Murder at the Panionic Games

Bias of Priene Book #1

by Michael B. Edwards

Set in the Greek city-state of Priene in 650 B.C., this fascinating murder mystery opens with Bias, the protagonist, being stalked by a murderer at the sacred grounds of the Panionion, the religious and political center of the Ionic League. As Bias crouches at the back of a cave, he recalls the events of the previous weeks which led him to his predicament. A minor priest, Bias assists at the opening of the Panionic Games by securing the blessing of Priene’s reigning deity, Poseidon. But while the games are being blessed, Priene’s best athlete is poisoned and dies in Bias’s arms. The citizens perceive Bias to be infected by the "miasma of death" and he is challenged with the responsibility of finding the killer. As the Games progress, Bias is in the unenviable position of having to interrogate some very influential people and their families. The magistrates, athletes and aristocrats grow increasingly impatient with his murder investigation. When another favored athlete is killed in a chariot race, the pressure on Bias intensifies. Was it an accident? The athlete’s uncle doesn’t think so, and Bias himself is nearly killed before yet another victim is claimed. Finally, Bias sets a trap for the murderer on the sacred grounds of the Panionion and he finds a solution to these crimes in the darkness of the cave where the action began. Told with wit and authentic period color, this is an unusual mystery that readers will remember for its convincing plot and unique historic atmosphere.

Genres: Mystery, Historical Mystery, Historical Fiction

260 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 2002

Reviews

[Robin H-R Holmes Richardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a pleasant surprise...

I picked up this book free on Amazon for a reading challenge. I read a lot of historical fiction and non-fiction, but Ancient Greece is not my first, or even second, choice. After reading Bias of Priene's first adventure, that may change. I really enjoyed this book. I liked how it mixed the style of today's language with ancient terms. The characters were easy to get to know, and the story flowed well. Though a simple plot, I found the book hard to put down. Bravo, Mr. Edwards. We will meet again.

[Phair · Rating 3 out of 5]

Even though I was not thrilled by this book it has stuck in my mind. Great sense of time and place with a location that has not already been 'done to death' but the characters and plot were less than compelling. I had a hard time picturing Bias, the central character, as only being in his 20s and the ending felt a bit like it was pulled out of a hat. I did enjoy Bias' family life. At the same time I was also reading the non-fiction Rte 66-AD, a travelogue of ancient Roman tourist routes which covered Ionia so that helped cement my memories of this book. I do wish the novel had included a map or diagram of the locations.

[Jason · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story with a solid main character. It was fun book to read that keep me guessing. Would definitely recommend it.