ANCIENT TIMES - FICTION
"Murder on the Apian Way" 
By Steven Saylor
This is another book in the ambitious series centered on a private investigator, Gordianus the Finder, in Ancient Rome.
The time is 52 B.C. and the popular citizen Publius
Clodius is murdered (suspected) by Milo, one of the powerful plotting to become
the Consul of Rome. The Clodian supporters riot, burn the Senate, and run amok,
looting and raping. Pompey must take charge to quell the violence, while his
rival Julius Caesar is to the North preparing to put down a revolt by the Gauls.
Gordianus and son Eco are engaged by the widow of Clodius to find the truth
behind the murder. The powerful sister of Clodius, Clodia, also has an interest
in justice, since she has a past quarrel with Milo. But Pompey the Great One
also engages Gordianus and Eco to find the truth. The search seems straight
forward and the evidence seems to support what is suspected. But, as events
unfold, we find that what is obvious is not the case.
This is my favorite of the Saylor series so far. Old friend and nemesis Cicero
defends Milo, and we also get to visit Meto, Gordianus's youngest son; soldier
and aide to Caesar. There are many new and engaging characters as well as
Gordianus's wife the every steady Alexandra, and his growing daughter Diana.
Reviewed by Kenneth S. Smith 6/29/2000
Available from:
Ivy Books
Published by Ballentine Books
A Division of Random House
http://www.randomhouse.com
