In the second mystery of a series set in ancient Greece, “the perfect protagonist,” a playwright turned amateur sleuth, searches for a murderer (Financial Times).
 
Popular playwright Philocles and his actors are hired to take his latest play to Corinth to promote goodwill between the two cities. But on arrival, their guide and fixer Eumelos drops dead—poisoned.
Philocles is convinced someone is out to sabotage the play. To find out who—and why—he must first uncover the murderer.
But in Corinth the ruling oligarchs seem more interested in commerce than justice. And with the city's religious brotherhoods pursuing their own vicious rivalries, asking the wrong questions could get an outsider like Philocles killed.
Praise for the writing of J. M. Alvey:
 
“Historical writing at its best. Riveting.” —Manda Scott, author of the Boudica series
 
“Superb . . . A fabulous read.” —The Irish Times
 
“If you like C J Sansom’s Tudor sleuth Matthew Shardlake, you’ll love this.” —James Wilde, author of Hereward and Pendragon
“Great sense of place, terrific characters and a cracking plot.” —Joanne Harris, New York Times–bestselling author of Chocolat
“As vivid and lively as a Greek wedding—but with rather more blood!” —Val McDermid, author of the Kate Brannigan Mysteries
“It’s about time someone did for ancient Athens what Lindsey Davis’ Falco novels do for Ancient Rome.” —Jack Grimwood, author of Moskva
 
“An enjoyable debut with a strong historical setting.” —The Times