Mysteries Of Eleusis

Sep 21, 2024 10:48 AM

Author:Margaret Doody

In the winter of 330-329 BC Athens itself suffers a series of alarming thefts and home robberies. It seems that nobody is safe. The great philosopher Aristotle helps his former student Stephanos investigate a break- in and brutal murder at the house of one of his Athenian neighbours. The man fingered for the crime turns against Stephanos just as he is planning his marriage. It is difficult to arrange a big fat Greek wedding when someone seems to be trying to kill you. Elsewhere bodies begin to pile up--who will be bludgeoned or stabbed or strangled next? Stephanos' bride is Philomela. Her parental home is Eleusis, famous for the Sanctuary of Demeter and Persephone, home of the sacred site of the Mysteries of Eleusis. Religious initiation is open to all adult Greek speakers, slave and free, with the exception of anyone guilty of homicide. Stephanos, Philomela and Aristotle undertake mystic initiation in a complex ritual whose ultimate secrets cannot be spoken, on pain of death. Eleusis conceals many secrets, and revelation of the truth must await the night of the Mystery celebration itself. This is the fifth novel featuring Aristotle as the first detective of the ancient world, following Aristotle Detective, Aristotle and Poetic Justice, The Secrets of Life and Poison In Athens.

Reviews

'The narrative is so engrossing, so propelling, you're surprised to come upon the last page...a damn good story.'

—— Time Out New York

'A walloping knockout of a finisher that would seem like a cheap trick if it weren't so thrilling. The author plays a smooth game, not showing her hand until the absolute right time.'

—— Kirkus

'This is one of those sink-your-teeth-into-it novels that reminds you why you loved to read in the first place.'

—— The Charlotte Observer

Excellent...plotted and written with panache, with high marks for characterisation and shock value...an absorbing, scary tale

—— Marcel Berlins , THE TIMES

In the mould of Patricia Cornwell, but by a Brit...brilliant

—— MIRROR

Very distinctive...a cut above the average, with a convincing central character, a gripping plot and a fine store of morbid information

—— OBSERVER

A cool talent...evokes a creeping atmosphere of dread

—— GUARDIAN

A book that truly deserves the description "a real page-turner"

—— ROBERT GODDARD

A gruesome forensic mystery...has the makings of an intriguing series

—— SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Terrifying...rarely have the mechanics of suspense been so efficiently utilised outside a Hitchcock movie

—— DAILY EXPRESS

Original, moving and entertaining for adults as well as for older children

—— Julia Donaldson , Daily Express

A deservedly acclaimed read.

—— Time Out London

'Haddon's book is a peculiar thing - a kind of James Joyce for kids - but a genre-busting gem, nevertheless'

—— The Observer

'Engaging, warm, humorous and poignant at the same time'

—— The Scotsman

'This book is amazing . . . A must read'

—— Martina Evans , Irish Post

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