An Affair on the Appian Way (London: Hamish Hamilton, 1984). Julia, chief of the Vestal Virgins, finds herself drawn into the case of a young patrician woman who is found strangled. Empress Pompeia Plotina appears. [★★] [ORDER USA] [ORDER UK]

Ben Pastor

1. The Water Thief (USA: St. Martin's Minotaur, 2007, hardcover). In AD 304 Diocletian assigns Aelius Spartianus to investigate the mysterious death two centuries before of Hadrian's lover Antinous. Although little is known of him, in real life Aelius Spartianus is listed as one of the compilers of the Historia Augusta, if one believes, that is, that they actually were the authors. This appears to be the first mystery novel or short story ever set in the reign of Diocletian, which, like that of many late emperors, has been little visited thus far. First in the series. [not yet rated] 2. The Fire Waker (USA: St. Martin's Minotaur, 2007, hardcover). Diocletian has split the empire into four parts, but corruption and individual power grabs are still the order of the day. Amid this, Diocletians's official historian, Aelius Spartianus is sent to Trevorum (ancient Trier) with a sensitive message for Constantius. A Christian miracle worker has an important role to play. Second in the series. [not yet rated] Bruce Macbain 1. Roman Games: A Plinius Secundus Mystery (USA: Poisoned Pen Press, 2010, hardcover; audio cassette; paperback). During the Ludi Romani of 96 AD a notorious senator is found stabbed to death. Domitian commands Pliny the Younger to investigate. With assistance from the poet Martial, he tries to save the senator's slaves by uncovering the plot, which turns out to include Jews, Christians, cultists and a dire horoscope. [not yet rated] 2. The Bull Slayer: A Plinius Secundus Mystery Pliny becomes governor of Bithynia-Pontus (in Asia Minor) and must deal with corruption and cults. [not yet available] Ray Faraday Nelson Dogheaded Death (San Francisco: Strawberry Hill Press, 1989, paperback). When a wealthy Egyptian is murdered in his home, Emperor Nero dispatches one of his palace centurions to Alexandria to investigate. Appearance by Mark the Evangelist. [★★+] [ORDER] Albert Noyer 1. The Secundus Papyrus (USA: Toby, 2003, paperback). In Ravenna, AD 439, surgeon Getorius Asterius and his wife Arcadia examine the body of a drowned monk. They discover a religiously amazing document in the process. Then another murder transpires ... Emperor Valentinian III appears. First in the series. [not yet rated] 2. The Cybelene Conspiracy (USA: Toby, 2005, paperback). In Ravenna of AD 440 Surgeon Getorius Asterius is summoned to investigate the death of a castrated youth. Arians, Vestal Virgins, the cult of Cybele, products from ancient China and his wife Arcadia all play roles. Second in the series. [not yet rated] 3. Death at Pergamum (USA: Toby, forthcoming, paperback). The further adventures of Getorius Asterius and Arcadia. Third in the series. [not yet rated] The Saint's Day Deaths (USA: Creative Arts, 2000, paperback). In AD 406, in a fictional Roman town which seems based on ancient Mainz, someone is murdered on the feast day of every martyr of the calendar, and in the same way. Treverius and Blandina, husband and wife cartographers investigate amid the clash of pagans, Christians and barbarians competing for political power. [not yet rated] Joan O'Hagan A Roman Death (New York: Doubleday, 1988, hardcover). Set during the dictatorship of Julius Caesar. The marriage alliance of the Fufidii and Scauri families is headed for trouble after one of the principals is found dead. When Fufidius' wife is accused of murder and incest, only Cicero can hope to win her case. An unusual multiple point-of-view mystery (perhaps influenced by The Roman Moon Mystery?) which sheds light on the life of women in ancient Rome. Cinna the Poet also appears. [★★+] [ORDER] Mike Ripley Boudica and the Lost Roman (UK: Severn House, 2005, hardcover). In Britain AD 60 Olussa is sent by Romans to assess taxes on the Iceni when their king dies, only to be replaced by Boudica, who as a woman scorned ends up mobilizing her entire tribe against the Romans. [not yet rated] [UK] [USA] John Maddox Roberts 1. SPQR (New York: Avon, 1990, paperback; as The King's Gambit, New York: St. Martin's Minotaur, 2001, trade paperback). Commissioner Decius Caecilius Metellus the Younger's investigation of the murder of a spy for Mithridates draws him into the dangerous world of international power politics during the consulships of Pompey and Crassus. Cicero and Julius Caesar appear. First in the series. [★★] [ORDER] 2. SPQR II, The Catiline Conspiracy (New York: Avon, 1991, paperback; as The Catiline Conspiracy, New York: St. Martin's Minotaur, 2001, trade paperback). Quaestor Decius Caecilius Metellus uncovers romance and intrigue while investigating a series of murders of wealthy merchants. Crassus and Cicero appear. Second in the series. [★★] [ORDER] 3. Sacrilege, The: An SPQR Mystery (New York: Avon, 1992, paperback; New York: Minotaur, 1999, paperback). Senator Decius Caecilius Metellus' investigation of Clodius' invasion of a matronly gathering almost gets him killed. Cicero, Caesar and Crassus appear. Third in the series. [★★+] [ORDER] 4. Temple of the Muses, The: An SPQR Mystery (New York: Avon, 1992, paperback; New York: Minotaur, 1999, paperback). Junior Senator Decius joins a Roman diplomatic mission to Alexandria to escape his enemies in the Eternal City. But the suspicious death of an irascible philosopher distracts the sleuth from his enjoyment of the exotic outpost's many pleasures. Fourth in the series. [★★] [ORDER] 5. SPQR V: Saturnalia (New York: St. Martin's Minotaur, 1999, hardcover; New York: St. Martin's Minotaur, 2003, paperback). Junior Senator Decius is recalled to Rome during the annual Saturnalia festivities to investigate the mysterious death of Metellus Celer. Decius must delve into the world of soothsayers and poisoners to discover whether his widow, the infamous Clodia, was involved. Cicero, Julius Caesar, Crassus, Clodius, Clodia, Milo, Julia, Fausta, Fulvia and other notables also appear in this longer, talkier outing. Apparently there will be no paperback version to match the previous paperback editions in the series. Fifth in the series. [★★] [excerpt] [ORDER] 6. SPQR VI: Nobody Loves a Centurion (New York: St. Martin's Minotaur, 2001, hardcover; New York: St. Martin's Minotaur, 2003, paperback). Out of favor with the powers that be, Decius joins Caesar's legionary camp at Lake Geneva at the outset of the Gallic war. After page 100 he investigates the murder of a centurion while being distracted by a dwarf and a ravishing German slave girl. If he doesn't find the killer, an 8-man squad will be executed. There is much to learn here about life in an army camp as well as about ancient Gallic and Germanic culture. Caesar, Labienus and another, surprise famous name appear. Sixth in the series. [★★★] [ORDER] 7. Tribune's Curse (New York: St. Martin's Minotaur, 2003, hardcover; New York: St. Martin's Griffin, 2004, paperback). Back in Rome, Decius is on his way up the cursus honorum, soon to stand for the post of aedile. Meanwhile Crassus is set to depart for the Parthians when a tribune bestows a terrible curse. When said tribune turns up dead, Pompey and Milo order Decius to investigate. This is a look into the ludicrousness of ancient religions as well as the feeling of daily life in the ancient capital, which are handled better than is the believability of the mystery investigation. Decius' new wife Julia plays a Mycroft or Myrna Loy role in helping with the investigation. Also appearing are Cicero, Cato and Clodius. Seventh in the series. [★★★] 8. SPQR VIII: The River God's Vengeance (New York: St. Martin's Minotaur, 2004, hardcover; New York: St. Martin's Minotaur, 2005, paperback). When over two hundred lives are lost in a building collapse, aedile Decius notices anomalies with some of the corpses and begins to investigate. Eighth in the series. [not yet rated] 9. The Princess and the Pirates (New York: St. Martin's Minotaur, 2005, hardcover; New York: St. Martin's Minotaur, 2006, paperback). Decius is assigned to help with Rome's desire to clear the Mediterranean of pirates. At Cyprus they meet a young Cleopatra, but when the island's governor is murdered, it's Decius duty to punish the guilty party. Gabinius appears. Ninth in the series. [not yet rated] [ORDER] 10. SPQR X: A Point of Law (New York: St. Martin's Minotaur, 2006, hardcover; New York: St. Martin's Minotaur, 2007, paperback). Decius stands for election as praetor. When someone charges him with corruption, the accuser gets murdered before he can appear in court. Decius becomes the main suspect and has trouble proving his innocence. Tenth in the series. [not yet rated] 11. Under Vesuvius (New York: St. Martin's Minotaur, 2007, hardcover). Decius Caecilius has been selected as praetor peregrinus, responsible for foreigners all over Italia. His visit to the coast at Baiae is intended to be a luxurious holiday, but as usual he stumbles into some mysterious murders, including the daughter of a Greek priest, her handmaiden, a Nubian slave dealer and a wealthy Roman matron. Venue is similar to that of Steven Saylor's Arms of Nemesis. Eleventh in the series. [not yet rated] 12. Oracle of the Dead (New York: St. Martin's Minotaur, 2008, hardcover). In 49 BC Decius takes a pleasure trip to the oracle at Baiae near Naples (for other tales with this setting see Arms of Nemesis and Die Pforten des Hades), but comes upon some macabre surprises. Meanwhile, Julius Caesar ponders his famous crossing of the Rubicon. Twelfth in the series. [not yet rated] For a preview of likely upcoming novels by Roberts, click here to see what has already been published in German. 13. The Year of Confusion (New York: St. Martin's Minotaur, 2010, hardcover). Confusion ensues when Pontifex Maximus Julius Caesar re-synchronizes the Roman calendar to the seasons. The storyline jumps right over the civil and Alexandrine wars straight to the last months of the dictatorship, a period covered by many other novels as well. Thirteenth in the series. [not yet rated] For a preview of likely upcoming novels by Roberts, click here to see what has already been published in German. Rosemary Rowe 1. Germanicus Mosaic (London: Headline, 1999, hardcover; London: Headline, 1999, paperback). In AD 186, a freedman named Libertus is instructed to investigate the murder of a centurion found dead in a hypocaust in Glevum, Britannia (modern Gloucester). While the point of view of the former slave is well done, the level of research is perhaps too apparent, especially when the narrator is explaining what his hearers ought to already know. On the other hand, none of them seem the least bit surprised when he routinely goes about twentieth-century-style investigative activities. First in the series. [★★+] [AMAZON UK] 2. A Pattern of Blood (London: Headline, 2000, hardcover; Headline, 2000, paperback). Libertus investigates threats and political intrigue against leading figure Quintus Ulpius. Second in the series. [not yet rated] [AMAZON UK! paperback] 3. Murder in the Forum (London: Headline, 2001, hardcover; London: Headline, 2001, paperback). Libertus is enmeshed in politics and schemes. Third in the series. [not yet rated] [AMAZON UK] 4. The Chariots of Calyx (London: Headline, 2002, hardcover; paperback). Libertus in Londinium. Fourth in the series. [not yet rated] [AMAZON UK] 5. The Legatus Mystery (London: Headline, 2003, hardcover; London: Headline, 2003, paperback; London: Headline, 2003, large text). Libertus investigates the murder of a Roman ambassador, his efforts being rewarded by the anger of a mob. Fifth in the series. [not yet rated] 6. The Ghosts of Glevum (London: Headline, 2004, hardcover; London: Headline, 2004, paperback). When a guest is found dead in the vomitorium, Libertus finds at least two motivations for investigation: both he and his patron are accused of murder. The strange underworld characters of Glevum are the ghosts of the title. Sixth in the series. [not yet rated] [AMAZON UK] 7. Enemies of the Empire (London: Headline, 2005, hardcover). In AD 188 Libertus travels to the Celtic frontier at Isca (modern Exeter) on official business, but events at Venta lead him on a perilous path ... Seventh in the series. [not yet rated] [AMAZON UK] 8. A Roman Ransom (London: Headline, 2006, hardcover; London: Headline, 2006, paperback). AD 188 finds Libertus in Glevum, sick in bed. But he faces a tricky situation as his patron's wife and child have been kidnapped against the release of a political prisoner. Eighth in the series. (Title is rather too close to Henry Winterfeld's Mystery of the Roman Ransom.) [not yet rated] 9. A Coin for the Ferryman (London: Headline, 2007, hardcover; London: Headline, 2007, paperback). In AD 189 a mysterious corpse is found at the occasion of the manumission and engagement of Libertus' helper Junio. Ninth in the series. [not yet rated] 10. Death at Pompeia's Wedding (London: Headline, 2008, hardcover). A poisoning in which the bride is the suspect brings Libertus into a new case. Tenth in the series. [not yet rated] 11. Requiem for a Slave (UK: Severn House, 2010, hardcover; paperback). Libertus discovers a dead body and then is at pains to save the slave accused of committing the murder. Eleventh in the series. [not yet rated] 12. The Vestal Vanishes (UK: Severn House, forthcoming March 2011, hardcover). Twelfth in the series. [not yet rated] Steven Saylor 1. Roman Blood (New York: St. Martin's Press, 1991 hardcover; Ivy Books, 1992, paperback; London: Robinson Publishing, 1997, paperback). Gordianus the Finder investigates the murder of a Roman noble by his own son. Based on the Sextus Roscius case. Cicero and the Dictator Sulla appear in this tale of Republican Rome. First in the series. [★★★★] [excerpt] [complete synopsis including spoilers] [ORDER USA] [AMAZON UK] 2. Arms of Nemesis (New York: St. Martin's Press, 1992; Ivy Books, 1993, paperback; London: Robinson Publishing, 1997, paperback). Gordianus goes to Naples to investigate the murderer of a Roman nobleman by his own slave. Unless he can discover otherwise, many innocent slaves will die. Crassus appears. Second in the series. [★★★★] [ORDER USA] [AMAZON UK] 3. Catilina's Riddle (New York: St. Martin's Press, 1993; Ivy Books, 1994, paperback; London: Robinson Publishing, 1998, paperback). A headless corpse turns up in the barn, meanwhile Gordianus finds himself in the middle of the Catiline Conspiracy. Cicero and Catilina appear. Third in the series. [★★★★] [ORDER USA] [ORDER UK] [AMAZON UK] 4. The Venus Throw (New York: St. Martin's Press, 1995, hardcover; New York: G.K. Hall & Co., 1995, hardcover large print; New York: St. Martin's Press, 1996, paperback; London: Robinson, 1999, paperback). Gordianus is set to visit his son Meto in Gaul when a visitor not all she seems turns up on his doorstep. It's murder and the Finder has his hands full between a hostile Cicero and the seductive, notorious Clodia. Fourth in the series. [★★★+] [ORDER USA] [AMAZON UK] 5. A Murder on the Appian Way (New York: St. Martin's Press, 1996, hardcover; St. Martin's Press, 1997, paperback; London: Robinson Publishing, 1997, hardcover; London: Robinson Publishing, 1998, paperback). The fifty-eight year old Gordianus finds his services much in demand following the murder of the populist politician Clodius. Cicero, Titus Annius Milo, Clodia, Pompey, Caesar and Marcus Antonius appear. Fifth in the series. [★★★★] [ORDER USA] [AMAZON UK] 6. Rubicon (New York: St. Martin's Press, 1999, hardcover; London: Robinson, 1999, hardcover; London: Robinson, 2000, paperback; New York: Minotaur, 2000, paperback). Shortly after Caesar crosses the Rubicon in his march on Rome, Pompey's kinsman turns up murdered in Gordianus' very own garden, setting off a chain of events in the course of which Gordianus seems to cross his own Rubicon. The novel ends shortly after the attempted siege of Brundisium and is clearly closely coupled with Last Seen in Massilia. Julius Caesar, Pompeius Maximus, Marcus Antonius, Cicero and Tiro appear. Sixth in the series. [★★★+] [ORDER USA] [AMAZON UK] 7. Last Seen in Massilia (New York: Minotaur, 2000, hardcover; London: Robinson, 2000, hardcover; London: Robinson, 2001, paperback; New York: St. Martin's Press, 2001, paperback). During the civil war between Pompeius and Julius Caesar, Gordianus' son Meto goes missing in Massilia (ancient Marseilles) in a grim and gruesome tale in which characters are assailed not only by murder, but also starvation, suicide, siege, war, drowning, deceit, remorse and even ugliness. Veers away from logical detection and toward pure historical novel. Julius Caesar, Titus Annius Milo, Gaius Verres and Gaius Trebonius appear. Seventh in the series. [★★★] [ORDER USA] [AMAZON UK] 8. A Mist of Prophecies (New York: Minotaur, 2002, hardcover; London: Robinson Publishing, 2002, hardcover; New York: St. Martins, 2003, paperback). While Pompeius and Caesar square off in Greece, the 62-year old Gordianus is back at Rome denying his mortality in the male way and also questioning the city's famous women re the death of a prominent seeress. No doubt the ladies deserve their day, with the difficulty in kindling dramatic interest in this hair dryer excursion being a modern equivalent to defeating Caesar on the battlefield. Tullia, Terentia, Calpurnia, Antonia, Fausta, Clodia (upon whom the creators of the Rome mini-series based their character Atia), Fulvia, Marcus Caelius and one other appear. Title from Aeschylus' Agamemnon: "After the darkness of her speech, I go bewildered in a mist of prophecies." The author is partly inspired by the work of fellow Berkeleyite Jeannine Davis-Kimball and concepts of the Sarmatian woman warriors. Eighth in the series. [★★★] 9. The Judgement of Caesar (New York: Minotaur, 2004, hardcover; London: Robinson, 2004, hardcover; New York: Minotaur, 2004, paperback). The author can handle a lighter tone very well. Unfortunately here the dark times in Gordianus' family are made to contrast with the already well-trod dark times in Egypt, Gordianus serving as the sometimes improbable witness-to-history. The mystery proper does not begin until after page 200. Julius Caesar, Cleopatra and Ptolemy appear. Ninth in the series. [★★] 10. The Triumph of Caesar (New York: Minotaur, 2008, hardcover; paperback; audio CD; Kindle; London: Robinson, 2008, hardcover; paperback; audio CD; MP3). By 46 BC Caesar and the not-as-dead-as-we-feared Gordianus have both returned to a Rome where the former plans to celebrate four triumphs, but everyone seems to be acting out of character. Meanwhile, is someone trying to remove the Dictator? Actually, there is so much discussion of calendrical reform and imperial ambition that an alternate title might be "Of Calendars and Kings". This site's comments on the last two volumes in the series have discussed the delay in the mystery and the hero's incongruous age; this one starts with the hero saying how healthy he feels (at 64) and puts a dead body in chapter one. Hel-lo! Despite his pose as a man of the people, the Finder mostly hobnobs with the rich and famous; Caesar, Cicero, Mark Antony, Octavian, Atia, Calpurnia, Fulvia (whose mother Sempronia is portrayed as still alive though Wikipedia has her dead almost twenty years earlier), Vercingetorix, Brutus, Volumnia Cytheris, Arsinoe and Cleopatra appear. Once again, the emphasis is more on character sketches (including that of the city itself) than detection, but not as much as in A Mist of Prophecies. It's not that detection is so exciting, by the way, but it does help to propel the story. Motivation and resolution are somewhat dubious, and the Meto character seems to have reversed himself on concerns expressed in the last book, but as always writing style and dialog carry the day. Tenth in the series. [★★★+] Kelli Stanley 1. Nox Dormienda (Five Star Mysteries, 2008, hardcover). During the reign of Domitian, sometime detective, Arcturus, a Romano-Briton working as private physician for Agricola, governor of Britannia province, investigates the murder of an imperial envoy. Title means "A Long Night for Sleeping" in this overlong and often slow-moving book which may have too much evidence of the oil lamp. First in the series. [★+] 2. The Curse Maker (Minotaur, 2011, hardcover). Set in Britain's Bath, takes place in 84 AD, nine months after the first installment. Second in the series. [not available for review] A.C. Tassie Death of a Blue Hero (Salt Lake City: Northwest Publishing, 1995, paperback). Anthus, ambitious slave steward of Prefect of the Watch Macro, investigates the murder of a popular chariot racer, in the course of it uncovering corruption and more murders. This unusual multiple point-of-view mystery with first-person narrator delves in where Graves leaves off. Set in AD 26 during the reign of Tiberius. Livia, Claudius, Sejanus and a surprise character also appear. [★★+] A complimentary copy was provided to this site. Death of a Vestal Virgin (Canada: Felinity Press, 2006, paperback). When a Vestal Virgin is murdered, Anthus investigates amid religious, gladiatorial and aristocratic settings. The author's influences appear to be many. One is a sort of James Clavell book in which there are many characters acting quite independently and we see all of their points of view, eventually all coming together. Another might be the television program Law & Order where the crime is committed and an arrest made in the first half with the trial ensuing in the second. Yet another is shown in the prodigious amounts of research which appear. Sue Feder would have said that too much time was spent "under the oil lamp", i.e. doing historical research that shows up on the page, but actually does little to advance plot or character. Chapter XXXIII, for example, is nothing but a trip to the horse races. But on the other hand Melville's Moby Dick does much the same with all its detail about whale killing, but is often accorded a modern classic. There were a few too many characters and historical bits for this reader, but there were enjoyable parts too, especially the relationship between Macro and Anthus, master and man, an area in which the author seems to have many insights. Historical notes and glossary are included. Emperor Tiberius, Caligula, Vespasian, Macro and other luminaries appear. A complimentary copy was provided to this site. [★★] Marilyn Todd 1. I, Claudia (A Mystery: 13 BC) (London: Macmillan Books, 1995; London: Pan Books, 1996, paperback). A beautiful 24-year old endeavors to discover why her male clients are being knocked off one by one, while the ambitious aristocrat Marcus Cornelius Orbilio investigates from the official side of the street. (Setup is reminiscent of The Roman Moon Mystery.) Photography of the protagonist in ancient Roman garb makes for a unique dustcover. First in the series. [★★] 2. Virgin Territory (London: Macmillan Books, 1996, hardcover; London: Pan Books, 1997, paperback; London: Isis Large Print, 1997, large text). Six weeks after the events in I, Claudia, Claudia is asked to accompany a retired Vestal Virgin to Sicily, but Orbilio is suspicious. Then he discovers a female corpse... Another competitive investigation ensues. Second in the series. [★] 3. Man Eater (London: Macmillan Books, 1997, hardcover; PAN, 1998, paperback). This time it appears that Claudia has been set up for a charge of murder when a man is found dead in her rooms. Third in the series. [not yet rated] [ORDER] 4. Wolf Whistle (London: Macmillan Books, 1998, hardcover; Australia: Macmillan Books, 1999, paperback; London: Pan Books, 1999, paperback). With the Empire in crisis and insurrection looming, Claudia investigates the brutal murders of five slave girls, each killed on Market Day and linked by a dragon tattoo they each wear on their arms - and which marks them out as the "Children of Arbil". Fourth in the series. [not yet rated] [AMAZON UK] 4. Jail Bait (London: Macmillan Books, 1999, hardcover; PAN, 2000, paperback). Claudia goes on holiday but it seems a cheat when her friend turns up dead. Fifth in the series. [not yet rated] [ORDER] 6. Black Salamander ( London: Macmillan Books, 2000, hardcover; London: Macmillan Books, 2001, paperback). Claudia is delivering a pouch sealed with a black salamander when a rockfall in ancient Switzerland leaves her party stranded amid suspicious circumstances. Sixth in the series. [not yet rated] 7. Dark Horse (London: Severn House, 2002, hardcover). Horse racing and pirates are featured. Seventh in the series. [not yet rated] [AMAZON UK] 8. Dream Boat (London: Severn House, 2002, hardcover; (London: Severn House, 2004, paperback). Claudia's young relation is abducted. Eighth in the series. [not yet rated] [AMAZON UK] 9. Second Act (London: Severn House, 2003, hardcover). A murderer lurks about the house during the Saturnalia season. Ninth in the series. [not yet rated] 10. Widow's Pique (London: Severn House, 2004, hardcover). Claudia looks into the mysterious deaths that befall a king's family. Tenth in the series. [not yet rated] 11. Stone Cold (London: Severn House, 2005, hardcover). Claudia ventures as far as Gaul, but more importantly, into her past, to discover the truth of her father's disappearance a decade earlier. The disappearances of several young women deepen the case. Eleventh in the series. [not yet rated] 12. Sour Grapes (London: Severn House, 2005, hardcover). Claudia goes out to Tuscany to visit her stepmother, encountering a sorceress and a handsome horse trader along the way, as well as a series of murders. Twelfth in the series. [not yet rated] 13. Scorpion Rising (London: Severn House, 2006, hardcover; paperback). Claudia encounters priestesses keeping men as sex slaves while tracking down a murderer in southwestern Gaul. Thirteenth in the series. [not yet rated] David Wishart 1. Ovid (London: Hodder and Stoughton, 1995, hardcover; London: Sceptre, 1996, paperback ). Aristocrat Marcus Valerius Messalla Corvinus uncovers a conspiracy of silence which prevents his recovery of the ashes of the exiled Ovid. In the tradition of Suetonius and Graves. The writings of ill-fated General Quinctilius Varus appear, regrettably less so, those of Ovid. A mystery with political thriller. First in the series. [★★+] (By the way, the cognomen "Corvinus" means "The Crow", a name granted to one branch of the Valerius sept after events of 384 BC in which an army tribune by name of Valerius was challenged to single combat by a Celtic chieftain in lieu of a general melee. As the battle began, a crow perched on Valerius' helmet and then proceeded to attack the eyes and face of the Celt, who, dismayed by this divine disfavor, collapsed and was killed.) [AMAZON UK] 2. Germanicus (London: Hodder and Stoughton, 1997, hardcover; London: Sceptre, 1997, paperback). After the trial of Piso, Livia commissions Marcus Valerius Messalla Corvinus with solving the death of Germanicus in Syria. Tiberius, Sejanus, Agrippina, Drusus, Livilla and the consul Marcus Valerius Cotta Maximus Messalinus also appear in this political thriller about events and characters which never really manage to thrill, or even make us care. Second in the series. [★] [AMAZON UK] 3. Sejanus (London: Sceptre, 1998, hardcover; London: Sceptre, 1998, paperback). Marcus Valerius Messalla Corvinus receives an assignment from Livia to check the growing power of Imperial prefect Sejanus. Third in the series. [not yet rated] [AMAZON UK] 4. Lydian Baker (London: Sceptre, 1998; hardcover; London: Sceptre, 1999, paperback). While exiled to Athens, Marcus Valerius Messalla Corvinus investigates how a valuable Greek artifact has suddenly come on the open market and who purchased it, which lead to the dangerous world of organized crime. Fourth in the series. [not yet rated] [AMAZON UK] 5. Old Bones (London: Hodder and Stoughton, 2000, hardcover; London: New English Library, 2001, paperback). Marcus must clear his father-in-law of murder and find the real culprit in a story interwoven with myth and history. Fifth in the series. [not yet rated] [AMAZON UK] 6. Last Rites (London: Hodder & Stoughton, 2001, hardcover; London: Sceptre, 2002, paperback). Wishart's turn to take a look at the Bona Dea ceremony, previously treated by John Maddox Roberts in The Sacrilege and in The Venus Throw by Steven Saylor, posits the mysterious death of a young woman. Marcus Valerius Messalla Corvinus is back to investigate of course, being helped once again by his wife as well as a young flute player. Sixth in the series. [not yet rated] 7. White Murder (London: Hodder & Stoughton, 2002, hardcover; paperback). Marcus Valerius Messalla Corvinus investigates the death of yet another unfortunate champion charioteer, a topic previously taken up in Shadows in Bronze, SPQR II, The Catiline Conspiracy, Death of a Blue Hero, La Course de l'espoir, Rebellion im Circus Maximus, Mörderisches Rennen and "The Consul's Wife", Mount Etna also makes an appearance. Seventh in the series. [not yet rated] 8. A Vote for Murder (London: Hodder & Stoughton, 2003, hardcover; London: Coronet, 2003, paperback). Corvinus investigates the sudden death of a consular candidate. Eighth in the series. [not yet rated] 9. Parthian Shot (London: Hodder & Stoughton, 2004, hardcover; London: Hodder & Stoughton, 2004, signed hardcover; London: Coronet, 2004, paperback; New York: Hodder & Stoughton, 2004, hardcover; New York: New English Library, 2004, paperback; Corvinus investigates an attack on a Parthian prince and learns a lot about the spice trade. Ninth in the series. [not yet rated] [AMAZON USA] 10. Food for the Fishes (London: Hodder & Stoughton, 2005, hardcover; London: Hodder & Stoughton, 2005, paperback). The owner of a fish-farm is found drowned in one of his own eel tanks. Tenth in the series. [not yet rated] 11. In at the Death (London: Hodder & Stoughton, 2007, hardcover; London: Hodder Paperback, 2007, paperback). Marcus investigates the apparent suicide of a young man, but in the process finds political dimension to a likely murder. Eleventh in the series. [not yet rated] 12. Illegally Dead (London: Hodder & Stoughton, 2008, hardcover; London: Hodder & Stoughton, 2009, paperback). Corvinus is off to Castrimoenium (modern Marino in central Italy) upon hearing of a possible murder. Soon two other corpses are found ... Twelfth in the series. [not yet rated] [USA hardcover] [USA paperback] 13. Bodies Politic (UK: PlashMill Press, 2010, paperback). Corvinus visits Alexandria and encounters anti-Semitic Greeks. Cover looks like someone just grabbed one of the Fayum mummy portraits and stuck it on a black background: Thirteenth in the series. [not yet rated] Copyright © 1994-2011 by Richard M. Heli. Permission granted to reprint so long as this notice is preserved in its entirety and I am informed prior to the re-use. Published since June 1994. Contact