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ubalstecha's review against another edition
4.0
Decius Caecilius Metellus the Younger is back in Rome, and although he is in charge of the treasury now, a chance discovery leads him to a conspiracy to topple the Roman government. When he links this to a series of murders, Decius' investigations lead him into a dangerous game of spying and infiltration that could lead to his own demise or that of one of his oldest allies.
Another excellent mystery set in the time of Rome. The complex nature of Roman society is easily explained by the author, yet the reader is not left feeling that they are reading a textbook. A great read for mystery and historical fiction fans.
Another excellent mystery set in the time of Rome. The complex nature of Roman society is easily explained by the author, yet the reader is not left feeling that they are reading a textbook. A great read for mystery and historical fiction fans.
staceylynn42's review against another edition
3.0
Decius is back in Rome and almost immediately stumbles on a conspiracy against the state. He falls in with Catiline to investigate the grumblings of men who think they are being denied their birth right to rule by new men like Cicero. Bodies pile up as the conspiracy moves forward Decius himself is expected to prove his loyalty to the cabal by killing a friend.
There isn't much of a mystery with this book as it is based on a real conspiracy and the outcome is known. It's more a matter of "will Decius survive?" But it is a good tale, told with wit, humor and a lot of period detail.
I'm currently reading SPQR by Mary Beard and she opens with the Catalina conspiracy & that made me reread this book.
There isn't much of a mystery with this book as it is based on a real conspiracy and the outcome is known. It's more a matter of "will Decius survive?" But it is a good tale, told with wit, humor and a lot of period detail.
I'm currently reading SPQR by Mary Beard and she opens with the Catalina conspiracy & that made me reread this book.
ramsfan1963's review against another edition
informative
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
What starts out as a mystery involving the deaths of several money lenders, expands into a conspiracy to pull down the Republic of Rome. Decius makes for an interesting investigative character, but it's the day to day like in ancient Rome that makes the book most interesting. The author put a lot of time into researching roman law, social structure, religions and mores.
plantbirdwoman's review against another edition
4.0
Second in this very interesting series is a take on one of the most confusing incidents of ancient Roman history. Roberts' take on it offers new perspective on the subject and it is a fascinating read.
jaina's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
stacey42's review against another edition
3.0
Decius is back in Rome and almost immediately stumbles on a conspiracy against the state. He falls in with Catiline to investigate the grumblings of men who think they are being denied their birth right to rule by new men like Cicero. Bodies pile up as the conspiracy moves forward Decius himself is expected to prove his loyalty to the cabal by killing a friend.
There isn't much of a mystery with this book as it is based on a real conspiracy and the outcome is known. It's more a matter of "will Decius survive?" But it is a good tale, told with wit, humor and a lot of period detail.
I'm currently reading SPQR by Mary Beard and she opens with the Catalina conspiracy & that made me reread this book.
There isn't much of a mystery with this book as it is based on a real conspiracy and the outcome is known. It's more a matter of "will Decius survive?" But it is a good tale, told with wit, humor and a lot of period detail.
I'm currently reading SPQR by Mary Beard and she opens with the Catalina conspiracy & that made me reread this book.
chuckri's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
felyn's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoy this series. It's an intriguing mix of history, fiction, and drama. This second book details another(!) conspiracy to topple Rome from within. Lots of great detail.
traveller1's review against another edition
3.0
Young Decius is now a Quaestor, on his way up in Rome, but he has the ill-fortune to, again, annoy the powerful. He becomes involved with Catiline and his conspiracy to overthrow the Roman government, however, on the side of the establishment. Decius informs the consul Cicero of the conspiracy, and aids in the destruction of Catiline and his men.