Here, from this talented husband-and-wife team, is the fourth John the Eunuch mystery. The authors aren't professional historians, but their historical mysteries are sharper, more realistic, and certainly more enjoyable than many written by professionals. This one takes us back to the beginning of John's sleuthing adventures (the year 525, to be exact), when the former mercenary was a mere slave in the service of the Emperor Justin. On his deathbed, the emperor seems to be carrying on conversations with his deceased wife. Meanwhile, Justin's successor, Justinian, nephew to the emperor, may have been poisoned, and someone has just murdered a noted philanthropist. Justinian fears that someone is trying to make sure he doesn't succeed to the throne, and to help get to the bottom of the plot, he recruits a man no one would ever suspect to be an investigator: John the Eunuch. This installment of the series is as devilishly convoluted as its predecessors, and fans will relish the extra thrill of seeing how John was launched on the career that eventually finds him working as Justinian's Lord Chamberlain. At some point, every great series needs an "origin story," and this one's a real corker. --David Pitt
Publisher's Weekly Review
In this captivating prequel set in sixth-century Constantinople, the fourth in Reed and Mayer's well-received historical series (Three for a Letter, etc.), the future emperor Justinian asks a young slave named John the Eunuch to investigate the murder of philanthropist Hypatius, struck down while examining the controversial Christ statue he and three others have given to the city's Great Church. Discounting rumors of a political plot, John undertakes a search for the truth that will lead him from opulent palace to squalid hospice, and to meetings with such memorable characters as the na ve Lady Anna and the quirky Avis, who lives in a virtual aviary and is convinced he will fly someday. Written with humor and pathos, this superior historical is sure to please existing fans and send new ones in search of the rest of the series. (Feb. 14) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Booklist Reviews
Here, from this talented husband-and-wife team, is the fourth John the Eunuch mystery. The authors aren't professional historians, but their historical mysteries are sharper, more realistic, and certainly more enjoyable than many written by professionals. This one takes us back to the beginning of John's sleuthing adventures (the year 525, to be exact), when the former mercenary was a mere slave in the service of the Emperor Justin. On his deathbed, the emperor seems to be carrying on conversations with his deceased wife. Meanwhile, Justin's successor, Justinian, nephew to the emperor, may have been poisoned, and someone has just murdered a noted philanthropist. Justinian fears that someone is trying to make sure he doesn't succeed to the throne, and to help get to the bottom of the plot, he recruits a man no one would ever suspect to be an investigator: John the Eunuch. This installment of the series is as devilishly convoluted as its predecessors, and fans will relish the extra thrill of seeing how John was launched on the career that eventually finds him working as Justinian's Lord Chamberlain. At some point, every great series needs an "origin story," and this one's a real corker. ((Reviewed March 1, 2003)) Copyright 2003 Booklist Reviews
Publishers Weekly Reviews
In this captivating prequel set in sixth-century Constantinople, the fourth in Reed and Mayer's well-received historical series (Three for a Letter, etc.), the future emperor Justinian asks a young slave named John the Eunuch to investigate the murder of philanthropist Hypatius, struck down while examining the controversial Christ statue he and three others have given to the city's Great Church. Discounting rumors of a political plot, John undertakes a search for the truth that will lead him from opulent palace to squalid hospice, and to meetings with such memorable characters as the na ve Lady Anna and the quirky Avis, who lives in a virtual aviary and is convinced he will fly someday. Written with humor and pathos, this superior historical is sure to please existing fans and send new ones in search of the rest of the series. (Feb. 14) Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.