ANCIENT TIMES - FICTION
"Roman Blood" 
By Steven Saylor
This is a very ambitious series centered on a private investigator, Gordianus the Finder, in Ancient Rome. A similar series was done (and still in progress?) by Lindsey Davis. The Davis series takes place at a later time and the main character is an obstinate fellow by the name of Didias Falco. The Falco series is excellent. The Gordianus opener promises a series of the same excellent caliber.
In 80 B.C. Rome, Gordianus the Finder is engaged by the newly arrived to Rome Cicero. Cicero has taken the case of a man accused of one of the most heinous of crimes, patricide. It seems no other lawyer in Rome will touch the case, but young Cicero is looking to make a name for himself. But to solve the crime, he needs the aid of a man of the streets that is not afraid to dig up the truth no matter what the consequences. Gordianus is just the man and the trail leads to the highest power in Rome, Sulla. By the time the smoke has cleared, all kinds of dirty dealing is uncovered and who knows if the accused was innocent. Great fun and a great read. Mr. Saylor has done his historical research and the trial in question actually took place.
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
