Santorini Caesars: A Chief Inspector Andreas Kaldis Mystery

Near the start of Siger’s talky eighth mystery featuring Chief Insp. Andreas Kaldis (after 2015’s Devil of Delphi), college student Penelope Sigounas, a brigadier-general’s daughter, is shot and killed at an antigovernment demonstration in Athens. The perpetrators wore black fatigues and balaclavas in the style of police or military personnel, yet the manner of her shooting suggests an execution-style killing. The case takes the wisecracking Kaldis and his colleagues to the island of Santorini, where an important meeting of career military officers known as Caesars will be held. Kaldis and company conduct surveillance in a tavern, where one of the dinner guests may have a connection to the deceased. Siger uses this event and a second dinner as an opportunity for his characters to discuss Greek democracy and to criticize the government. Meanwhile, the possible assassination of the Greek prime minister raises the stakes. The picturesque Greek islands provide some welcome atmosphere. (Sept.)