Two For Joy

This is the second novel in a series, following One For Sorrow, and it does not disappoint. Many of the same characters reappear, carrying on their lives under Justinian and Theodora, especially the Egyptian brothel-keeper known as Madam, who plays a larger part in this story, and Anatolius, Justinian's secretary, who is turning out to be John's sidekick, the Watson. Both he and John clash with Theodora - a dangerous thing to do.

A few years earlier, Justinian, a fanatical Christian (except in his private life) had ordered the Academy in Athens to be closed down and the pagan philosophers who taught there dispersed. Now one, Philo, arrives in Constantinople after spending the intervening years in Persia, and turns to John for hospitality, John having once been a student of his in Athens.

Meanwhile, outside the City, beyond the Golden Horn, a puritanical preacher called Michael with an army of pilgrim followers (the Michaelites) threatens the sinful City with fire and brimstone. No one takes him seriously until three stylites (holy men living on top of columns a feature of the City and of Orthodox Christianity at the time) die simultaneously, bursting into flames in apparently spontaneous combustion. Then at a party given by Anatolius' father, two more people are murdered.

Justinian goes into seclusion, studying theology in a vain attempt to reconcile the teachings of Michael with those of the Orthodox Church, and leaves Theodora in charge of the City and the Empire. It is to her that John must report and from her he must take his orders as he struggles to solve his most perplexing case so far.

Well written, highly entertaining, and full of unexpected twists and turns. I am looking forward to reading the third book in the series.

MBG