A review by 3no7
A Deadly Twist by Jeffrey Siger

informative lighthearted mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

 
Andreas Kaldis, chief of GADA’s Special Crimes Unit, likes being a cop, actually loves being a cop, mostly because of the camaraderie. His family and his gardening keeps him young, that and chasing bad guys. Siger intersperses the narrative with social events so readers get to know characters as people through their everyday activities with family and friends as well as through their professional duties. 

“A Deadly Twist” finds Kaldis on Naxos to find a high profile reporter who is “missing” according to her editor. A controversial article about a mysterious Black Hat hacker put the reporter in danger, and a dead tourist and a missing reporter are not good for the island’s economy. Ancient culture plays a critical role in events on the island, and the Naxos harbor welcomes all with the massive marble Portara, the 2,500-year-old gateway. However, there is a war brewing among cultural preservationists, the tourism industry, and agricultural interests. Things proceed in a steady but casual pace with plenty of family events, social comradery and cultural references. However, as Kaldis and his team search for the reporter, they uncover something nefarious in the very roots of life on Naxos.  The action intensifies and secrets from the past have current consequences for Naxos and its way of life. People do what they have to do to protect their friends. 

“A Deadly Twist” balances a compelling police investigation with a celebration of life and culture on the island of Naxos. Kaldis strives for recognition of small victories amid an ever-losing battle with the dark side. There are as many twists as a pretzel right up to the very last line. I received a review copy of “A Deadly Twist” from Jeffrey Siger, Sourcebooks, and Poisoned Pen Press. I purchased my signed copy from Book Carnival, my local independent bookstore.  It is a wonderful look at culture and family with mystery thrown in as a bonus. There is nothing like an Aegean sunset and a good book. 


 Ancient culture clashes with modern economy