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ASSASSINS OF ATHENS by Jeffrey Siger

ASSASSINS OF ATHENS

by Jeffrey Siger

Pub Date: Jan. 1st, 2010
ISBN: 978-1-59058-689-1
Publisher: Poisoned Pen

The intricately planned murder of a wealthy young Greek has disturbing implications.

Andreas Kaldis (Murder in Mykonos, 2009), Chief Inspector of the Special Crimes Division, is called to a seedy quarter of Athens to examine a body in a dumpster. Ironically, it’s Andreas’ secretary Maggie who identifies the victim from police photos. Addicted, like everyone in the country but Andreas, to the tabloid press, she’s spotted the victim’s picture there. He’s Sotiris, the adopted son of Zanni and Ginny Kostopoulos. The couple’s tight-lipped reaction to the news of their only child’s death puts Andreas’ radar on alert. Nouveau riche publisher Zanni identifies the family of Sarantis Linardos as a nest of likely suspects—not exactly a disinterested suggestion, since Siger has already shown Zanni plotting to acquire the influential and respected daily The Athenian, crown jewel of the old-money Linardos empire. On the other side of the journalistic tracks, party boy Sotiris has been immortalized in a tabloid as part of a threesome with Sarantis’ similarly wild granddaughter. Andreas’ worst suspicions are confirmed by the first major break in the case. Sometime hooker Anna Panitz admits to luring Sotiris to an isolated place at the cash-fueled request of two strangers. Andreas’ methodical probe stretches from Athens’ tenderloin to the halls of the city’s moneyed interests and all the way to the island of Sardinia.

Otherwise undistinguished, but greatly enhanced by Siger’s intimate knowledge of Athens. Armchair travelers take note.