Tragic. Simply tragic. How this book was voted as the best of the year by Public's readers is beyond me. It relies exclusively on the shock it causes the reader to cover all its shortcomings: inadequately developed characters, countless errors in police procedure, writing that is indifferent to bad in some cases, emotions that arise out of nowhere. One police officer, who has already made a name for himself in the force, spends 90% of the witness interviews talking with his ex-girlfriend whom he's trying to avoid (obviously he doesn't know you can block numbers on Viber), interviews a Martha, a brunette in her 60s, and when his colleague tells him they're looking for a Martha P., a brunette in her 60s, he doesn't think they might be the same person; in one chapter he wonders if he'll be able to forget his ex and in the next he thinks what he feels for his new, very beautiful colleague is something very strong and unique. The heroine doesn't exchange a word beyond what's absolutely necessary for work with the new lieutenant, gets annoyed that he keeps standing her up, that he took her office, that she keeps seeing him on his phone instead of listening to witnesses, but suddenly we read that this man is the exception and different from all the others out there whom she doesn't trust. Sorry what? How did that happen? Not to mention that the police interview the cleaner and the couple's neighbors first, and days later the victim's father and the alleged murderer's husband! Additionally, they haven't read the ID of the woman they've arrested to find out where she was born and what her parents' names are. What kind of practices are these? The child's funeral takes place at the moment of the mother's arrest, which seems to be just minutes after the child fell from the balcony. The mother was arrested without evidence as guilty of murder, before talking to neighbors about who else was in the house and without even raising the question of whether it was an accident, even though no neighbor saw what happened and no one reported the mother. Why? I think the Greek police should consider filing a complaint about how incompetent and uncoordinated they're portrayed. Two-thirds into the book, all the twists and surprises become obvious, the autistic heroine's sympathy for a woman who earlier tried to gouge her eyes out remains unexplained but extremely convenient for the plot, the characters are wooden and lack depth, and the writing is at times excessively florid for a crime novel. I finished it with effort, hoping to see at the last moment what so many readers saw, but in vain...

We first got to know Stefanos Alexiadis through his specific book, The Wail! A book that caught our interest just from its title! The first thing we did was to look up what The Wail is. And how could a book with that title be a psychological thriller? We started reading it and in less than a week (with all our obligations) we managed to read the book and felt 'sad' that it ended! A book that, by reading its back cover, makes you want to take it in your hands and dive into it, to read every word and experience it through the eyes of a woman on the autism spectrum! How did this woman live at that time? What is happening? A psychological thriller with easy writing, a beautiful mood, and such an exciting plot! Heroes next door and characters that we could see all around us! It could have been us, a relative, or our neighbor! Our congratulations to Stefanos are few compared to the creation he has written! If you haven't read it, it's time to do so, because above all, we must support new and Greek authors as talented as Stefanos!

I know Stefanos' writing. Having read the equally successful "Winged Sandals," but now with a completely different theme, as it is a detective novel. As always, Stefanos makes you create images in your mind, with simple writing, yet rich vocabulary. He makes you live every moment. You want to read more and more until you reach the end! You can't put it down; you want to go straight to the next chapter. He sketches each character with care, dedication, and sensitivity. He talks about the spectrum of autism just as it should be, without exaggerations. He shows love, family and psychological problems, workplace issues. The point of view of each character gives you something different every time. Without giving spoilers, the twists are many and the reader could never imagine them. It literally leaves you with your mouth open, just as it left me. Also, in a magical way, the Winged Sandals connect with the Wailing, even though they are two different books. Stefanos has nothing to envy from any successful author out there, even with only two books to his credit. And he deserves the attention, admiration, and dedication of the reader. He has come to stay

I had the joy and honor two years ago to be a beta reader for "Oimogi" when my beloved Stefanos Alexiadis had just completed writing the book. Clearly excited and incredibly proud of him, I started reading it and finished it in just a few days! Today, "Oimogi" is in the hands of many readers (having sold over 5,000 copies so far) and adorns the windows of bookstores all over Greece, prompting those who haven't read it to do so immediately!

A small boy is found dead after falling from the balcony of his home. The main suspect is his mother, a woman on the autism spectrum, making her an easy target for blame. When Inspector Theodosiou and Sergeant Vayos collaborate to uncover the truth, many things come to light.

Why did the tragedy happen? Is Orestes' mother the one responsible for his death? A modern psychological thriller with contemporary heroes and references to stereotypes and social phenomena that our society has yet to resolve. Social exclusion, domestic violence, patriarchy, developmental disorders of autism, and how autistic individuals are treated by their social environment are some of these.

"Oimogi" means scream and is a punch to the stomach of a book! It is intense, subversive, and different, written with the impeccable use of the Greek language by the author. Every page "screams" and challenges you to read just a little further until you reach the solution to the mystery. The short chapters combined with the alternating narratives of the characters create a fast pace that heightens the reader's anxiety.

An extremely addictive psychological thriller that is read with bated breath, full of social issues worth discussing. I highly recommend it and can't wait for the author's next book!