Middle of the road read, the 12th in the Gordanius series....I didn't feel a lot of suspense, just felt like the characters were doing the same old thing. I'm eagerly anticipating the Roma Sub Rosa #0, the prequel to it all, out now...or soon, anyway :) ( )

In 46 BC, while Julius Caesar is preparing a number of triumphs in honor of his military victories, his wife Calpurnia summons Gordianus the Finder to investigate the possibility that Caesar is in mortal danger from persons unknown; her seer has said this is the case and the first investigator that she hired has been murdered, evidently proof of the danger. Gordianus, now aged 65, at first demurs as he is more or less retired, but when he discovers that the earlier investigator was none other than his friend Hieronymus the Scapegoat of Massilia, he feels duty-bound to find out who killed him. But danger lurks in more than one corner of the vast city of Rome, and Caesar is by no means the only target…. One thing that I love about Steven Saylor’s sub Rosa series, of which this is the tenth novel, is how the author manages to combine lively and occasionally raucous depictions of life in ancient Rome with meticulous scholarship, drawing on contemporary sources to incorporate specific real-life incidents into his story. He also provides us with an author’s note detailing his research, something that the historian in me appreciates. That said, the true joy of these books is the full humanity with which he imbues his characters (both real and fictional) and the way in which he brings that ancient time to vibrant life. It is probably best to read these books in order, just in terms of keeping historical events in perspective, but it isn’t absolutely necessary to do so; recommended! ( )

Saylor has written a wonderful mystery featuring Caesar, Cicero, and Cleopatra (among others), and it's quite tightly plotted. A fun romp through a Rome that writhes with death, is rife with rumors, and seethes with sex around every bend. The city comes truly alive with detail and because of our unique perspective thanks to Saylor's wonderfully-placed Gordianus. ( )

Caesar is back in Rome as dictator for life and is planning to celebrate triumphs for his exploits in war and to reform the calendar. Calpurnia calls in Gordianus to investigate a prophecy from her pet haruspex that Caesar's life is in danger.

I must admit it was with some trepidation that I read this on the flight home. I knew it was the last in the series and wondered whether I would be having a meltdown over a deathbed scene. Fortunately this was avoided. I picked the culprit fairly early on but it was still very enjoyable except for some heavy-handed nudge-nudge moments about the real plot against Caesar which takes place after the end of the book. ( )

The investigation of the murder of a friend, Hieronymous, leads to a plot to Assassinate Caesar. Caesar is preparing to celebrate his conquests, a series of three days celebrating different campaigns. What better setting for an assassination?

The story is interesting, the reader gets an interesting glimpse into Roman life and culture. The writing is good and easy to read. This is the tenth in the series on Gordianus the Finder. ( )