Read advance reader review of Seven for a Secret by Mary and Eric Mayer Reed, page 3 of 3

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Seven for a Secret

A John the Eunuch Mystery

by Mary and Eric Mayer Reed

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Page 3 of 3

There are currently 17 member reviews
for Seven for a Secret

Froma (Boulder CO)

Seven for a Secret
The seventh in a series, this book will probably be of greatest interest to individuals who have enjoyed the previous six and to those who love historical mysteries. Set in sixth century Constantinople during the reign of Justinian and Theodora, the book left me wanting to know more about the era but with no comparable desire to explore the series.

Jeanne (Colorado Springs CO)

Great sense of place. but moves slowly.
The book was well written and the mystery was complex with a few interesting twists and turns, but the slow pace made it tough to keep my attention focused. Interesting characters and plenty of detail about sights, sounds and smells of the era evoke a great sense of place. Wondering what an excubitor is? These thoughtful authors provide a helpful and educational glossary in the back - An excubitor is a palace guard.

Penny (Saginaw MI)

It's No Secret
I did not enjoy this book. In the first 100 pages I thought I would find a copy of book one and start at the beginning. But after the last 100 pages I decided against it. (296 total). The authors seem intent on drowning the reader in archaic terminology, long words, too many characters and a glossary. It's an interesting time in history and it could be a great story. The subjects are vibrant, yet the superfluous use of words kill the desire to get to the end, let alone read any of the other six books. There is one offhand sentence that explains why John, Lord Chamberlain is a eunuch and another sentence that explains the title of the book. Yet everything else is described in detail. The writing at times is uneven. Having just visited Istanbul the descriptions of the old city are well done. The book itself is over-written.

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