Santorini Caesars

Andreas Kaldis #8

by Jeffrey Siger

When a young demonstrator is publicly singled out and assassinated by highly trained killers in the heart of protest-charged Athens, Chief Inspector Andreas Kaldis is convinced the killing was meant not to take out a target, but as a message. A message from whom? To whom? And why?

Kaldis’ search for answers leads him and his team to the breathtakingly beautiful island of Santorini, heralded in legend as the lost island of Atlantis, and to eavesdrop on a hush-hush gathering of Greece’s top military leaders looking to come up with their own response to the overwhelming crises and uncertainties their country faces.

Is it a coup d’état, or something else? Greece is no stranger to violence upending duly elected governments and memories of the nation’s last junta dictatorship years still burn in the minds of all who lived through the Regime of the Colonels. The answer is by no means clear, but as suspects emerge and international intrigues evolve, the threat of another, far more dramatic assassination grows ever more likely―as does the realization that only Kaldis can stop it.

But at what price? Greece’s government is in chaos, its goals and leadership are suspect, and Kaldis is forever at odds with its methods. Life is not the same, nor is it likely to return to better days any time soon. With a new child on the way, and their young son coming face-to-face with the harsh nature of the world around him, Kaldis and his wife wonder if carrying on the fight matters anymore.

It is a time for testing character, commitment, and the common good. And for saving the nation from chaos.

Genres: Greece, Fiction, Mystery, Procedural, Mystery Thriller

464 pages, Paperback

First published September 6, 2016

About the author

I am an American living on the Aegean Greek island of Mykonos. A Pittsburgh native and former Wall Street lawyer, I gave up my career as a name partner in my own New York City law firm to write mystery thrillers that tell more than just a fast-paced story. My novels are aimed at exploring serious societal issues confronting modern day Greece in a tell-it-like-it-is style while touching upon the country's ancient roots.

Some Mykonian friends told me if I started sprinkling murders with a message across my adopted country's tourist paradises, I'd likely be banished, if not hung. No one was more amazed than I when my debut novel, Murder in Mykonos (a sort of Mamma Mia setting for a No Country for Old Men story), became Greece's #1 best selling English-language novel (and a best-seller in Greek, as well).

As of September 2016 I have eight Chief Inspector Andreas Kaldis novels out there and receive no more than the customary number of death threats. I'm diligently trying to improve my percentage in that regard with posts about Greece each Saturday on the Murder is Everywhere blogsite I share with nine renowned mystery writers from around the world.

It's been a remarkable journey, punctuated most notably by The New York Times selecting the fourth in my Andreas Kaldis series (Target: Tinos) as one of its five "picks for the beach" while calling the entire series, "thoughtful police procedurals set in picturesque but not untroubled Greek locales;" Left Coast Crime's nomination of the fifth in the series (Mykonos After Midnight) in 2014 as Best Mystery in a Foreign Setting; a 2016 Barry Award Best Novel Nomination for my seventh in the series (Devil of Delphi); starred reviews and official government citations; and this quote from Fodor's Greek Islands Travel Guide under a section titled "Mykonos After Dark," which colleagues say I should consider the equivalent of winning an Oscar: "Some say that after midnight, Mykonos is all nightlife—this throbbing beat is the backdrop to Jeffrey Siger's popular mystery, Murder in Mykonos."

My work is published in the US, UK, Germany (German), and Greece (Greek and English), and I'm honored to have served as Chair of the National Board of Bouchercon, the world's largest mystery convention, and as Adjunct Professor of English at Washington & Jefferson College, teaching mystery writing.

Reviews

[eyes.2c · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder and might!

A young demonstrator racing for sanctuary at the university grounds of Athens is chased by police in balaclavas and gunned down steps from safety. There is an uproar!
Chief Inspector Andreas Kaldis is called in to investigate. What was needless police brutality appears to be something very different. Given more credence when it's discovered that this is the child of a Brigadier. Kaldis' investigations lead to intrigue and planning at the very highest level, with possible international connections. The new government is not acting as it'd promised. Contemplation of a military coup is on the cards. Kaldis reflects, 'Maybe his grandfather was right. If politicians are involved, there’s no hope for change. They’re all alike.'
Alerted to a hush hush military conference on the island of Santorini, Kaldis' team races there ahead of the attendees to set intelligence gathering equipment in place. What they learn there does little to calm their fears. But how is this related to the murder? That is the puzzle!
One of his team members, Petro, becomes entranced by the vivacious daughter of a local restauranteur, Sappho. Their story makes for a lively sideline.
Kaldis' reflections and explanations of Greece's internal political workings and relations with its neighbours are informative.
The descriptions of the island of Santorini and the delights of the food make me want to catch the next plane to Greece.
Alleviated by moments of family comings and goings, the action continues right to the end.
An intriguing read!

A NetGalley ARC

[Craig Sisterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

While British and Scandinavian authors tend to dominate the conversation about European crime writing, there are some very fine authors operating in other continental locales. Crime-loving bibliophiles can easily take a literary Contiki tour, sampling tasty tales from France to Russia and all sorts of spots in between.

Greece is packed with tourist hotspots. Thanks to Wall Street lawyer turned crime scribe Jeffrey Siger, it's also home to a superb modern-day mystery series. SANTORINI CAESARS is the eighth adventure starring Chief Inspector Kaldis and his likable team of Greek cops, who delve into the darkest corners of a troubled nation that is rich in history.

Athens is a capital city beset by protests. Many Greeks are upset about the current state of their country, and their lives. When a young demonstrator is chased through the streets and coldly gunned down, public anger quickly turns against the police. The new government (which has roots in past protest movements) is keen to avoid the unpopularity of its predecessors, and Kaldis fears the police may be hung out to dry for political reasons. But who is really responsible, and why?

When the victim turns out to be the daughter of a Greek general, and the trail leads to a secretive meeting of military minds away from the tourist crowds on the island of Santorini, Kaldis and his team wonder just what is going on. Why is someone stoking discontent among the military? In a country with a tumultuous political history, how hard would it be to spark a military coup?

Siger weaves a fast-paced tale packed with intrigue - in plot, characters, and underlying issues. I particularly enjoy how the author highlights many members of Chief Inspector Kaldis's team, and the relationships between the 'extended family' of the cops and their friends and loved ones. Kaldis may be the leader, but the supporting characters all have nuance and layers too. There's a real humanity to the characters, and some great banter too - a realistic sense of team dynamics, adding zest to a very good crime tale. SANTORINI CAESARS brings modern-day Greece, and its varied challenges, to life. This is in an exciting, engaging crime thriller textured by real-life issues, such as the spiderwebs entangling big business, politics, and citizens. A fine crime novel from a fine writer.

Craig Sisterson writes features and reviews for leading publications in several countries. He has interviewed more than 150 crime writers. You can follow him on Twitter: @craigsisterson

[Avid Series Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Santorini Caesars by Jeffrey Siger is book 8 of the Andreas Kaldis mystery/police procedural series set in contemporary Athens and on Santorini. Winter season, so minimal tourism. Siger very directly presents Greece's social problems as the backdrop and key facets of his books. Santorini Caesars is about corruption all the way to the top, as well as double standards for different demographics.

It starts with a riot in Athens. Apparently a commonplace daily event.

He had no interest in watching police in riot gear face down a herd of hooded demonstrators armed with paving stones and Molotov cocktails. He'd seen it all before and knew what tear gas smelled like. After all, he was eleven years old.

Kaldis uses a clever trick to remove a murder victim from the riot, in full view of spectators.

He'd told his secretary Maggie to cover for him. She said from the number of calls she'd already received from folks way above his pay grade screaming for him, she'd have better luck hiding an elephant under a tea towel. Andreas had taken that to mean, "No problem."

Kaldis quickly decides the murder was a planned assassination. But why and by which organization?

Spoken like a true Greek. We thrive on Byzantine conspiracy theories.

To the general public, the murder appeared to be police killing a demonstrator. No matter the facts.

"That's the downside of a free press. People get to say and think what they want."

Andreas came to realize that what truly mattered was not what you did or how much you earned, but rather the ethical principles you practiced in living your life. He'd also be the first to admit it was a hell of a lot easier making the proper life choices when money wasn't an issue. Kaldis is living in luxury due to his top-tier-of-society wife Lila, beautiful and eight months pregnant with their second child.

This government is busy stuffing family, friends, and supporters into every position they can come up with, and pouncing on the same capitalist perks they once denounced.

Kaldis is summoned to a meeting by the minister now occupying Kaldis' old office, where he finds the Brigadier General (father of the victim), and an arrogant mystery man in a Prada suit.

The man flashed Andreas an open palm--the Greek equivalent of the American middle finger--but still did not turn around.

The Santorini Caesars are career military who believe they can run Greece better than its civilian leadership. Some are seasoned and frustrated, some young and idealistic, but all are pissed off at how dysfunctional our country's become.

The Santorini Caesars hold a clandestine meeting on Santorini in dead of winter to avoid public view.

In Santorini's inland regions, locals grew wine grapes cultivate in the unique, tightly coiled, ground-hugging fashion that in winter resembled rows of dull baskets, but in growing season sheltered the enclosed clusters from the wind. Tiny cherry tomatoes, capers, fava beans, barley and a unique white eggplant were other island growing favorites, with plantings filling practically every arable spot of land.

Kaldis directs a team of his detectives to snoop on the Santorini Caesars meeting. The detectives arrive first, and stop at a family owned taverna. Petro is instantly smitten by Sappho, the sexy cashier/server. "Why don't you just start bringing out the food and we'll tell you when to stop." The food came in tranches, overrunning the available space on the table and pressing into service adjacent empty chairs. First, Santorini fava with onions and capers; baked white eggplant in tomato sauce with feta and fresh basil; grilled Haloumi cheese with grilled tomatoes and olive oil; and grilled Santorini spicy sausages alongside fried potatoes and parmesan cheese. Next, a salad of spinach, red and green leaf lettuce, spring onions, dill, orange, walnuts, parmesan, pomegranate, and balsamic vinaigrette with honey; a second salad of cucumber, tomato, onion, green pepper, boiled potato, Cretan cottage cheese, olives, croutons, fresh olive oil, capers and Cretan salt; and grilled octopus with fresh oregano and balsamic vinaigrette. Following came spicy fried pork with peppers, onions, leeks, Santorini cherry tomatoes and feta; lamb in yogurt sauce with mint, coriander, and cracked wheat; and beef filet in vinsanto sauce accompanied by wild mushrooms and basmati rice. What a feast! I want to get recipes and prepare these dishes (but not all at once!).

Sappho encouraged the men "Eat, eat. The fatter you get the less likely you are to be a threat to the virtue of Greek women."

Agreeing to be a godparent was a serious undertaking in Greece. By accepting, you gave your word to raise the child as your own should something happen to parents.

Andreas brings a pastry box and a bottle of tsipouro into the office. Kouros asks "isn't this gasoline?" Andreas responds "that's the Italian cousin, grappa". He reaches into the box for a galaktoboureko (a custard filled pastry). Oh man, I need to get recipes to make these wonderful treats!

The good eating continues: grilled eggplant, tomato keftedhes, fava, local cheeses, and a host of other Santorini appetizer specialties; main course lamb kleftido--lamb and potatoes cooked in waxed paper--and paidaikia (lamb chops).

Serious Christmas decorations first came to Greece after World War II, but once they caught on, the fashion took off with a vengeance in the traditional big way of Greek celebration everywhere.

Andreas' oh-so-capable assistant Maggie gives him the perfect advice: call Lila and tell her the truth about the attack in Syntagma Square. Bravo, Maggie!

To put our security in the hands of NATO is to put the knives of the Turks to our throats.

"Your behavior is entirely consistent with someone who got the message the killers intended to deliver. Cooperate or watch more of your loved ones die."

"We exchange presents the old-fashioned way, on the first day of the year on St. Basil's Day."

"Last I checked, something bad is always going on. It's why cops have jobs."

"Sounds like that U.S. presidential candidate, the billionaire guy." "Yeah, the one with the hair."

"Any man who does whatever it takes to seduce the woman of his interest at the moment is a kamaki."

Professionals who get paid to kill for a living want to survive to spend their money.

Suspense ratches way up to a thrilling shoot-out in Pyrgos.

Starkly apparent in daylight was the historic beauty of this medieval village: square white-and-sand-colored homes of mostly red, green, or blue doors and shutters, and bright white churches of Byzantine and cubist influence bearing a Renaissance touch here and there, all domed in Aegean blue or white. One ornate bell tower followed another, as if each were trying to outdo the other.

"Well, one thing's for sure," said Yianni. "He won't be finding the gold coin in his slice of the vasilopita"--the round sweet bread specially baked for Saint Basil's Day promised sweetness for all and a year of good luck to the one whose piece held the buried gold coin.

Warning to potential readers: get a Greek Islands cookbook so you can feast like they do!

[Peter T. Tomaras · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this a mediocre read. The writing is plebeian, plagued by ceaseless dialogue through which the author enlightens us. While I found the story line timely and an interesting (fictional) commentary on current political challenges in Greece, and while I always enjoy reading about places I've been privileged to visit, there is little suspense or surprise here. Perhaps earlier Inspector Kaldis books were superior. With this one, I could put it down at any place, any time, and virtually never wanted to read on before putting it aside for a time.

[June Matthews · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too political

This is the 4th book I've read and all the others I really enjoyed but this one was too political.

[Marie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good enough story, bad writing -- two and a half stars

[Hermien · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent.

[Robert · Rating 4 out of 5]

As mentioned before, Siger's novels are slowly increasing in complexity. This one centers on military coup plans, which are a daily topic of conversation in Greece. The old joke was: If you have one Greek, you have a garden. If you have two Greeks, you have a restaurant. If you have three Greeks, you have a political party. If you have four Greeks, you have a revolution. That's basically what all of these books are about, with the topic varying only with how many Greeks are involved.
Another aspect of Siger's stories is the increasing frequency and detail of sex scenes. While mostly treated lightly, they rarely advance the story. Speaking of silly sex, Siger also manages to get in a dig at the orange ogre, who was just beginning his rampage through logic, legality and lying.
When we lived in Greece, in the 60s, Santorini wasn't yet the tourist hellhole that it, and Mykonos, have become. I've been to many of the Aegean islands, but I miss those farther south.

[Jia Cherng · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good lighthearted read. Once again inspector Andreas Kaldis is tossed into a bloody bag of political mess with backups Kouros and Petros, who then went on to live a more serene life. Once more, a pretty good plot with minimal complications but sufficient twist. It's a book that I can't seem to find anything wrong with, but just slightly lacking somewhere. It's an improvement from his previous 2,3 books that the bad guy now has a genuine motive. Though, I would say that this book is a lot less graphical than some of his books, I do miss the Murder on Mykonos style where there are a lot less political ties and connotations. The writer has departed from that style but I do hope he will find a balance between the two.

[Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now that Teacher has been blown to bits, Kaldis needs a new case. It doesn't take long when a Brigadier General's daughter is ruthlessly and expertly gunned down just outside the sanctuary of the University by what appears to be Greek police. As austerity squeezes the country and everyone is on edge, Kaldis is tossed into what appears to be the initial stages of a reprise of 1967--a coup d'etat against a feckless and radical government. With his subalterns off on lovely Santorini enjoying the perks of stakeouts and going undercover, Andreas gets closer to bringing another child into a world that seems to be getting more and more out of his control and understanding.

All you want in a good Kaldis caper--bureaucracy, Athens, an island, and lots of good banter. The only thing missing here which is usually a staple, is the story told from the bad guy's perspective. But since that was the lynchpin of this particular case, maybe that's why?

[Vontel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very recently read #9 in the series, have gone back to read the one immediately preceding, and then may go back to beginning of series. That will be a challenge. My two local libraries don't have many of his books, and not back to the beginning, and some only in downloadable audiofiles.

Certainly captivating. This one takes place a while after the Greek election of September 2015, preceding the first book that I read in this series. It does help to have a sense of the characters and situations. Interesting to get what seems to be an inside track on Greek politics, and worldview of issues within & outside the Eurozone.

[M. O'Gannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Santorini Caesars – A Chief Inspector Adreas Kaldis Mystery – 2016 - ****1/2 - In this book, Inspector Kaldis’ men are the main shakers and movers while Kaldis deals with the Greek politicians. That is until the end when Kaldis does his magic. Delightful characters, wonderful setting, fast moving pace, never a dull moment, twists and turns, fun dialogue – what more can you want for an enjoyable read? Everyone of Siger’s books makes me hungry to tour Greece.

[Ann Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Travel to Athens, Greece and the island of Santorini in this intriguing story following chief inspector Andreas. Lots of spying, drama, intrigue, romance and travel unfold as the story evolves, enjoy!

Athens Chief inspector Andreas Kaldis searches for answers to the killing of a top military officer’s daughter during a protest. Was the murder a warning to the top military officers? Is a military coupe in Athens underway?

The chief inspector and his team head to the beautiful island of Santorini to spy on a secret military meeting. Will they uncover a plot to overthrow the current government?

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fascinating read from Jeffrey Siger. Once again he burrows beneath the glamorous surface of Santorini to expose the hidden political agenda of a group determined to overthrow the Prime Minister. The juxtaposition of Greece's difficult political and economic climate set against the idyllic beauty of her islands is breathtaking.

[Karren · Rating 3 out of 5]

While Jeffrey Siger is not a fine literary writer, he is one fine storyteller. I also appreciated his details about the Island of Santorini. Not sure I liked some of the Americanisms that Siger tosses into his stories.

However, I like his very human character detective Andreas Kaldis and plan to read other of Siger's detective novels set in Greece.

[Denise · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found this one a bit confusing - I've read the previous 7 books in this series and they seem to be relying more and more on the reader's knowledge of Greek politics and history. My knowledge is pretty shallow, so I think this is why I am liking these books less and less as I go through the series.

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chief Inspector Kaldis investigates the assassination of the college student daughter of a Brigadier General and uncovers a connection to a secret meeting of high ranking Greek military officers - called the Caesars - on Santorini and also the underhanded dealings of a new head of secret police so secret that even the defense minister didn't know they existed. As usual, the plot id Byzantine, the Greek culture is explained a little more, and Kaldis is able to find the killer and foil the wider plot. These mysteries are compelling both for their not-so-obvious villains and also for their glimpses into modern Greek life.

[Lindsey Blair · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love these books and thought I had read them all,then found this one. All the old characters some engaging new ones lots of Greek pessimism and politics and a cracking good story. Treat yourself to all nine preferably in order although they can all be stand alone reads.

[Veronica · Rating 1 out of 5]

Although the plot dealing with the police work was interesting, the politics that was included was not interesting at all. Many clues that were presented were discussed at least three times before the plot moved on. Very repetitive.

[Cybercrone · Rating 1 out of 5]

Couldn't get into this book.
Every character just seemed to go on and on and on, and not much happened.

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoy the setting and learning more about its of Greece… Liked the characters… However, found the writing, not great, and at least a few places that drug on and on and on.

[M · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just okay.

[Elaine Tomasso · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would like to thank Netgalley and Poisoned Pen Press for an advance copy of Santorini Caesars, the eighth of Mr Siger's Chief Inspector Andreas Kaldis novels which are all set in a different part of Greece.
The novel opens with the death of a young demonstrator after being pursued by armed men who appear to be either policemen or in the military. Kaldis leads the investigation which centres on a group of military officers who are disgruntled with the left wing government in power and he bugs their conference on Santorini to try and get more information on their plans.
I thoroughly enjoyed Santorini Caesars which has a bit of everything. The plot is Machiavellian which suits the political background to the novel and has plenty of twists and turns. Some may think it is a bit OTT but it seems all too plausible to me (you'll have to read it to get what I mean as I'm not issuing any spoilers). There is plenty of hanging about in the novel as Kaldis and his team try to understand what is going on but this appeals to me as I like the slow accumulation of facts and information which builds the picture and there is enough action at the climax to justify it. Mr Siger does not hold politicians in high esteem so modern day Greece and its problems is fertile ground for his social commentary which is very well and naturally done. There is also a good camaraderie between the characters who are all friends as well as colleagues and this leads to some good dialogue which also seems natural and can be quite funny. Kaldis himself is a bit of a comic book hero - an all round good guy who protects the weak, ruthlessly hunts down killers, is adored by his staff and is a great husband. It might be nice to see some warts but I like him the way he is as it makes a pleasant change to read about a "normal" protagonist with no vices or hangups who is happy in his life.
It is a good few years since I read the first two novels in the series (Murder In Mykonos and Assassins Of Athens) so I feel that reading Santorini Caesars was like starting a new series. On this basis I can say that while the previous novels will obviously fill in the characters' background the novel works well as a standalone.
I didn't find anything I didn't like in Santorini Caesars so I have no hesitation in recommending it as a good read.

[Cathy Cole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Siger the Soothsayer has the uncanny knack of foreseeing chaos in the beautiful country that is Greece and then writing about it in such a way that readers see and hear and taste and feel that turmoil. I rely on his Chief Inspector Kaldis books to learn about Greece, its history and landscape, as well as get a true picture of its government. Now Kaldis is showing us that other countries are taking advantage of Greece's dire economic straits and its corrupt politicians. This makes for some nail-biting plots.

Fortunately Kaldis is now a family man. He has a beautiful wife and son with a second baby on the way. This has given him more important responsibilities, and I'm happy to see him less in the middle of deadly action and more in administrative mode which lets his leadership and analytical skills shine. It also has the added bonus of allowing other characters a turn in the spotlight-- and believe me, Jeffrey Siger's series is not a one-character show.

His team works together like a well-oiled machine-- well-oiled with intelligence, good food, and lots of humor. Maggie is the world's best secretary, and Kaldis' wife Lila's common sense has helped him solve more than one investigation. Then there's the courtship of Petro and Sappho, and.... but I'm not saying another word since I don't want to divulge any secrets.

Jeffrey Siger's Inspector Kaldis books have always had a profound sense of place, and if you're wondering, the Greeks themselves love his books. Combine the author's talent for holding up a mirror to a troubled, beautiful country to his plots that make you feel as though you're getting the latest news before everyone else and add an intelligent, funny, sexy cast, and what do you have? Some marvelous reading, that's what. I never miss one of Jeffrey Siger's books. Never!

[Jean Kolinofsky · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thank NetGalley for providing this book in exchange for a review. Jeffrey Siger's Inspector Kaldis stories take the reader on a tour of Greece. Through his words I have toured Athens, Mykonos, Patmos, Tinos and Delphi.

Santorini Caesars opens with the death of a young protestor in Athens who is gunned down by two shooters dressed to implicate police involvement. Kaldis and his team identify the victim as the daughter of a general, who raises the question of military involvement. The Caesars, a group of top military men, are meeting on Santorini and Kaldis sends a team to discover the meeting's purpose. Is there a possible tie between the Caesars' agenda and the murder of the general's daughter?

Siger balances Kaldis' investigative responsibilities and family responsibilities with the support of his wife and son. His team of detectives work well together, displaying strong support for each other and flashes of humor. It is a story that not only explores the beauty of Santorini, but also touches on political unrest and the economic problems of Greece. This series has become one of my personal favorites and I look forward to visiting Greece once again through the stories of Inspector Kaldis.

[David Knapp · Rating 4 out of 5]

UPDATE: April 18, 2024

I thoroughly enjoyed this reread. And the Petro/Sappho connection was much of the reason why. This is such a great series!

The eighth entry in Jeffrey Siger's Andreas Kaldis series was another winner. Although I might be biased, given that I'll be in Santorini later today and tomorrow.

Over the first seven books, I have fallen in love with his characters (Chief Inspector Andreas Kaldishis, Yianni Kouros, Lila, Tassos, Maggie...). But I liked that this one featured Petro (a young cop who has appeared in earlier novels) and his love interest, spicy and saucy Sappho, who captures the young cop's heart when he and his colleagues stop at her family's restaurant on the island.

In terms of the plot...as you know, I never go deeply into plots to avoid "spoilers." But I will say that this one revolves around a potential assassination of the Greek PM, one designed to make it appear as if it had been conducted by the Greek military. It was a good plot, although the Petro/Sappho subplot was better than this main one.

Still, it deserved the four stars. And I continue to enjoy reading these novels - especially while I'm touring Greece.

[Hannelore Cheney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great entry in the Chief Inspector Andreas Kaldis series. The professional assassination of a young girl ends with a meeting on the beautiful island of Santorini by Greece's top military leaders. Kaldis and his team look for answers, trying to come up with a reason for this gathering. Greece is in turmoil, the people are angry, the government is chaotic and totally inept/corrupt and the future seems doomed. Kaldis and his wife are at the point where they're wondering if trying to bring some sanity to the mayhem is worth it. What is the future going to be like for their son and unborn baby? Can Kaldis stop another assassination? Mr. Singer is exceedingly adept at describing Greece, the country's difficulties and uncertain future, it's obvious he cares deeply and his novels therefore have a depth and insight that make this reader devour his books. Excellent and highly recommended. Thank you, Netgalley, Poisoned Pen Press and Jeffrey Singer for providing me with an ARC of this book.

[Robert Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chief Inspector Andreas Kaldis is once again tied up in and by Greek politics. Public demonstrations are becoming more & more violent and university students are often involved. A student is chased by 2 men dressed as cops and shot down just outside the university gates with a large number of students cheering for the student and witnessing the catastrophe. AK and his team show up with an ambulance and spirit the body away & it turns out to be the only daughter of a prominent general. The investigation moves to the island of Santorini where 24 top military officers meet for a long get together at an exclusive resort. Then the special assistant to AK's boss shows up and things get very interesting from that point, especially when the prime minister agrees to appear at a public lighting of the Christmas holiday tree on the island.

[Caryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every book in the Chief Inspector Kaldis series is like taking a mini vacation to Greece. In Santorini Caesars, Kaldis is called upon to investigate the high profile case of the shooting death of the daughter of a high ranking military officer. It soon becomes apparent that the father knows a little more about who might be responsible for his daughter's death than he is letting on. Is he keeping information from Kaldis because he is embarrassed because his daughter was killed during an anti government protest or is there more to it than that? Kaldis and his team find themselves following leads in the case to the beautiful and quiet island of Santorini where covert meetings are more easily held than in Athens.
This is the eighth Chief Inspector Andreas Kaldi book and in my opinion, one of the best.

[spyros manolopoulos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast pace and exiting; a good read!

Inspector Kaldis never fails to deliver. Another excellent addition to the series, spiced with few new interesting characters, albeit with an uncertain future... The story told from the beautiful island of Santorini, vividly described by the author, who has also a very good understanding of modern Greek politics and Greeks!...