- Paperback: 320 pages
- Publisher: Robinson Publishing (8 Sep 2005)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 1845292448
- ISBN-13: 978-1845292447
- Product Dimensions: 16.6 x 11 x 2.8 cm
- Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 237,462 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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Product Description
Amazon.co.uk Review
Steven Saylor's seventh instalment 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 BC, 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 favourite cousins has been garrotted 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 Adler --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Review
"Saylor's scholarship is breathtaking, his writing enthrals." Ruth Rendell "Engrossing... Simmering with eroticism... An absorbing brew of Rome's decay." Publishers Weekly on The Venus Throw "How wonderful, to have a scholar write about ancient Rome; how comforting, to feel instant confidence in the historical accuracy of a novel." Sunday Times on A Murder on the Appian Way"
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
It's like you're meeting an old friend, but this older, mellowed Gordianus still keeps the Sherlock touch from the outset. As before, the everyday detail of ordinary life (often shocking and surprising in itself) and familiar style are what makes these Roman citizens really come to life. The historical figures too are cleverly rounded to show both weaknesses and strengths. By the end of the book you almost feel you want to climb into the pages and beg him for the answer to the problem that he has been dangling in front of us, and you're not let down - it's an explosive ending that will leave you genuinely stunned for days. It's also been a personal inspiration to go on and read original accounts of say, Caesar's own 'Conquest of Gaul' which, thanks to Steven Saylor, reads more like Caesar's European Tour than a translated Latin text. Veni, vedi, I got the T shirt!
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Having read all of Steven Saylor's previous novels, I couldn't wait to read this his latest offering. I was not disappointed. Once again the detective story is set against the backdrop of actual historical events. However, in addition to allowing us to meet such luminaries as Cicero and Caesar, Saylor also gives us an insight into the minutiae of Roman Life - the reader is really made to appreciate what it was like to live in those times. It would not be fair to discuss the plot, but suffice to say there is a brilliant twist in the tale.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
There are three outstanding "roman" authors, Saylor, Wishart and Davis. The last two, while equally rigorous historically, are somewhat playful with their period whereas Saylor gives the authentic feel. In the past he has added atmosphere in the form of hints of the supernatural and the threat of violence but in Rubicon we are immersed in the blood and fear of the Caesarian putsch. The ending is a cracker too. I'm only fearful that his hero, Gordianus, had now reached my own venerable age.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Roma sub rosa
I enjoy this series and was delighted to get such a good
quality copy of this book at such a good price.
Product was in excellent condition and arrived on time. Read more
quality copy of this book at such a good price.
Product was in excellent condition and arrived on time. Read more
Published 8 months ago by D. Finney
Surprising as always
This is an example of a well-written book with an interesting plot and that leads us into the heart of Ancient Rome. Read more
Published on 16 July 2009 by Anuska
Pacy and tense - a very good read
Another cracking book in this series, with a shocking twist near the end. Shorter than his others, but very pacy and tense, so no worse for that (one or two have felt a bit... Read more
Published on 13 Aug 2008 by John Hopper
Another Terrific Read
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. Read more
Published on 23 May 2007 by J. Chippindale
The Seventh Book in a Great 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. Read more
Published on 31 Jan 2007 by J. Chippindale
Good but not his best
Steven Saylor's Roma Sub Rosa series is one of the best of the current crop of detectives in the ancient world. Read more
Published on 26 July 2004 by Tim62
disappointing
i read this on the strength of amazon reviews of his books. this was my first. i think it's also my last. Read more
Published on 1 Feb 2001
Saylor on top form in the Roma Sub Rosa series
This compact tale of Caesar's historic march over the Rubicon and how it affects the family of Gordianus the Finder grips from the start. Read more
Published on 22 Mar 2000
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