What do readers think of Seven for a Secret by Mary and Eric Mayer Reed? Write your own review.

The seventh installment in a historical mystery series, Seven For A Secret was definitely readable without having read the six previous novels. However, some additional details into the characters of this seventh book would have been nice in a "Prologue" of sorts. The plot was very twisty and hard to predict at times (like any good mystery should be). At times the storyline felt far removed and reading got very slow, but it picked up towards the end of the book. Everything was tidied up nicely at the end, but much of it seemed to be coincidental. This book would be great for fans of the previous 6 books of this series, but it dragged a little for someone who isn't familiar with the time and storyline.

Seven for a Secret was somewhat of a disappointing read. The time period of the story is full of possibilities and the authors did a good job of imagery with the daily life of Constantinople. My problem was that I could not become engaged with the characters because it felt like I was joining the story late in the game. I realize that this is the seventh in a series and I have not read any of the previous volumes. However, it would have been helpful to have a short synopsis of what has gone before. What events led John to become a eunuch and the Lord Chamberlain, what is his relationship with Cornelia, why is the city so unsafe? Most continuing series work the back-story of the returning characters into each volume, for the benefit of the new reader and to remind returning readers.

The story itself has several intriguing elements but overall it just felt like the authors were rushing to the conclusion. There were too many coincidences, little follow though on events, and an anti-climatic ending.

Overall, I would have a difficult time recommending the book to anyone except dedicated followers of the series.

The historical details proved to be the most compelling part, but I did not actually care enough about the characters or the plot to strongly recommend this book. I most likely would have started another book and let this one gather dust except for the need to write a review.

The plot of Seven for a Secret does stand alone, however, I would have understood the characters better if I had read earlier books in this series.
The streets and people of old Constantinople do come alive to the reader.
Interesting characters and an absorbing story line make this a good read for those who enjoy mystery stories.

This story is very complex and while the setting is interesting and unique - the storyline is like a very small needle in a haystack of detail. Granted, the writing is superb and the authors are very knowledgeable on this section of history, still the reading is laborious.

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.

Seven for a Secret was an interesting mystery with unusual characters, but I wanted to know more about the Lord Chamberlain. I suppose the earlier books told about why he was so terribly harmed and how he got to be Head Chamberlain, but this book cannot stand on its own without telling this story. Authors such as Stephen Saylor and Charles Todd manage but the Reeds sacrifice character depth for the story; however they did get me to buy volume 1 and that's a good thing!

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.