Responding to what appears to be a routine homicide call in a neighborhood rife with drugs and prostitution, Andreas Kaldis, chief inspector of Athens, Greece's special crimes division, realizes that he has a major case on his hands when the victim is identified as the son of a prominent business tycoon. The body of young Sotiris Kostopoulos is discovered in a dumpster behind a seedy bar with an even seedier reputation. He was last seen alive in the company of a mysterious woman in one of the local establishments. Sotiris’s father, Zanni Kostopoulos, was known to be in a current power struggle with publisher Sarantis Linardos over control of a major news service. Their fight had recently taken on an ugly face.

Andreas and his partner, Yanni Kouros, begin investigating the area’s bars in search of the woman or any other clues that they can uncover. They get their first lead when they encounter Demostenes Mavrakis, known locally as Demon. He doesn’t offer any real help but Andreas identifies him as a character worthy of keeping an eye on.

Then Andreas is summoned to a secret meeting with a powerful television host, who tells the detective that the death of the young man has all the earmarks of an ancient Greek practice of banishment through intimidation and murder. The notion is reinforced when it is reported that Zanni Kostopoulos and his family have left the country without even waiting around for their son’s funeral. The television host supplies Andreas with the name of a high society widow who just might know all of the players.

Lila Vardi turns out to be a very young widow, who is well connected throughout Greece’s network of movers and shakers. Andreas views her as a valuable resource but she eventually becomes much more.

A tip reveals that Zanni has quietly returned to Greece and Andreas intends to find out what he’s up to. In the process, Andreas encounters an old police associate named Tassos. There is no love lost between these two but now they find themselves on the same side working against an unknown but seemingly powerful enemy.

When an attempt is made on the lives of Zanni’s wife and small children, the investigation finds a new sense of urgency.

Author Jeffrey Siger does an excellent job of helping the reader get past the challenging Greek names and focus on the story. He seems to have an outstanding sense of place in describing the Greek neighborhoods where ancient architecture blends with modern culture.

I really liked all of his characters and the story is one that will hold your interest and keep you turning the pages. I’ve read a lot of books that have surprise endings but never one quite like this.

It’s a great read.