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14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent Roman Mystery, number 6 in series. 5 star book., 7 Oct 2001
This review is from: Nobody Loves a Centurion: Spqr VI (Hardcover)
The sixth mystery featuring Decius Metellus continues this excellent series set in ancient Rome. A murder in Julius Caesar's legion sets Decius on an investigation involving Gauls, Germans as well as Patrician Romans. A wonderful read from the best Roman mystery series. A full 5 star book.
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Not a Centurion maybe not but you will love this book!, 18 Aug 2010
This is a brilliant read. It reads like a film of the book in that there are no long passages of reflection or navel contemplating.
We get into the head and mind Decius Caecilius Metellus as he arrives from Rome (to get away from his sworn enemy) into the hell on earth of a Roman legion preparing for war.
We learn that the 6000 swords, earth ramparts and a spiked wooden palisades are all that protects out hero and the legion from millions of Gauls who don't seem to want to be told where to stay.
Behind this are the Germans who want to push the Gauls out but even worse are the machinations of the Roman Politician.
I won't give the plot away but there is an initial murder followed by a ritual slaying followed by a capture and escape of our hero. (Heck you knew he would escape there's about 7 more books in this excellent series!)
This book is an excellent addition to the series and differs from those I've read in that it is not set in a city such as Rome or Alexandria.
Roberts knows his stuff and informs the reader well of features of a Roman camp in enemy territory. Nuggets of info are thrust into the story which add to this and the reader's enjoyment.
As I said the story rattles along and I finished the whole book in one very enjoyable day.
More please!
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2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Sixth in the SPQR Series, 28 Feb 2007
John Maddox Roberts is the pseudonym of Mark Ramsay, author of numerous works of science fiction and fantasy, in addition to his successful historical SPQR mystery series. He lives in New Mexico with his wife.
When the famous Julius Caesar arrived in Gaul, he announced "I Came, I Saw, I Conquered." When Decius Metellus arrives from Rome he that the conquered part at least, is very far from the truth, in fact the campaign seems to be stagnating.
Decius's arrival does little to placate Caesar's temper. The great general has been waiting form reinforcements promised to him. An intake of fresh blood to kick start the invasion again. Instead of that he has been sent one man ridiculously decked out in military parade frippery but very short on any military accomplishment. Decius is accompanied not by eager troops chomping at the bit to get at the enemy, but by one reluctant slave.
But of course trouble follows Decius like a bad smell and when Vinius, supposedly the most hated centurion in the army is found murdered Caesar remembers that his newest recruit has a reputation for solving mysteries.
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