The Reviews are in... and critics are unanimous!

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The Nameless Dead has achieved rave reviews across the web, and has also received the Gold Literary Titan Award (Mystery category) as well as making the M&M Shortlist. Check out more of what the critics are saying below:

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“Serafim’s protagonist, Patronas, emerges as a compelling figure whose internal contradictions feel authentic and whose noble but begrudging determination makes him an effective noir hero… An engaging and thought-provoking read... An engrossing mystery that illuminates contemporary immigration issues through traditional crime fiction.”
—Kirkus Indie Reviews
 
“Satisfying breakthroughs happen against the odds when the struggling officers each begin to take their work a little too personally ... The vivid, fascinating setting also stands out, with Greek language, culture, cuisine, and landscapes woven beautifully into every chapter. Frequent asides on Greek history and urban decay speak to a theme of man-made calamities, while ultimately reminding readers that social bonds are what keep us human, even in the darkest of times.”
—Booklife
 

“The island setting is developed in picturesque terms, with elements of Greek history and contemporary political news included for context. The plight of Syrian refugees and migrants is also addressed with realism. Some people Yiannis encounters espouse anti-migrant views, whereas Yiannis exemplifies broad-mindedness, recognizing people’s humanity and honoring their differences.”
—Yelena Furman, Clarion Reviews/Foreword

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“Serafim gives her characters flaws, humor, ideologies–in other words, depth… The best mystery novels are those that transcend plot to immerse readers in a fully realized world. Serafim does that in spades… A thrilling, thoughtful read.”
—Blue Ink Review

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“Yiannis Patronas is a fascinating main character … a riveting whodunit rich in compelling characters. A great detective novel hinges on a case with resonance, along with a lead character with gravitas—and author Leta Serafim has done just that. This modern detective novel comes with great emotional depth and humanity.”
—Philip Zozzaro, The Independent Book Review

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“With gorgeous, lyrical prose that captures the stark beauty and harsh realities of the Aegean, Leta Serafim has crafted a work that is sure to keep mystery fans on the edge of their seats from cover to cover... The Nameless Dead is a novel where there’s plenty of proof that crime fiction can be both thrilling and thought-provoking.”
—K.C. Finn, Indies Today

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“With its superb narrative and well-paced plot, this murder mystery is a page-turner that will keep your interest. Readers' emotions will be stirred by the unfolding chain of events, which incorporates real issues about the migration wave. The island setting and scenario descriptions are vivid and precise, and the character variety—including the adversaries—is authentic. The author has skillfully woven an intriguing murder story, underpinning the unsettling journey of migration and corruption with themes of justice, compassion, and trust. Fans of crime and murder mysteries will find this an unputdownable read!”
—Angelique Papayannopoulos, Readers' Favorite

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“Serafim writes with a sharpness, letting tension seep in without shouting it at you. I liked how she allowed the setting to act almost like another character, with its own moods and shadows… What I liked most was the way the story dealt with bias, not in a grand, preachy way, but in the small, sideways glances and unspoken assumptions that shape the investigation… The plot itself is clever, and Serafim manages to weave in just enough misdirection. If you enjoy stories where the setting feels alive and the characters live in shades of gray, then you’ll enjoy this book. Five out of Five Stars.”
—Literary Titan

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“While he poses as a hard-shelled officer steeped in the toxic masculinity of his Greek Isles culture, in reality, Patronas cares deeply about those around him—especially the disenfranchised. For fans of traditional mysteries, The Nameless Dead will scratch that itch … The character of Patronas feels real and multifaceted, which can often be missing in traditional police stories. Though this is the fifth installment of the series, you do not have to have read the previous books to enjoy this one. The story is self-contained, while still providing an atmosphere that suggests there’s some history behind Patronas’ personality.”
—Reader Views Book Reviews

More Critical Praise for Leta Serafim:

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“An impressive debut… Serafim has a good eye for people and places, and sheds light on the centuries of violent passion that have created an oppressive atmosphere hanging over the sunny Greek landscape.”
—Library Journal

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“The Greeks have a word for it, and in this fast-paced, delightful mystery, that word is murder. A cop with a nagging wife and an old priest with an addiction to American TV are spurred to investigate the homicide of a beautiful anthropologist who may have dug up more than shards of an ancient urn. The real buried treasure is pure pleasure in Serafim’s debut novel.”
—Mary Daheim, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author

“Serafim’s dense prose is perfect for lovers of literary and scholarly mysteries. Her plotting is methodical and traditional, with subtle nods to Sherlock Holmes, Greek mythology, and historical events.”
—Publishers Weekly (The Devil Takes Half, starred review)
 

 

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