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Murder on Olympus
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Murder on Olympus
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Murder on Olympus
Ebook365 pages3 hours

Murder on Olympus

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

3.5/5

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Currently unavailable

About this ebook

Library Journal Science Fiction/Fantasy Debut of the Month (April 2013)

 

Reimagining the Greek Gods of Olympus and placing them on modern Earth, this urban fantasy novel focuses on Plato Jones, who, after a stint with the Olympic Bureau of Investigation, is through with the Gods and their political games. While at first glance the Gods of Olympus are as different from one another as salt is from sugar, and despite their bickering, they share a universal bond, a thread of commonality that unites them: they’re all jerks. Against Plato’s protests, he’s drawn into a murder investigation where the murderer’s targets are the Gods themselves. Plato has cracked some tough cases: exposing cheating spouses, capturing treasonous heretics, and hunting three-headed dogs, but this time he’s in over his head. How can he solve a crime that’s impossible to commit? And what chance does Plato—a mere mortal—have against something powerful enough to kill a God?

LanguageEnglish
Release dateApr 11, 2013
ISBN9781939452061
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Murder on Olympus

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Reviews for Murder on Olympus

Rating: 3.4729729783783783 out of 5 stars
3.5/5

37 ratings11 reviews

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  • Rating: 2 out of 5 stars
    2/5
    This book left me confused about what I actually thought about it. On the one hand, I enjoyed reading it. Things happened at a good clip, and I thought Warren's interpretation of Greek mythology was interesting.On the other hand, I never quite got over my initial dislike of the protagonist due to his sexist questions on the first page of the story. And I didn't understand why three different, super hot women were interested in him. I get that this is a noir-style murder mystery and that noir is not generally the most feminist-friendly genre, but I really enjoy books so much more when they don't include those sorts of things.I also never quite understand what made the protagonist so super amazing at investigating that Zeus wanted him specifically to be the one investigating the murders. He ran around talking to people (in between *lots* of digressions with his ex-wife and mostly-unrelated attempts on his life) and collecting pieces of the puzzle. But it really didn't seem like any of it was something only he could do, and it didn't even seem like he was progressing the investigation to me. Until everything came together *very* suddenly at the end and left me whirling from the switch from "protagonist has no theory about the murderer at all" to "protagonist has figured out everything."And so I am left confused. The plot felt poorly paced, and the protagonist left me cold. But I devoured this book in a day and a half, so none of the problems I had were enough to make me want to put the book down.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    It has a noir tone to it - and if it wasn't for the fact that the bulk of the characters are Greek gods, it would feel like a traditional noir-detective novel: hard-pressed private investigator strikes out against all odds to solve a mystery at the risk of his own life.He even has an opportunity to "get the girl" and "save the day" and "be the hero".See any pattern here? Oh, right, it's one big cliche after another.Of course, most books in this vein are quite cliched. And the author does try to make his story stand out by adding in gods as the victims/perpetrators/background characters. I'm not really convinced it worked since, well, if they really were gods, they really wouldn't need him so much. That, and there is a whole "drama" involving Hera that felt contrived and unbelievable - and rather beside-the-point, but I guess it was there to make Plato "fear for his life" (cliche number 4)Overall? it was an okay read. I had to pick it up several times to actually finish it and I prefer books that I look forward to reading... I'd not read it again, and would only read another by this author if it fell into my hands - I certainly wouldn't go looking for it.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    I was fortunate enough to receive a copy of this book through a Library Thing giveaway. I am grateful to Library Thing for the opportunity to read and review this book, and as always, receiving a book for free does not alter my opinion of it. I have to admit, I entered this giveaway because this seemed like a book my husband would really enjoy. He is a huge fan of detective stories, and of Greek mythology. The combination seemed perfect for him. What I was not expecting was that I would also really enjoy this story.Robert B. Warren created a snarky, sarcastic character in Plato Jones, and the snarkiness really worked in the context of this story. It wasn't over done, he was never so sarcastic that he just seemed like a jerk, and he had a fairly refreshing view of life that made reading his story highly entertaining. The world is nicely created as well, perfectly stitching the Greek Gods into modern society. There isn't a whole lot of backdrop on the Gods, but there is enough that even if you know nothing about Greek Mythology, you would be able to keep up. I was surprised by the lack of re-creation so to speak because I am used to Greek mythology stories that completely dive into the history of the Gods and are so detailed when it comes to them. But this isn't a story about the Gods, this is a story about a detective.The bottom line? This is a great murder mystery detective story with just enough mythology thrown in to make it different. It is fast paced, light, and an overall fun read. If any of that sounds appealing, this is the book for you. I enjoyed it very much, and am glad I had the opportunity to read it. By the way, my husband read it also; he flew through this book in two days and is very impatiently awaiting the next book in this series! Of course I will be continuing with the series as well!
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    This is a murder mystery that has all the elements of classic detective fiction: the hard-boiled protagonist, seductive women, the corruption and perfidy amongst...well, pretty much everyone except our hero-detective, Plato Jones.Oh, and Greek Gods. And minotaurs. And a whole bunch of other supernatural elements that make this a fresh read on the idea of a snarky private detective. A fun read that keeps things cracking along at a good pace.I received this as a free ebook in the LibraryThing early reviewers program, and I am so glad I did! I might never have found this entertaining book otherwise.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    Murder on Olympus is the type of book in which men named Hercules and Jones have the nicknames Herc and Jonesy. The nicknames are obvious, and unfortunately, so are most of the plot points. Much of the story is pretty standard noir fare: there's a car chase, mysterious women, and a PI who just wants to be left alone. But what does set it apart is the fun world building. It's a quick weekend read for cozy mystery fans.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    Something is killing the gods.....but how? And what? Aren't they immortal? This is the mystery on Olympus and Plato Jones has been forced on the case. I found the main character to be a stock p.I character, divorced, a womanizer, and stuck in his ways. To me, he was unrelatable. The story was an easy read and the twist at the end was at least mildly unexpected. I do see some sequels in the future, but it falls into the same category as romance sequels: something to read when you don't have a lot of time for a lot of story and want something that's quick and easy to get through without paying much attention.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    I received a copy of Murder on Olympus by Robert B. Warren after requesting it due to the mix of fantasy and mystery. I was not disappointed, as the author did full service to both genres. The mystery is very fast paced, with short chapters keeping the story moving along nicely. Although I am very familiar with Greek mythology, I did not foresee the twist that resolved the mystery. Warren also handled the fantasy well, providing enough background that someone not knowledgeable with Greek myths still could appreciate the story. I found the main character very engaging and human. And the Greek pantheon was translated into the modern world in an entertaining manner. I hope Warren plans on further adventures of Plato Jones!
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Plato Jones is a former OBI(Olympus Bureau of Investigation) officer and now private investigator. The God Hermes shows up at Plato's office demanding that Plato work a case for the Gods. Someone is killing gods and goddesses. Plato flatly refuses to take the case and Hermes says this isn't the last you'll hear from us. Plato's case about missing gorgon takes an interesting twist that leads directly into the murdered gods and goddesses. Plato's best friend is Demigod Hercules(Herc) is worried that his wife Hebe will be next and wants to hire Plato. Who is responsible for gods and goddesses deaths? Will Plato take the case? Your answers await you in Murder on Olympus.I found this book completely fascinating because I love mythology. This is kinda what would the world be like if the gods, goddesses, and demigods actually existed. I loved the mystery and suspense woven through out the whole book. I liked Plato's stance against not working with the gods and goddesses again after the last time. I had to laugh at Plato's ex-wife Alexis because she really was kind of transparent in her desires and feelings towards Plato. I will definitely be on the lookout for more books in this series.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher/author through the LibraryThing.com Members Giveaway program. I was asked to post an honest review (though not necessarily a favourable one). The opinions expressed are strictly my own.A nice hard-boled investigation story with quirky and lively characters, including arrogant gods, goofy heroes and fascinating women. Touches all the cliches of the genre, but with grace. And I really loved Ares.The only pity is that, while the mithology itself was pretty accurate, the Greekness of the setting was no more than a thin layer of paint. The main character is called Plato Jones (the name could be Greek, the surname hardly so) and all other non-god characters follow similar onomastic conventions, and Olympus sounds like Hollywood, with mall strips, luxury car vendors and fancy villas that would be quite out of place in real-life Olympia or anywhere in Greece or Souther Europe.Did I mention that I really love Ares?
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    I really enjoy different fictional takes on the Greek Gods, so I was very excited to receive an Early Reviewer copy of Murder on Olympus by Robert B. Warren. Warren has created a unique world in which the Greek Gods live amongst mortals, hold positions in government and are chased by the paparazzi. When the immortal Gods and Goddesses start showing up dead, something no one thought could even happen, the Gods want reluctant mortal detective Plato Jones to investigate. I like the premise of this book and it's a refreshing and unique take on the Gods and Goddesses of Greek Mythology. Incorporating a murder mystery into this urban Greek God fantasy is a unique twist. I'd be interested in reading the next Plato Jones because the writing felt a bit weak and cliched in parts. Often first books tend to be the weakest in a series as it takes a while for the author to really get to know the character. I think there's potential for this series to mature and become more richly imagined with the characters less cliched and stereotypical and let the reader scratch below the surface of the unique world he's created. If you are looking for a light, fun and fast read this summer and want something that's a little bit different, I recommend you give this book a try. I enjoyed it and it kept me guessing until the end. Looking forward to Plato Jones book 2!
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    I received a copy of Murder on Olympus from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review. Now that that is out of the way on to the review. I have been caught up lately in the Game of Thrones series and after 4 books of that Murder on Olympus was a refreshing change and exactly what I needed after 3500 pages of heavy epic fantasy. This was a fun light read with lots of humor throughout and it was a pleasant change to finish a book in a day versus a week.Robert Warren creates a really interesting world in UF, he Gods of Olympus are not only real they are living out in the open, most are celebrities being chased around by TMZ. Plato Jones is a private investigator called upon by the Gods to solve the mystery of who is killling them, cuz that's not supposed to happen. Plato is very much the reluctant investigator, as a former employee of the Gods he is in no hurry to return to their employ even on a temporary basis.This is pretty much a straight forward whodunnit, what was most interesting were the characters and the world created. I really liked Plato, his relationship with his ex wife was hilarious and seeing how he tries to get out of working for the Gods made him really likable. I loved how Hercules was portrayed a cheapskate and the rest of the Gods were pretty much complete dicks. The concept of the Greek Gods living out in the open was really unique and I would definitely look for the next book in the series.