This is the basic premise of Gameboard of the Gods, first in Richelle Mead's new series, and something Justin March, one of its main characters knows only too well.
In the future Earth, organised religion is outlawed and it is his job to investigate and close any religious groups that show signs of gathering a significant following.
But faced with a series of ritualised murders that appear to have a supernatural component, Justin finds it increasingly difficult to avoid an open acknowledgement the Gods exist and the need to honour his own promise he made to one of them in exchange for his life, an obligation he has thus far avoided on a technicality.
Not only may he need divine help to solve the crimes, acting on the mutual attraction between himself and his military bodyguard, Mia, will commit him to the deity's service.
Although more tale of star-crossed lovers than detective novel, there is enough action and mystery to carry the plot forward, and the world Mead has created from a mixture of Greek legend and post-semi-apocalyptic fiction is interesting enough I am willing keep reading.
- Cushla McKinney is a Dunedin scientist.
