On the Horns of Death

Ancient Crete Mystery, #2

by

Eleanor Kuhns

Intriguing historical mystery uniquely set in ancient Crete.

On the Horns of Death is the second book in Eleanor Kuhns’s unique historical series, the Ancient Crete Mysteries, and features a precocious and talented young female bull dancer as the main character and amateur sleuth. With its engaging protagonist and uncommon setting, this intriguing mystery completely immersed me in the life of this early civilization. 

Martis, the main character, is the 16-year-old daughter of a weaver priestess who trains and performs as a member of the troop of bull dancers during celebrations and religious ceremonies in Knossos. She’s a curious and precocious young woman and, like most at that age, is somewhat undecided on what path she wants her future to take. For now, though, she lives for the excitement and adrenaline rush of leaping over the horns of a charging bull in front of large crowds of people. Her quick wit and sharp eye for details give her insights others overlook but also get her into trouble, especially when on the trail of a murderer. Besides her unusual choice of entertainment, she’s a relatable and likable heroine. 

The plot starts with Martis’s discovery of the dead body of a new bull dancer. The assumed cause of death is from the bull in whose pen the victim was found. Right away, Martis notices oddities regarding the victim’s wounds and realizes there’s a murderer responsible for Duzi’s death. Unfortunately, the suspects include the other bull dancers, who are all Martis’s trusted friends and fellow performers, or several close friends of her older sister, Opis, who died the previous year, creating a difficult and sensitive dilemma for Martis in her investigation. She is assisted in her inquiries by the ghost of another deceased family member, Arge, her sister, who was murdered at her own marriage ceremony. 

The ancient setting on the island of Crete offers its own attractive and unique aspects to the story. Other than through this series, I am only vaguely familiar with this culture and time period and have thoroughly enjoyed the immersive nature of the author’s storytelling. I remember motifs from ancient pottery when reading descriptions of activities, clothing, and even hairstyles. 

With its endearing main character, unusual setting, and entertaining plot containing plenty of surprises, I recommend ON THE HORNS OF DEATH to traditional, historical, and cozy mystery readers. 

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy from the author through Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours.