Lysanias, just reaching eighteen and manhood, is recalled back to Athens after a hard defence of his home colony, at the request of his wealthy uncle Klereides. Couched in delicate terms, the boy’s elderly slave and mentor Sindron reads a mysterious plea for help. However, Lysanias has arrived in the capital at the same time as General Kimon, victorious against the threatening Persian Empire. Immediately, the youth is introduced to the politics, corruption and finance as Athens is gripped in a cold war between the Rich and the Masses. To top it all, Lysanias finds his uncle died on the night before is arrival and is faced with burial rites, family feuds and a marriage to his uncles young widow!
It isn’t long before idealistic Lysanias is forced to the conclusion that his uncle was murdered. He inherits a prosperous business in shipbuilding with rival firms and a serious influence in politics with desperate supporters on both sides. As he and Sindron tread quietly into the jungle of Athenian politics, his eyes are opened and his naivety is lost as he must come to terms with the corruption, greed and ambition which wasn’t part of the idealistic schooling he had in the colony. He’s a country mouse suddenly among the urban cats! Driven by his own feelings for justice for his uncles death, torn by his divided political loyalties, Lysanias will face even personal, lethal danger, before he can discover his uncle’s killer and unleash Nemesis!
First novel by Roger Hudson, this is a good start. It allows we, the reader, to learn - a little - about the politics of Greece in 461 BC, so different from the dusty pages of idealised stories of heroes, Gods and legends. Don’t get me wrong - it isn’t only about political intrigue (however interesting it is made) but is also a corking good detective story. The motives abound and the suspects practically form a disorderly queue. There is also plenty of humour, understated but present, and the whole is highly enjoyable to read! I look forward to more episodes.
Death Comes By Amphora by Roger Hudson.
Published by Twenty First Century, 2007.
ISBN: 978-1-904433-68-2
Verdict: A great and highly entertaining investigation, following a winding trail through intrigue, lies, high finance, religion and politics.
