The latest episode in the life of Decius Caecilius Metellus the Younger, untypical member of a typical Roman aristocratic family, takes him to Cyprus, with a commission to suppress the growing piracy of the region. His resources are meagre and his opponents seem to have the advantage of him, even when his "toy navy" is augmented by the support of visiting Egyptian princess Cleopatra in search of some excitement. Things are complicated further when the Roman governor of Cyprus is murdered and Decius feels he has to investigate this as it's bound to have a connection with the piracy, trade shenanigans, and possible criminal involvement of people in high places.
The story is nicely paced, and while some might feel that Decius (like Lindsay's Davis's Falco) is at his best in Rome the change of scene is well handled and the atmosphere of a nervous Roman province captured. It is also good that the author is letting Decius grow in maturity as he gains years and political experience, without his losing his stubborn investigative streak. All in all, one of the best in the SPQR series.