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Novels in English

Last updated IX JUNIUS MMVIII

English-language Biblical Re-tellings and Novels for Younger Readers are elsewhere. Please see above.

Directory of Authors:

Albert A. Bell Jr. · Philip Boast · Ron Burns · Charles Connell · Lindsey Davis · Paul Doherty · Alex Domokos and Rita Toews · Ruth Downie · Charles Edward Gray · Jane Finnis · Barbara Hambly · Robert Harris · Wallace Irwin · Michael Levey · Ray Faraday Nelson · Albert Noyer · Joan O'Hagan · Ben Pastor · Mike Ripley · John Maddox Roberts · Rosemary Rowe · Steven Saylor · Kelli Stanley · A.C. Tassie · Marilyn Todd · David Wishart

Albert A. Bell Jr.
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All Roads Lead to Murder
(London: High Country, 2002 hardcover).
Historical figures as sleuths: in AD 83 on a caravan trip back to Roma, Pliny the Younger and the historian Tacitus find themselves up to their elbows in gore in Smyrna. [not yet rated] [USA]

The Blood of Caesar
(London: Claystone Books, 2008 hardcover).
Pliny the Younger and Tacitus look for Nero's descendants at the behest of Domitian. Read chapter 1 here. [not yet rated]

Philip Boast
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Son of Heaven (Septimus Severus Quistus)
(UK: Severn House, 2007, hardcover).
In AD 64 Nero has another travel assignment for Septimus, helping Liu Zhang to return from Rome to take his place as emperor of China. Negotiating the Huns is supposed to be one of the problems, but considering that there were zero contacts between early imperial Rome and the Han Dynasty, this one sounds historically preposterous. [not yet rated] [UK] [USA]
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Third Princess, The (Septimus Severus Quistus)
(UK: Severn House, 2006, hardcover).
Forced by Nero to guard a Christian princess traveling to Britain, Septimus Severus Quistus becomes entangled in intrigue and deceit that threatens the empire. [not yet rated] [UK] [USA]

Ron Burns

Charles Connell Lindsey Davis

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1. Silver Pigs
(London: Sidgwick & Jackson, 1989, hardcover; London: Pan Books, paperback; New York: Crown Books, 1989, hardcover; New York: Ballantine, 1989, paperback; London: Arrow, 2000, paperback; London: Century, 2000, hardcover).
Set in the First century AD empire of Vespasian. Private informer Marcus Didius Falco investigates imperial conspiracies in Rome and Britain on behalf of the Emperor, Titus and Domitian. First in the series. [***] [ORDER USA] [AMAZON UK]
cover not available
2. Shadows in Bronze
(London: Sidgwick & Jackson, 1990, hardcover; London: Pan Books, 1991, paperback; New York: Crown Books, 1990, hardcover; New York: Ballantine, 1990, paperback; London: Arrow, 2000, paperback; London: Century, 2000, hardcover).
Falco is on the case for Vespasian once again, this time tracking all over south Italy in search of leftover conspirators. Second in the series. [**] [ORDER USA] [AMAZON UK]
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Falco on His Metal: Lindsey Davis Omnibus
(London: Arrow (Random House), 1999, hardcover; paperback). Omnibus edition containing the third, fourth and fifth novels: Venus in Copper, The Iron Hand of Mars and Poseidon's Gold [AMAZON UK]
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3. Venus in Copper
(London: L. Hutchinson, 1991, hardcover; London: Arrow (Random House), 1991, paperback; New York: Crown Books, 1991; New York: Ballantine, 1991, mass market paperback; New York: Crown, 1992, paperback).
Falco has given up imperial work to concentrate on the intrigues of the nouveaux riches. Titus appears however. Third in the series. [***] [AMAZON UK]
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4. The Iron Hand of Mars
(London: L. Hutchinson, 1992, hardcover; London: Arrow (Random House), 1992, paperback; New York: Crown Books, 1992, hardcover; New York: Ballantine, 1992, paperback).
Vespasian has a job for Falco... in barbarian Germany. Falco doesn't want to go. When he gets there, his mission to track down a renegade, find a prophetess and discover the whereabouts of a missing legate is interrupted by ... murder. Fourth in the series. [***] [ORDER USA] [AMAZON UK]
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5. Poseidon's Gold
(London: Century, Random House UK Limited, 1993, hardcover, paperboards; London: Arrow (Random House), 1994, paperback; New York: Crown Publishers, 1994, hardcover; New York: Ballantine paperback, 1994).
Falco gets arrested for murder with Helena Justina as his accomplice. Her family is not amused. Is Falco destined for the lions? Fifth in the series. [**+] [ORDER USA] [AMAZON UK]
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Falco on the Loose: Lindsey Davis Omnibus
(London: Arrow (Random House), 2003, hardcover; paperback). Omnibus edition containing the sixth, seventh and eight novels: Last Act in Palmyra Time to Depart and A Dying Light in Corduba.
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6. Last Act in Palmyra
(London: Century, Random House UK Limited, 1994, hardcover, paperboards; London: Arrow (Random House), 1995, paperback; New York: Mysterious Press, 1996, hardcover; Ballantine, 1997, paperback).
Falco has got himself a secret commission from Anacrites to scout the Eastern Empire. Meanwhile, an employee is missing and Thalia the Snake-Dancer wants her found. So why are Falco and Helena joining a theater troupe? Sixth in the series. [****] [excerpt] [ORDER USA] [AMAZON UK]
Note: The Hidden City of Petra is a documentary video which provides a nice adjunct to readers of this novel, which has important scenes set there. It is interesting to think too of Falco and Helena treading over the same areas that Hercule Poirot walked on (will walk on?) in Agatha Christie's Appointment With Death.
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7. Time to Depart
(London: Century, Random House UK Limited, 1995, hardcover, paperboards; London: Arrow (Random House), 1996, paperback; New York: Mysterious Press, 1997, hardcover; New York: Warner Books, 1998, paperback).
Back home, Marcus Didius assists his friend Petronius in sending one of Rome's top criminals into exile. When a new rash of crimes breaks out, both Falco and Petronius are called before the emperor. The case leads Falco deep into Rome's sinister underworld. Vespasian and Titus appear. Seventh in the series. [**+] [ORDER USA] [AMAZON UK]
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8. A Dying Light in Corduba
(London: Century, Random House UK Limited, 1996, leather bound, hardcover; London: Arrow (Random House), 1997, paperback; New York: Mysterious Press, 1998, hardcover; New York: G K Hall & Co, 1998, hardcover large print; New York: Warner Books, 1999, paperback).
When the nightcap to a mysterious dinner party of the Baetican Olive Oil Producers Society proves to be murder, Falco is off to to distant Hispania, tracking culprits and conspiracies; naturally his girlfriend accompanies. The olive business is the research bit in this one. Eighth in the series. [***] [ORDER USA] [AMAZON UK]
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9. Three Hands in the Fountain
(London: Century, Random House UK Limited, 1997, hardcover; London: Arrow (Random House), 1998, paperback; New York: Mysterious Press, 1999, hardcover; New York: Warner Books, 1999, paperback).
When a severed hand turns up in a fountain one day, Falco and Petronius end up in an adventure they never expected. The former's family matters and the latter's marital problems are the B plots in this one while Rome's aqueduct system is the special focus. Ninth in the series. [*+] [ORDER USA] [AMAZON UK]
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10. Two for the Lions
(London: Century, Random House UK Limited, 1998, hardcover; London: Arrow (Random House), 1999, paperback; New York: Mysterious Press, 1999, hardcover; New York: Warner Books, 2000, paperback).
Working with Anacrites and the censors, Falco becomes interested in the death of a gladiatorial lion and the subsequent crimes and coverups surrounding it. Missing relatives and a trip to Africa also participate. Vespasian and his mistress Caenis appear. Miscalling the Parthenon the "Pantheon", dubious character motivations and throwaway descriptions of every port in North Africa beg the question whether Davis, like Colleen McCullough, needs a holiday from Rome. Tenth in the series. [*+] [ORDER USA] [AMAZON UK]
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11. One Virgin Too Many
(London: Century, Random House UK Limited, 1999, hardcover; London: Century, Random House UK Limited, 1999, trade paperback; London: Arrow (Random House), 2000, paperback; New York: Mysterious Press, 2000, hardcover; New York: Warner Books, 2001, paperback).
Falco returns to Rome where he finds Imperial favor and a new position as Procurator of the Sacred Poultry of the Senate and People of Rome. Sent to investigate the disappearance of a future Vestal Virgin, he is also troubled by the appearance of a corpse in the Sacred Grove of the Arval Brothers. Rome's more obscure religious customs form the B topic in this one – obviously some topics work better than others. Eleventh in the series. [*] [AMAZON UK]
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12. Ode to a Banker
(London: Century, Random House UK Limited, 2000, hardcover; London: Arrow (Random House), 2001, paperback; New York: Mysterious Press, 2001, hardcover; New York: Mysterious Press, 2002, paperback).
The in-depth topics this time are poetry and banking as Falco investigates the death of an Athenian banker and patron of poets. Twelfth in the series. [not yet rated] [AMAZON UK]
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13. A Body in the Bathhouse
(London: Century, Random House UK Limited, 2001, hardcover; London: Century, Random House UK Limited, 2001, trade paperback; London: Arrow, 2002, paperback; New York: Warner, 2002, hardcover; New York: Warner, 2002, paperback.)
Falco makes his return to Britain as the emperor demands to know why King Togidubnus of the Atrebates is running up such huge bills. Thirteenth in the series. [not yet rated] [ORDER UK] [ORDER USA]
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14. The Jupiter Myth
(London: Century, Random House UK Limited, 2002, hardcover; paperback; New York: Warner, 2002, hardcover; New York: Warner, 2003, paperback).
The characters continue in Britain, supposedly on holiday. Fourteenth in the series. [not yet rated]
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15. The Accusers
(London: Century, 2004, hardcover; paperback; New York: Mysterious Press, 2004, hardcover; New York: Warner, 2004, paperback).
The topic this time is Roman law as Falco appears in court as an advocate. Fifteenth in the series. [not yet rated]
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16. Scandal Takes a Holiday
(London: Century, 2004, hardcover; paperback; paperback; New York: Mysterious Press, 2004, hardcover; New York: Warner, 2005, paperback).
Falco searches for a missing journalist in at Ostia. Are pirates involved? Sixteenth in the series. [not yet rated]
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17. See Delphi and Die
(London: Century, 2005, hardcover; London: Century, 2005, paperback; London: Century, 2006, mass market paperback).
With Roman tourism and Olympic sport as the B plots, Falco, Helena and Nux step into a murder investigation on a tour to Olympia, Corinth, Athens and Delphi. The reader steps into the usual problems of point of view, ambiguous protagonist narrator and tedious minutiae. If the one-off characters and events are going to be this flat, Falco is better off staying at home interacting with those we have come to know. Seventeenth in the series. [*+]
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18. Saturnalia
(London: Century, 2007, hardcover; London: Century, 2007, paperback; New York: Century, 2007, hardcover; New York: Arrow, 2008, mass market paperback; New York: Arrow, 2008, paperback).
Falco and an old nemesis, Chief Spy Anacrites, race to find a escaped foreign potentate amid Rome's Saturnalia festivities. Eighteenth in the series. [not yet rated]
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19. Alexandria
(London: Century, forthcoming February 2009, hardcover; New York: Century, forthcoming February 2009, hardcover).
Nineteenth in the series. [not yet rated]

Paul Doherty
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Domina
(Headline, 2002, hardcover;
Headline, 2005, paperback.)
The story of Agrippina the Younger, wife of Claudius and mother of Nero, as told by her freedman. [not yet rated]
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Murder Imperial
(Headline, 2003,
hardcover; Headline, 2003, paperback.)
Set in the Rome of Diocletian and the rise of Constantine. Helena, Constantine's mother, and her spy, Claudia, play prominent roles. First in the series. [not yet rated]
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The Queen of the Night
(Headline, 2006,
hardcover; Headline, 2006, paperback.)
Secret agent Claudia investigates the deaths of army veterans as well as child abductions. Third in the series. [not yet rated]
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The Song of the Gladiator
(Headline, 2004,
hardcover; Headline, 2004, paperback; Headline, 2005, paperback.)
Gladiators, Helena (mother of Emperor Constantine) and a spy, Claudia, are featured in this one. Claudia is involved with a gladiator who is under pressure from a betting syndicate. Second in the series. [not yet rated]

Alex Domokos and Rita Toews
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The Centurion
(eBook, 2006).
During the reign of Tiberius, Marco, former master of grain shipments at Ostia, travels to Judea with the military, volunteers to guard the tomb of a man known as the Teacher and eventually stands trial for aiding religious fanatics. [not yet rated]

Ruth Downie
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1. Medicus
(Bloomsbury USA, 2007
hardcover; paperback; audio CD; audio download).
The detective is Gaius Petrius Ruso, a military physician – the medicus of the title – stationed in what is now Chester. (Reminds that "chester" comes from Latin castra meaning stronghold, so all of Chester, Winchester, Chichester, etc. must have been strongholds at one point.) He becomes a detective when a series of prostitutes are found dead. Set during the reign of Hadrian. Apparently also published by Penguin under the title Ruso and the Disappearing Dancing Girls. First in the series. [not yet rated] [ORDER USA] [AMAZON UK]
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2. Terra Incognita
(Bloomsbury USA, 2008
hardcover).
In AD 118 Ruso takes an assignment in the north of Britain where rebellion is brewing. Meanwhile, a soldier is found murdered in grisly fashion. Apparently also published by Penguin under the title Ruso and the Demented Doctor. Second in the series. [not yet rated] [ORDER USA] [AMAZON UK]
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Charles Edward Gray

Jane Finnis
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1. Get Out or Die
(New York: Poisoned Pen, 2003, hardcover; London: Poisoned Pen, 2003, hardcover; New York: Poisoned Pen, 2005, large text; London: Poisoned Pen, 2005, paperback).
In the Britain of the reign of the Emperor Domitian, the natives are still restless. An Italian import innkeeper, Aurelia Marcella, takes it upon herself to investigate the murders and uncover the rebels. First in the series. 348 pages. [not yet rated]
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2. A Bitter Chill
(New York: Poisoned Pen, 2005, hardcover).
Saturnalia of AD 95 sees a tragic death and Aurelia's sister is accused. Partly set in ancient York. Second in the series. [not yet rated]
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3. Buried Too Deep
(London: Poisoned Pen, 2008, hardcover; New York: Poisoned Pen, 2008, hardcover; audio CD; audio cassette).
In AD 98 the appearance of a farmer wounded by swordplay sends Aurelia and her brother to inspect a shipwreck and an encounter with sea raiders. Third in the series. [not yet rated]

Barbara Hambly
cover not available
The Quirinal Hill Affair
(New York: Ballantine, 1983,
hardcover; as Search the Seven Hills, New York: Ballantine, 1987, hardcover).
It is A.D. 116. The Roman Streets are quiet. The moon is full. The perfect setting for the perfect crime... A young philosopher seeks a kidnapped woman in the areas of Ancient Rome's Quirinal Hill. Are some of Rome's early Christians behind it? (Reminiscent of The Roman Moon Mystery.) [***] [ORDER]

Robert Harris
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Pompeii
(New York: Random House, 2003,
hardcover; New York: Random House, 2005, paperback).
In the time of the famous eruption, Marcus Attilius Primus, the new chief engineer for the local aqueduct, is summoned by Corelia, beautiful daughter of the powerful and corrupt Ampliatus, to investigate a fish kill in their villa's pool. [not yet rated]

Wallace Irwin

Michael Levey Ben Pastor
cover 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]
cover 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]

Ray Faraday Nelson
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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
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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]
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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]
(cover not yet available)
3. Death at Pergamum
(USA: Toby, forthcoming, paperback).
The further adventures of Getorius Asterius and Arcadia. Third in the series. [not yet rated]
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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
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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
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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]
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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]
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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]
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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]
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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]
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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]
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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. [***]
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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]
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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]
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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]
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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]
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12. Oracle of the Dead
(New York: St. Martin's Minotaur, forthcoming December 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.

Rosemary Rowe
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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]
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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]
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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]
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4. The Chariots of Calyx
(London: Headline, 2002, hardcover; paperback).
Libertus in Londinium. Fourth in the series. [not yet rated] [AMAZON UK]
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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]
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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]
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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]
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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]
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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]
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10. Death at Pompeia's Wedding
(London: Headline, forthcoming October 2008, hardcover).
A poisoning in which the bride is the suspect brings Libertus into a new case. Tenth in the series. [not yet rated]

Steven Saylor
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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] [ORDER USA] [AMAZON UK]
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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]
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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]
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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]
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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]
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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]
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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]
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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. [***]
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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. [**]
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10. The Triumph of Caesar
(New York: Minotaur, 2008, hardcover; London: Robinson, 2008, hardcover).
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, but as always writing style and dialog carry the day. Tenth in the series. [***+]

Kelli Stanley
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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. [*+]

A.C. Tassie
(cover currently unavailable)
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.
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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
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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. [**]
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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. [*]
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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]
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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]
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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]
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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]
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7. Dark Horse
(London: Severn House, 2002, hardcover).
Horse racing and pirates are featured. Seventh in the series. [not yet rated] [AMAZON UK]
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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]
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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]
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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]
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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]
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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]
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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
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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]
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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]
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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]
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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]
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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]
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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]
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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]
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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]
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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]
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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]
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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]
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12. Illegally Dead
(London: Hodder & Stoughton, 2008,
hardcover; (London: Hodder & Stoughton, forthcominng February 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]


Copyright © 1994-2008 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.
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