The Doctor of Thessaly (The Mysteries of the Greek Detective)

Bloomsbury Publishing PLC 2011, Paperback, 256 pages, £7.99

A jilted bride weeps on an empty beach, a local doctor is attacked in an isolated churchyard – trouble has come at a bad time to Morfi, just as the backwater village is making headlines with a visit from a government minister. Fortunately, where there’s trouble there’s Hermes Diaktoros, the mysterious fat man whose tennis shoes are always pristine and whose methods are always unorthodox. Hermes must solve a brutal crime, thwart the petty machinations of the town’s ex-mayor and pour oil on the troubled waters of a sisters’ relationship – but how can he solve a mystery that not even the victim wants to be solved?…

About the Author

Born and raised in the north of England, Anne Zouroudi has spent much of her adult life in less dour climates. Following some years working in the Colorado Rockies and on Wall Street, she abandoned a lucrative career to lead a simpler life in the Greek islands. Her attachment to Greece remains strong, and the country is the inspiration for much of her writing. She now lives in Derbyshire’s Peak District with her son.

Discussion

1. The Doctor of Thessaly opens with a passage from Ovid, Metamorphoses, Book 2. What connection do the grotesque images in this passage have to the characters and themes in the book?

3. The author usually refers to Hermes Diaktoros as “the fat man” rather than by his name. What effect does this have on our interpretation of the detective? How does this differ from the description he gives himself – “I am Hermes Diaktoros, of Athens” (p34)? Are there any other situations where the author uses names to give us more information about her characters?

3. “I think you have mistaken my intention. I have a copy of my own – though it’s a little dog-eared now, after loans to the many people I felt might benefit from a little teaching in good manners. I didn’t mean the book for me; I meant it for you. I strongly suggest you read it; it will make a better man of you by far” Is the Greek detective being cruel, kind or comic in this passage? Where else does he use this kind of irony and sarcasm in his detection work and to what effect?

4. “Where downstairs was ageing, rustic, dour and make-do, the apartment was a remarkable contrast: modern and comfortable, furnished in the urban style of Athens” p90. Here we see a startling contrast between tradition and progress. Are there any other situations in the novel where we see a contrast between old and new? What do you think the author war trying to achieve with the juxtaposition of these images?

5. “There are storms to the north” said the fat man to himself, “but not for us. No storms for us, just yet.” p65. How important are the themes of premonition and foreboding in the novel, both for the individual characters and the plot as a whole?

6. Many of the characters in The Doctor of Thessaly are, or have been responsible for the care of an elderly or dying person. In what ways have they approached this kind of responsibility and how does this reflect on their character?

7. The setting of the book is Morfi, a fictional town in rural Greece. Does the author give a convincing description of this kind of landscape? What kind of writing techniques does she use?

8. “My interest in not in courts and trials, but in justice. The two are not often the same.” p226. Is Hermes Diaktoros justified in deciding what “justice” is? Do you agree with Hermes Diaktoros that the punishment inflicted on the doctor “so perfectly fits the crimes” (p230)?

9. Many female characters in The Doctor of Thessaly endure hardship and injustice in their lives. As the novel unfolds, Noula, Chrissa and Litsa all face difficult situations, but who do you think deals with their problems in the most effective way? What do you think the future holds for each of them?

10. The Doctor of Thessaly is part of a crime series. How does Hermes Diaktoros compare to other fictional detectives in similar sets of books? Do you feel the Grecian setting has an influence on the characterisation of Hermes Diaktoros?

Further Reading

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larson
The Poirot series by Agatha Christie
The No.1 Ladies’ Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith
The Inspector Montalbano Series by Andrea Camilleri
Case Histories by Kate Atkinson

The Taint of Midas (Mysteries of/Greek Detective 2)

Bloomsbury Publishing PLC 2011, Paperback, 288 pages, £7.99

For over half a century the beautiful, ruined Temple of Apollo has been in the care of the old beekeeper Gabrilis. But when the value of the land soars, he is persuaded through unscrupulous means to sign away his interests – and hours later he meets a violent, lonely death. When Hermes Diaktoros finds his friend’s battered body by a dusty roadside, the police quickly make him the prime suspect. But with rapacious developers threatening Arcadia’s most ancient sites, there are many who stand to gain from Gabrilis’s death. Hermes resolves to avenge his old friend and find the true culprit, but his methods are, as ever, unorthodox…

About the Author

Born and raised in the north of England, Anne Zouroudi has spent much of her adult life in less dour climates. Following some years working in the Colorado Rockies and on Wall Street, she abandoned a lucrative career to lead a simpler life in the Greek islands. Her attachment to Greece remains strong, and the country is the inspiration for much of her writing. She now lives in Derbyshire’s Peak District with her son.

Discussion

1. ‘The rich poor fool, confounded with surprise, starving in all his various plenty lies…’ The text from Ovid at the beginning of the book comes from the legend of King Midas. What does this legend signify within the novel and why has it been significant enough to warrant use in the title?

2. Zouroudi has based each of the Greek Detective novels on one of the seven deadly sins, The Taint of Midas being focussed on greed. How well do you think the author manages to convey her theme? What message is she trying to express about the seven deadly sins?

3. ‘For a moment longer than appropriate, they embraced; she held her face up to him, and he kissed her on both cheeks, close to the mouth.’ (p33) Diaktoros’ relationship with Kokkona is unclear throughout the novel, although we get a sense of attraction. How do you perceive the relationship between them? Is it romantic, or merely familiar?

4. The Greek location plays an integral part in Zouroudi’s novels. Do you think the novel could exist in any other setting?

5. ‘This isn’t your trade then?’ ‘Sadly not. I’m a barber by profession.’ (p71) Sostis accepts that what earns you money and what makes you happy are two separate things. Is this true of all the characters in the book?

6. Diaktoros is not the average detective. How is this portrayed? Do you think his individuality makes him more of an interesting character or could the novel have benefitted from having someone like Gazis as a central figure?

7. Although the novel is in English, there are sporadic Greek references. Do you think these enhance the narrative or detract from it? Why do you think they have been inserted?

8. Throughout the novel, Aris Paliakis is obsessed with money. Why do you think, when given the chance, Aris finds it difficult to give up pursuing wealth?

9. Diaktoros has a philosophical debate with Mrs Paliakis and Father Babis halfway through the novel. How important do you think the issue of religion is within the book? Does it affect the central characters drastically?

10. Did the ending of the novel surprise you? Did you have another possible theory as to who the murderer of Gabrilis was?

Further Reading

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larson
The Poirot series by Agatha Christie
The No.1 Ladies’ Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith
The Inspector Montalbano Series by Andrea Camilleri
Case Histories by Kate Atkinson

Dark has got away with it, evading the attentions of both his fellow British spies and the KGB operatives to whom he long ago pledged loyalty. But that precarious security is about to be shattered, launching Dark back into the heart of an international conspiracy and making him a target for both exposure and assassination.

Desperate to escape his predicament, Dark gambles everything on one last throw of the dice, exposing his Soviet handler to the British. But before long, he finds he has no choice but to go on the run again, taking him to the labyrinthine backstreets of Rome. The race is on to stop a deadly plot that dates back to the early years of the Cold War.

• Download Paul Dark’s Dossier

Synopsis

Elderly Olivia Morrow knows she doesn’t have much time left, and faces a momentous choice. Should she reveal a family secret—that her cousin, Sister Catherine, a nun about to be beatified by the Catholic Church, had once been violated and had given up her baby for adoption—or should she take the secret to her grave? Catherine’s attacker, a world-renowned doctor and scientist, made a vast fortune for his medical inventions. Catherine’s granddaughter, Dr. Monica Farrell, is his rightful heir, but Olivia would have to betray Catherine’s wishes to reveal Monica’s parentage. There are, however, people aware of Olivia’s impending choice—those now squandering the money. To silence Olivia and prevent Monica from learning the secret, one of them will stop at nothing—even murder.

Discussion Questions

1. Olivia Morrow has strong memories of Catherine, her cousin, even as a young girl. Why was she so drawn to Catherine? What about her did Olivia admire?

2. Why was Dr. Clay Hadley involved in the attempted murder of Olivia? Why is keeping her secret so important to him especially? Did his remorse for the crime in any way change your opinion of him?

3. Dr. Monica Farrell is good with children, and is especially drawn to neglected Sally. How does their connection foreshadow much of the story?

4. Do you agree with Olivia’s decision to attempt to share with Monica the details of her birth parents? Why or why not?

5. When she was seventeen, Catherine said she felt called to God rather than to Alex Gannon (34). Is it possible to understand one’s future at that age? Did Catherine really know what she was doing? Did it end up being the right decision?

6. What did Olivia expect to gain by visiting Catherine’s grave? She kept asking questions aloud; who did she expect to answer them? What was she trying to figure out?

7. Monica has trouble believing that a miracle could cure Carlos Garcia’s cancer. Why is accepting a miracle so difficult for her?

8. Greg Gannon says he’ll no longer help “the butcher, the baker or the candlestick maker” and will take on only large clients, unlike his father (46). How does this attitude lead him into his current trouble with the government?

9. The novel is titled The Shadow of Your Smile. What does this mean in the context of the story? Whose smile does it refer to?

10. The socialites—the Gannon family, Renée Carter—though rich, are mired in trouble. The assistants and working-class people in the novel are viewed more sympathetically as levelheaded and honest. Discuss this class distinction.

11. Scott Alterman’s goals were to either marry Monica or, if not, to represent her in court and get a piece of the Gannon family fortune (72). What does his attitude say about his character? Does he seem like a trustworthy person? Does your opinion change after his death?

12. Peter Gannon, the failed producer, claims he blacked out and didn’t have a recollection of the night Renée was killed. When you first heard this, did you believe him? When did you realize he didn’t commit the crime?

13. The police say Pamela Gannon claimed she gave the instruction to kill Olivia and Monica. What was her motive? Why was it so easy for the men around her to follow her instructions, even if they included murder?

14. Monica and her grandmother, Catherine, appear to have many things in common, as shown in the lives they lived. What are some areas in which they are similar? How are they different?

15. If the story were to continue, do you think Catherine would reach sainthood? Why or why not?

Enhance Your Book Group

1. There are many who have been sainted throughout history. Research the process and steps to become a saint. Find out information about sainthood and how it started with the group. Talk about a saint you are drawn to, and why. What area of life does he or she represent?

2. Olivia takes a drive to her childhood home shortly before her death, and reminisces about the past. Share pictures with the group of your childhood landmarks and share some memories.

3. Peter Gannon was a failed Broadway producer. Do you have any favorite Broadway shows, or favorite flops? Share them with the group or get together to see a show or watch them on DVD.

4. Mary Higgins Clark novels are always full of suspense. Discuss how this story ranks with your all-time favorites.

A Conversation with Mary Higgins Clark

1. In the introduction, you talk about attending a beatification ceremony. Do you consider yourself a religious person?

Yes, I do. I have always been a devout Catholic and continue to be one.

2. Why did you choose to write about the topic of miracles? Do you believe that miracles still happen today?

I chose to write it because I attended a beatification ceremony for Sister Angeline Teresa McCrory, who is credited with the healing of an unborn child. All sonograms showed the baby was hopelessly deformed. A crusade of prayers was made to Sister Angeline—the baby was born perfectly normal.

3. Monica, as a woman of science, said she didn’t believe in miracles. That’s a common belief in today’s society. Why do you think that is?

I think that in many ways we have become a secular and cynical society.

4. What message, if any, were you trying to send with this novel?

I don’t think I send messages. The beatification ceremony gave me the idea for this book. I think the themes in it are to a great extent good versus evil, and that good will triumph.

5. In the writing of a story, do you begin to feel a bond with any of your characters? Do you pull for certain ones, such as Monica, while disliking others, perhaps Greg Gannon? Or are the unlikable ones more interesting for their darkness?

When writing a book, I bond with all my characters. I try to become them—think as they think. A person like Greg Gannon is someone who, from the beginning, had a compulsive rush to power and, in the end, lost everything. The unlikable characters—the truly evil ones—are always interesting.

6. Many of your novels take place in New York City. What about the city draws you to it?

I was born and raised in New York City. It is the premier city of the world. I think most readers have a certain fascination for New York and would like to visit it. I help them to visit it in my books.

7. Both Monica and Catherine are healers, interested in helping others. Do you see some of these character traits in yourself?

I hope so—I think I do.

8. How do you write such intricately woven stories? Is it ever difficult to keep the strands together and make them connect in the end?

When I write, I draw a wide landscape. I sometimes wonder if I will be able to keep the strands together, but at a certain point in the book, a particular character decides what he or she will do next. Sometimes when I begin a chapter I have no idea where that character will take me. Fortunately, the strands do come together in the end.

9. Where do the ideas for your stories come from? Do you start with an ending in mind or does it grow out of the story?

The ideas for my stories almost inevitably come from a newspaper article I have read or, as in this book, a ceremony or meeting I attended. It is not so much that I start with an ending in mind as that I know who committed the crime and that knowledge makes it certain that the ending is coming in one direction to one person.

10. You have written dozens of bestsellers and have millions of copies sold. What keeps you writing?

I write because I love to write. Writing is necessary for me. I will always write, although if I ever feel that a book is not up to par, I will not publish it. I have instructed my family that when I die, they should put a spiral notebook and a pen in the coffin. I also told them to throw in a glass of wine.

11. What can you tell us about your next novel?

I haven’t the faintest idea yet, but I feel I am going to know soon.

Set against the backdrop of the paranoid and brutal country that Russia became under the rule of Stalin, Eye of the Red Tsar introduces a compelling new figure to readers of crime fiction.

Sam Eastland’s new website for the Inspector Pekkala series includes a preview of the next book, reading group topics for Eye of the Red Tsar, and fascinating information about what really happened to the Romanovs.

www.inspectorpekkala.com