Sacred Grounds by Laura Gill: Book Review

Set in the Minoan period around 1450 BCE, Sacred Grounds immerses the reader in a murder mystery taken on by an agent of the king and Pylia, a young mortuary priestess of Hekate, who is also a talented scribe—to the disapproval of most of the men around her.

Crisis at Knossos

During an extended drought, the religious leaders of Knossos choose a young man to sacrifice as a year-king, but weeks before his scheduled sacrifice while he is spreading his fertility among the priestesses and other women, officially and not, he is found dead in the main sanctuary. Did he fall or was he killed? And how can disaster to the crops be averted in these highly unpropitious circumstances?

The Minoan World of Sacred Grounds

Gill has devoted herself to researching the Minoan world with great care. The details and depictions of rites and daily life ring with precision and vividness. Pylia, the central character, is admirably sharp-witted and brave while being plagued by realistic doubts and insecurities. The villains are well-rounded and pull on our sympathies even when their crimes and failings are fully on display. Pylia’s allies shift over the course of the novel, and the reader is left in delicious doubt as to where their hearts truly lie.

The novel’s strengths lie in the fully developed ancient world, intriguing characters, and feminist themes. The plot allows a leisurely trip through the palace politics and intrigue of Knossos.

Further Reading about Sacred Grounds and Laura Gill’s depiction of the Minoan world

Sacred Grounds is the first in a completed four book historical mystery series.

If you like, you may buy Sacred Grounds on Amazon.

You may also enjoy my review of Laura Gill’s historical novel Knossos.

You may also enjoy reading Laura Gill’s guest post, Mycenaean Kingship, Matrilineal Succession & Female Power.