A Warrior's Death

Margaret Jerinic (1944-2021) died suddenly in October 2021. In the months following her passing, her husband George found a nearly completed manuscript on her computer, a sequel to her first murder mystery The Eunuch's Secret (2020). He shared this news with his five daughters, and the oldest, Maria edited the document while Katarina, the third sister, designed the cover. Erik Pihel of Palamedes Publishing and longtime family friend, stepped in to publish. It was Margaret's dream to have an independent press publish her work.

Out of these mysterious origins of the book comes a mystery from 11th-century Constantinople. The second volume in the series, A Byzantine Murder Mystery, follows the adventures of Michael Taronites of the Imperial Post who is tasked with finding the killer of a fellow agent. With the support of the Court physician and the medical student, Lady Olympia, Michael pursues the killer while conducting a private mission: clearing the name of his beloved spiritual advisor who faces false abuse allegations. Michael's detective work forces him to confront political corruption as he uncovers plots that threaten the empire's stability. Simultaneously, he wrangles with his growing attraction to Lady Olympia and the barriers that threaten to keep them apart. Michael must draw on his decency, intelligence, and fortitude to resolve impending public and personal crises and to ensure justice is served.