My Not So Secret Love Affair

Jeff––Saturday

Today is a very special day for me and all who have patiently searched for copies of my Greece-based Chief Inspector Andreas Kaldis series backlist. It’s been a literal odyssey clawing back the rights to my entire backlist, but as of today, all 14 adventures are now officially available in the US and UK in both e-book and freshly designed paperback formats from Severn House. Here is a link to where you can buy them. https://jeffreysiger.com/books/

In celebration of their re-issue, Janet Rudolph–– the driving force behind Mystery Fanfare, Mystery Readers International (the largest mystery fan/reader organization in the world) and the Macavity Awards––generously offered me the opportunity of sharing with her mystery fans/readers the essence of what’s driven me to set my series amid the beauty, history, and wiles of Greece. https://mysteryreadersinc.blogspot.com/2025/11/my-not-so-secret-love-affair-guest-post.html

Simply put, it isn’t fame, it isn’t fortune. It is an irrepressible desire on my part to express through my novels why I, a non-Greek by birth, am so intensely drawn to share with the world the majesty of Greece as if it were my homeland, and the spirit of the Greek people as if they are my family.

 Anyone who knows me understands that my heart and soul are Greek—even though my tongue can’t quite make the language transition…so much so that as I’ve often said, and many can attest, whenever I try to speak Greek, my friends rush into English to save their mother tongue. Thankfully, my inability to voice the words, has not held me back from chronicling the wonders and beauty of Greece and the ways and resilience of its people.

Without all I’ve learned from Greeks and fellow grecophiles I never would have discovered the true character of my protagonist, Chief Inspector Andreas Kaldis, nor that of his vibrant supporting cast of good guys, bad guys, rich folk and poor, high society and not.

I owe sincere thanks to many for their candid contributions to the success of my series. They and their tales of customs, secrets, and intrigues inspired me in one way or another to reach this point in my career.

By now I think it’s obvious how much I appreciate the support Greeks have shown my novels, and the reciprocal obligation I feel to fairly present Greece and its resilient, creative, hardworking people to the world. Indeed, despite the many accolades my work has received, the greatest honor I ever received was when The New York Times Book Review selected me as Greece’s thriller-writer of record.

I say that because my overall goal as a writer has always been the same.  To explore issues confronting modern day Greece in a way that touches upon its ancient roots. And to do so honestly and with love for the land and its people.

The fourteen books I’ve written in my Kaldis series are not a record, but in retrospect they certainly validate the depth of desire that lingered within me for at least half a century. It was with me when as a child I found myself making up stories every night as I fell off to sleep.

And it was there with me in high school when as a freshman I thought I could make it as a writer … 

 

until I realized how unlikely I was to earn a living as a writer––leading me to become a lawyer.

That decision to practice law played a huge, unexpected role in my emergence as a creative writer. And by that I don’t mean that my many years as a lawyer taught me to be creative with the facts.  Rather, those years and experiences developed my style, my voice, taught me how to write clearly, concisely and convincingly – and to do so quickly.

The practice of law also taught me how to graciously accept and channel criticism, a vital skill for one to develop if as a writer you wish to survive critical analyses of your work by your editors, critics and reviewers.

Having said all that, I never imagined I’d find something that’s brought as much fun and joy to my life as does the time I spend with the Chief Inspector and his crew seeking to further entertain all the wonderful friends my wife Barbara and I have made through the writing life.

I’ve come to accept that whatever honors have come my way do so in large measure because of one person…my protagonist Andreas Kaldis.  He and I have been through fourteen adventures together, all the while battling with each other over who gets to write them. It’s Andreas who insists on writing about life on the edge of societal change, then drags me into exploring family dynamics, ancient practices, political intrigues, the military, Orthodoxy, refugees, corruption, wild nightlife, vendettas, the business of bomba, preservationists versus developers, the impact of Artificial Intelligence, and on and on.

The one thing we agree upon is no matter what the story line, the setting for each novel is always presented in keeping with the series’ longstanding international reputation for sharing Greece’s breathtaking beauty and unique lifestyles with the reader.

So, here I am, more than 20 years into my writing gig, celebrating the series that’s brought plaudits for my work from so many I deeply respect in the mystery writing world.  All of that truly has me feeling blessed that the dream of the young boy I once was to someday become a writer came true.

But where to now, one might ask.  Allow me to assure you that this is not a retirement speech…though with the latest title being NOT DEAD YET, it’s understandable how one might get that impression. 

Not only am I working on Kaldis #15, but I have a new book in an entirely different series coming out on February 3, 2026 ––A Study in Secrets, the debut novel in my The Redacted Man series. 

Plus, the folks with an option on TV/film rights to my Kaldis series say they’re close to making it all come together.

And did I mention that my entire Kaldis backlist, fitted with brand new B-2 format covers has just been re-released by my publisher Severn House and is available here:  https://jeffreysiger.com/books/ ?

Of course I did. 

But, in other words, I’m still happily strolling along the road that’s led me from the Pittsburgh of my roots to a Manhattan legal career, and onto an ever-evolving love affair with Greece.

Yiasas, y’all.

––Jeff

Thomas Playfere

 I have today a guest blogger. (He's the guy who lives in this house).

The family tree that his brother is digging up has thrown up something rather interesting. As you may remember, a few years ago the DNA search showed that he's probably a descendant of the Royal Stewart ( the family name is Stewart, and we have such a small population that if you go back far enough, we are all related a Royal Stewart somewhere!)

And, as science gets better at what DNA reveals - His DNA says he'll have brown eyes, male pattern baldness, will have a good sense of rhythm (he was a professional drummer for many years) but will  have no ability to sing. All true.

But what else is the DNA unveiling?

Please read on....  

Thomas Playfere: The Eloquent Divine of Cambridge

 

My young brother recently had his DNA taken and analysed by an ancestry tracking service.

What transpired from the results was that, on my mother’s side, the family originates from Kent in England (oh the shame). Further, what also came to light was that one Thomas Playfere is antecedent to the family.

Who is he? Well, not only a Professor of Theology at Cambridge University but also served as a pastor to King James and is believed to have had his work copied by no less than Mr William Shakespeare, which is more than some Scottish crime writers can say.

I believe this makes me the heir to the family intellectually, spiritually and I am literary royalty. Some others in the house disagree.

King James ( 1st and 6th) was the first king James of England and the 6th king James of Scotland. We joined in a treaty of union... but anyway,...

Thomas Playfere (c. 1561–1609) was a distinguished English theologian, preacher, and academic whose career at Cambridge University and service to the crown marked him as one of the most eloquent divines of the late Elizabethan and early Jacobean eras. Known for his Latin oratory and theological rigor, Playfere’s legacy lies in his sermons, his professorship, and his complex personal story.

Born in London around 1561 to William Playfere and Alice Wood of Kent, Thomas entered St John’s College, Cambridge, in 1576 and his academic ascent was rather swift: he earned his B.A. in 1580, M.A. in 1583, B.D. in 1590, and D.D. in 1596. He became a Fellow of St John’s in 1584 and held numerous college offices, including rhetoric examiner, Hebrew praelector, and principal lecturer. At Cambridge, a praelector is the fellow of a college who formally presents students during their matriculation and the graduation ceremony at Cambridge, especially during the Congregation of the Regent House when degrees are conferred. 

I had to look that up!

In 1596, Playfere was appointed Lady Margaret Professor of Divinity, one of the most prestigious theological chairs at Cambridge. This role placed him at the intellectual heart of English Protestantism during a time of religious consolidation and debate. His sermons, often delivered in Latin, were celebrated for their fluency and intellectual depth. He preached before King James I and Prince Henry, and his reputation as a court preacher grew, culminating in addresses before both the English and Danish monarchs at Theobalds in 1606.

Despite his public success, Playfere’s personal life was marked by tragedy and decline. 

A letter from 1602 hints at emotional turmoil, describing him as “crazed for love” but no details as yet!

By 1606, his mental health was in decline, though he retained his professorship until his death in 1609. His decline did not diminish the respect he commanded; his funeral sermon was preached by the vice-chancellor of Cambridge, and a bust with a loving inscription was erected in St Botolph’s Church, Cambridge, at the request of his wife Alicia.

                                                   

"Playfere’s published works include several volumes of sermons, such as Ten Sermons (1610), Four Sermons (1611), and Nine Sermons (1612), later compiled into a single volume in 1623 and 1638. These texts reflect his theological precision and rhetorical flair, often addressing themes of spiritual perfection, divine judgment, and Christian virtue. His sermon “The Pathway to Perfection” exemplifies his style—learned, persuasive, and deeply rooted in scriptural exegesis."

It would seem that  Thomas Playfere was a towering figure in his time. His blend of academic excellence, courtly service, and spiritual insight made him a key voice in shaping English Protestant thought at the turn of the 17th century. His life, marked by brilliance and fragility, offers a poignant glimpse into the pressures faced by public intellectuals in an age of religious and political transformation, and it was a rather turbulent time for religious belief.

His work has been noted by scholars as potentially influencing other contemporary writers, with one researcher suggesting Shakespeare borrowed from Playfere's sermons in plays such as Henry IV, Part 1 and The Tempest. His sermons were often transcribed using early forms of shorthand, a practice common in the Elizabethan era to record live performances and sermons.

All I need now is Caro to be invited  to another event at Heffer's Bookshop in Cambridge and I get into St Botolph's and  'see' the man for myself.

Alan Stewart

The big six revisited

 Michael - Alternate Thursdays

I'm currently travelling up to my favorite bush area in South Africa - Olifants River Game Reserve. I hope to have some interesting things to say about it once I get there, but in the meanwhile here's a relook at one of my favorite animals (and detectives for that matter).

Kubu

The Big Five are elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, and  rhino.  Certainly these are great contenders for the top animals list, but I do feel one animal has been very short-changed and it’s an animal very close to our hearts (i.e. Stan’s heart and my heart).  That is the hippo.  I’m sure readers of this blog know that kubu is the Setswana word for hippo, and that our detective has that as his nickname.  I think the hippo has every right to be included in the top rank with those other five.  Not only are the animals very large – the males weigh in over 4,000 lbs, coming in third to elephants and rhinos in terms of size, but they are also fierce and can be quite aggressive in some circumstances – they account for more human deaths in Africa than any other mammal.  And they are fascinating creatures and interesting to watch, edging out the rhino for second place of the three ultra-large herbivores in my opinion.  No river in Africa is complete without their cheerful grunting carrying across the water.

From a physiological point of view, the hippo is amazing.  How about an animal that spends its days in the water, but is too dense to float?  That can hold its breath for up to five minutes.  (Don’t try that one at home!)  That has nostrils designed to close under water, and a reflex that allows it to sleep under the water and rise for breathing without waking up.  That has built in goggles (transparent membranes that close over the eyes under water).  And that has built in sunscreen (the hippo secretes an oily brownish substance which protects its bare skin from the sun).  Pretty impressive design, I’d say.  And no rude comments about it being porcine.  (Kubu would be particularly offended.)  The hippo’s closest relations are the dolphins and whales; it separated off from them about fifty million years ago.

Most of the day they spend fully submerged or comfortably beached on a sandbar warming in the sun (having applied sunscreen, of course.)  In the evenings they come out of the water and spend the nights browsing and grazing along the river banks or quite far inland if the feeding conditions are poor as they tend to be in the winter.  At this time they are busy with the important issue of building up that 4,000 lbs of bulk, and you really don’t want to interfere with them.  In particular, you don’t want to give them the idea that you are trying to cut them off from the haven of the river.  That usually leads to aggressive behavior and possibly one of those human deaths.

I’ve had my own close encounter, mostly my own fault.  It was my first time in a canoe on the Zambesi river in Zimbabwe.  I was with a friend who was a bit more expert as a canoeist than I was, but not much.  He was at the back.  At a certain point the guide who was ahead of us in another canoe signaled us to move out into the center of the river; he’d spotted a pod of hippos near the shore.  What he didn’t know was that the hippos had spotted him, and submerged and politely moved to the center of the river to let us pass.  My friend and I paddled out into the river, proud of our calm expertise.  Moments later a huge jaw opened a short distance in front of us; we had not reciprocated the hippos polite behavior.  We immediately put the canoe into what we thought was reverse.  Unfortunately our expertise did not run to reverse against the current.  What we did do was cause the canoe to rotate as the current took us towards that enormous mouth.  At the crucial moment the hippo sank under the water and we passed over it.  I think I know why it didn’t convert our canoe into splinters and us into mincemeat.  It was laughing too hard.

Hippo behavior is complex.  The males have water territories, but will tolerate other bulls as long as they behave in a submissive way.  I've seen an interesting example at one of the dams at Olifants River Game Reserve.  The dam is large and a family of five hippos, one male and two females with youngsters, had taken up residence.  They were a charming group, and most days we would pop in to see how they were getting on.  On this particular evening, we arrived at the dam to discover that it now contained six hippos.  Apparently another male had decided the dam was a nice spot to spend the day.  The altercation between the males seemed to involve bursts of rivalry where they would rise from the water bellowing and threatening each other by matching their enormous mouths.  Then all would go quiet for a while and one would rest its head on the other’s back.  Maybe that’s submissive behavior?  Unfortunately it became too dark and rainy to see what happened in the end, but I’d guess that all six went off feeding and that the interloper would have found a more peaceful dam or river stretch for his day nap.

So from all points of view, I believe that the hippopotamus fully deserve a place up there with the other big five.  I propose that in future we have the Big Six.

My Media Attempt (Self Skills Future part 2)

Ovidia--every other Tuesday

I was still waiting for the WIP's structural edits, so decided to attempt another 2 week project. It seemed like a good idea at the time: I didn't want to take on anything big with the editorial changes/ corrections/ curses that would warp my mind forever descending on me at any time; surely I could learn how to create and post a scrolling story in a couple of weeks?
Isn't that something young people are doing all the time?

Anyway, it seemed like a good idea. I needed to make it a project because I'm not good at learning new stuff without a defined outcome (sorry, I'm Singaporean) to anchor it to.
Plus without a deadline, I tend to end up procrastinating under the excuse of learning/ practicing.
So: Project Target: make and upload something, however crappy, before my next MIE post!

So I downloaded free trials of Canva (creating and editing videos) and Procreate (for creating the images I wanted to animate) and went to YouTube to watch how-to videos.

I thought it would be simple--pick what I want to do, come up with a story, visualise and animate it and post the results...

First off, it wasn't so easy.
Or I'm just not very good at figuring out apps.
And then I had trouble coming up with characters--so I fell back on Aunty Lee (from my first series)

This is Aunty Lee with her famous pineapple tarts.

And Margie (from last fortnight's project story).

And I thought maybe I could figure things out, given enough time...

So of course that's when my structural editor's feedback & notes arrived (Friday)

Just before my panel at the Singapore Writers.

Thank you to MJ Mohammad for coming and for this photograph!

So all in all, I'm linking this mini story that's not quite a webcomic and not quite animated but thanks to it I've tried 'creating' clay protagonists, created a canva account and inserted text over a background, learned about time lines and saving to JPG vs PNG vs MP4...

And here's the result! I just hope this link works!

Now I'm heading back to face the first round of edits. Please wish me luck!!

Comic Relief

Annamaria on Monday 

Two weeks ago, introducing an opinionated post, I promised to put up something silly "next week."  I write my blogs on Sundays, to launch at midnight on Monday.  And when that following week rolled around, Brother Jeff (whose post had just preceded mine) put up a bunch of jokes.  I, therefore, thought it best to save my silliness.  Besides, last week I had something else I wanted to say that jibed current events.

Therefore, I waited until today to keep my promise.  Silly me, here jokes I considered worth saving. 

   And here to top it off is what I consider is my best joke.

I Continue to Love Iceland Noir

Eleven years after attending my first Iceland Noir festival (the second ever held) I still love participating in this celebratory gathering of so many wonderful members of the international crime writing community. So much so that when I had to withdraw at the last minute this year, I found myself lingering over old photographs capturing Barbara's and my memories of that magical island and the many lifelong friends we've formed there over the years. 

Back in 2014 I'd never been to Iceland before, and found Reykjavik, its people, its ambiance, and its nightlife combining to create a sense of what legendary Berlin or Paris must have been like in their heydays.  Or, less esoterically expressed, perhaps it’s just as simple as what I overheard a young American telling his girlfriend in a coffee shop, “It’s a cross between Bar Harbor, Maine and old Amsterdam.”  Whatever it is, this place has all the right vibes.

Here are some photos I took back then, though I never did get around to taking any of its vibrant, sophisticated (as compared to Mykonos) nightlife for we were too busy partaking to photograph.  

The festival itself remains a delight, filled with interesting speakers putting on their “A game” just for the joy of being here, and a knowledgeable, appreciative audience.   What more could a writer ask for?  Don’t answer, just look at the photos.

The first thing I saw after passing through immigration.

The first thing I saw upon leaving the terminal at 7AM. 

The strong, windswept, colorful, enchanting town of Reykjavik.

Off in the distance in that last photo is a church steeple, one that offers spectacular views of Reykjavik from the town's highest ground.  I found a balance in the place...and decided to leave my mark alongside the awe-inspiring site. Most though thought I should have left the beret instead.

But what of all the MIE'rs over there in 2024?  Here they come, Annamaria, Yrsa (a co-founder of the festival), Zoe, Michael, Stan, and moi.

And now it's off to book our place for 2026!

Jeff—Saturday