There are some mysteries that are so tightly woven together that it’s difficult to review them without spoilers. I always have that problem with Jeffrey Siger’s Chief Inspector Andreas Kaldis mysteries set in Greece. In each book, he takes us to a different area of the country. Each island or location has its special charm, but there are crimes buried in each community. Corruption and crime seem to be rife in Greece, and Siger seems to be able to expose new examples in each book. In One Last Chance, the twelfth in the series, he takes us to Ikaria, “The island where people forget to die.”
But, it seems that they’ve remembered lately. The residents of Ikaria have a lifespan ten years longer than elsewhere in Greece, One third of them make it into their nineties. In the past few weeks, though, an unusual number of them have died. One of them is grandmother to Maggie Sikestes, Kaldis’ administrative assistant. She leaves Athens for the funeral, thinking her grandmother, her yaya, just died at one hundred four. She survived the Spanish flu of 1918-1920 and the pandemic of 2020-2022. It must have been her time.
But, that’s not what Maggie believes once she’s talked to a local pharmacist, and a few others. But, the others don’t work for Kaldis and the Special Crimes Unit. Maybe Maggie is a little too suspicious when she discoveries the half dozen recent deaths.
While Maggie is on Ikara, Kaldis’ right-hand man, Yianni Kouros is investigating a smuggling operation that might involve DEA cops who are providing protection for the smugglers. Surprisingly, his case eventually leads him to Ikaria. That’s when Maggie and Yianni discover their suspicions might be intertwined. But, how to prove it?
Siger’s books are always complex stories deeply rooted in Greek culture and history. Although there’s often black humor, there’s little of it in this book. The subject matter, elders dying unexpectedly, and crooked police officers with protection, is too serious for the normal humor. What is exceptional is Siger’s use of his characters. Readers finally learn a little more about Maggie’s background. We’ve always known she’s a unique source of information and advice in Greece’s General Police HQ (GADA). Kaldis relies on her. For the first time, we see Maggie’s roots and meet family members. Now, we know the source of her strength, Ikaria and her family. Maggie’s Yaya, at one hundred four, is still a strong woman. It’s only in going back at the end that I realized Magdalena Zaoutis herself provided one clue to the mystery.
It’s always a pleasure to catch up with Siger’s characters, Andreas Kaldis, his wife, Lila, Yianni, Maggie. In One Last Chance, Siger gives us the chance to spend a little time with them again while focusing on the strength of several of the Greek women, Maggie and her grandmother. There’s so much more to this story, but I won’t spoil a fascinating mystery.
Jeffrey Siger’s website is https://jeffreysiger.com/
One Last Chance by Jeffrey Siger. Sourcebooks/Poisoned Pen Press, 2022. ISBN 9781728252957 (paperback), 304p.
FTC Full Disclosure – Library book
Have read all of his books – love his characters and the way he weaves everyone into the story. His last book left us with a puzzle on who was on the helicopter (or was it a small plane). He brings the Greek islands to life and skirts around the corruption in Athens.
If you have not read any of his books I personally think it would be best to read them in order. And the 10th book has two names.
Enjoy.
It was a helicopter, Jeannette & we did know who was on it, but I can’t say here on the blog.
I love these characters.
For some reason, my library is always hit and miss with his books. I’m currently reading #11 (or I was before we hit the road home), which I had to buy because the library wouldn’t. But the new one is on order so I was able to reserve it. There have been at least two books on Mykonos, one on Santorini, book 11 on Naxos. Little by little, we are getting a tour and history lesson of all the major (and some not so major ) islands. And I agree, it is the characters that make the books.
I think some of the problem for libraries has been the sale of Poisoned Pen Press to Sourcebooks, Jeff. It came at an awkward time for publication, and I know I didn’t get one of the books I was expecting. I eventually read it, but there was a lack of publicity at one point. (And, I still don’t think this series is now pushed the way it should be.) And, yes! It is the characters that make this series.
Dearest Lesa,
What can I say that I haven’t said before at how blessed I am at the insight you have on my work. But come to think of it,
I’ve yet to meet an author who doesn’t feel the same way about you. You inspire us to keep on writing. THANKS.
Jeff, That’s just what I want you all to do – keep writing! Thank you. There’s always so much I want to say, but can’t, for fear of spoilers. And, since I like to be surprised when I read, I know others do, too. You’re welcome!
Don’t think I have ever read him. My library system does not have book one. They have book two in eBook format only. Not sure about the rest of the series.
Well, you’ll have book one soon, Kevin. It’s on its way. Any others are up to you. (smile) I hope you like them!
So, the doorbell just rang and now I know why as I just now came back here. THANK YOU!!!!
I also enjoyed this thought the root crime was rather…esoteric and a real stretch of the imagination haha. But still interesting
I love Jeff’s characters, Becky, and I’ve read all the books. Yes, sometimes the root crimes are a little esoteric.
Thank you, Becky and Lesa, for your much appreciated support. I also confess to being an esoteric root crime sort of guy which comes I assume from my many years as a NYC lawyer up to my legal briefs in precisely that sort of cases.
Always, Jeff! Hugs!