Even though our next Byzantine mystery isn't due out until April, Mary and I were delighted to see this morning that the big kahuna of reviewers, Publishers Weekly, liked Seven For A Secret.

"Once again convincing historical detail and strong characterization help drive a riveting plot."--Publishers Weekly, 1/7/2008.
Read the whole review.

Booklist also gave us a positive review.

"This isn’t one of those superficial mysteries that use historical trappings to cover up a weak story; it’s a compelling crime novel that happens to be set in another time and place." - David Pitt, Booklist, January 2008
Read the whole review

Thus we have pretty much weathered the trade publications storm. Of the other big four, Kirkus is so notoriously cranky that a negative review can almost be expected (and dismissed) and Library Journal for unknown reasons has been determined to ignore us altogether.

In addition to being delighted I was vastly relieved. I am always starry eyed when first inspired but by the time I've slogged through the writing process I wonder what I ever saw in the damn book to begin with. I reach the conclusion that the whole thing was a waste of time, but I like to be convinced I'm wrong.