Book Description

Customer Reviews (47)

Slow approach to ancient history
I love ancient history and read hundreds of books on this topic. Steven Saylor's book is attempting a huge task of encompassing 1000 years in making history of ancient Rome. The events are viewed through eyes of couple of noble and ancient families and there is a continuous link between chapters covering different but important parts of the history of Rome. Unfortunately, the story is slow and development of the characters under par. Also, due to richness of the real history Mr. Saylor fails to capture the true fabric of Roman social changes. The book drags by the end and doesn't achieve the anticipated effect. Also, do not expect any description of major battles and wars. Everything is hidden in the background of passing time of events and names. Not enough to create an exciting book.

Not the author's best work
I have read all of Mr. Saylor's murder mystery series and I highly recommend them.This book: not so much.He put too much in one book.The characters were mostly wooden and/or weird.I was disappointed.I hope another book in the mystery series comes out soon.

Worth a look...
A truly ambitious effort, Steven Saylor's Roma attempts to chart the course of Rome from it's founding to the rise of Caesar Augustus in 555 pages.Let's say he mostly succeeds.Unlike Michener, who often begins with geologic formation, Saylor struggles a bit to get started. Shallow plots, wooden characters, and puerile story telling dominate the first 100 pages.Indeed, one groans at the thought that it might not get better. Fortunately, however, at the point where Romulus and Remus enter, the quality of Saylor's story abruptly transitions to something quite compelling. It is from here that the author finds his pace and the reader can commit to the experience.

Two families, the Potitii and the Penarii, are the vehicle by which Saylor navigates 1,000 years of Roman history.Their blood lines are intimately entwined in every event of magnitude.These connections, at times, seem a little convenient, but one forgives the need for expediency. Less pardonable, however, are Saylor's forays into the sophomoric and gratuitous.Steamy intimacies would descend to the level of embarrassing if they weren't actually laughable. Contrived, trite, and incongruous, one wonders why the author bothered. Yet, if one desires a front seat to an episodic evolution of Rome, Saylor supplies it in spades.Roma *is* recommendable.It isn't Michener.It isn't even Rutherford, but it manages to roll briskly along.

I hesitate to give it 4 of 5 stars, but it deserves better than 3.More accurate would be 7 of 10.

A Good Roman Primer
Rome seems to be back into vogue lately, there was the stunning HBO series, the Colleen McCullough novels, and of course movies like Gladiator. So it's not surprising that an author out there with one foot in the Roman door wouldn't pull a Michener or a Rutherfurd and try to write an multi-generational epic sweep of the famous and still popular city-state. Well that's just what Steven Saylor has done starting with Rome as a back-water stop on the salt routes and then taking the reader through Roman history to the last days of the Republic. Each chapter brings another time and another generation, as the reading is able to trace the roller coaster fortunes of two famous Roman families.

The stories themselves are fine, but nothing that original or that clever. The Hercules story especially takes a bit too many liberties. Often the stories are tied too heavily to the historical context surrounding them. Much of the book in fact is historical exposition that often comes on a little too thick.

If you have an interest in Rome but don't know much about Roman history this may be an excellent and entertaining way to learn about this fascinating culture and it's history; however, if you're well versed in early Roman history, you may find this read tedious as there's more non-fiction research here than fictional structure.

I understand that Saylor has written better non-fiction Roman books, but I have not read them. I'd more likely recommend Robert Harris ("Imperium" "Pompeii") or Colleen McCullough Masters of Rome series, both authors seem to do a better job of wrapping history around a delicious Roman story.

Handles the Subject Well
At first I was disappointed but the book grew on me.What Saylor does very well is have his main characters reflect an "every-man" representation of the tone and character of Rome as it progresses through the episodes of history up to and including Augustus.The further back he goes in time, the more pure speculation but how else could he handle it.As the story progresses I thought he did a pretty good job of capturing the superstitious, cruel and ambitious nature of the Roman people as well as their humanity.

It's not often that an author has the courage to have the main characters demonstrate the depths of depravity as well as the heights of nobility to which any family can exhibit.He doesn't attempt to wrap up loose ends where real life usually doesn't, nor does he flinch from simply leaving a character behind when the rest of that person's life would reflect only nostalgic longing for what is past.

It is not five stars but it will provide what I think might be some pretty accurate insights into what that intriguing nation was really like. ... Read more

Book Description
In the year 48 B.C., Rome is in the midst of Civil War. As Pompey and Julius Caesar fight for control of the Republic, Rome itself becomes a hotbed of intrigue, riven by espionage, greedy profiteering, and bitter betrayals....A MIST OF PROPHECIESA beautiful young seeress staggers across the Roman marketplace and dies in the arms of Gordianus the Finder. Possibly mad and claiming no memory of her past, Cassandra--like her Trojan namesake-was reputed to possess the gift of prophecy. For such a gift there are many in Rome who would pay handsomely....or resort to murder.Obsessed with Cassandra and her mystery, Gordianus begins to investigate her murder. As he gradually peels away the veils of secrecy that surround Cassandra's life and death, he discovers a web of conspiracy linking many of the city's most ruthless and powerful women. Now Gordianus's pursuit of the truth not only endangers his own life, but could change the future of Rome itself. . . ... Read more

Customer Reviews (25)

'She's poisoned me!'
This is Steven Saylor's 9th Sub Rosa mystery featuring Gordianus the Finder and his family.While reading the mysteries in order does enable the reader to better understand the backstory, the novels can be read and enjoyed out of order.

In this novel, Gordianus is investigating the death of Cassandra, a beautiful and enigmatic seer.It seems likely that one of Rome's most powerful women is involved, but which one, and why?And what is Gordianus's own involvement with Cassandra?

Set in the Roman Republic of 48BCE amidst the turmoil of the civil war between Julius Caesar and Pompey the Great, the politics of Rome enhance the novel without overwhelming the story.

A highly enjoyable novel. Recommended to lovers of mysteries in historical settings.

Jennifer Cameron-Smith

Last Tango in the Subura: Gordianus and the Prophetess
While Caesar and Pompey are in Greece preparing for the ultimate showdown of their civil war, Rome is in dire straits under its Caesar-appointed custodians.Food is in short supply and the economy has all but collapsed with soaring inflation and a population deeply in debt (including Gordianus).Utter chaos could ensue at any moment as several opportunists exploit Rome's weakness to gain power for themselves.As if things weren't bad enough, Gordianus' wife Bethesda has fallen under a mysterious ailment that threatens to be fatal.Gordianus and his family are in the Forum seeking food (and hopefully a cure for Bethesda) when the beautiful but obviously deranged woman called "Cassandra" (for her alleged gift of prophecy), runs to Gordianus and collapses in his arms telling him before she dies that she has been poisoned by another woman.It turns out that Cassandra and Gordianus were not strangers.They were, in fact, secret lovers.(Yes, at his age!)Since Cassandra was a beggar with no relatives, Gordianus gives her a funeral.To his surprise, seven of the richest, most powerful women in Rome (including the wives and mistresses of Caesar, Cicero and Mark Antony) come to watch her body burn.Gordianus is sure that one of them is the murderer.Keeping his grief secret, Gordianus tries to identify the killer, as he is drawn deeper and deeper into Cassandra's complex world.Who exactly WAS Cassandra?Where did she come from?Why was she there?Was she a genuine seeress?A clever actress?A spy?Or all of the above?If she was a spy, who was she working for and why?

A MIST OF PROPHECIES is a more conventionally "Agatha Christie" structured mystery than the previous volumes: a murder is committed, the suspects identified and then interviewed to discover the killer's identity.I was sure I had correctly guessed the murderess and her motivation at the end of Chapter 13, but I was wrong!Once again, what really makes the novel worthwhile are the colorful details of daily life in the Roman Empire.This book doesn't have the depth that some of the previous volumes have (e.g., THE VENUS THROW), but it's one of the faster-paced entries in this series and a lot of fun.At this point, there is only one more volume in this series after this book.I really don't want it to end!But A MIST OF PROPHECIES hints at the intriguing prospect of Gordianus' daughter Diana and her husband Davus entering the family business as a team.So maybe it won't be over!

Amazing work
Saylor has definately become a master of his art.Each of the characters are so vivid, it is obvious that Saylor treats each with respect and critical thought has been put into view point analysis.The images Saylor uses to bring Rome alive are personal and palpable.Its as if Saylor travelled in time and really hung out with these people.

The story line really didnt draw me in to the novel that much.But if anyone can make a story about a bunch of bickering old ladies facsinating, you better believe that it is Saylor who will do it.

Although the story line didnt excite me, the realness of the characters that did.I mean, I almost feel like I was down their by the river with Gordianus and Clodia.

Saylor has regained balance.
Well, Gordianus continues to be entirely implausible as far as actual Late Republican Rome was concerned. But then this novel manages to obtain an eerie athmosphere, as Gordianus enters old age in earnest in a setting of civil war, chaos and impending doom, the telling of the story revolves around a savvy counterpoint structure, and the mystery is actually satisfactory and not a pretext for displaying historical erudition. I look foward to reading the next novel - something "Last seem in Massilia" didn't quite manage to do.

Ancient Rome at its Very Best
Gordianus the Finder is accosted in the marketplace by a beautiful young woman. She staggers towards him and dies in his arms. The woman is known as Cassandra by many, but this is not her real name, but a name given by the people who believed she had the true gift of prophecy. lots of people would pay handsomely for this gift, others would do anything in their power to supress it. Cassandra has had the ear of some of the most influential people in Rome, people who would stop at nothing . . .
Obsessed with Cassandra's death Gordianus sets out to investigate. What he uncovers has serious implications concerning some of the most important women in Rome and puts Gordianus in serious danger of losing his own life.
Saylor brings the sights, sounds and smells of Ancient Rome to life yet again, surely this is how it must have been. ... Read more

Amazon.com
This is the fifth in Steven Saylor's "Roma Sub Rosa" series: murder mysteries set in classical Rome just before the fall of the Empire. Once again, Saylor's sleuth is Gordoianus the Finder, a sort of Sam Spade in a toga, who is hired by the rich and infamous of Roman society to solve their personal and political troubles. This time the powerful politician Publius Clodius is murdered on an open road and as riots break out, the fate of the Republic is in doubt. The plotting is deft and the action -- both physical and intellectual -- is nonstop. Most of the characters here are heterosexual but Saylor (who also writes great erotica under the name Aaron Travis) brings a critical gay sensibility to his tales that forms the cultural and emotional crux of his work.Book Description
Torchlight flickers on elegant marble walls. The sound of a mob echoes in the street. The year is 52 B.C. and the naked body of Publius Clodius is about to be carried through the teeming streets of Rome. Clodius, a rich man turned rabble-rouser, was slain on the most splendid road in the world, the Appian Way. Now Clodius's rival, Milo, is being targeted for revenge, and the city teeters on the verge of chaos. An explosive trail will feature the best oration of Cicero and Marc Anthony, while Gordianus the Finder has been charged by Pompey the Great himself to look further into the murder. With the Senate House already in ashes, and his own life very much in danger, Gordianus must return to a deserted stretch of the Appian Way-to find the truth that can save a cityfilled with the madness and glory. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (59)

I have no problem giving this one five stars.
I must admit that I feel like a "finder" for discovering this series.Gordianus the Finder is a remarkable character.He is clever, but vulnerable, jaded, but a loving father and husband, and he is vividly portrayed by Mr. Saylor.This is an outstanding series, but I truly recommend that it be read in order.This book is the fifth in the series.Saylor covers the peculiar slaying of Publius Clodius, and the fallout that occurred in Rome as result of his murder.In that respect, it is a little less of a mystery, but Gordianus has been asked by two very prominent citizens to find out what actually happened on the Appian Way the day Clodius was killed.Rome was at a very unsettled time at this point in history, and it was the beginning of the end of the Roman Republic.The book illustrates all the conflicting ambitions that were driving Rome at this time.We have the murdered man, Clodius, and the man accused of killing him - Milo wanting power.We also have Pompey and Caesar in the background who also want to control Rome's destiny.These are totally engrossing books, and they've kind of taken over my life right now, even though I continue to read others by other authors, my mind keeps wandering back to wonder what Gordianus is up to now.Highly addicting!

The FifthBook in the Roma Sub Rosa series
Steven Saylor's fascination with Ancient Rome began at an early age. A history graduate and former newspaper and magazine editor, he lives in Berkeley, California. His series of books about Ancient Rome and featuring Gordianus the Finder are extremely popular both here in England and also in America. Anyone who is a fan of Lindsey Davis will love these books too. Steven Saylor brings Ancient Rome to life, so much so that the reader can lose himself in the sights and sounds of the ancient city.

Gordianus the Finder, the investigator of crimes, a man whose skill and integrity have made him much sought after by some of the most important men in Rome. Men who may need a secret to be kept, men who need to know that when Gordianus is working for them he will be discreet and not susceptible to bribery.

In this novel Gordianus the Finder is assigned to a case by the great man himself, Pompey. He is now one of the most important, if not the most important man in Rome, although perhaps one Julius Caesar, may in later times argue with that. Pompey is determined to find out about the disappearance of the high born politician Publius Clodius. His disappearance has caused a great upheaval in the city of Rome, with riots on the streets and bouts of arson taking place. He needs Gordianus to find out what happened to Clodius and quickly before the mob destroy the city.

A fun, enjoyable book
I generally read history, not fiction.In fact, until the past year, about 95% of my reading was history.I started reading Colleen McCullough's series of books on Rome, tired of it, and then tried Saylor.I think I've found my author.This book is splendid.Interesting, engaging, never insulting to my intelligence, but never overly dry or expository.The style is elegant and refined, as opposed to the clunky, cliche-ridden style of McCullough.The characters breathe.(For instance, characters can be erotic and alluring, but they're never lurid.)The storytelling is engrossing.I won't comment on the book's value as a murder mystery per se, because I'm not really a fan of the genre.Does it have a sufficient twist?I don't know;I don't care.I enjoyed the book, regardless of its genre.

All in all, a novel written for serious, mature readers, but readers who seek a fun, relaxing book.And after you finish the first, you can look forward to the others, because the central character, Gordianus, is warm, witty, vulnerable, imperfect, and thoroughly human.Someone I can identify with.

By the time I'd finished this book, I had ordered all of the other books in the series.

The Forest Gump of Ancient Rome
This volume of Steven Saylor's Roman mysteries continues the high standards of the others.For me, it took a while for the actual mystery to get off the ground, but I found the last quarter rather suspenseful.What I love most about these books is the depiction of how people in the Roman Republic carried on the ordinary business of living from day to day.Saylor's descriptive powers get better and better.Parts of this book are almost poetic.While the major peg of the story concerns the murder of Publius Clodius on the Appian Way, there are a couple of interesting themes in this book.One concerns the relationship between masters and slaves.One of Gordianus's slaves dies in this book, but he gains three more before the book is over.The slaves and former slaves of all the major players figure into the story.The book also concerns the relationship between fathers and daughters. Gordianus's daughter Diana is a teenager now with a strong libido.(Am I the only person who finds Diana disturbing?)In contrast, Senator Tedius's daughter leads a nun-like life of devotion to her father.Several characters from the previous volume return--not only Clodius and his exotically beautiful sister Clodia, but Cicero and Tiro as well.(I do hope that this is the last we've seen of Cicero, though.He always bogs down the plot.)Julius Caesar, Marc Antony and Pompey also put in appearances.(Gordianus is sort of the Forest Gump of Ancient Rome.)

This is a very entertaining book with several comical observations.I laughed out loud on at least one occasion.It's not as sexy as some of the previous volumes, but in many ways it has more heart.There were a couple of places where my eyes misted up.This is a worthy addition to an outstanding series.I'm looking forward to the next volume, RUBICON.

Twists in the mystery and the family
I am a devoted reader of the Roman Sub Rosa series. Saylor has a formula going for these books which works very well. The reader gets an intriguing history lesson and a thrilling mystery at the same time. It's amazing how Mr. Saylor can flesh out these novels from actual events and extant speeches. Of course his fictitious private eye Gordianus enables him to do this. The reader experiences legendary people and events through the eyes of a "regular" Roman citizen and his family. And family is important. Saylor always seems to find a way to make the mystery have a twist as well as Gordianus' family story. Mysteries are revealed on more than one level, and that's an important mark of a great novel. I can't make myself give the book 5 stars because I reserve those for books that are life-changing. I didn't feel that way about Murder on the Appian Way, but I did highly enjoy it. ... Read more

Book Description
Elena asks that you come to the House of Swans at once . . . Compelled by this message, the wealthy, sybaritic Sextus Roscius goes not to his harlot, but to his doom-savagely murdered by unknown assassins. In the unseasonable heat of a spring morning in 80 B.C., Gordianus the Finder is summoned to the house of Cicero, a young advocate staking his reputation on this case. The charge is patricide; the motive, a son's greed. The punishment, rooted deep in Roman tradition, is horrific beyond imagining.Gordianus's investigation takes him through the city's raucous, pungent streets and deep into urban Umbria, unraveling layers of deceit, twisted passions, and murderous desperation. From pompous, rouged nobles to wily slaves to citizens of seemingly simple virtue, the case becomes a political nightmare. As the defense proceeds toward a devastating confrontation in the Forum, one man's fate may be threaten the very leaders of Rome itself. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (71)

Pleasantly entertaning read, spoiled by tacked-on and utterly unconvincing ending
Beginning with a dull and esoteric exchange between slave Tiro and No-Praenomen-or-Nomen Gordianus, I had little desire to continue.But I did anyway.

The mystery, which I had gotten to read from Cicero's point of view in Colleen McCullough's book "Fortune's Favorites", unfolds with Gordianus in the underbelly of Rome, torn by civil war and proscriptions past, and a murder mystery which seems to have nothing going for it but witnesses unwilling to speak.

Gordianus is fluent, clear-thinking, and easy to follow as the story unfolds casually, without any over-indulgences and plenty of detail.Some of the characterizations are repeated ceaselessly, using "dyspeptic" to describe Cicero in six different chapters, or marveling at how chiseled and handsome and golden Chrysogonus is.

The story is interesting, and the mystery unfolds without much surprise as it's easy enough to figure out what happened and by who a few paragraphs or pages before its revealed, but it's an entertaining read which culminates in the neatly written opening arguments of the Sextus Roscius case of Erucius and Cicero.

After that, it falls apart as Sulla comes to Cicero's house and provides a very long, boring, and really disappointing twist which almost completely negates everything that had taken place previously.After that, another useless plot twist occurs with seemingly no purpose other than to spill more "Roman Blood" or add some quick "investigating" work just in case you think Gordianus didn't do a good enough job.

Up until the ending (which the author seems to admit in the Author's Note that he added on as a last minute thing) the story was a good one, and seeming the beginning of a nice series.

Steven Saylor is not to be missed
Anyone who is interested in Ancient Rome and loves a good mystery should not miss out on this Author.He is a favorite of mine.I have read all of his Roma Sub Rosa series and I am awaiting the next one due out next year.His stories are enjoyable for all ages and while the story itself is fiction, many of the events, people and places are real.One thing this author does that I really like is at the end of each book he tells about his research and what is or is not known about certain events and people.

Solid historical background, plot a bit forced
Good read.
I have read quite a bit of history including Roman and Saylor's use of historical detail is perhaps unexcelled.For a sense of what ancient Rome was quite probably like, you can't go wrong with this book.

As far as plot goes, this book is no Hitchcock.The plot suffers from a few too many coincidences stemming from the highly improbable initial set up where the hero says that he will completely solve the murder in 8 days.For that to happen, in any age, everything has to fall into place in quick order and with no false leads.So, quite a few happy coincidences make things move along at a quick pace.People pop up at exactly the right time to furnish pieces to the puzzle.The twist at the end is pretty good but not entirely unexpected.All in all, this is a happy book to read.You don't care too much about those things, you just want to see how the plot progresses even if you are not chewing your nails while you're reading.

The strongest feature is Saylor's superb handling of what historical details are actually available about a real trial involving real people where the end does indeed seem to correspond to very reasonable handling of the facts available.

Read it and learn about some people that you may not have ever thought about.

Oustanding Historical Fiction
I was not sure if I would like this one - turns out I loved it.I am not a reader of mysteries, but I do enjoy reading historical fiction about 1st century BC Rome.The plot is a typical murder whodunnit with perpetrators that are willing to stop at nothing to avoid being caught, which places the investigator (in this case Gordianus the finder) in intensely dangerous circumstances.What makes this book stand out from the pack is that Saylor immerses the reader into the Roman world in a most convincing manner.You will see, hear, and unfortunately SMELL Rome in a way that makes you feel as though you've been there.Saylor paints a picture that is so vivid it is very apparent that he has done his homework thoroughly.5 stars all the way.I'm hooked and have already picked up the next in the series.

good, but needs an "R" rating - not for kids
(there's a spoiler in here, so be warned)

I wouldn't have read this book on my own - it was recommended by my son's history teacher. And it's actually not bad - but it isn't for kids.

The book has some pretty steamy, detailed sex scenes - nails clawing in the back, hips thrusting, etc, etc. In fact, it has two such scenes in the first 50 pages, not to mention a brutal stabbing in the middle of a mob (which the protagonists choose to ignore), and a scene where one of our main characters lusts after the pretty, dead flesh of a corpse. Eesh.

We go on to deal with rape, father-daughter incest, your run-of-the-mill child abuse and neglect, another brutal stabbing (first reenacted, rather heartbreakingly, by a traumatized child, then described in vivid detail), the nasty ways a parricide is punished (to which an eager potential child witness responds "wow, I've never seen a monkey before!"), the beheading of thousands whose heads are impaled and on public display. The killing of a kitty cat whose blood is used as ink. A grown man having sex with a woman he owns as property while fantasizing about having sex with a young girl he knows has been molested by her father.And a couple more brutal stabbings.

As a historical detective novel, I think it did a fine job - it's not my genre, and I was certainly captivated by the story. Jacqueline Susann/Raymond Chandler in a toga, sort of thing. But it's not for those under 17. ... Read more

Book Description
It is 48 B.C. For years now, the rival Roman generals Caesar and Pompey have engaged in a contest for world domination. Both now turn to Egypt, where Pompey plans a last desperate stand on the banks of the Nile, while Caesar's legendary encounter with queen Cleopatra will spark a romance that reverberates down the centuries. But Egypt is a treacherous land, torn apart by the murderous rivalry between the goddess-queen and her brother King Ptolemy.Into this hot-house atmosphere of intrigue and deception comes Gordianus the Finder, innocently seeking a cure for his wife Bethesda in the sacred waters of the Nile. But when his plans go awry, he finds himself engaged in an even more desperate pursuit - to prove the innocence of the son he once disowned, who stands accused of murder.The judgment of Caesar will determine the fate of Gordianus's son; the choice Caesar makes between Cleopatra and her brother Ptolemy will determine the future of Rome's empire. At the center of these two dilemmas, Gordianus becomes the unwitting fulcrum that will shift the balance of history. Witness to the death throes of the old world, he is to play a critical role in the birth of the world to come.Drawing scrupulously on historical sources, this is the most ambitious novel yet in Steven Saylor's Roma Sub Rosa series. Saylor presents a bold new vision of Caesar and paints a compelling and original portrait of Cleopatra, amid bloodshed, battles and storms, in a setting of Egyptian magic and mystery. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (40)

The Judgment of Caesar - Steven Saylor
This book is well done, as usual in this series, but not my favorite. Unlike the other. more "official" reviewer, I enjoy the mystery aspect and the speculation about the real historical characters more than Gordianus' own life. It was interesting earlier in the series, but for some reason I'm a little weary of the old guy. It seemed to me that his death was implied at the end of the book, so am wondering if he plans to continue with the adopted sons of Gordianus as detectives in the book due out later this spring - a very good idea.

I have read all the books in this series and must confess that I always find them hard to put down - they are readable and interesting. At the same time, I am a much bigger fan of the John Maddox Roberts series SPQR - perhaps because Roberts inserts some much needed humor into his stories. Both writers use real historical events and characters, and why it is that Saylor gets more credit for his history than Roberts (and seems to be better known) I really can't figure out. The reason I mention both writers in a review of a Saylor book,is that both are writing about the same period in Roman history - the end of the Republic and beginning of the time of the emperors. I suggest reading both series. They frequently have a completely opposite interpretation of the events and characters, while using exactly the same facts. Since our actual historical information is sketchy, this can be done without sacrificing accuracy - and is very entertaining.

Again, I would recommend the Saylor books, but suggest reading the Roberts books at the same time. Roberts provides a helpful glossary of terms and explanations of the political and military distinctions that are so different from ours that we can't really translate without some assistance. Also, keep in mind that Roman history is bloody and savage. Looking at all the lovely ruins, we can forget that these were, after all, tribal people who created a civilization and some amazing feats of engineering, art, and literature given when and where they were. They were also a primitive people who owned slaves, bought and sold and abused other human beings (including small children,) considering them as less than cattle or horses. They crucified thousands of people by nailing them, alive, on wooden crosses in deliberately public places so the Roman citizens could watch these people die long, ugly, and painful deaths as they went about their daily business. As a group, Romans enjoyed vicious, bloody public spectacles that would appall most of us today, and this was an important part of everyday life for them.I suppose that's why a touch of humor helps make some of this more palatable - as in Roberts, and also Lindsey Davis and David Wishart (whose books are set a few years later than Saylor and Roberts.) Saylor tends to be a bit starker about it than the others - so do be prepared.

I think it's worth finding some of the earlier books in the series before reading this one - as this one has a slightly different feel to it. I'm not sure it will be appreciated without the background built up over the previous volumes. You don't need to read them all, but some will help set the stage a bit.

Gordianus's bad trip
Gordianus's wife Bethesda believes that she can be cured of her debilitating ailment if she can only bathe in the Nile.She and Gordianus sail to Alexandria, accompanied by the mute Rupa and the two slave boys Mopsus and Androcles.No sooner does their ship get blown off course by a horrific storm than they are intercepted by none other than Pompey, a sworn enemy of Gordianus.And so begins the calamitous voyage to Egypt.This is a swashbuckling melodrama full of intrigue, narrow escapes, sexual innuendo, and horror that unfolds in the wake of Caesar's arrival in Alexandria to play peacemaker in the war between Ptolemy and his sister Cleopatra.The central mystery story kicks off when Gordianus's son Meto is accused of trying to assassinate Caesar.All the evidence points toward him.But Gordianus is sure that someone has framed Meto.But who?Cleopatra?Ptolemy?They both see Meto as a rival for Caesar's affection.They both have a motive.And both of them hinder his investigation at every turn.Or could it be someone else?THE JUDGMENT OF CAESAR contains some very witty writing on Saylor's part and it's also fast moving and suspenseful.The mystery was intriguing and the clever plot surprised me a couple of times.And, as usual, I learned a lot about Roman history.

This volume seems more of a sequel than any of the previous novels in the Sub Rosa series.This is not a good place to start.The three volumes immediately preceding THE JUDGMENT OF CAESAR (RUBICON, LAST SEEN IN MASSILIA and A MIST OF PROPHECIES) are important prerequisites.But like all the other books in this series, this one is tremendously entertaining.I'll give THE JUDGMENT OF CAESAR three stars and the Sub Rosa series five stars.

Absolutely brilliant!
This historical mystery novel is so complex that I had to keep reminding myself that I was reading fiction.Saylor has a way of making history come alive in his books.This book in the Roma sub-Rosa series is set in Alexandria where Gordianus and his wife Bethesda have gone to seek a cure for Betheseda's illness.They end up getting caught in the battle between two siblings, Ptolemy and Cleopatra.Gordianus also gets caught up in court intrigue in the King's palace in Alexandria.This book is such compelling reading, that I found it hard to put it down.The historical happenings are accurate, but Saylor has built up such a story around these momentous events, that it felt like I was there for the huge battle for Alexandria near the end of the book.We see Caesar up close and personal too, and we see how he might have been when this actually all occurred.These characters are so real, that it is hard to believe that some of them were fictional.I cannot say enough about this series and about Saylor's writing, and I recommend that anyone who loves history should make this series mandatory reading.

Pleased to be reacquainted with this great writer


The last time I read a book by Steven Saylor was "Venus Throw" in the mid 1990's. Saylor's books are easy to read and very entertaining.

Writing about ancient Egypt is always fascinating, and even more when Cleopatra and Julius Caesar are part of the plot. Saylor describes Cleopatra in such a convincing way that it would make any man straight.

Gordianus the Finder, the main character, is especially charismatic.The story is told by the same character, always in the first person, so the book takes a personal, intimate tone from the beginning to the end. The plot intensifies when Cleopatra and her brother Ptolemy throw a dinner party to honor Caesar. Caesar's judgment takes place in the midst of the festivities and still entangled in this irresistible love triangle!

Leave it to Saylor to make an indirect reference to Harmodias and Aristogiton. I think he's one of the few authors who make reference to all the famous male couples in history.
(I think he mentioned Alexander and Hephaistion in another book, but can't remember which one).

The beginning of chapter XXXI is a good example of Saylor style. Gordianus complaints to Cleopatra about the stench of the Nile River:
"There's nothing beautiful about the Nile. It's fetid, smelly, dark and dank! The Nile brings death!"
And Cleopatra replies:
"Yet it brings life! Some men make the same complaints about the sacred delta between a woman's legs. And yet, from that place comes new life. Silly men, turning up your noses at the slippery fluids and strong odors of fertility!
You'd rather play with your hard, shiny swords and spears, and watch the blood spurt from each other's wounds!"

I laughed when I read that passage. Sexuality expressed so bluntly and so subtle at the same time.

Finally, I would like to say that it Saylor is an exceptional writer, and I am looking forward to read "Roma."

Saylor's best in the Roma Sub Rosa series!
Having read most of Saylor's novels in this series, and being a die-hard romantic, I was left biting my nails after finishing "A Mist of Prophecies," and needed to find out what happens to Gordianus the Finder's dearly beloved wife, and will she find in Egypt the life-saving cure she is seeking ... or I shall be aflicted with agita for years to come. So,I was glad to get this one into my eager little hands.
Without further ado, and getting into long descriptions of the plot since others here have already done so, let me only blare my opinion to all and sundry:
The Judgment of Ceasar is Steven Saylot's BEST novel in the Roma Subrosa Series! ... Read more

Amazon.com
Steven Saylor's seventh installment in his Roma Sub Rosa series begins with a character saying, "Pompey will be mightily pissed." Scholars might argue that there is no evidence of this particular synonym for anger ever being used in 49 B.C., but the author would no doubt respond that poetic license includes doing whatever it takes to bridge the gap for modern audiences. And indeed,the head of the Roman Senate is mightily pissed. Rome is on the verge of another civil war, and the forces of Julius Caesar and Mark Antony have crossed the Rubicon River and are marching toward the capital. To top it all off, one of Pompey's favorite cousins has been garroted to death.

Before Pompey flees the city, he asks Rome's greatest detective, Gordianus the Finder, to solve the murder. But Pompey has reason to distrust Gordianus, who may have an allegiance with Caesar. To force his loyalty, Pompey seizes the detective's son-in-law, and makes him join his household army. By doing so, he ensures that Gordianus's involvement in the coming conflict will be a very personal one. Confused and troubled, Gordianus walks through Rome toward the house of his former friend and mentor, the poet Cicero. "All around me, I felt the uneasiness of the city, like a sleeper in the throes of a nightmare." Awakening from the nightmare, surviving the chaos, and solving this whodunit will be the Finder's toughest battle yet. --Dick AdlerBook Description
As Caesar marches on Rome and panic erupts in the city, Gordianus the Finder discovers, in his own home, the body of Pompey's favorite cousin.Before fleeing the city, Pompey exacts a terrible bargain from the finder of secrets-to unearth the killer, or sacrifice his own son-in-law to service in Pompey's legions, and certain death. Amid the city's sordid underbelly, Gordianus learns that the murdered man was a dangerous spy.Now, as he follows a trail of intrigue, betrayal, and ferocious battles on land and sea, the Finder is caught between the chaos of war and the terrible truth he must finally reveal. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (39)

A Great Read
All of Saylor's books are really good reads.They are set in ancient Rome and are written so as to make the reader feel that they are in ancient Rome.It's as if you can even smell the air in the markets.Saylor is really a scholar of Ancient Rome, but also an excellent story teller.I highly recommend.

Eh
This is not a thrilling suspense novel, but it is an entertaining and well written novel of Roman life featuring characters like Caesar, Pompey, and Cicero. The minute details of daily Roman life is quite interesting-- the politics, not so much (unless that's what you're looking for in a novel). I was looking for a good suspense novel and this one is ok, but not 5 star material.

Evocative and shocking!
Saylor never disappoints, and his Roma Sub Rosa series never fails to surprise.I absolutely love this series, and this book is probably the most shocking so far.We get to see a side of Gordianus that we've never seen before, as well as Saylor's viewpoint of what happened when Caesar crossed the Rubicon, and placed Rome into civil war.Gordianus is drawn into the interior politics when a relative of Pompey is murdered in his own garden.Pompey charges him with finding out who the killer was, and while Gordianus is searching we find that the man who was killed was a spy as well as a blackmailer.Gordianus goes into Southern Italy after Pompey and the hostage that Pompey has taken.We see the battle of Brundisiam as it happened.Saylor puts us front and centre in that as well as showing a truly dark side of steady and honest Gordianus.this series is not be missed.

Good Fun; Good History
This book is good fun for anyone who has the slightest interest in Ancient Rome.The focus is on Julius Caesar and Pompey as seen through the eyes of a middle aged Roman of the Plebian class.

The politics are interesting as is the personal story of Gordianus the Finder.He is a kind of private detective but they don't have that term at that time.

All the books in this series are good and you don't have to have a lifetime commitment to Roman history.Anyone can pick it up, enjoy it, and perhap learn a bit about the past.But this is not a didactic tome in any way.It is a good story and that is always fun.

Is Gordianus's son Caesar's lover?
Steven Saylor keeps surprising me.This sixth novel in the sub rosa mystery series is somewhat different from the previous volumes.In RUBICON Saylor seems determined to keep things moving.The emphasis this time is on the mystery, and an unconventional mystery it is.A young man has been garroted in Gordianus's garden and there is no way anyone could have gotten over the wall, committed the murder and then climbed back over the wall within only a few minutes.There are no suspects.The victim's cousin just happens to be Pompey, who commands Gordianus to find the murderer or else.He takes Gordianus's son-in-law as a hostage as he prepares for battle with Caesar.On top of this, Gordianus keeps hearing gossip that his son Meto is the bed partner of Julius Caesar.Gordianus suspects that it may be true.There are other rumors of a secret conspiracy against Caesar's life.Blackmail is featured heavily in this story.This story has several disturbing elements.But there are also the fascinating tidbits like how the Romans performed abortions and some of the ingenious ways they hid and passed secret messages.All in all, this was a very entertaining reading experience.And I certainly did not guess who the killer was.

Probably the major overhanging argument of this novel is "when is killing justified?"I'd like to write more about this, but it would necessitate spoilers. This is an interesting and extremely entertaining novel.It could probably be enjoyed without reading the others first, but if you are already familiar with the characters it will mean a lot more to you. ... Read more

Book Description
It is Ancient Rome, and Gordianus the Finder has a knack for finding trouble. Stalking about the city's twisting trails looking for clues and finding bodies, Gordianus has had his share of misadventure with nobles and slaves alike. Known to many as the one man in the ancient world who can both keep a secret and uncover one, Gordianus has stories to tell. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (22)

It's nice to fill in some gaps.
This book of nine stories was a good thing for me to read.I often wanted to fill in some of the rather lengthy gaps between Gordianius the Finder books.This collection of stories takes place in chronological time between the first book "Roman Blood" and the the second book "Arms of Nemesis".These little stories are not major mysteries, by any stretch, but they are wonderful anecdotal snapshots of Gordianus and Bethesda before they married, and some of the growing up years of Eco.We also get to meet Gordianus' benefactor, Lucius Claudius. I cannot wait to continue the series, but I'm glad that I took the time to read this collection of stories.My favourite was "A Will is a Way".

Very Entertaining
This a collection of short stories, easy to follow and different from each other. Each describes different aspects of the Roman world, from customs, festivities, beliefs and superstitions.
This book is ideal for students studying English as a Second Language, or any kind of classroom. Students will find these easy stories informative, interesting and educative.

My favorite mysteries were "The King Bee and the Honey" and "Little Caesar and the Pirates."

Gordianus the Finder in Shorts
'The House of the Vestals' is Steven Saylor's first collection of short stories that fill in the gaps in the history, personal and professional of Gordianus the Finder. (Saylor later wrote 'A Gladiator Dies Only Once' to fill in even more of the blanks.)

Fans of the Roma Sub Rosa series that began in 'Roman Blood' will love these short stories. Saylor's stories are easy on the brow, enjoyable, not too taxing - the 'mysteries' are often pretty simple - but you root for Gordianus because he is a good and decent citizen.

Saylor's stories do have a serious side - they paint an admirably convincing portrait of late Republican Rome. I am by no means a scholar of ancient history, but I have read a half dozen or so histories of this era (such as 'Rubicon' by Tom Holland and 'Caesar' by Adrian Goildworthy) and he has me convinced. Saylor has a reputation for scrupulous accuracy and often cast his stroies admidst some actual event in history.

Highly recommended.

The Sixth Book in the Series
Steven Saylor's fascination with Ancient Rome began at an early age. A history graduate and former newspaper and magazine editor, he lives in Berkeley, California. His series of books about Ancient Rome and featuring Gordianus the Finder are extremely popular both here in England and also in America. Anyone who is a fan of Lindsey Davis will love these books too. Steven Saylor brings Ancient Rome to life, so much so that the reader can lose himself in the sights and sounds of the ancient city.

Gordianus the Finder, the investigator of crimes, a man whose skill and integrity have made him much sought after by some of the most important men in Rome. Men who may need a secret to be kept, men who need to know that when Gordianus is working for them he will be discreet and not susceptible to bribery.

This is a collection ofnine short stories featuring Gordianus the Finder. I am not really a fan of short stories, preferring something that I can get my `teeth into.' But I did find these very entertaining and enjoyable and what they do achieve is that they help to fill in the gaps that are left by the longer novels. We learn a little more about Gordianus's slave, Bethesda, who has now become his wife and some of the many other details skimmed over in the novels. For those who love the Saylor books this is well worth reading.

Mysteries in Ancient Rome
Saylor does it again.His Gordianus books are a pleasure to read. ... Read more

Book Description
Steven Saylor's Roma Sub Rosa series of novels, set in the later Roman Republic and featuring Gordianus the Finder, has garnered unusual acclaim from readers and reviewers alike, establishing him as one of the pre-eminent historical mystery writers. In A Gladiator Dies Only Once, the second collection of his award-winning stories featuring Gordianus, Saylor more than meets his own high standards. Set between the events of his novels Roman Blood and Catilina's Riddle, these previously untold adventures from the early career of Gordianus - when his adopted son, Eco, was still a mute boy and his wife, Bethesda, was but his slave - will delight Saylor's many fans while illuminating details of the ancient world like no other writer can. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (22)

Wonderful stories
I have read every book so far on Gordianus the Finder and I love everyone.I am not usually a fan of short stories, but I had to read both short story volumes about Gordianus because I love the series so much.These stories are written from the time between when Gordianus adopted Eco until around about the time his daughter was born.They are all set around actual historical happenings, and even the fictional characters seem so real that I had to keep reminding myself that they were fictional.Gordianus is my absolutely favourite sleuth, regardless of era, and I do hope that there will be more books about him.This volume was written in 2005, so I am waiting with baited breath for more of Gordianus.I highly recommend this series, and they should be read in order.Each book is chock-full of true historical detail written into stories that will keep you turning pages.

Saylor Scores Again With These Short Tales of Gordianus
Being a great fan of Saylor's Roma Sub Roma mystery series, this book is a fun and engaging collection of short stories interspersed between the novels.Saylor has time and again incorporated historically accurate settings and context in his works (as many critics have noted) to make the reader feel as if they're actually walking and breathing in the smells of ancient Rome. It's always a pleasure to embark a mystery with Gordianus the Finder.

A light, entertaining read
What is so refreshing about Saylor's writing is that it is so accessible.Instead of having to wade through convoluted politics and the dense historical matter of Rome, he has simply portrayed the daily life of it's citizens in a refreshing and interesting way.Reading his books is relaxing rather than challenging, and a nice way to learn more about a fascinating period of history.

Scrupulously Accurate Historical Details and Fun Stories
In 'A Gladiator Only Dies Once', Steven Saylor collects nine Gordianus the Finder tales he has written over the years. These stories are nice straightforward detective investigations with Gordianus as the upstanding honest gumshoe (gum-sandal?). His clients tend to be drawn from the patrician class of late Republican Rome - the supposed cream of society, but some of this cream has definitely spoiled.

Saylor is scrupulously accurate with historical details as he takes the reader to Sicily where he encounters Cicero and the secret of Archimedes' Tomb or to the luxuriant gardens and cherry orchards of the epicurean Lucullus. These are just two of the many historical characters in Saylor's stories. The resolution to Saylor's puzzles often lies not so much in the 'who did it', which is sometimes fairly obvious, as in 'why did they do it', generally a more interesting inquiry.

An appendix explains the provenance of each story and its connection to Roman history. A timeline of Gordianus' life will be a handy reference for fans of the Roma Sub Rosa series.

Highly recommended.

9 Stories about the Finder
Saylor has pleased me again with a fairly good portrayal of the Roman world and the limits of investigations into mysteries and crimes.I was slightly disappointed to not see Tiro mentioned more often given the number of guest appearances Cicero made -- the letters of Cicero to his secretary slave and freedman suggest they were rarely apart save when the orator and politican was in political disfavor or danger and none of these stories take place then.But these are short stories and need to be more focused on the immediate mystery at hand unlike a novel which can dive into the personal relationships and culture in greater degree. ... Read more

Book Description
Using scholarly historical insight and evocative storytelling that brings to life the glories of ancient Rome, Steven Saylor takes the reader from the bloody lines of clashing Roman armies to the backrooms of the Senate floor, where power-hungry politicians wrestle the Fates for control of Rome's destiny. With the consular election drawing near, Rome is fiercely divided between the conservative Cicero and the tempestuous Catilina, whose followers are rumored to be plotting a blood-thirsty siege for power if their leader fails to win office. Gordianus the Finder, retired to his Etruscan farm, is happy to be free of the intrigue and danger of the capital. But when his old friend Cicero enlists the Finder in an elaborate plot to control Catilina, Gordianus is drawn back into a familiar world. Now caught in a cloak-and-dagger political struggle for the fate of the Republic, Gordianus finds himself strangely drawn to the controversial candidate. Is Catilina really a subversive renegade, or are Cicero suspicions part of an even greater conspiracy? When a headless corpse ominously appears on his farm, Gordianus knows he must unlock the secret of Catilina's Riddle before Rome tears herself apart. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (59)

Interesting view of a republic
I found this book quite disturbing in a thought-provoking way.The motivations of the voting public in choosing a candidate are described very pessimistically.Voters choose candidates that make them feel good about their personal choices (or perceived personal choices -- the more hypocrital the public, the more effective this campaign strategy is) over what might be good for the republic.While reading this book, I felt the tragic inevitability of republic descending into dictatorship, and then into empire.

Turn your mind off.... pour the koolade
What did the other reviewer say? "Could have done without the history lesson"??If that is the case why would you ever read a mystery about ancient Rome when you could read Raymond Chandler and a mystery about Los Angeles ? Personally I want to learn about history as I devour the story of ROME (and Greece) No history = no good, in my perspective. So Saylor gets 5 stars if you are in a hammock or on a plane sipping a Mai Tai. That way you can fall asleep and pick up where you left off when you wake up with no real expenditure of brain power. Nothing wrong with that. At least you are reading. But, if like me, you are putting the Roman jigsaw puzzle together you can skip all ofSaylor's books and proceed directly to Dando-Collins.... Michael Curtis Ford.... or Colleen McCullough.
Oh, a review of this book? THE FINDER retires to the country, Cataline stays with him once in a while before he is denounced by Cicero, there is a murder or two, THE FINDER solves the mystery...cue the Perry Mason music and take another sip of that ole' Mai Tai. See you after you read CICERO by Anthony Everett.

Would have been better without the history lesson

This was my introduction to this series and it was good enough to make me want to read others, but I hope they aren't quite so heavy on the history lessons. Huge sections of the book slow to a crawl while the author innundates us with minutae of Roman politics and history. If I *were* interested in those topics, I'd read a non-fiction book!

When the book focuses on the the main characters, it proves to be extremely interesting. I liked Gordianus the "Finder" and his family and think Saylor is a particularly fine wordsmith. I am encouraged by several of the reviews to hope that other entries in the series deal more with everyday life in Rome than with the political intriques of the day.

As a fan of historical fiction, this ranks higher than most (although for ancient Rome, I prefer the Marcus Didius Falco Mystery series by Lindsey Davis, and Kate Sedley's "Chapman" series retains its status as favorite among all historical fiction).

The Third Book in the Roma Sub Rosa series
Steven Saylor's fascination with Ancient Rome began at an early age. A history graduate and former newspaper and magazine editor, he lives in Berkeley, California. His series of books about Ancient Rome and featuring Gordianus the Finder are extremely popular both here in England and also in America. Anyone who is a fan of Lindsey Davis will love these books too. Steven Saylor brings Ancient Rome to life, so much so that the reader can lose himself in the sights and sounds of the ancient city.

Gordianus the Finder, the investigator of crimes, a man whose skill and integrity have made him much sought after by some of the most important men in Rome. Men who may need a secret to be kept, men who need to know that when Gordianus is working for them he will be discreet and not susceptible to bribery.

The year is 63 BC and Gordianus has been left every Roman's dream, a farm in the Etruscan countryside. He immediately decides to up sticks and get his family out of the city that is becoming more decadent with every passing day. He is more than happy to escape all the politics and intrigue that surround him. But is anything as simple as that?

Cicero, a man he has worked for before want to hire him to gain evidence against the popular politician Catilina. The politician is a charismatic man, but also a very dangerous one and Gordianus is no longer interested in putting himself and his family at risk, that is until the first headless corpse is found down his well . . .

A fascinating story about a fascinating man.
Catilina lives in Roman legends something like Richard III does in English legends.Saylor has presented a wonderful picture of the man as seen through the eyes of his hero Gordianus.This is a must-read book for Roman history buffs.The only complaint that I had with the book was the extended political monologues that appear throughout, but even in these Saylor brings his characters to life.It is interesting to meet a young Julius Caesar too.There's everything in this book - a mystery, a history lesson, a Roman battle, and lots of Roman politics and spymaking.Ssylor brings his world to life, and I absolutely love his characters.At the end of this book Gordianus is 51 years old.My only concern is that he's getting old too fast and the series will have to end long before I'm ready for it to. ... Read more

Book Description
On a chill January evening in 56 B.C. , two strange visitors to Rome-an Egyptian ambassador and a eunuch priest-seek out Gordianus the Finder whose specialty is solving murders. But the ambassador, a philosopher named Dio, has come to ask for something Gordianus cannot give-help in staying alive. Before the night is out, he will be murdered.Now Gordianus begins his most dangerous case. Hired to investigate Dio's death by a beautiful woman with a scandalous reputation, he will follow a trail of political intrigue into the highest circles of power and the city's most hidden arenas of debauchery. There Gordianus will learn nothing is as it seems-not the damning evidence he uncovers, not the suspect he sends to trial, not even the real truth behind Dio's death which lies in secrets-not of state, but of the heart. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (29)

out of time and place
It appears from some study I did after reading this novel
that the Roman morals portrayed are one to two centuries ahead of the actual
decay that did happen.
The Dio mentioned is probably roughly based on Dio Chrysostom of the first century AD
not the first century BC. The incipient decadence of the Roman Empire had it's origin in this era
of the Republic , but wasn't as strongly manifested as this novel portrays.
In later life Cicero was a stoic convert of the Diodotus school
which was diametrically opposed to the Epicurean traits portrayed here.
As the moral turpitude of the Egyptian philosopher is one of the major plot devices
the issue is important to the credibility of the plot.
In a stoic dominated era where the leaders were short haired and clean shaven,
this novel justs fails to be historically accurate.
During the Republic the morals portrayed would
have sentenced the people involved to capital punishment
by a magistrate. The Romans were actually a very conservative heterosexual
society at this time and even allowed only one marriage as the Caesar Cleopatra affair
has written clearly in history.
It was the effects of the bread and circuses of the Empire
that led to the later laxness in morality.
A Study Of History (Abridgement of Vols. 1-10, 2-vol. set)

One of the best historical mystery writers out there!
There are only a handful of historical mystery writers who have the knack of putting their readers right into the time and place that they are creating.I would count Steven Saylor as one of those.Others that come to mind are Ellis Peters and her Brother Cadfael series, Conan Doyle and Sherlock Holmes, Lindsey Davis and her Falco and Saylor with his Gordianus.He is such a good writer that I forgot that we were in 56 B.C. and was following the story like we follow lurid headlines on today's news.In this book Gordianus stays in Rome, but he gets involved in a family feud that snares him and his family.He also gets thrown into Roman and Egyptian politics, where he really doesn't want to be.They're all here - all the historical names we know - Caesar, Pompey, Cicero, and many others, and I truly enjoyed watching Gordianus find his way among these great historcial people.This was a brilliant book, and this is a truly brilliant series.I have no higher praise to give it.

Fourth Book in the Series
Steven Saylor's fascination with Ancient Rome began at an early age. A history graduate and former newspaper and magazine editor, he lives in Berkeley, California. His series of books about Ancient Rome and featuring Gordianus the Finder are extremely popular both here in England and also in America. Anyone who is a fan of Lindsey Davis will love these books too. Steven Saylor brings Ancient Rome to life, so much so that the reader can lose himself in the sights and sounds of the ancient city.

Gordianus the Finder, the investigator of crimes, a man whose skill and integrity have made him much sought after by some of the most important men in Rome. Men who may need a secret to be kept, men who need to know that when Gordianus is working for them he will be discreet and not susceptible to bribery.

The Sub Rosa series is very quickly growing in popularity and it is easy to see why. The main character Gordianus the Finder is both a likeable and believable character and the author's descriptive talents bring the sights and sounds of Ancient Rome leaping off the pages. In this novel set in the period 50 BC Gordianus is hired to investigate a murder and he must follow a trail of intrigue to places that no one in their right mind would go, into the realms of political power. Nobody is more devious than the men who rule Rome. Men who, on the surface are the height of respectability, but rub the surface . . .

Easy read, interesting plot
Saylor has a knack for producing gripping plots. He also knows Rome--its topography, archaeology, and culture--thoroughly. Nevertheless, the story is anachronistic. For instance, he builds up Clodia as a protofeminist at the expense of the poet Catullus, who is portrayed as a disturbed stalker.

Another good one by Saylor

I read Saylor to go back to Rome.In this one he takes us inside the Clodii family, a clan worthy of its own non-fiction book (different members have them, but a full popularly written history would be ideal). This novel introduces us to the sister of the cross dresser who inspired Caesar's line about requiring a wife above suspicion.

Like the two other Saylor's that I've read, there is a lot of scholarship behind the story.Here, Rome's criminal justice system is put on display as is a description of the oratorical style that built Cicero's career.There is something on the role of women, you learn more (Arms of Nemesis does a better job) of the role of slaves and you visit different places in the Palantine neighborhood, traveling by foot and liter.

... Read more

Book Description
The hideously disfigured body was found in the atrium. The only clues are a blood-soaked cloak, and, carved into the stone at the corpse's feet, the word Sparta . . . The Overseer of Marcus Crassus's estate has been murdered, apparently by two slaves bent on joining Spartacus's revolt. The wealthy, powerful Crassus vows to honor an ancient law and have his ninety-nine remaining slaves slaughtered in three days. Gordianus the Finder is summoned from Rome by a mysterious client to find out the truth about the murder before the three days are up. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (31)

The Second Book in the Roma Sub Rosa series
Steven Saylor's fascination with Ancient Rome began in his childhood. A history graduate and former newspaper and magazine editor, he lives in Berkeley, California. His series of books about Ancient Rome and featuring Gordianus the Finder are extremely popular both here in England and also in America. Anyone who is a fan of Lindsey Davis will love these books too.

Gordianus the Finder, the investigator of crimes, a man whose skill and integrity have made him much sought after by some of the most important men in Rome. Men who may need a secret to be kept, men who need to know that when Gordianus is working for them he will be discreet and not susceptible to bribery.

Marcus Crassus is the wealthiest man in Rome. Apart from all his property and businesses in Rome he has a fine villa in the Gulf of Puteoli. When his estate manager is foundmurdered it seems pretty obvious to the great man that the deed was done by two of his missing slaves. A renegade gladiator called Spartacus is mounting a rebellion and two of Crassus's slaves are missing, probably run off to join the Slave Revolt.

Crassus vows that unless the missing slaves are found within 5 days he will massacre his remaining slave. It falls to Gordianus to find out the truth of the matter and in a place riddled with intrigue and secrets Gordianus realisesthat all is not as it seems and the deeper he delves the more danger he is bringing upon himself.

Gordianus the Finder is back!
This second entry in the Gordianus the Finder series is another strong one, although not quite as excellent as Roman Blood was.In this book, Grodianus and his adopted son Eco are summoned in the middle of the night to help a citizen who lived on the seashore, so they take a fast boat to Baiae where a hideous slaughter of slaves is going to occur in three days unless Gordianus can unmask the real killer of the Baiae prominent citizen.The book is definitely graphic, and depicts life as it was in Italy in 72 B.C.The setting is actually ten years later than when we last saw Gordianus in Roman Blood, but he is still as wonderful as ever.He still stops at nothing to get at the truth of things, no matter who it hurts or affects.This is truly fascinating storytelling, and Saylor makes Ancient Rome come alive.

Another strong entry in the series
I have enjoyed several of Saylor's previous novels centered around Gordianus the Finder.Each of the novels is essentially a criminal procedural set in Rome in the century before the birth of Christ.The protagonist is a detective for hire,Gordianus the Finder (delicious name).Usually employed by a Roman personality whose name has carried through the ages to our day, Gordianus steadily unravels the facts as each of the novels builds towards a relatively satisfying conclusion.The challenges faced and facts to be uncovered are set up competently, but the true pleasure in the reading is the skill with which the author places them in a historical universe that rings true, and in the manner in which that universe impacts the situation.

In this novel, Gordianus is roused in the middle of the night by a mysterious stranger with a military air who bids him to come perform a service outside of Rome for a monumental sum.Our protagonist, ever stuck in a middle class purgatory when it comes to his expenses versus his income, and piqued by curiosity, accepts, and from there the story moves forward steadily.

Part of the pleasure of the novel is the multi-layered mystery - who hired him, what happened, why what happened is of such consequence, and so on.The actual doer of the deed is much less important than the impact and consequences of that deed, and Saylor sets up his storyline with aplomb along these lines.Thus, much as I'd like to further reveal the plot, it would be cheating the reader of the review to do so, and so I'll refrain.

Further pleasure is derived from the verisimilitude of the lives of the Romans in those days - the food, the behavior, the social hierarchies, etc..The story moves along steadily but without undo haste, and will appeal more to those who enjoy description and implication rather than speed of plot.If I have any real criticism, it is that, given that the identity of the evil doer is so secondary to the impact of his deeds, the author makes short shrift of the ultimate revelation, and in fact (as far as I could tell) there isn't much out there for the reader to proactively discern the antagonist, nor, frankly, to care much about the fact that it was the particular person named.While this is a valid criticism, it is clear that this was exactly the author's intent, which somewhat mitigates things.

An enjoyable period piece, rife with interesting insights on Roman society, and one of the author's better efforts.

Gordianus visits the seashore
This second entry in the ROMA SUB ROSA series opens as Gordianus is woken in the middle of the night by a mysterious summons to an undisclosed location to solve a crime and save scores of innocent people.Despite the apprehensions of his slave (and lover) Bethesda, Gordianus and his adopted son Eco, are soon on their way.Gordianus of course quickly surmises their destination as Baiae, a wealthy town on the present day Bay of Naples.

Once he arrives he discovers that the crime is, as he had surmised, murder and murder of a wealthy man.The chief suspects are two missing slaves which is why scores of lives are in danger.According to ancient Roman law if a master is killed by a slave all the slaves in the household, in this case 99, are deemed dangerous and sentenced to death.This law is not often enforcedbut in the present day (72 BC), there is a slave revolt, led by Spartacus, in progress that is threatening the Empire.Is it just fear of the slaves joining the rebellion that is causing this harsh measure to be used or is it something else?

Gordianus and Eco are quickly immersed in the victim's household and find that there are many things that are not quite what they seem.The trail to solve the crime leads the two to the Sybil, into the sea and to the very Gates of Hades.Old scandals and illicit love affairs are uncovered.Ultimately Gordianus of course triumphs but not without many interesting twists and turns along the way.

As with ROMAN BLOOD, Saylor immerses the reader into the world of ancient Rome.The reader is made to see how uncertain live in the ancient world was, for example, Gordianus travels just a short way from his home but to his family he may as well have fallen off the face of the earth.We also see into the lives of the slaves, from the quasi equal status of Bethesda to the brutal existence of the galley slaves.Even among the upper classes live is very much a matter of chance and must be conducted within very proscribed limits.This series of novels breaths live into Roman life in a more effective manner than a score of serious scholarly works could.

The mystery is compeling, well plotted with the clues fairly laid out for the reader to follow.The only problem I had with this one is that some of the characters were rather sketchily drawn and there were so many characters and subplots that it was challenging to keep everything straight.

My HBO Rome withdrawal

Wanting to be transported back to Rome, I found this author through Amazon reviewers and I was not disappointed. While this is a few years earlier than the series, and a few miles south of Rome, it did the trick.

The mystery held my attention, but, the characters and the decriptions of the various settings make the book.

I will read more Saylor.

PS - one month later.I've read more Saylor.This one stands out for its perspective on slavery in ancient Rome and the very wealthy Crassus and his life style.For more on the justice system and the Clodii Family read "The Venus Throw"."Rubicon" gives a plausible description of Rome right after of Caesar's crossing and Pompey's flight from Italy.

It appears that each Saylor mystery weaves a good story around people or themes of Rome.

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Book Description
The hideously disfigured body was found in the atrium. The only clues are a blood-soaked cloak, and, carved into the stone at the corpse's feet, the word Sparta . . . The Overseer of Marcus Crassus's estate has been murdered, apparently by two slaves bent on joining Spartacus's revolt. The wealthy, powerful Crassus vows to honor an ancient law and have his ninety-nine remaining slaves slaughtered in three days. Gordianus the Finder is summoned from Rome by a mysterious client to find out the truth about the murder before the three days are up. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (31)

The Second Book in the Roma Sub Rosa series
Steven Saylor's fascination with Ancient Rome began in his childhood. A history graduate and former newspaper and magazine editor, he lives in Berkeley, California. His series of books about Ancient Rome and featuring Gordianus the Finder are extremely popular both here in England and also in America. Anyone who is a fan of Lindsey Davis will love these books too.

Gordianus the Finder, the investigator of crimes, a man whose skill and integrity have made him much sought after by some of the most important men in Rome. Men who may need a secret to be kept, men who need to know that whe