A Deadly Twist

Andreas Kaldis #11

by Jeffrey Siger

When Athens journalist Nikoletta Elia disappears while on assignment on the island of Naxos, her editor calls on Chief Inspector Andreas Kaldis to investigate. The reporter, assigned to report on the effects of rampant tourism on Naxos' culture and agrarian lifestyle, is approached by a fan who takes credit for several suspicious deaths she had written about in the past and suspected to be murders. The assassin claims to have changed his evil ways, but wants Nikoletta to write a series of articles about him and his myriad hits. Kaldis sends his deputy, Yianni, to investigate; then a body (not the journalist's) is found at the base of a cliff.

Leads turn into more dead bodies--and finally, threats--before Kaldis finally solves the deadly puzzle.

Genres: Thriller, Mystery, Greece, Fiction

320 pages, Paperback

First published April 28, 2020

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

[3 no 7 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Andreas Kaldis, chief of GADA’s Special Crimes Unit, likes being a cop, actually loves being a cop, mostly because of the camaraderie. His family and his gardening keeps him young, that and chasing bad guys. Siger intersperses the narrative with social events so readers get to know characters as people through their everyday activities with family and friends as well as through their professional duties.

“A Deadly Twist” finds Kaldis on Naxos to find a high profile reporter who is “missing” according to her editor. A controversial article about a mysterious Black Hat hacker put the reporter in danger, and a dead tourist and a missing reporter are not good for the island’s economy. Ancient culture plays a critical role in events on the island, and the Naxos harbor welcomes all with the massive marble Portara, the 2,500-year-old gateway. However, there is a war brewing among cultural preservationists, the tourism industry, and agricultural interests. Things proceed in a steady but casual pace with plenty of family events, social comradery and cultural references. However, as Kaldis and his team search for the reporter, they uncover something nefarious in the very roots of life on Naxos. The action intensifies and secrets from the past have current consequences for Naxos and its way of life. People do what they have to do to protect their friends.

“A Deadly Twist” balances a compelling police investigation with a celebration of life and culture on the island of Naxos. Kaldis strives for recognition of small victories amid an ever-losing battle with the dark side. There are as many twists as a pretzel right up to the very last line. I received a review copy of “A Deadly Twist” from Jeffrey Siger, Sourcebooks, and Poisoned Pen Press. I purchased my signed copy from Book Carnival, my local independent bookstore. It is a wonderful look at culture and family with mystery thrown in as a bonus. There is nothing like an Aegean sunset and a good book.

[Carole]

DNF
I will not be rating or reviewing.

[Zoe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Menacing, atmospheric, and engaging!

In this simmering, eleventh instalment in the Andreas Kaldis series, A Deadly Twist, Siger has written a sinister police procedural that will have CI Andreas Kaldis and his team heading to Naxos to investigate the sudden disappearance of a crime reporter with a story to tell, a body found dead with no identification, and a killer with a lack of conscience and a fascination with antiquities.

The prose is crisp and rich. The characters are intelligent, resourceful, and endearing. And the plot, including all the subplots, intertwine and unravel seamlessly into a mysterious tale of mischief, mayhem, corruption, coercion, criminal behaviour, dangerous endeavours, deduction, lies, and murder.

Overall, A Deadly Twist is a solid, absorbing, highly enjoyable tale by Siger that was so much better than I ever expected with a wonderful cast of characters I can’t wait to get to know better and an idyllic setting that left me yearning to visit the Greek islands.

Thank you to Poisoned Pen Press for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Heather Fineisen · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is my first read of this series, in its eleventh book that features Greek Detective extraordinaire Andreas Kaldis. While the central characters were likable, I wasn't vested in them emotionally. Perhaps reading from the beginning of the series would enhance my reading experience. There wasn't much depth to the players and there are many. The history of Greece and the geography painted was a plus but the plot meandered along.

Copy provided by the publisher and NetGalley

[Michelle Kidwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Deadly Twist
by Jeffrey Siger
Poisoned Pen Press
Mystery & Thrillers
Pub Date 06 Apr 2021


I am reviewing a copy of A Deadly Twist through Poisoned Pen Press and Netgalley:


There are some crimes that can’t be forgiven or atoned for.


When Athens based journalist Nikoletta Elia disappears while on assignment on the island of Naxos, her editor calls on Chief Inspector Andreas Kaldis to investigate. Nicoletta had been sent to report on the conflict between preservationists and advocates for expanded tourism, when she was approached by a fan who takes credit for several suspicious deaths she'd reported on in the past. The assassin claims to have abandoned that life, and convinces the reporter to write about him and his murderous exploits for hire.




Kaldis sends his deputy, Yianni, to look into her disappearance when an unidentified body is found at the base of a cliff. They wonder who the mysterious corpse is, and they wonder where Nikoletta is. The leads turn into more dead bodies in this twisting tale of greed, corruption, and murder that puts Kaldis, his family, and members of his team in the path of a ruthless killer who will stop at nothing to keep his secrets and crimes buried forever.



I give A Deadly Twist five out of five stars!



Happy Reading!

[Linda Strong · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chief Inspector Andreas Kaldis has a mystery to solve. An investigative Journalist has gone missing .. after a man tells her he is an assassin and wants her to write his story.

Too good to pass up, she hurriedly agrees .. and then disappears. How ironic that a dead man is found at the bottom of a cliff next to her hotel.

Where is the reporter? Who is the dead man? Are they connected in any way .. or is this just a coincidence?

This well written mystery is full of suspense with characters that range from friendly to sinister. Fast-paced, full of action, and a few twists and turns all kept my eyes riveted to the pages. As a bonus, the story is set on the Aegean Cycladic Island of Naxos. The island offers up its history, its secrets, and lots of intrigue. The author's descriptions make me want to pack a bag and go. Although this is 11th in the series, it is easily read as a stand-alone.

Many thanks to the author / Poisoned Pen Press / Netgalley for the digital copy of this most suspenseful mystery. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.

[Clued-in With A Book (Elvina Ulrich) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Story: Athens journalist Nikoletta Elia disappears while on an assignment on the island of Naxos. Her editor Giorgos Pappas, seeks the help of Chief Inspector Andreas Kaldis, the Greek Police Special Crimes Unit (GADA). Both Andreas and Yianni begin their investigation in Naxos and time is running out as their investigation would lead them to more dead bodies.

My thoughts: This was an enjoyable read! I love the Greek Island setting and the author's atmospheric writing transported me to the beautiful island of Naxos! So beautiful! At times it feels like I am reading a travelogue.

The author masterfully crafted one convoluted plot which had me guessing until the end. I loved it that everything makes sense in the end.

Andreas somehow reminds me of Hercule Poirot. What an endearing character! Yianni, Maggie and him make one great team and I loved their banters!

Although this is the 11th installment of this series (which I had zero clue), it can absolutely be read as a standalone.

In a nutshell, this was an absorbing and pretzel-twisty tale of greed and murder with a wonderful cast of characters. A solid 5-star read for me!

Pub. Date: OUT NOW!

***Thank you Poisoned Pen Press, and author Jeffrey Siger for this gifted copy to read and review.***

[Aimee Dars]

Athens crime reporter Nikoletta Elia is exasperated when her editor sends her to the island of Naxos to cover growing tensions between advocates for development and conservationists. To her surprise, she is approached by a man claiming to be a master hacker who wants to set the record straight before he retires. Her resulting article caused shockwaves across Greece, and shortly after it was published, Nikoletta disappeared.

Chief Inspector Andreas Kaldis sends Detective Yianni Kouros ahead to begin the investigation, and Yianni finds a set of notebooks with Nikoletta’s interview notes. Using them as a template, he starts making contacts across Naxos.

As Andreas prepares to leave with his wife, Lila, and assistant, Maggie, he receives a call notifying him that Yianni is in a coma after a car accident. Nikoletta’s questions and Yianni’s follow-up threatened the wrong people—but which story triggered the violence? That about the hacker? The state of tourism? Or a different incident altogether? And how far will they go?

This was a satisfying mystery with with an entertaining cast of characters, and I enjoyed the quick pace. Even though numerous crimes including murder were described in the book, the scenery and architecture were described so vividly, it still made me want to visit Greece! I plan to circle back and read earlier books in the series which is written by an American living in Greece.

Thanks to @poisonedpenpress for my gifted copy!

[Annarella · Rating 5 out of 5]

I fell in love with this series when I read "An Aegean April" and read other books always finding them gripping and highly entertaining.
This one is no exception: a tightly knitted and fast paced plot, great cast of realistic characters and an excellent background vivid and well researched.
I read this one as fast as I could and I was on the edge till the end.
An excellent addition to this series, highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

[Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

An intrepid reporter known for her crime stories is sent by her newspaper to a beautiful Greek Island setting to write something different. Although she hates the intrusion, she likes her paycheck and follows through on the assignment. An unexpected source decides to tell her a blockbuster tale and she writes it up as a lead article for the paper. Then she disappears. Is her mystery source the reason for the reporter’s disappearance or is something darker happening on this idyllic island? The mystery is good, the characters interesting and the setting is a wonderful one. I received my copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

[Helena Kojevnikov]

Once again, we have the good fortune to board Jeffery Siger's caique and sail off into Homer's wine-dark sea, making landfall at its islands - this time Naxos, the island of the legendary ill-starred Ariadne.
The Andreas Kaldis series of which this book, "A Deadly Twist" is the eleventh, goes from strength to strength, and it is gratifying to learn that there are plans for movies based on the Kaldis novels to be made. Puh, puh, puh! as Siger's protagonists are wont to say.
The author has the extraordinary gift of being able to convey an almost physical feeling of the scenery, sights and smells of the Greek countryside, the play of light and shadows against which action takes place. It transports us back in time and place, when our world was newer to us and we, too, were different. As someone who has visited Greece at least a dozen times, I can vouch for this truth.
The history of the locations in every story is introduced with a light touch, and the author's scrupulous (but unobtrusive) research often stimulates the reader to digress personally into some mention made by the author: for instance, the connection between Naxos and Crete (although it does figure in Ariadne's legend) prompts a wider search that leads eventually to the work of the artist John Craxton (1922-2009) a significant part of whose paintings and drawings are devoted to Greece and the Greeks, especially Crete and Cretans, such as his drawing "Cretan Fisherman" and others. Without "A Deadly Twist" who would think of looking further?
Throughout the entire Kaldis series, the author whirls us through a heady, multi-layered mixture of an exciting storyline, convincing and increasingly familiar regular characters and new ones appearing before a broad canvas of exquisite natural beauty that often masks the darker sides of history and human evil, greed and deceit. There is also the challenge of trying to work out the solution to the mystery before the end, an endeavor not usually blessed with success.
It says much for the author's sensitivity and understanding of the Orthodox church and its rituals as they are described in the series: all too often, Westerners are prone to dismiss the Orthodox faith as mere "bells and smells" without realizing that it is the early Christian church, long before any schisms and factions that went on to split into fractions. The author puts it all into place.
On a lighter note, "A Deadly Twist" sees the appearance of a very intriguing new personage, the mysterious Stelios/Soter. He is somewhat reminiscent of Kharon in "Devil of Delphi" and "An Aegean April" in that they are "baddies" who (on occasion) become "goodies", both specializing in different branches of what may be loosely termed their profession. One hopes that they, with their diverse talents, shall tire of retirement, and will surface from time to time in future books. After all, who (male readers excused) doesn't like a lovely villain?
More power to your elbow, Jeffrey Siger! Thank you for bringing a touch of color into today's gray and depressing world of COVID fears and enforced overseas travel restrictions. Those who have not read any of the earlier books are strongly advised to drop everything and mend this omission forthwith. Jump into an adventure! The next book in the series is awaited eagerly.

[Aly · Rating 4 out of 5]

For me, this book was a slow start. I have not read any of the other books in the series and maybe not starting with this one might have helped me. I did love the author's picture that was painted of Naxos. I would love to visit someday. This was a slow mystery for me and I love mysteries so I was a bit disappointed in this one. But that being said there were a few good twists and turns in this book. *This book was given to me for free at my request from NetGalley and I provided this voluntary review.*

[Karen ReadsALot · Rating 3 out of 5]

Antiquities dealing in Naxos leads to murder.

[Jean Kolinofsky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reporter Nikoletta Elia was sent to Naxos for a simple assignment on the conflict between farmers and those who want to push tourism. The story that she filed, however, was an interview with a hacker who used his skills to mask murders and destroy businesses. Shortly after filing her story she disappeared. Contacted by her editor, Andreas Kaldis, head of the Special Crimes Unit, sent Detective Yianni Kouros to Naxos to investigate.

Finding Nikoletta’s notebooks in her hotel room, Yianni, accompanied by a local officer, begins to track the people that she had interviewed. When they are purposely run off the road, Kaldis travels to Naxos to take over the investigation. He is accompanied by his wife Lila and his secretary Maggie. On Naxos he is also joined by Tasso, his friend and mentor, and Yianni’s girlfriend Toni, who has a unique ability to track people and objects. One of the reporter’s notebooks is missing, already sent to her publisher, and Kaldis believes that it is the one that may offer the key to finding Nikoletta.

On the day that Nokoletta disappeared, the body of a tourist was found close to her hotel. Kaldis finds a connection between the tourist and Nikoletta’s investigation and it is not long before other deaths occur that can also be tied to her activities. Someone with power is arranging these deaths. If they do find Nikoletta will they also be putting her in danger? Also hovering in the background is the mysterious hacker who seems to be steering Kaldis’ investigation. Kaldis is under pressure to find the reporter or it could be the end of his career but his group of friends offer insight and support when he needs it the most.

Jeffrey Siger takes you on a tour of Naxos that offers descriptions of Greek food and scenic views. It is a story that offers a look at the balance between an agrarian society and a need to develop tourism to help support the island. One of the attractions is its’ antiquities and illegal trafficking dating back to WWII plays a part in this story. Siger’s characters are welcoming and at times his dialogue is injected with humor. For anyone craving a satisfying mystery and a trip to Greece, I would definitely recommend A Deadly Twist. I would like to thank NetGalley and Poison Pen Press for providing this book for my review.

[Terry Halligan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Of all the eleven books he has written this one, I believe, was the author's best with so many changes of direction in the fast-paced, imaginative but very tightly plotted story that one just did not know what would happen next! Chief Inspector Andreas Kaldis, the Greek Police's Special Crimes Division Head, is asked by an important newspaper publisher to investigate why an Athens journalist Nikoletta Elia appears to have disappeared whilst she was on the Greek Island of Naxos doing an assignment.

Nikoletta was sent there to report on the conflict between preservationists and advocates for expanded tourism. She was approached by a fan who takes credit for several suspicious deaths she’d reported in the past. The assassin claims to have abandoned that life and convinces the reporter to write about him and his murderous exploits for hire.

Kaldis sends his deputy, Yianni, to look into her disappearance when an unidentified body is found at the base of a cliff. Who is the mysterious corpse, but where is Nikoletta? Leads turn into more dead bodies in this twisting tale of greed, corruption, and murder that puts Kaldis, his family, and members of his team in the path of a ruthless killer who will stop at nothing to keep dark secrets buried--forever.

The case is investigated checking out many different lines of enquiry before reaching the very surprising conclusion. There are many red herrings and twists and turns before the end of this story. This is the eleventh international police procedural that I've read by this very gifted American author.

Chief Inspector Andreas Kaldis is an exciting but intriguing and well-drawn creation and we learn a little bit more about him from book to book. The books are all very gripping and whilst they are very evocative of the rustic tourist landscape of Greece, they are extremely readable examples of the best international police procedurals similar perhaps to those of Joseph Wambaugh or Ed McBain. I look forward eagerly to reading his next one. Extremely highly recommended.
(Review copy provided by the author and publisher via netgalley.com in exchange for a fair review)

[Cathy Cole · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been a fan of Jeffrey Siger's Andreas Kaldis mysteries from the very first book (Murder in Mykonos), and this eleventh book certainly does not disappoint. The author lives on Mykonos for part of the year, and I've learned more about that country through reading his books than I'd care to admit. Siger gives readers insight into the workings of not only the police but also of the Greek government and the country's nefarious underworld while always weaving a bit of Greek myth and history into each book.

Siger has also created a top-notch cast of characters headed by Kaldis, his wife, and the members of his team. After reading all eleven books, I feel as though these characters are good friends-- especially Maggie who's in charge of Kaldis's office. Maggie's more than capable of keeping everyone and everything in line, which makes me wonder if anyone's written anything about the women who rule some of our heroes' roosts (Maggie for Andreas Kaldis, Sheriff Virgil Dalton's Rosie, and Sheriff Walt Longmire's Ruby, for example).

The settings and characters are always what the doctor ordered in Siger's mysteries, but he knows how to write action scenes that a reader can get so wrapped up in that the pages won't turn fast enough. Then add to all that a mystery in A Deadly Twist that gets deeper the further Kaldis and his men investigate, and you've got a winner.

If you enjoy mysteries with an excellent sense of place, characters that can make you laugh and cry, mysteries that keep you guessing, and high octane action, pick up one of Jeffrey Siger's Andreas Kaldis mysteries. You can read A Deadly Twist as a standalone, but don't be surprised if you find yourself looking for the other books in the series.

(Review copy courtesy of the publisher and Net Galley)

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Naxos is such a lovely setting for a series of unlovely crimes including murder. The maps at the front of the book are a great idea (I love maps!). Nikoletta Elia, a journalist from Athens, is on assignment on the island of Naxos and is approached by a stranger who knows who she is. Turns out he is an assassin who has startling first-hand information on her past stories. When she goes missing, those who know where she is are alarmed and Chief Inspector Andreas Kaldis investigates. But the story goes much deeper than her disappearance...stories of all sorts of corruption are uncovered. And then a body is discovered...

Detective Yianni Kouros, a friend and ex-colleague of Andreas, joins in the investigation. Meanwhile, we catch glimpses into local life on the island including incredible descriptions of food, architecture and topography. An island escape right now would be wonderful! We are also privy to several relationships including those of the investigators which adds a personal element. Are the seemingly innocent locals truly innocent?

Mystery and thriller fans should definitely explore this series. The twists and turns are great fun. The mix of ancient and modern is fascinating. They are juxtaposed yet...fit.

My sincere thank you to Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley for the privilege of reading this enthralling eARC.

[May · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have now read several of this series … out of order!! I have enjoyed each immensely!! Enough so that I have decided to go back to the beginning and pick up the earlier mysteries!!
I recommend this series to readers who love mysteries, and Greece!!

[Robert · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series of medium weight mysteries is mainly interesting to me because of the many touches of daily Greek life Siger weaves into the stories. As well as plot turns based on the ancient and rampant corruption of Greek officialdom, the characters invariably dine at multiple restaurants and coffee shops. Detailed lists of the the dinner items include awkwardly phrased English explanations of items unlikely to be known by foreigners. Another fun touch is that Siger sometimes highlights differences in regional Greek dialects. He doesn't get into them much; there is rarely much detail about the uniqueness of Katzantzakis' Cypriot vernacular, for example, but frequent an asides about regional differences in food names.
Oh, and then there is the very clunky and unlikely McGuffin this time around: a retiring international computer hacker and criminal mastermind... who appears at the beginning and end primarily to set up the premise for the next episode in the series, I suspect.

[antonios ampatzis · Rating 5 out of 5]

kaldis #11

Jeffrey Siger did it again. A consistent A+ to all his continuing series. Not only was it a fascinating crime thriller, we get a history of each Islas or setting Mr. Siger decides to use. Not only do we learn about the backstory of an island but the present controversy related to the region. His books are almost historical crime fiction. Well done and I would encourage all to read about his family of characters and the crimes presented to them and to the reader. Well done

[Max · Rating 3 out of 5]

Chief Detective Andrea Kaldis is asked to investigate the disappearance of a reporter on the romantic and historic island of Naxon in the Greek Isles. The inspector brings along his two colleagues - one older and one younger - and their wives. In their search for the reporter, dead bodies turn up, a shadowy international assassin becomes involved, and the lives and careers of the policemen are put at risk.

[Dan Downing · Rating 3 out of 5]

Akin to many old-time mystery novels, Mr. Siger's present effort certainly could rate more than Three Stars in the proper hands. For me, I have become a bit jaded; Agatha, Josephine, Rex and Earl served their purposes back before 'Moonraker' fell into my hands, and they all offered many hours of puzzlement since. Now such a story is a nice diversion but not an occasion for an all-nighter. My mea culpa, entirely.

[Karl Nepgen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Great locale descriptions, poor plot and story

Only credit for this book (and couple other in series), is description of Naxos features and places, that stirs up good memories of personal visit. The actual plot is highly unconvincing, and the story telling is boring. No more for me.

[Dave Schroeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful return for the Chief Inspector!

Jeffrey Siger's "A Deadly Twist" involves not just the police but the entire supporting cast who all contribute to resolving a multi-level, multi-generational conspiracy. It's full of humor as well and made me laugh out loud more than once while introducing me to the beauty and secrets of the island of Naxos. Highly recommended!

[Jan · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF
Things I liked-
The setting was in Greece.
The characters joked with each other and I giggled right along with them.

I didn’t finish the book because it just didn’t hold my interest. There was camaraderie among the characters but I felt no suspense. I fell asleep or wandered off to do something else every time I started to read the book.

[Louise Gray · Rating 3 out of 5]

This mystery is enhanced by the author’s descriptive skills as he really paints a picture of the scene of the crime, co to speak. The lead character is terrific and so credible. I was excited to learn this book is one of a series.

[Liz V. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Siger is in no danger of running out of sites for looks at corruption, with 227 inhabited Greek islands. In this book, the retirement plans of a dark web hacker, confided to a reporter, put the spotlight on some decidedly non-modern crimes and the corrupt politicians who ignore them.

[Pat Collage · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun as always

I love his books for many reasons but especially because of transporting me to the beautiful Greek islands.
Great read,

[Terri Giffin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good addition to the series. Not a standout but still a good read.

[Gary]

My first Andreas Kaldis novel. Not my last.