313 AD. Under the rule of Emperor Constantine, Rome finally appears to be emerging from its turbulent past. In order to consolidate his control and under the guidance of his mother Helena, Constantine plans to harness the power of the increasingly influential Christian Church. But his loyalties are brought into question when three courtesans from the Guild of Aphrodite - a guild Constantine himself frequents - are found dead. All three bodies have crosses etched on their foreheads and each cheek. Aiming to protect her son's future, Helena calls upon the service of an 'agente in rebus politicis' - or spy. Claudia is the niece of a tavern-owner and is placed as a wine-server in Constantine's household. But Claudia has secret motives of her own...
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About the Author
Paul Doherty was born in Middlesbrough. He studied History at Liverpool and Oxford Universities and obtained a doctorate for his thesis on Edward II and Queen Isabella. He is now headmaster of a school in north-east London and lives with his family in Essex.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
By J. Mason
Format:Paperback
The only thing that prevents me from giving this story 5 stars is that I found it unnecessarily violent at times, though I appreciate the world of Ancient Rome was a violent place, I would have liked it to be toned down. That aside, this is a really good story with a great central character. Claudia is a poor, young woman who has experienced much hardship in her short life and this has led her to become a spy for the Emperor. All she has is her morals and her wits and has to really use the latter to survive in such an ignorant and dark place as Rome is depicted, in the 4th century. But it isn't just the characterisation that's good. This book has really good pace, doesn't drag on and the plot doesn't disappoint either. It's a great read and I recommend it to anyone who loves a good mystery.
2 of 3 people found the following review helpful
By J. Chippindale
TOP 1000 REVIEWER
Format:Paperback
Paul Doherty is the consummate professional when it comes to writing historical novels. I for one do not know how he can be so prolific with his offering of books and yet make sure that each of them is well researched. Whether they be 13th, 14th, or fifteenth century they are always true to the period. He also writes about Ancient Egypt and Alexander the Great. Paul Doherty has the rare talent of making you feel as though you are there, be it medieval England, or battling with Alexander. The sounds and smells of the period seem to waft from the pages of his books. He has now turned his attention to Ancient Rome and this is the second book in the series.
313 AD. At the dawn of the fourth century, the Roman empire is beset by economic problems, barbarian incursions and religious divides. After a series of tyrannical rulers, Emperor Diocletian has divided the empire into east and west. Now, with Constantine's victory over Maxentius in the west, Rome finally appears to be emerging from its turbulent past. But instead of enjoying the fruits of his victory, Emperor Constantine is in trouble. In order to consolidate his power and under the guidance of his mother Helena, he plans to harness the power of the increasingly influential Christian Church. Then a series of murders brings his loyalties into question. The emperor frequents courtesans from the Guild of Aphrodite, three of whom have been found dead - all with crosses etched on their foreheads and each cheek. In order to protect her son's future, Helena, aided by the priest Anastasius, calls upon the service of an 'agente in rebus politicis' - or spy. Claudia is the niece of a tavern-owner and is placed as a wine-server in Constantine's household. But Claudia has secret motives of her own...
313 AD. At the dawn of the fourth century, the Roman empire is beset by economic problems, barbarian incursions and religious divides. After a series of tyrannical rulers, Emperor Diocletian has divided the empire into east and west. Now, with Constantine's victory over Maxentius in the west, Rome finally appears to be emerging from its turbulent past. But instead of enjoying the fruits of his victory, Emperor Constantine is in trouble. In order to consolidate his power and under the guidance of his mother Helena, he plans to harness the power of the increasingly influential Christian Church. Then a series of murders brings his loyalties into question. The emperor frequents courtesans from the Guild of Aphrodite, three of whom have been found dead - all with crosses etched on their foreheads and each cheek. In order to protect her son's future, Helena, aided by the priest Anastasius, calls upon the service of an 'agente in rebus politicis' - or spy. Claudia is the niece of a tavern-owner and is placed as a wine-server in Constantine's household. But Claudia has secret motives of her own...
Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
Amazon.com:
4.0 out of 5 stars
4 reviews
2 of 3 people found the following review helpful
3.0 out of 5 stars
4th Century Rome
14 Jan 2009
By Lyn Reese
- Published on Amazon.com
Format:Paperback
Murder Imperial
by Paul Doherty
It is 312 C.E. Constantine has recently defeated his rival Maxentius and has entered Rome to become Emperor of the West and self proclaimed "protector of the Christians." His eyes, however, are on the real prize, the rich lands of the East now held by Emperor Licinius. These plans are being undermined by a serious of gruesome murders connected to the palace. To discover the identity of her son's enemy, his doting mother Helena has her most effective spy, young Claudia, become an undercover palace servant. Because of her observation skills and ability to glide about without being noticed, Helena calls Claudia her "little mouse." But even a mouse cannot remain invisible for long, and it seems likely that Claudia will be the murderer's next victim.
Publicly Claudia is the inconsequential niece of a local tavern owner; in secret she belongs to a type of imperial spy group called Argentes in Rebus. Both personae give Claudia access to a variety of colorful Roman types - from an influential Christian priest to popular gladiators, actors, and courtesans. Of particular interest are the palace personalities and their intrigues. "Trust no one," Claudia is told - advice that more than once proves to be true.
Doughty is a prolific writer whose works span wide historical periods. He writes vividly and with great style on the quotidian details of his periods. His main scholarship, however, seems to be medieval England and we would feel more comfortable about his descriptions if this book on Constantinian Rome had listed some of the author's most useful sources.
by Paul Doherty
It is 312 C.E. Constantine has recently defeated his rival Maxentius and has entered Rome to become Emperor of the West and self proclaimed "protector of the Christians." His eyes, however, are on the real prize, the rich lands of the East now held by Emperor Licinius. These plans are being undermined by a serious of gruesome murders connected to the palace. To discover the identity of her son's enemy, his doting mother Helena has her most effective spy, young Claudia, become an undercover palace servant. Because of her observation skills and ability to glide about without being noticed, Helena calls Claudia her "little mouse." But even a mouse cannot remain invisible for long, and it seems likely that Claudia will be the murderer's next victim.
Publicly Claudia is the inconsequential niece of a local tavern owner; in secret she belongs to a type of imperial spy group called Argentes in Rebus. Both personae give Claudia access to a variety of colorful Roman types - from an influential Christian priest to popular gladiators, actors, and courtesans. Of particular interest are the palace personalities and their intrigues. "Trust no one," Claudia is told - advice that more than once proves to be true.
Doughty is a prolific writer whose works span wide historical periods. He writes vividly and with great style on the quotidian details of his periods. His main scholarship, however, seems to be medieval England and we would feel more comfortable about his descriptions if this book on Constantinian Rome had listed some of the author's most useful sources.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Murder Imperial (Ancient Roman Mysteries)
19 April 2013
By Verger
- Published on Amazon.com
Format:Kindle Edition
Have read and enjoyed many of Paul Doherty's stories this is the first of the Ancient Roman Mysteries found it a Great read, fast moving, highly entertaining. Looking forward to more Ancient Roman Mysteries.
3.0 out of 5 stars
OK Story
11 Jan 2013
By sharlee
- Published on Amazon.com
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
I like Paul Doherty's books and have read many of them. This isn't one of my favorites, but it was an OK story. He has series set in ancient Egypt and medieval England that I liked better.
I have found with his books that it's best to read the book in order so that you get to know the characters. I've only read part of this series and not in order.
I have found with his books that it's best to read the book in order so that you get to know the characters. I've only read part of this series and not in order.
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4.0 out of 5 stars
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