The style of writing makes it an easy read and the mystery is done well. The setting is one of the main attractions in this book, so expertly woven into the story that you don't realise how easily you've been transported to ancient times. Marcus Crassus (who was kind of a big deal).

This story is basically an Agatha Christie style murder mystery played out in Ancient Rome with some heavy hitting historical figures in play e.g. Why have I waited so long to read the second book in this series?! Fool of a Took! Highly recommended, for this is a great Roman mystery combined with historical accuracy that is set in the Roman Republic, and that's why I like to call this episode: 'An Impressive Historical Roman Mystery'! What is to follow is an intriguing and thrilling action-packed Roman mystery, that is filled with political scheming, self-preservation, power, greed and cruelty, and in these circumstances Gordianus the Finder must somehow find the truth about the murder of Lucius Licinius and also to convince Marcus Crassus to spare as many slaves as possible, and after some hustle and bustle concerning life and death, he will be able to reveal the culprit of this secret killing by producing the evidence and witness of this hideous crime. Meanwhile Gordianus the Finder and his adopted son, Eco, are taken by ship by Marcus Mummius to Baiae, on behalf of the bereaved widow, Gelina, and he's summoned to find, in three days, the truth behind and thus killer of her late husband, Lucius Licinius. Two missing slaves, Alexandros and Zeno, are accused of this murder by the real murderer, but they are fully innocent and have to flee for their lives. This mystery is situated in 72 BC, during the Spartacus Slave Revolt, and it starts off with the murder of Lucius Licinius, cousin of the immense powerful and very greedy, Marcus Licinius Crassus. Storytelling is excellent, all figures featuring in this historical Roman mystery are very believable and lifelike, and the hostile and deadly atmosphere during the Spartacus Slave Revolt come very much to the forefront.Īt the beginning of the book, you'll find several well-made maps of the Bay of Neapolis (Naples) in 72 BC during the Spartacus Slave Revolt, while at the back you'll notice a very informative Author's Note with historical details concerning this tale. This historical Roman mystery is the altogether, chronologically speaking, 7th volume of the 'Roma Sub Rosa' series, featuring Gordianus the Finder.

Arms of Nemesis by Steven Saylor