Tracy Groot, Madman

Madman

Tracy Groot

Moody, Apr 2006, $12.99, 316 pp.

ISBN: 0802463622

Tallis, servant to the great philosopher Callimachus, travels to the town of Kursi in the Roman Province of Palestine to find out what happened to the Academy of Socrates since the bills for its upkeep have stopped coming. He is incensed to learn the school was dissolved three years ago even though his employer continued to fund it. No one town or the Inn by the Lake overlooking the Galilee will discuss why it closed except to mention that a teacher committed suicide, another was murdered in a gruesome manner and the son of the owner of the Inn Kardus is insane.

There is a miasma of evil hanging over the area that seems to emulate from Kardus, who apparently is the victim of demonic possession; this came about when one of the teachers Portia the high priestess of the Cult of Dionysus leads him into evil though the young man was unaware of his "choice" at that time. A child sacrifice to Dionysus led by the inn owner's servant and Portia is averted when the acolyte turn away from the Evil. Tallis should go back to Athens though he likes the innkeeper's daughter but feels unworthy because he can not stop the demonic attacks nor help Kardus. Yet he stays seeking a miracle.

Tracy Groot imbues a powerful message inside this exciting ancient historical fiction novel and that is people must remain strong and dedicated to the side of righteousness and goodness to prevent evil from gaining a foothold on their soul. First century Palestine comes alive with vivid descriptions that provide a dynamic picture of the people, battling culture, and customs of the times. Readers will like this novel so much they will search for the author's backlist (see THE BROTHER'S KEEPER).

Harriet Klausner