One for Sorrow: A John, the Lord Chamberlain Mystery

by Mary Reed, M.E. Mayer, Eric Mayer

Book Overview

Byzantium, capitol of the 6th century Roman Empire, simmers a rich stew of creeds, cultures, and citizens with a sprinkling of cutthroats and crimes. John the Eunuch, Emperor Justinian's Lord Chamberlain, orders a Christian court while himself observing the rites of Mithra. Thomas, a knight from Britain, Ahasuerus, a soothsayer, and two ladies from Crete stir up events and old memories for John, who must ask how the visitors link to the death of Leukos,...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1890208426
• ISBN13: 9781890208424
• Release Date: October 2000
• Publisher: Poisoned Pen Press
• Length: 316 Pages
• Weight: 1.80 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.6" x 8.7"

Customer Reviews

AN EXCITING NEW MYSTERY SERIES

Mary Reed and Eric Mayer's One For Sorrow kicks off one of the most entertaining, thought-provoking new mystery series I've read in a long time. It takes place in 6th Century Byzantium, is rich with period detail and character. The main character, John the Eunuch, is the Emperor's chief advisor, a job that requires intelligence, tact and guile; many a chief advisor for the Roman emperor has had his head removed from his body for not accommodating his boss.The second in the series, Two For Joy, is a treat as well. You don't have to be a fan of historical mysteries to like this book or this series. (I'm not, in particular). You just have to like well-written mysteries with terrific plots, even better characters and a depth of texture and detail that makes many, many other novels seem anemic by comparison.

Best historical mystery

Byzantium, the heart of the Roman Empire in the 6th century, contains a rich mixture of old gods, deadly rituals and Christian doctrine. Justinian rules the land as a Christian Emperor, yet The Lord Chamberlain, one of the most honored in his court, holds fast the traditions of Mithra, an ancient religion that honors the great bull god.The Lord Chamberlain, also known as John the Eunuch, is a man of loyalty, to his Caesar and to his faith. When his friend is murdered, the quest to discover his killer leads John down a trail full of twists and turns that challenge him to examine his beliefs, his past and even his deepest fears.One for Sorrow captures the horror of the mutilation of John's body as well as the maiming of his soul. When he once again faces the woman he loved long ago, and the daughter he never knew he had, John also has to face his own deeply buried desires. At the same time, he cannot forget that a murderer is walking the streets of Byzantium. Who is the killer? Who will be next? And what part does a peculiar ancient soothsayer play in the strange events that swirl around John like a troubled sea of confusion and death?The authors weave an intricate tapestry of characters and plot along with a fascinating look into the day to day life of the Byzantine Empire. There is even a mysterious knight who claims to have been dispatched from King Arthur to search for the Holy Grail of Christ, making this a mesmerizing mix of fact and fantasy that serves to make the story even more absorbing.Mary Reed and Eric Mayer originally introduced John the Eunuch through several short stories, and have now brought him out as a full-time ancient sleuth. One for Sorrow is a novel that is hard to put down. The authors are superb artists who paint a well-presented mystery with the colors of a civilization that seemed shrouded in history until viewed on their life-like canvas.I whole-heartedly recommend this novel for any mystery fan. A second novel Two for Joy is set to be released by Poisoned Pen Press in October 2000, with the paperback edition of One For Sorrow. I can hardly wait.

Impressive historical whodunnit!

Fascinating new series. Roman Empire - 6th century. The authors have generously included a map and glossary. John the Eunuch must solve the murder of his friend Leukos, Keeper of the Plate. After stumbling upon his body in an alley, John finds himself on the path to solving it. The authors tell a candid tale of whodunit when they write about the Roman Empire and a lifestyle their protagonist was forced to live in his time. The reader will meet many impressive characters and experience the authors' historical knowledge of Roman times and the different religions. I believe there are enough characters and twists to keep the reader's interest. Historical mystery readers will be thrilled to have another Roman mystery series.

Excellent historical fiction

In Byzantium, Lord Chamberlain John the Eunuch looks forward to the end of the current festivities. Since he is in charge of the events, John publicly attends as many as possible. Though his stomach and head reel from bad food, rank animal odor, and sweat, John shows up at the Hippodrome with several friends to watch a lithe woman leap onto a bull. John realizes the performer is his former lover from a time before his current condition. Distracted John forgets to talk with his colleague Leukos the Keeper of the Plate. The next day, John finds Leukos murdered by a dagger near the Inn of the Centaurs. John makes inquiries and realizes several obvious suspects exist. A King Arthur knight from England and fellow worshiper of the bull God of Mithra, Thomas admits having met with Leukos only yesterday. Leukos recently visited the popular soothsayer Ahasuetus of Antioch. Then there is Kaloethes and his wife, greedy owners of the inn where Leukos died. However, as he continues to investigate the killing, John also seeks to find his former love. ONE FOR SORROW is a historical mystery that should excite fans of the sub-genre. Mary Reed & Eric Mayer provides readers an incredible and enlightening look into the sixth century reign of Emperor Justinian. John is a great protagonist whose hard past continually surfaces in the present. The support cast augments the rich story line with even more depth so that the audience can feel even more of the era without slowing down the interesting who-done-it. Readers will clearly want more tales starring John and his cohorts who make history and mystery fun.Harriet Klausner