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 ( )

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! ( )