Status
Available
Call number
Series
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Collection
Publication
Avon (2005), Edition: Reprint, 288 pages
Description
For vibrant, lovely Jean Suttman, the fellowship to study in Rome was the culmination of her dreams, until she undertook an innocent expedition to the ancient Temple of Mithra. From the moment she stepped into the pagan darkness and discovered the corpse of Albert, one of her fellow students, she was afraid. Not even the comforting presence of the perceptive and practical Jacqueline Kirby could erase the fear that was nourished by one small accident after another, "accidents" that came dreadfully close to killing her. Someone was stalking Jean, someone ruthless and determined. Before long she could see no chance of rescue from the ever-present terror, no hope of escape, nothing but death.
User reviews
LibraryThing member tjsjohanna
What I found most interesting about this novel was trying to figure out just who Jacqueline Kirby was. The mystery was fun with the requisite psychological elements, and it left me wondering what would happen after the novel ended - always a good sign for me. For a quick, entertaining read this was
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a winner. Show Less
LibraryThing member jjmcgaffey
Fun! It's in many ways a classic whodunit - including the sleuth who knows more than she says and a surprise reveal at the end. But the depth of the characters - Jean and Jacqueline, and to a lesser extent the others of the Seven Sinners - is highly rewarding. I know we see Jacqueline again, I
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don't know if this was intended as the first of a series or as a standalone when it was written. She's portrayed here as a very complex persona(s), and I find her very interesting. She's also not the (very annoying, to me) know-it-all - she's uncertain and worried about knock-on effects of what she learns. The story drew me in and made me want to keep reading when I had to do other things. Ok, I'm hooked on Elizabeth Peters again, go find more (this series and others). Show Less
LibraryThing member annbury
Girl (art historian) goes to Rome, girl lured into frightful danger, will girl escape? You probably know the answer, and this is, for Elizabeth Peters, a rather pedestrian read. Still, it is by Elizabeth Peters, and therefore spruced up with odd and interesting bits of art historical knowledge, and
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a pleasantly bantering tone. Show Less
LibraryThing member bridgetmarkwood
Enjoyed the writing! It was a quick read, but not dumbed down. Loved the wit too! There were so many playful wordings and characters, it made for a fun read. The story was nicely developed and unfolded well, with plenty of little twists. I will certainly be reading more Elizabeth Peters!
LibraryThing member BonnieJune54
I like Elizabeth Peters but didn't care much for this one. I think my problem was that the main character of Jean didn't have enough background or personality to relate to her. I liked the 1972 references. I remember when things were cruddy.
LibraryThing member Condorena
Jaqueline Kirby is introduced in this novel and she is somewhat of a cipher. She is kept in the background and all the other characters are better drawn.
This is one the first of Peters published books in the mystery genre and it was a little un even.
But I do like the location ,the history and the
This is one the first of Peters published books in the mystery genre and it was a little un even.
But I do like the location ,the history and the
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interesting trips into catacombs, old churches as a search for a murderer spreads out . A very unlikeable character is murdered leaving a written clue of seven in the dust beside his body. We get to learn about seven saints, seven churches, seven hills of Rome and more. The liberal use of google images really added to the enjoyment of the book. Show Less
LibraryThing member ecw0647
For some bizarre reason, I have ignored the many books of Elizabeth Peters despite consistently favorable reader reviews. Stupid move, because I really enjoyed this one, written several years ago and reissued. I listened to it on my Audible player while traveling, and it was a very enjoyable 6
The story is set in Rome and, while perhaps a little dated -- it was written in 1972 -- is very enjoyable nevertheless. It unfolds through the eyes of Jean Stuttman, one of seven -- a number that ostensibly has great significance to the murder - - art/archaeology students studying at Rome's famous Institute of Art and Archaeology. (Peters, trained as a classical archaeologist, has filled the book with all sorts of interesting details about Rome and its history and archaeology -- she also writes under the name Barbara Michaels.) While on a tour of some ancient rooms found underneath Rome, one of their members, Albert is brutally murdered. Jean discovers him barely alive and watches him scratch "VII" in the dirt (at the time Jean reports it only as the number seven. Its Roman numeral character becomes significant only later.) It's hard to write about this book, because Peters left so many clues pointing in all sorts of directions; it' not easy to avoid giving away the ending. Jacqueline becomes attached to the students by chance, and when she realizes that "accidents" that happen to Jean may be attempts to murder her, she surreptitiously begins to work with a police lieutenant to uncover the clever kille
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hours. Apparently, Peters has become known for her Amelia Peabody series, Amelia being known for an acerbic wit and getting herself into and out of difficulties. Jacqueline Kirby must be a forerunner of Peabody even though she is not the central figure, she resolves the mystery using all the skills of that most formidable professions, the librarian. She's also amusingly condescendingly toward the academic seven who are all more than a little naive. In fact, it's her familiarity with the academic community and its peccadilloes. Dr. Scoville, father of Andy, one of the students could have been the prototype for another famous fictional archaeologist from Indiana. He could be the prototype for that later developed and more famous fictional archeologist. He is brilliant, handsome, sexy, and world famous for his daring exploits in pursuit of archeological treasures. Sound familiar, movie fans? The story is set in Rome and, while perhaps a little dated -- it was written in 1972 -- is very enjoyable nevertheless. It unfolds through the eyes of Jean Stuttman, one of seven -- a number that ostensibly has great significance to the murder - - art/archaeology students studying at Rome's famous Institute of Art and Archaeology. (Peters, trained as a classical archaeologist, has filled the book with all sorts of interesting details about Rome and its history and archaeology -- she also writes under the name Barbara Michaels.) While on a tour of some ancient rooms found underneath Rome, one of their members, Albert is brutally murdered. Jean discovers him barely alive and watches him scratch "VII" in the dirt (at the time Jean reports it only as the number seven. Its Roman numeral character becomes significant only later.) It's hard to write about this book, because Peters left so many clues pointing in all sorts of directions; it' not easy to avoid giving away the ending. Jacqueline becomes attached to the students by chance, and when she realizes that "accidents" that happen to Jean may be attempts to murder her, she surreptitiously begins to work with a police lieutenant to uncover the clever kille
Show Less
LibraryThing member Jean_Sexton
This book introduces Jacqueline Kirby, a librarian, who happens to have an inquiring mind. However, Jean Suttman, one of the "seven sinners" who are students studying in Rome, is closer to what I think of as the main character. I enjoyed the interplay among the students and between Jean and
The author's knowledge of archaeology shines in this book. As a retired librarian, I always enjoy fiction with a competent librarian as an active part of the story. Combined with a good mystery, I suspected this would be good and I was not disappointed.
I liked this book, but parts of it felt awkward. The conversion to Kindle had the typographical issue of some words run together. I will continue reading this four-book series.
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Jacqueline.The author's knowledge of archaeology shines in this book. As a retired librarian, I always enjoy fiction with a competent librarian as an active part of the story. Combined with a good mystery, I suspected this would be good and I was not disappointed.
I liked this book, but parts of it felt awkward. The conversion to Kindle had the typographical issue of some words run together. I will continue reading this four-book series.
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LibraryThing member kmartin802
This story introduces librarian Jacqueline Kirby when she is literally run into by Jean Suttman in the Institute Library in Rome one lovely May day. Jean is on fellowship to study there with a specialty in mosaics. Jacqueline is spending time in Europe after sending her children off to college.
As
The group and Jacqueline gather for a tour of some catacombs and Albert tags along. When Jean stumbles on Albert who has had his throat cut and is near death, the story becomes a mystery. Only Jean knows that he tried to write the number 7 as he lay dying. Jacqueline is not convinced, as the Roman police seem to be, the Albert committed suicide. After all he had burst in on a part the evening before accusing someone of theft.
When Jean begins to suffer from "accidents" including a fall down some dark stairs, being shoved into traffic, and almost drowning in the pool at Jacqueline's place, both Jacqueline and Jean begin to try to find out who murdered Albert and who thinks Jean knows something that will uncover the villain.
I loved the setting of Rome and the various personalities of the young scholars who make up the Seven Sinners. There was a lot of fun information about archaeological and historical Rome. I really liked Jacqueline who is bright, observant, and intriguing.
The mystery was nicely complex and Grace Conlin did a great job both with the voices and with the increasing tension in the story. This book was originally published in 1972 and sometimes that shows mostly in the fashions and in the fact the Jacqueline smokes. It was a fun story.
As
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an apology, Jean offers to take Jacqueline out for a drink and introduces her to some friends. The friends are an eclectic group of students whose specialties range from art history to archaeology. They have named themselves the Seven Sinners. But there is an eighth hanger-on. Albert Gebara is a childhood acquaintance of one the group members but his repellent looks and personality make him a person the group tries to avoid.The group and Jacqueline gather for a tour of some catacombs and Albert tags along. When Jean stumbles on Albert who has had his throat cut and is near death, the story becomes a mystery. Only Jean knows that he tried to write the number 7 as he lay dying. Jacqueline is not convinced, as the Roman police seem to be, the Albert committed suicide. After all he had burst in on a part the evening before accusing someone of theft.
When Jean begins to suffer from "accidents" including a fall down some dark stairs, being shoved into traffic, and almost drowning in the pool at Jacqueline's place, both Jacqueline and Jean begin to try to find out who murdered Albert and who thinks Jean knows something that will uncover the villain.
I loved the setting of Rome and the various personalities of the young scholars who make up the Seven Sinners. There was a lot of fun information about archaeological and historical Rome. I really liked Jacqueline who is bright, observant, and intriguing.
The mystery was nicely complex and Grace Conlin did a great job both with the voices and with the increasing tension in the story. This book was originally published in 1972 and sometimes that shows mostly in the fashions and in the fact the Jacqueline smokes. It was a fun story.
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LibraryThing member kevn57
I liked this first Jacqueline Kirby novel better then the first Amelia Peabody book, the plot was better and also thought the main character was more interesting and mysterious. This series is nowhere near as popular however with only four novels against 19 volumes for Peabody.
But rather comparing
But rather comparing
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it to other of Peter's series it most reminded me of Dan Brown's Robert Langdon series but with a more realistic plot and better writing. Show Less
LibraryThing member mutantpudding
I really liked this one and only wished it were a series with the same characters. The group dynamic within the "sinners" was really interesting and I wanted to know more about them. I also adore the character of Jackaline, the sexy librarian, and plan on reading the other books that feature her. :)
LibraryThing member murderbydeath
Well, they can't all be winners.
I'm a fan of the Vicki Bliss series and I've enjoyed several of Ms. Peters stand-alones. I've read a few Jacqueline Kirby stories and enjoyed them, but this one... meh.
The opening chapter and dialogue grabbed me right away and I thought "Oh goody, another fun read"
The mystery though, was fiendishly clever. I'd have to read it again to be sure, but I think all the clues were there to figure out what was going on, if not exactly who the murderer was (that required information the police had, which wasn't revealed to the reader). I quite liked the denouement - that scene definitely had my attention.
The book ended rather abruptly, I thought, but I suppose that the ending was consistent with the abruptness of the rest of the narrative/dialogue.
I'm not at all sorry I read it; I'll even keep it on the bookshelf and perhaps re-read it one of these days, but it's definitely not Ms. Peters best work by a long shot. Still, her mediocre output is still better than a lot of some authors' best work, and I'll continue to search out her books.
I'm a fan of the Vicki Bliss series and I've enjoyed several of Ms. Peters stand-alones. I've read a few Jacqueline Kirby stories and enjoyed them, but this one... meh.
The opening chapter and dialogue grabbed me right away and I thought "Oh goody, another fun read"
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but it quickly fizzled out for me. I found myself struggling to understand a lot of the dialogue; it felt vague and choppy - almost like the author was speaking a shorthand she assumed all her readers would be clued into. Jacqueline Kirby is a main character, but the story is told from the 3rd person POV of Jean, an art history fellow, so the reader is never privy to Kirby's thoughts unless she chooses to share them with Jean. The middle portion of the book moved a bit slowly and my attention flagged.The mystery though, was fiendishly clever. I'd have to read it again to be sure, but I think all the clues were there to figure out what was going on, if not exactly who the murderer was (that required information the police had, which wasn't revealed to the reader). I quite liked the denouement - that scene definitely had my attention.
The book ended rather abruptly, I thought, but I suppose that the ending was consistent with the abruptness of the rest of the narrative/dialogue.
I'm not at all sorry I read it; I'll even keep it on the bookshelf and perhaps re-read it one of these days, but it's definitely not Ms. Peters best work by a long shot. Still, her mediocre output is still better than a lot of some authors' best work, and I'll continue to search out her books.
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LibraryThing member Bookmarque
OMG was this boring. A bunch of esoteric weirdos in Rome, purportedly friends, none act very friendly. A few attacks, a death and remarkably little emotion, menace, suspense or intrigue. I zoned out a lot during the narration and didn't really care. Nor did I about who did it, why or what happened
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to them afterward. The characters all ran together, the narrator put on voices at the end that she hadn't during the rest of the book and there is a whole lot of intellectual drivel to get through. I've read the last in this series and liked it a lot more. Can't say that I'll listen to the others even though they are free with my audible subscription. Show Less
LibraryThing member Cathery
Peters never disappoints me. Absorbing, good atmosphere.
Original language
English
Original publication date
1972
Physical description
288 p.; 4.19 inches
ISBN
0060597208 / 9780060597207