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

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