My New SHOT At Writing

 

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That's Mike Stotter between Ali Karim and George Easter

Jeff––Saturday

A week ago, Mike Stotter, the nonpareil editor-in-chief of SHOTS Crime & Thriller Magazine did me the distinct honor of publishing an essay I’d written summarily describing my journey thus far into the writing life. Titled, “How Did I End Up Here?” it briefly traces my youngster and lawyer related writing efforts, my successful (and continuing) 14-book Andreas Kaldis series (just released in fresh new covers from Severn House), and my soon-to-be-released debut novel, A STUDY IN SECRETS, in “The Redacted Man” series.  Here’s a slightly re-titled (with pun intended) version of my essay:

I think it’s fair to ask me, why after publishing fourteen critically acclaimed, Greece-based Chief Inspector Andreas Kaldis police procedurals I decided to create a brand-new mystery series for Severn House. One set in New York City featuring a Sherlock Holmes-worthy amateur sleuth possessing a complicated George Smiley retired-secret-agent past. A Study in Secrets is the debut novel in my “Redacted Man” series releasing on February 3^rd in the UK and US. 

Perhaps a bit more background on my protagonist and what he confronts in A Study in Secrets will answer why I’ve added this very different mystery series to my repertoire. 

Michael A is a true gentleman who lives a quiet, comfortable life since retiring from the intelligence services. Practically a recluse and partially handicapped, he spends his days imagining the lives of the anonymous people he watches in the park beneath the windows of his elegant New York City townhouse–number 221–his every need tended to by his housekeeper, Mrs. Baker. 

For decades Michael has taken great care not to get involved in the lives of those he observes…until one day everything changes.

Each morning for weeks he’s watched a girl sit in the park at dawn. Always alone. Always watchful. And when the sun rises, she vanishes, as if she were never there. One day her routine changes–and Michael realizes she faces terrible danger. For reasons unclear even to himself, he makes an uncharacteristic decision to abandon his solitude and help her. 

Soon, Michael finds himself confronting the New York City underworld in an unexpected search for a priceless missing treasure. He'll have to rely upon all the tricks of his former trade and resurrect long neglected relationships if he's to keep not just himself, but his new friend, alive. 

All of which leads me to ask, how can any mystery writer not love a protagonist like Michael A? Powerful story lines pack every decade of his life, vivid ancillary characters virtually spring to life in his wake, and deep-seated societal attitudes are explored and confronted without a bit of preaching required. 

Michael A is a character I’ve sought to bring to life for nearly a decade, all in furtherance of a storytelling desire that’s percolated 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 I thought I could make it as a writer … until I realized how unlikely I was to earn a living as one––leading me to become a lawyer.

Those years practicing law played an unexpected role in my emergence as a creative writer. And by that I don’t mean they taught me to be creative with the facts. Rather, they developed my style, gave me 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.

So, here I am, more than 20 years into the crime writing life; overjoyed by the many friends my wife and I have made in our new mystery-laden world and the host of plaudits my work has received from colleagues I deeply respect and admire. But most of all, I feel blessed that the dream I carried as a young boy to someday be a writer has come true. 

The big question now is, what happens next? 

Whatever it is, I’m looking forward to it, for I’ve no doubt it’s going to be an adventure. One of the more likely scenarios will soon see my Greece-based series come to life in the media. That should be fun. 

And speaking of fun, are you aware of the familial link I share with Sherlock Holmes? It’s a little-known fact I stumbled upon as a teenager devouring all things Holmesian. Since then, I’ve always had a soft spot for Sherlock, so titling the first book in my new series A Study in Secrets seemed only natural as an homage to the very first Sir Arthur Conan Doyle novel introducing Holmes and Watson. 

But before I reveal to you my little secret, perhaps you might answer this question: What is name of Sherlock Holmes’ father?

If you got that right, you’ve unearthed my secret, for his name is Siger Holmes. And he would much appreciate you buying a copy of the latest mystery novel to bear his family name on the cover. It’s available now for pre-order. 

 ––Jeff

Jeff’s Events (still in formation)

2025

All Live Events

 

Saturday, February 7, 3:00 p.m. CT
Murder By The Book
Author Speaking and Signing
Houston, TX

 

Wednesday, February 11, 6:00 p.m. ET
Mysterious Bookshop
Author Speaking and Signing
New York, NY

  

Thursday, March 26, 7:00 p.m. MT
The Poisoned Pen Bookstore
Author Speaking and Signing
Scottsdale, AZ

 

Friday, April 10, 6:30 p.m.
Mystery Lovers Bookshop
Author Speaking and Signing
Pittsburgh, PA

 

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

More of the Same

 

Jeff–Saturday

With that title for this post I could write about so many things. Some good, some bad, some encouraging, some utterly disheartening. But the point is, I DON’T HAVE TIME! 

And I won’t intrude upon your precious time with my whining over all I have to do in the coming week to properly carry out my duties at Iceland Noir (my favorite mystery conference).  Nor shall I mention the articles I’ve promise to write in advance of the November 20^th re-release of my entire fourteen-book Chief Inspector Andreas Kaldis series –other than to say the books are in brand new covers and are the perfect size for peripatetic fans of classic paperback mystery-thrillers.

Oh yes, then there’s that book tour to organize around the February 3^rd debut of A Study in Secrets, the first volume in my new Redacted Man series.

So, what’s a fellow to do in such circumstances?

In my case, I try my best to make my readership smile…or possibly giggle a bit…perhaps even laugh.  To do that I need the right material. But where to find it?  To my everlasting joy I found the answer in my inbox in the form of a second epistle from a former high school chum who a few weeks ago forwarded me a stream of his favorite cartoons; ones that many of our readers liked. 

It was as if the heavens saw my dire straits and ordained sending me that second batch at the very moment I needed it most.

Thank you, dear JC.

[Editorial Note: Uhh, in order to avoid any unfounded speculation on my source, his first name is John.] 

––Jeff

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

     

 

 

 

 

 

 

 ––Jeff

Inspiration is Out There ... Waiting ... Waiting

Jeff–Saturday 

 I wrote much of this piece almost two years ago while laboring through pandemic days and just happened to read it again while looking for something of value to pass along despite my being currently overwhelmed with finishing up Kaldis #14 and feverishly planning and executing for the release of Kaldis #13 – At Any Cost, coming February 6, 2024. Plus defending the Rockefeller Center-size Norway Spruces on my farm from a potentially fatal fungal infection. 

So with that heart-warming introduction I’ve updated the post slightly to accurately reflect dates, but beyond that it’s an uncanny reflection on how our world’s ever crazier times continue to impact our work. Here goes… 

Approximately two years ago an author I deeply admire posted elsewhere about the influence his subconscious has on whether a work in progress is headed in the right direction, and how often a novel that begins with spectacular promise, fades off into oblivion at around short story length. From the replies to his post, I think many authors share that experience–especially these days. 

After all, in these times it’s difficult to bring full creative power to bear while your subconscious is continuously running a fight, flight or freeze survival loop in the background. To that extent, we’re no different than prehistoric man whose mind was far too preoccupied with what predator was intent on having him for (not over for) dinner, to give serious thought to redecorating the cave. 

Personally, I find it difficult to write without my muse nearby…by that I mean Greece. Yes, I made it over there for several months this summer, but that’s not nearly enough time for me to gain the immersive perspective I seek in creating a new locale for a story. Place for me—as for all of us at MIE–is seminal to our work, and not something lending itself to compromise. 

Luckily, I’m familiar with enough heavenly (and hellish) places in Greece to keep Chief Inspector Andreas Kaldis on duty, but stories set in some magical venues I’d like him to visit will just have to wait a bit longer. One must play the hand you’re dealt—or kick over the table and face the consequences. 

On a more upbeat note, I’m happy to say that the first review is in for AT ANY COST and Kirkus Reviews has praised it “for the rich, entrancing local color that has become a trademark of Siger’s series...A timely mystery with an engaging cast and a sublime setting.” 

Please feel free to preorder. It will make me very happy.:) 

--Jeff

Ready or Not, Here Comes THE MYKONOS MOB

Saturday—Jeff

Yes, dear reader, today is my once a year unabashed Blatant Self Promotion Saturday, because on Tuesday, April 2^nd THE MYKONOS MOB is released.  It’s number ten in my Chief Inspector Andreas Kaldis mystery thriller series, made all the more special because it’s my first book under the auspices of my new publisher, Sourcebooks, which acquired Poisoned Pen Press as its mystery imprint in January.

I’ve been told that those of you attending Left Coast Crime in Vancouver next weekend will be able to purchase pre-release copies, but if not, don’t fret because my website lists places where you can obtain a copy, as well as describing where I’ll be touring, frantically awaiting the opportunity of personalizing your copy with my new fountain pen.  And, yes, that’s the same schedule of book events as sits at the bottom of this post (and has on Saturdays for a month…subtly self-promoting).

So, what’s #10 all about?  My tag line for it is, “#MeToo meets the Mob.”  I say that because while Andreas wrestles to learn what’s behind the assassination of a corrupt ex-police colonel who’d run the island’s protection rackets—a hit that threatens all out war for control of the island’s vice operations—Andreas’ wife, Lila, struggles to find a meaningful role for herself beyond wife and mother. 

Serendipitously, Lila’s search introduces a new character that I’m simply wild about:  Toni, a devil-may-care American ex-pat who pushed her way into a leading role in the book as the quick-witted piano player in a gender bending bar by night, and the island’s most connected finder of stolen items and fixer by day. Toni’s contagious, iconoclastic zest for life soon turns Lila and Toni into fast friends, and they hit upon a plan to mentor young island girls caught up in an exploitative culture, unaware that their well-intended plans are on a deadly collision course with Andreas’ investigation.

  

But there is another way to look at The Mykonos Mob; from the perspective of Mykonians who asked me to write about the wildly profitable dark side of the renowned 24/7 international playground we call home, the sinister forces battling for control of its vices, and the innocents affected by it all.

For those who look for bottom line messages in a book, one of my characters suggests a pretty good one:  As long as people thirst after vices, if you’re willing to offer a place for providers and seekers to come together and freely do their business, you will always make money—and all it will cost you is the community life and family values you once cherished.

NEWS FLASH. Just before posting this blog I learned Publishers Weekly had reviewed The Mykonos Mob, calling it “entertaining” and “fun.” As great as that was to hear, I was particularly moved by the reviewer’s grasp of the roles Lila and Toni play in the book. Here’s an excerpt from that review.

Siger’s entertaining 10th mystery featuring Chief Insp. Andreas Kaldis… his right-hand man, Det. Yianni Kouros, and the inspector’s perceptive and understanding wife, Lila, who welcomes a break from her routine life as a wife and mother. American expat Toni, a woman who plays piano in local bars and befriends Lila, says of Mykonos: “It’s a paradise for everyone. Until you become a victim.” Kaldis and Kouros are soon drawn into what is shaping up to be a turf war for control of the island’s many lucrative and shady dealings—from prostitution to exploitive real estate deals. But the question remains: who is really behind the killing of the colonel? Siger seasons Kaldis’s investigation with abundant slices of Greek history and island mores, along with Lila’s consciousness-raising conversations. Armchair travelers will have fun.

 And now I just learned that earlier today Library Journal released a review in which they also call my tenth Kaldis title, “an entertaining read.”  That’s back-to-back “entertainings” by big time reviewers.  Whoopee!!!

The Mykonos Mob is a very special book to me for many reasons, but I’d be remiss if I failed to mention my proudest reason.  It is dedicated to a Mykonian whose smile never failed to light up a room, whose charity was honest and without pretext, whose consideration and love for his family, friends and community served as a blessing and treasured memory to all fortunate enough to know him.  He appealed to our better natures and served as a beacon for the youth of his island seeking leadership into the future.  Sadly, he passed away while I was writing this book—at twenty-four, after a valiant battle against an insidious cancer, all the while smiling, enduring and strong. We shall not see your kind, sweet, soul again, dear Nikolaos Andreas Fiorentinos.

God Bless you.

  

—Jeff

My Upcoming Events

Friday, March 29, 4:00 PM

Vancouver BC, Canada

LEFT COAST CRIME –Hyatt Regency Vancouver

Moderating “International Settings” with Alice K. Boatwright, G.M. Malliet, Sujata Massey, and S.J. Rozan

Saturday, March 30, 4:00 PM

Vancouver BC, Canada

LEFT COAST CRIME –Hyatt Regency Vancouver

Panelist, “Keeping a Series Alive” with Anne Cleeland, Mary Jane Malfini/Victoria Abbott, Marty Wingate, moderated by Janice MacDonald

THE MYKONOS MOB book tour begins:

Tuesday, April 2, 7:00 PM

Seattle, WA

THIRD PLACE BOOKS (Lake Forest Park)

Author Speaking and Signing

Saturday, April 6, 3:00 PM

San Francisco, CA

BOOK PASSAGE (Ferry Building-Embarcadero)

Author Speaking and Signing

Sunday, April 7, 3:00 PM

Orange, CA

BOOK CARNIVAL              

Author Speaking and Signing

Wednesday, April 10, 7 PM

Pasadena, CA

VROMAN’S (East Colorado)

Author Speaking and Signing

Friday, April 12, 7 PM

Dallas, TX

Interabang (Preston Oaks)

Author Speaking and Signing

Monday, April 15, 2:00 PM

Fountain Hills, AZ

Fountain Hills Community Center

Fountain Hills Friends of the Library Author Event

Tuesday, April 16, 7:00 PM

Scottsdale, AZ

POISONED PEN BOOKSTORE

Author Speaking and Signing

Wednesday, April 24, 6:30 PM

Houston, TX

MURDER BY THE BOOK

Author Speaking and Signing

Friday, April 26, 7:00 PM

Denver, CO

TATTERED COVER (East Colfax)

Author Speaking and Signing

Monday, April 29, 7:00 PM

Pittsburgh, PA

MYSTERY LOVERS BOOKSHOP

Author Speaking and Signing

Wednesday, May 1, 6:30 PM

New York, NY

MYSTERIOUS BOOKSHOP

Author Speaking and Signing

Thursday, May 2, 7:00 PM

Naperville, IL

ANDERSON’S BOOKSHOP

Author Speaking and Signing

Friday, May 3, 7:00 PM

Chicago, IL (Forest Park)

CENTURIES & SLEUTHS  BOOKSTORE

Author Speaking and Signing

Saturday, May 4, 2 PM

Milwaukee, WI

BOSWELL BOOK COMPANY

Author Speaking and Signing

Thursday May 9, 5:00 PM

BRISTOL, UK

CRIMEFEST—Mercure Bristol Grand Hotel

Panelist on “Nobody Would Believe it if You Wrote it: Fake News, Post-Truth and Changing Words,” with Fiona Erskine, William Shaw, Gilly Macmillan, moderated by Paul E. Hardisty

Friday, May 10, 5:10 PM

BRISTOL, UK

CRIMEFEST—Mercure Bristol Grand Hotel

Panelist on “Sunshine Noir,” with Paul Hardisty,  Barbara Nadel, Robert Wilson, moderated by Michael Stanley

October 31-November 3

DALLAS, TX

BOUCHERCON 2019---Hyatt Regency Dallas

Panel Schedule Yet to be Announced