the "john, the lord chamberlain" series is a series of historical mystery novels by mary reed and eric mayer. also known as the "john the eunuch" mysteries, the novels feature john, emperor justinian's lord chamberlain, a eunuch who solves mysteries in 6th-century constantinople. "publishers weekly" praises the series' "subtle, well-drawn characters, from the ascetic john to the capricious and enigmatic justinian; deft descriptive detail revealing life in the late roman empire; and sharp dialogue make this another winner in this outstanding historical series."