The Doctor of Thessaly: A Seven Deadly Sins Mystery (Seven Deadly Sins Mysteries)
In Zouroudi’s third Hermes Diaktoros novel (following The Taint of Midas, 2011), the Athenian investigator’s employers and origins remain undeclared, but Diaktoros still commands authority, somehow beyond the state. Waylaid by car trouble in the coastal village of Morfi, Diaktoros is present when the village’s doctor is rushed into town, rescued from a vicious, blinding attack with chemicals. Although the blinding will surely end his career and may threaten his relationship with a local spinster, the doctor declines to alert authorities, and the village quickly loses interest. Diaktoros’ interest is piqued, however, and he employs time-honored techniques—inquisition and observation—to dig for amotive beneath village rumors. As always, these methods provide the most honest glimpses of human nature, and his guided tour through the villagers’ envy, lost loves, and hard-edged justice is as enlightening as it is entertaining. Zouroudi’s straightforward style wisely allows room for the characters’ relationships to provide the story’s complexity. Recommended for those who would enjoy Alexander McCall Smith darkened a shade or two. --Christine Tran