Book Review: Two for Joy

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Two for Joy     Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
Mary Reed , Eric Mayer
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Historical
Series: Lord Chamberlain John the Eunuch # 2
Poisoned Pen, Dec 2000, $23.95, 335 pp.

Everyone living in sixth century Constantinople is shocked when three stylites sitting on their perches suddenly go up in flame. Caesar Justinian assigns Lord Chamberlain John to investigate. John finds little evidence that explains what happened. However, he eliminates spontaneous combustion from within the bodies of the dead men as an option as the corpses’ insides were not roasted.

The Emperor sends John to meet with a heretic, Michael, at the healing Shrine of Michael. John is shocked when Michael demands more than just an audience with Justinian I. Michael wants to be named the Patriarch and the Emperor's co-ruler. John wonders if Michael is linked to the deaths of the three stylites since the latter boasts of a cleaning fire. John continues his inquiries as Michael’s fame and following grow geometrically and are becoming a threat to Caesar.

TWO FOR JOY is a powerful and insightful look at the Roman Empire through a mystery that brings to life the capital, its ruler, and its people. The story line is fast-paced and loaded with a feel for the era. John is everyone’s favorite eunuch as his star shines in this novel like it did in his delightful debut (see ONE FOR SORROW).

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner