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The Greek Detective #4
The Lady of Sorrows
An uncovered forgery sparks wrath on a remote island in Anne Zouroudi's latest spellbinding crime novel set in modern Greece.
A painter is found dead at sea off the coast of a remote Greek island. For our enigmatic detective Hermes Diaktoros, the plot can only thicken: the painter's work, an icon of the Virgin long famed for its miraculous powers, has just been uncovered as a fake. But has the painter died of natural causes or by a wrathful hand? What secret is a dishonest gypsy keeping? And what haunts the ancient catacombs beneath the bishop's house?
In the fourth of the Seven Deadly Sins mysteries, the inimitable Hermes faces forgery, betrayal, and superstition, and the consequences of all-consuming rage.
A painter is found dead at sea off the coast of a remote Greek island. For our enigmatic detective Hermes Diaktoros, the plot can only thicken: the painter's work, an icon of the Virgin long famed for its miraculous powers, has just been uncovered as a fake. But has the painter died of natural causes or by a wrathful hand? What secret is a dishonest gypsy keeping? And what haunts the ancient catacombs beneath the bishop's house?
In the fourth of the Seven Deadly Sins mysteries, the inimitable Hermes faces forgery, betrayal, and superstition, and the consequences of all-consuming rage.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published June 7, 2010
36 people are currently reading
1026 people want to read
About the author
Anne Zouroudi
34 books143 followersBorn in rural Lincolnshire in 1959, Anne moved to South Yorkshire at the age of two. Following her education at Sheffield High School for Girls, she went into the IT industry, a career which took her to both New York’s Wall Street and Denver, Colorado. In America she began to take seriously her ambition to write fiction, and bought a typewriter for her first short stories.
On returning to the UK, she booked a summer holiday with her sister. The location they chose was a tiny island in southern Greece.
“We arrived at night; there was nothing to see,” she recalls. “But the next morning, I opened the shutters of our rented house, and bam! Love at first sight. The brilliant blue sea, the scent of herbs on the breeze, the timelessness of the place… It was the first moment of a love affair which has lasted twenty years.”
Anne spent a number of years living in the islands; she married a Greek, and her son was born there.
Returning again to the UK, she was still writing, but the short stories had grown into novels.
Anne“I wrote three, and whilst I was getting interest in my writing, those novels didn’t find publishers, though a northern-based thriller came close,” she says. “Then I decided to write a novel set in Greece, based on a character who’d come to my mind whilst I was living there. He became Hermes Diaktoros. I sent the manuscript to an agent, and went off to spend some time in Greece. When I returned, I got the call I’d been waiting for. I’d written the right book at last.”
Series:
* The Greek Detective
On returning to the UK, she booked a summer holiday with her sister. The location they chose was a tiny island in southern Greece.
“We arrived at night; there was nothing to see,” she recalls. “But the next morning, I opened the shutters of our rented house, and bam! Love at first sight. The brilliant blue sea, the scent of herbs on the breeze, the timelessness of the place… It was the first moment of a love affair which has lasted twenty years.”
Anne spent a number of years living in the islands; she married a Greek, and her son was born there.
Returning again to the UK, she was still writing, but the short stories had grown into novels.
Anne“I wrote three, and whilst I was getting interest in my writing, those novels didn’t find publishers, though a northern-based thriller came close,” she says. “Then I decided to write a novel set in Greece, based on a character who’d come to my mind whilst I was living there. He became Hermes Diaktoros. I sent the manuscript to an agent, and went off to spend some time in Greece. When I returned, I got the call I’d been waiting for. I’d written the right book at last.”
Series:
* The Greek Detective
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
July 29, 2020
Delightful light novel in the Hermes Diaktoros mystery series. I really enjoyed it and was up until the wee hours last night reading; I couldn't put it down. The series takes place in different areas of modern Greece. In this novel, Hermes is visiting the island of Kalkos and takes in a miracle-working icon of The Lady of Sorrows [also known as The Lady of the Seven Swords]. Hermes spots something untoward and calls in an art historian friend from Athens, Kara Athaniti, for her expert opinion. They both come to the conclusion it is a forgery, possibly Russian and very old. Where is the original? When Hermes wishes to speak to the island's icon writer, the man suddenly falls dead while out fishing with his grandson. Although the doctor called in says cause of death is a stroke, Hermes feels it is murder. For the rest of the novel, he investigates both the provenance of the icon, its duplicate, and this suspicious death. He discovers the islanders have hidden resentments and secrets for many years.
The novel was very atmospheric of island Greece. The author painted wonderful word-pictures of the setting and of the inhabitants. I felt I was there in a sun-drenched setting overlooking the sea. Her writing style flowed along; not a word was wasted. Hermes [aka "the fat man" in white tennis shoes] is a most engaging investigator. He pieces things together himself but is not afraid to call on help from Kara and from an Athenian doctor friend. A natural psychologist, he speaks wisely, and gives good advice to the other characters, many of whom are troubled. We wonder, is Hermes perhaps the god Hermes [Mercury] in human form? I liked this possible bit of fantasy dropped into the novel. The author never spells out the identity in so many words; any clues are oblique and we make of them what we will. I enjoyed learning about the process of icon writing.
I highly recommend it. I thank GR First Reads for sending me such a pleasant novel.
The novel was very atmospheric of island Greece. The author painted wonderful word-pictures of the setting and of the inhabitants. I felt I was there in a sun-drenched setting overlooking the sea. Her writing style flowed along; not a word was wasted. Hermes [aka "the fat man" in white tennis shoes] is a most engaging investigator. He pieces things together himself but is not afraid to call on help from Kara and from an Athenian doctor friend. A natural psychologist, he speaks wisely, and gives good advice to the other characters, many of whom are troubled. We wonder, is Hermes perhaps the god Hermes [Mercury] in human form? I liked this possible bit of fantasy dropped into the novel. The author never spells out the identity in so many words; any clues are oblique and we make of them what we will. I enjoyed learning about the process of icon writing.
I highly recommend it. I thank GR First Reads for sending me such a pleasant novel.
June 22, 2019
Greek coffee with the enigmatic fat man
"You broke into my Dreams" said Enrico "I was with a blonde, a Scandinavian. Dreams like that don't come along too often."
"You should be grateful that i woke you." countered the fat man. "Dreams like that are not for public place,"
Ha!
Sitting at the kafenion with Hermes Diaktoros, a Greek coffee one sugar, no sugar for Hermes. I listen to Hermes tell a story about an ancient shipwreck, forged artwork, an icon with healing powers, and a Greek town with people hiding deep dark secrets. I look forward to our next coffee. Next time i'll make it a double with a kataifi.
"You broke into my Dreams" said Enrico "I was with a blonde, a Scandinavian. Dreams like that don't come along too often."
"You should be grateful that i woke you." countered the fat man. "Dreams like that are not for public place,"
Ha!
Sitting at the kafenion with Hermes Diaktoros, a Greek coffee one sugar, no sugar for Hermes. I listen to Hermes tell a story about an ancient shipwreck, forged artwork, an icon with healing powers, and a Greek town with people hiding deep dark secrets. I look forward to our next coffee. Next time i'll make it a double with a kataifi.
March 13, 2020
Wonderful story. The moral is, lies and secrets cause heartache and unhappiness
September 28, 2017
A case of "it's not you, it's me."
I don't know why but I couldn't get into this. I like Greek history (and the names! The names are so badass!) and I like mysteries, so why didn't I like this?
I have no idea. Maybe I just wasn't in the right headspace. I can barely remember the plot already and it was a couple of days ago when I finished this. It makes me sad, and I think probably I just shouldn't have written this review.
I don't know why but I couldn't get into this. I like Greek history (and the names! The names are so badass!) and I like mysteries, so why didn't I like this?
I have no idea. Maybe I just wasn't in the right headspace. I can barely remember the plot already and it was a couple of days ago when I finished this. It makes me sad, and I think probably I just shouldn't have written this review.
October 26, 2014
I won a copy of "The Lady of Sorrows" by Anne Zouroudi through the Goodreads Giveaway, in exchange for an honest review. This is a mystery set on the Island of Kalkos, a crime novel set in Greece.
Hermes Diakotoros, an investigator, stops by the island of Kalkos, while on business. He wanted to take a look at a painting of the Virgin known as "The Lady of Sorrows.", a religious icon, that had made it's home on the island. But once he views the famous painting, he is convinced that it is a FAKE! He even gets a second opinion to confirm his findings. But when he is all ready to leave the island on his journey, the painter of the icon, is found dead in his fishing boat--poisoned!
Why would someone kill the painter? Could it be some form of revenge or foul play. What secrets are being hidden on the island? Diakotoros finds himself searching for the truth as well as the murderer. And he will discover forgery, betrayal, superstition, and a long-burning rage that might consume them all.
The author presents a good story, with strong characters and pleasing descriptions of the island and Mediterranean. The weakest point for a classic mystery lover like myself is that the identity of the murderer is no secret. From the moment the icon painter is found dead, there really isn't any reason for the reader to not know who did it. I feel that if the suspense level had been held at a higher level, for a longer period, I would have increased the rating.
Hermes Diakotoros, an investigator, stops by the island of Kalkos, while on business. He wanted to take a look at a painting of the Virgin known as "The Lady of Sorrows.", a religious icon, that had made it's home on the island. But once he views the famous painting, he is convinced that it is a FAKE! He even gets a second opinion to confirm his findings. But when he is all ready to leave the island on his journey, the painter of the icon, is found dead in his fishing boat--poisoned!
Why would someone kill the painter? Could it be some form of revenge or foul play. What secrets are being hidden on the island? Diakotoros finds himself searching for the truth as well as the murderer. And he will discover forgery, betrayal, superstition, and a long-burning rage that might consume them all.
The author presents a good story, with strong characters and pleasing descriptions of the island and Mediterranean. The weakest point for a classic mystery lover like myself is that the identity of the murderer is no secret. From the moment the icon painter is found dead, there really isn't any reason for the reader to not know who did it. I feel that if the suspense level had been held at a higher level, for a longer period, I would have increased the rating.
December 3, 2016
This book was a book challenge read. This is the second book by this author that I have read recently. I liked it. They are quick easy reads...nothing too complicated. I like the "Fat Man". He is such an interesting character because he seemed to be veiled in mystery. He sets out to solve mysteries not because he has any law enforcement authority, but because he doesn't want them to feel like they got away with anything. He makes the wrong doer confront his sins. There always seems to be a good message woven in. I think because of the Fat Man, these books work and end up in my 3 star pile.
July 5, 2020
My fourth audiobook in the series, again performed with skill and respect by Gildart Jackson. Hermes this time gets involved with situations on a small island that involve icons, Greek avgolemono, an earthquake and some aubergines. Zouroudi introduces us to many characters, includes a few temporary cliffhangers, but as in the previous books, the empathetic and enigmatic Hermes explains it all to us in the end. Satisfying and evocative!
May 8, 2020
As part of keeping my spirits up during the COVID-19 pandemic, I've decided to reread two series of novels set in Greece. Why? Because my wife and I are holding out hope that our September/October trip to Greece still will happen...fingers crossed!
This series features the mercurial (wink, wink!) detective from Athens, Hermes Diaktoros (Hermes Messenger). Without giving too much away, I will tell you that he's not your typical detective. It is especially intriguing that he always responds to someone asking him who he's working for by replying: "I work for a higher authority." Hmm...his name is Hermes the Messenger and he works for "a higher authority"...like I said, intriguing, right?
Seriously, I've loved the Zouroudi series since I first discovered it years ago when I picked up this novel while traveling. Because she's lived on the Greek islands, she is able to paint life there in an authentic way - warts and all. And having visited a number of the Greek islands, I can tell you that they are simultaneously stunningly beautiful and stiflingly backward. And Ms. Zouroudi's writing brings out both characteristics in her descriptions of the locales and the locals.
If you enjoy modern mysteries that border on the esoteric, without ever crossing the line, then this series is for you. "Apoláfste, filoi mou!" ("Enjoy, my friends!")
Postscript: I really struggled between four and five stars for this one. The first time I read this book years ago, I didn't enjoy it as much as the first two books in the series (or even as much as the third entry, which was the first in the series to get only fours stars). Consequently, I started this reread thinking I'd probably give it three stars. However, I enjoyed it much more this time around, although I still don't think it's as good as her first two books in the series. So, I'm sticking to four stars.
This series features the mercurial (wink, wink!) detective from Athens, Hermes Diaktoros (Hermes Messenger). Without giving too much away, I will tell you that he's not your typical detective. It is especially intriguing that he always responds to someone asking him who he's working for by replying: "I work for a higher authority." Hmm...his name is Hermes the Messenger and he works for "a higher authority"...like I said, intriguing, right?
Seriously, I've loved the Zouroudi series since I first discovered it years ago when I picked up this novel while traveling. Because she's lived on the Greek islands, she is able to paint life there in an authentic way - warts and all. And having visited a number of the Greek islands, I can tell you that they are simultaneously stunningly beautiful and stiflingly backward. And Ms. Zouroudi's writing brings out both characteristics in her descriptions of the locales and the locals.
If you enjoy modern mysteries that border on the esoteric, without ever crossing the line, then this series is for you. "Apoláfste, filoi mou!" ("Enjoy, my friends!")
Postscript: I really struggled between four and five stars for this one. The first time I read this book years ago, I didn't enjoy it as much as the first two books in the series (or even as much as the third entry, which was the first in the series to get only fours stars). Consequently, I started this reread thinking I'd probably give it three stars. However, I enjoyed it much more this time around, although I still don't think it's as good as her first two books in the series. So, I'm sticking to four stars.
October 14, 2022
Great prose and plot. As Alexander McCall Smith mentions ‘a gorgeous treat’ like one of those ‘honey soaked Greek confections’!
Anne Zouroudi’s inimitable detective Hermes Diaktoros comes across forgery, betrayal and superstition …. and the consequences of an all consuming rage on a remote Greek island.
Anne Zouroudi’s inimitable detective Hermes Diaktoros comes across forgery, betrayal and superstition …. and the consequences of an all consuming rage on a remote Greek island.
October 11, 2018
I love reading Anne Zouroudi: the Greek landscapes and the people and their customs are described with such clear, beautiful prose. I also enjoy Hermes Diaktoros, the semi-divine (it seems) man who mysteriously arrives, solves the mystery - and tries to set things aright -- and equally mysteriously departs. This book, the fifth one I have read, is one of her best. Her characters are always intriguing and colorful, but in this book the intricacies of the plot (= the mystery, an essential component for mystery lovers like myself) are particularly well worked out and convincing. I was a bit confused, I must admit, by the prologue. By the end of the book, I think I understood the implications but perhaps more could have been made of this: The icon had been stolen, was being brought somewhere by a mysterious man, and then floated to the island's shore after the shipwreck. But who was the man? He is never explained, unfortunately. Tying him into the main story could have been a source of interest.
February 18, 2018
the first book from this author and from this series for me.
an interesting read i found with a well described sense of place i thought. even if the island doesn't exist the writing made it come alive.
the characters were generally well drawn even if in a couple of instances i felt they were caricatures rather than real people. the detective "the fat man" was interesting and used psychology versus practical detective skills in the main. who he actually worked for ('the higher authorities') remained a mystery and in a strange way the novels atmosphere reminded me of the old bbc television series 'Who Pays the Ferryman' in the way it mixes the real world with past events and mythological allusions.
i will add the other books in this series to my too large TBR list of books.
an interesting read i found with a well described sense of place i thought. even if the island doesn't exist the writing made it come alive.
the characters were generally well drawn even if in a couple of instances i felt they were caricatures rather than real people. the detective "the fat man" was interesting and used psychology versus practical detective skills in the main. who he actually worked for ('the higher authorities') remained a mystery and in a strange way the novels atmosphere reminded me of the old bbc television series 'Who Pays the Ferryman' in the way it mixes the real world with past events and mythological allusions.
i will add the other books in this series to my too large TBR list of books.
February 23, 2014
I received this book from Goodreads Giveaways.
I was delighted with this book about a charming greek island with a history of incon paintings and a cast of local characters dealing with tourists. Into this mix comes the mysterious "Fat Man" aka Hermes Diakator who proceeds to uncover various secrets and grudges held by the locals, some of which are quite surprising. A somewhat slow pace (like the sunny greek isle it depicts)but very enjoyable and clever novel. This was my first book by this author;I plan on reading the rest in this series.
I was delighted with this book about a charming greek island with a history of incon paintings and a cast of local characters dealing with tourists. Into this mix comes the mysterious "Fat Man" aka Hermes Diakator who proceeds to uncover various secrets and grudges held by the locals, some of which are quite surprising. A somewhat slow pace (like the sunny greek isle it depicts)but very enjoyable and clever novel. This was my first book by this author;I plan on reading the rest in this series.
November 19, 2014
Once again another fascinating story from Anne Zouroudi. Hermes seems to develop more and more as the series goes on. As an Hellenophile who loves a good mystery this book is just up my street. Bravo!
June 12, 2014
Found out more about sacred wooden icons, how they were made, their place in religion, the rules for copying them, etc. Also visited a Greek island courtesy of the author's excellent and detailed descriptions of people and place. Oh, the mystery plot was an excellent one, too.
February 8, 2015
While not the best in this fabulous series, still time well spent.
February 16, 2019
Superb series - need to get the next four.
February 18, 2021
This is one of the first books I picked up on Audible, several years back. I've been re-listening to my library while at work, and I'm down to the ones I wasn't as fond of, except...
This was actually much better the second time around.
In the intervening years, I've discovered that you can speed up the playback. It made a huge difference.
The solution to this one was just exceptional. A bit shocking, a bit repellant, a bit heartbreaking. It worked beautifully.
The characters didn't have time to develop, but I'm not mad. It was plot driven. And setting driven, really. Even people like me (who don't "see a movie in their head" when reading) get a vivid sense of place. Time, however, I still haven't figured out. All I know, based on a throwaway reference, is that it's after 1968. But it feels like it's set pre-1980, at least. The depiction of gypsies really wouldn't fly today.
It was good. Solid writing, great plotting, and both mysteries were quite interesting.
This was actually much better the second time around.
In the intervening years, I've discovered that you can speed up the playback. It made a huge difference.
The solution to this one was just exceptional. A bit shocking, a bit repellant, a bit heartbreaking. It worked beautifully.
The characters didn't have time to develop, but I'm not mad. It was plot driven. And setting driven, really. Even people like me (who don't "see a movie in their head" when reading) get a vivid sense of place. Time, however, I still haven't figured out. All I know, based on a throwaway reference, is that it's after 1968. But it feels like it's set pre-1980, at least. The depiction of gypsies really wouldn't fly today.
It was good. Solid writing, great plotting, and both mysteries were quite interesting.
May 23, 2017
Hermes, known primarily in the story as The Fat Man, has stopped by a Greek Island to look at a local icon. When he suspects a forgery he contacts an art specialist. Planning to pass the issue on to her and go on his way, The Fat Man's departure is delayed when he starts to suspect that the local painter of icons did not die naturally.
I found the writing very engaging; it felt like I was in Greece. The author was especially gifted at describing sites and sounds and smells. Character development wasn't quite as strong. It certainly wasn't a typical mystery. There were really no clues. The Fat Man just deduced things or saw things that he didn't share with the reader which made it impossible to try to solve the mystery. Normally that would bother me, but I enjoyed the trip to Greece.
I found the writing very engaging; it felt like I was in Greece. The author was especially gifted at describing sites and sounds and smells. Character development wasn't quite as strong. It certainly wasn't a typical mystery. There were really no clues. The Fat Man just deduced things or saw things that he didn't share with the reader which made it impossible to try to solve the mystery. Normally that would bother me, but I enjoyed the trip to Greece.
February 8, 2018
(A Seven Deadly Sins Mystery) by Anne Zouroudi (Fiction, Mystery, Series)
This is the fourth in the Hermes Diaktoros series which opened with such a bang for me in January 2015.
Amazon says: “A painter is found dead at sea off the coast of a remote Greek island. The painter’s work, an icon of the Virgin long famed for its miraculous powers, has just been uncovered as a fake. But has the painter died of natural causes or by a wrathful hand?”
The mystery in this episode just didn’t come together for me, but I did still enjoy the outing with Hermes, and will continue with the series.
3½ stars
This is the fourth in the Hermes Diaktoros series which opened with such a bang for me in January 2015.
Amazon says: “A painter is found dead at sea off the coast of a remote Greek island. The painter’s work, an icon of the Virgin long famed for its miraculous powers, has just been uncovered as a fake. But has the painter died of natural causes or by a wrathful hand?”
The mystery in this episode just didn’t come together for me, but I did still enjoy the outing with Hermes, and will continue with the series.
3½ stars
December 7, 2017
Another good yarn with the Greek Detective.
I have only read 2 of the series now and there does seem to be a very strong formula emerging but for all that it was an enjoyable and easy read.
Hermes just seems to wander about observing and chatting with people rather than any obvious "detecting" but he seems to get all the answers he needs just the same. It is interesting that he also seems to decide on what constitutes justice for any wrong doing and it doesnt generally seem to involve the authorities!
I have only read 2 of the series now and there does seem to be a very strong formula emerging but for all that it was an enjoyable and easy read.
Hermes just seems to wander about observing and chatting with people rather than any obvious "detecting" but he seems to get all the answers he needs just the same. It is interesting that he also seems to decide on what constitutes justice for any wrong doing and it doesnt generally seem to involve the authorities!
July 4, 2022
I loved this book! Lovely descriptions of island life, the community and its characters, and especially the food. The mystery was pretty good though the narrative was a bit bumpy at the beginning and not very easy to follow. Also I wish the author didn't always refer to her main character as "the fat man" - I wonder if that goes through all the books? Her actual description of him makes him sound more "comfortable" than overweight. Having said that, I am definitely planning to track these all down and read them!!
October 14, 2017
Very good
I've read all of this series and have enjoyed it very much. These are intelligent and interesting Greek mysteries occurring on different islands. The fat man, Hermes, the main character mysteriously arrives after each occurrence to solve the mystery and to see that justice is served. I hope there will be another book in this series soon!
I've read all of this series and have enjoyed it very much. These are intelligent and interesting Greek mysteries occurring on different islands. The fat man, Hermes, the main character mysteriously arrives after each occurrence to solve the mystery and to see that justice is served. I hope there will be another book in this series soon!
June 8, 2021
The fourth “Greek Hercule Poirot.”
This one was weak. Didn’t even want to finish it, but it got a little better at the end. Hermes was not active and mean enough until the final acts. I like his character when is more dicky and judgmental.
This one was weak. Didn’t even want to finish it, but it got a little better at the end. Hermes was not active and mean enough until the final acts. I like his character when is more dicky and judgmental.
October 30, 2021
In which we learn that Hermes’s last name means “the messenger”. He’s a wonderful character who solves cases in a very unique manner. In this book we get a glimpse into his love life and get a sense of his righteous anger. He does answer to a much higher authority.
October 15, 2024
Hermes travels to a remote village to see a miraculous icon. One thing leads to another and forgery and murder are to be solved. Whatever his mysterious job actually is remains a mystery. As always, it is evident how tightly woven together are the lives of the Greeks in these small villages.
July 22, 2017
It's not a classic but it's easy to read, moral, pleasant and I have no complaints. Hence 4 stars as I'm a tad tired of clever books. This isn't. It's pure escapism. Lovely.
August 17, 2019
Fascinating!
A real page-turner. This is the fourth in the series and I am reading them all. After the first book, "Messenger from Athens", I couldn't stop.
A real page-turner. This is the fourth in the series and I am reading them all. After the first book, "Messenger from Athens", I couldn't stop.
June 24, 2023
I love these series. Always a good twist
September 13, 2024
Just okay.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews