“A Provincial Chronicle at the Beginning of Autumn” is a novella that, apparently, appeared as a result of the author’s fascination with ancient mythology—just like the earlier “Labyrinth.” As the author warns, the “Chronicles” are in no way a continuation of the “Labyrinth,” although both have one common hero—Theseus. The novella offers a very curious version of the causes of the Trojan War and is the author’s pure invention. Overall, it’s a detective story staged in antique scenery.