If you have read any of the other volumes of Steven Saylor's "Roma Sub Rosa" series, then this book is a *must read.* Story lines that showed themselves in "Rubicon" and "Catalina's Riddle" appear once again, making this one of the most fascinating historical mysteries that I have read in quite some time. Saylor leads you along, and just when you think you know where all the pieces of the puzzle lie, he reveals 'the truth' in a way that truly is both surprising and logical.

The history of the conflict at Massilia, brings to life the struggle of Julius Caesar to attain rule over the Roman world. The attention paid to detail in setting this story in the Greek colony-city-state on the edge of the Gaul & Roman worlds, shows a broad spectrum of cultures at one of the most fascinating times in western classical history.

As with all of Steven Saylor's works, this novel is highly recommended.

Saylor doesn't disappoint in his eighth addition to his Roma Sub Rosa series. I've read every book and have thoroughly enjoyed following the life of Gordianus the Finder. In this story, we find Gordianus away from Rome and in the town of Massilia. Although he's there to find his son, Meto, Gordianus always seems find himself caught up in some intriguing murder mystery. Saylor has the unique gift of intertwining the lifes of the great Romans into his mysteries while continually providing the reader with a dramatic ending. "Last Seen in Massilia" definately has both and proves once again that Saylor is at the top of historical fiction authors. I recommend all the books in this series, but especially: "Catilina's Riddle," and "Rubicon."

Frequently with series novels of any kind, although maybe it is most evident with mystery series, a clear pattern emerges: after an energetic and imaginative beginning with the first few volumes, the later books recycle characters, plots, and situations. They become, very simply, predictable -- perhaps comfortable for the reader in that predictability, but nonetheless they have lost the capacity for surprise and expansion.

"Last Seen in Massilia", the seventh novel (plus a volume of short stories) in Saylor's "Roma Sub Rosa" series centering upon the amateur detective Gordianus the Finder in First Century BCE Rome, defies the familiar pattern. Not only has Saylor maintained a high level of creativity and historical atmosphere, the series is steadily gaining added depth and power. Perhaps this is because Saylor has wisely woven the most recent plots into the extraordinary events of the last decades of the Roman Republic, when ancient institutions crumbled and naked ambition propelled the likes of Julius Caesar to the heights. Murder, betrayal, intrigue ... the real-life history of the times has proven fertile ground for Saylor's novels. But it is not merely historical events which make "Last Seen in Massilia" such a strong and even disturbing novel -- that power derives from the characters Saylor has created and the evolving relationships between them. When I finished the last page of this newest novel and set the book aside, I felt genuinely moved by what Gordianus had experienced. Saylor's novels are not only about Roman history; they genuinely examine what lies within us all.

I have been reading all of Steven Saylor's "Roma Sub Rosa" novels (featuring the First Century BC detective Gordianus the Finder) since he began publishing them nearly a decade ago. The historical background for the series is superbly researched, and the reader inevitably learns much about Ancient Rome. Moreover, the plots and characters are intricate and compelling. With "Rubicon" Saylor has reached a new level, delving deeper into Gordianus's soul than he has ever done before. And Saylor has done something which is very difficult for the author of a series to accomplish -- in "Rubicon" he genuinely surprises the reader.

I would urge people, however, to first read the other novels in the "Roma Sub Rosa" cycle before approaching "Rubicon," so that they better understand Gordianus and his family.

Once again Steven Saylor breathes life and msytery into the world of late Republican Rome, and honor and ethic into ours. Gordianus and his family share the stage with Pompey, Caesar, Cicero and the Senate and People of Rome in a way which impels the reader to enter Gordianus' world - and examine his own in its context. While the historical backdrop makes the novel available, perhaps enjoyable, to readers who have not explored the full Roma sub Rosa series, the development of Gordianus and his family through the series is a rich reward for the reader who will explore the whole. One does nor turn back after crossing the Rubicon, whether en route to Rome or on a journey of the soul. Saylor invites one to cross the Rubicon with Gordianus, and to examine oneself in the crucible of the Soul. Caesar risked his honor and his life to cross that river. Caught like all of Rome between Pompey and Caesar, with his son in Caesar's tent and his son-in-law in Pompey's power, Gordianus comes to the bank of that dreadful river and stares into the unknown. Gordianus makes crossing the Rubicon personal, and Saylor brings the crossing forward to your soul. You cannot come away from Saylor's novel without knowing when and what you can and will risk when you stand on the far bank and stare into the mystery across your Rubicon. Cross it.

Even readers not drawn to historical settings should explore Saylor's impressive series (Murder on the Appian Way, etc.) set in ancient Rome. Saylor's protagonist, Gordianus the Finder, whom Cicero characterizes as "the most honest man in Rome," is an astute citizen and a detective for the Senate. An independent thinker, Gordianus has freed his slaves, marrying one, and adopted several orphans whom he has raised as his own sons. But at 61, the wily Gordianus finds his survival instincts pushed to the utmost, for Rome is on the verge of civil war and all must be careful with their alliances. Caesar has crossed the Rubicon with his army, and his rival, Pompey, the head of the Roman Senate, is about to abandon the city, leaving its citizens without laws and protection. In the midst of this turmoil, Pompey's favorite cousin and trusted courier is murdered in Gordianus's garden. Infuriated, Pompey orders the sleuth to find the killer, insuring his loyalty by impressing one of Gordianus's relatives into his own army. While Gordianus copes with this treacherous mix of family and politics, a heightened frenzy overtakes Rome as it awaits Caesar's possible invasion. Saylor writes about ancient Rome as naturally and comfortably as if he had lived there, capturing both its glory and brutality. Finely shadowed characters and an action-packed finale make this a praiseworthy addition to a series that deserves wide attention. Agent, Alan Nevins; author tour.

A friend recommended Steven Saylor, and since this was the only one I found in my local book store this is the one I bought. Not a mystery fan actually I still found this book intriguing. The plot is set in acient Roma, and though alot of places the language is too modern to get the right feeling Saylor has also captured an ancient mode through the story.

The plot takes a long time to reveale itself though and when I finally knew what the plot were all about the story went on and on with little happening. It might be my problem that I have not read any of the other books in the series, I really felt it hard to get to know Gordianus, the main character, the hero of the book. At the same time it is where Saylor writes about Gordianus and his family the book is at it's best.

I still gave to book three stars though. The story really had something in it, and aspecially the surprisingly ending gave me satisfaction as a reader.

Firstly, readers of this review who have not read any of Saylor's novels should proceed directly to 'Roman Blood', the first of the Gordianus mystery series (set in ancient Rome). Saylor's books are best read in sequence in order to capture the essence of its private eye hero (Gordianus the finder).

Unlike the other Gordianus novels, The Venus Throw is a mystery involving murder and intrique close to and in (!) the Gordianus household. An old Egyptian friend of Gordianus is murdered and, of course, Gordianus is hired to find the killer. The outcome is very surprising, and all along we are entertained by Saylor's excellent prose. And true to form, Saylor also sprinkles in copious sauciness (orgies, boys behaving badly, etc) without being crude.

Bottom line: one of the best of a fine historical mystery series. Highly recommended.

I've liked Saylor's books in the past because of two principle reasons: the mystery is solved in a plausible way for that period and the dynamics of the institution of slavery are played out well. In the past, Gordianus is dealing with political struggles and economic gains but in this book something is tackled: the unequal dynamic between the .... Almost everything Gordianus thinks he knows about women is challenged and thrown out in this one book. This is where Saylor himself is stepping out of the "historical knowns" and stepping into spectulation. However, the spectulation is also reasonable given what is know about gender, ... and ... dynamics for the late Roman Republic. Also this is a very urban and family focused book, reflecting again the increasingly personal nature of the arguable decay in politics and society during this time. This book is more explicit so if the directness of Saylor's writing has been uncomfortable for you in the past, be forewarned; for those of us who could handle even more expliciteness, its a bit better.

Roaming the Internet a couple of months ago I stumbled across "The House of the Vestals", a new title by Steven Saylor. Ordering the book via Amazon.com was a new experience and proved to be both simple and efficient. During my holidays in Italy - where else - I found the time to read this collection of short stories that provides us with some answers as to how Gordianus, the main character in Saylor's "Roma Sub Rosa" sequel, got his nickname "the Finder". "Roma Sub Rosa" is set in the period in Western history wherein ancient Rome was getting ready to change its government from a tormented republic to an long-lasting empire. Saylor has a broad knowledge of the era and has the ability to remodel hints in history, mostly concerning events on the byways of time, to breath-taking mysteries. Saylor's books are interesting in that they provide the reader with more than just a whodunit plot. They alo give a lot of insight in both the po! litics and everyday life in Rome around 50 B.C. Saylor evidently needs all the pages of a novel to elaborate both a gripping plot and the historical setting. He isn't able to do this within the confines of a short story. Sure, it's all there: the humor, sex and violence that the cover promises. But each plot of "House of the Vestals" is so thin that it left me with a feeling of "is that all there is?". Still, I am looking forward to his next novel.

I can't get enough of Steven Saylor's Gordianus the Finder, and this marvelous collection of short stories was like opening a box of Godiva chocolates - each one is delicious! I have read nearly all of the Roma Sub Rosa series featuring the wonderfully human, intelligent, and dedicated Gordianus, and come to think of him almost as an extended family member. For other Gordianus-aholics, this collection of stories nicely fills in the gaps left in the longer novels - finally we find out all about the night Catilina raped a Vestal...or did he? We hear Gordianus' sexy, sassy slave (now wife) tell tales of her native Alexandria, and we learn all about Lucius. But the best part of this collection is you need no previous experience with Gordianus to have a rollicking good time. As Gordianus winds through the streets of ancient Rome, exposing frauds, murderers, and thieves, you will be caught up in the spell Saylor's crisp writing always weaves. Warning: clear some shelf space. Once you're hooked on Gordianus, you'll want to read them all.

I've loved Steven W. Saylor's work even before he published under this name and his Gordianus series is better by far. This is actually a collection of 9 short stories, all of which were previously published in mystery magazines. All of the stories are good solid character pieces with mysterious happenings and detective work that makes sense for the time period involved (90-73 BCE). Several of the stories are told as stories by one character to another though several are also the ongoing investigations of the finder himself. Historians may cringe a bit but frankly, in this ancient historian's opinion, Saylor's series is about the best I have ever read particularly his portrayal of slavery, a human institution often misunderstood and misrepresented by modern Americans.

Steven Saylor's novel is aptly named -- a good deal of Roman blood is indeed spilled when Gordianus the Finder agrees to help a young lawyer named Marcus Tullius Cicero with his first case. Cicero has been hired to defend one Sextus Roscius, accused of killing his father, also named Sextus Roscius. The crime of patricide was punishable by death in ancient Rome, and neither Cicero nor Gordianus wants to see an innocent man executed.

Saylor does a good job of bringing Rome to life; he includes many details, including descriptions of the narrow, winding streets, the oppressive heat of summer, and the intricacies of the Roman legal system, that create a sense of place and painlessly educate the reader. There are only a few places where the description intrudes into the story. Since the story is bound up with the political intrigue surrounding the rule of the dictator Sulla (80 BC), a knowledge of Roman history will help the reader keepthe characters and their motivations straight. Saylor does give an explanation of Sulla's rise to power and the atrocities he and his followers committed, but it comes late in the book and drags on for several pages, so this is not as useful as it could be. Readers not familiar with (or uninterested in) Roman history may have trouble getting into the book, but overall the setting is well-done and convincing.

The mystery aspect of the novel was not as interesting as the historical aspect; the story is slow in places, and it was hard to care about the characters, especially since many of them lack redeeming qualities. Also, Saylor has an unfortunate tendencyto overemphasize key plot points, as if he doesn't want the reader to miss the fact that a certain discovery is a clue. Part of the mystery reader's responsibility is to find the clues on her own; it is the mystery author's job to confuse the reader about what is a clue and what is a red herring. Saylor doesn't seem to have mastered that skill. The end of the novel, which includes the requisite court scene with Cicero making his argument on behalf of the accused, seems to take forever to lumber to a conclusion. Read the book for its setting, but don't expect too much in the mystery department.

'Roman Blood' is an excellent example of historical fiction where the words 'historical' and 'fiction' are given equal attention. Steven Saylor spins a "whodunnit" mystery based on real events, much like Margaret Atwood does in her excellent 'Alias Grace'. This is unlike the work of Lindsey Davis, an author whose popular Falco mystery series, while in a similar ancient Rome setting, is pure fiction (although the author clearly knows her Roman history).

As for the story, hmmm... it's a bit complicated. Broadly speaking it is about a private eye (Gordianus) who is hired by a defense attorney (Cicero) to investigate the bloody death of a Roman citizen. The victim's son is accused of planning the murder and, if convicted, would suffer a most extraordinarily gruesome execution. In the end we witness the murder trial and its aftermath, both of which are rather ... surprising. Yet before then the reader is taken through the very colorful day-to-day events of Roman high-lifes and low-lifes; I found it all to be very educational, and the murder mystery element is very well presented.

Compared to the works of Lindsey Davis, 'Roman Blood' is somewhat dry - it doesn't contain much humor, and the characterizations, while completely satisfactory, do not sparkle. Yet I actually prefer the work of Steven Saylor because of its historical accuracy and I find his prose to be richer (ie, it feels more like 'literature' versus 'popular fiction').

Bottom line: not quite James Michener material, but nonetheless a very accomplished piece of historical fiction. Recommended.

I first began reading Steven Saylor's short stories in Ellery Queen and was immediately taken with his writing. Saylor brings history to life in an immediate and vivid manner. He does it so well, the reader doesn't notice it after awhile. "Roman Blood" is first and foremost a mystery, and the "detective" is Gordinius the Finder, a Roman citizen who is often hired to find truth. In this story a man is accused of murdering his father, and faces a horrible punishment if Gordinius and Cicero cannot find him innocent. Saylor exposes the corruption of the Roman political system while asking pointed questions about what justice is. This novel is so far my favorite of Saylor's novels because although he delves into the politics of the Roman Forum, the book is foremost a mystery novel. Gordinius is attempting to solve the murder of a Roman citizen, and Saylor maintains the suspensefulness throughout the novel. The book's ending leaves the readers surprised and thoughtful. Saylor also, by the end of the book, has ensured his future royalties because he's made you care about the characters and leaves you wanting to read more about their lives and their challenges.

This is a book about character mostly. Saylor has written one of the most impressive novels I have read lately. Period. Forget that it is a mystery; forget that it is an impressive, thoroughly researched, history treatise. Reader beware for this is a true masterpiece.

Even though there are passages where you'll feel you are suffering yourself, you won't want to put it down. The backdrop of this particular story is the revolt of Spartacus, which makes the issue of slavery the central point of the book. Although it is not moralizing, there are passages in the book that will bring you, the reader, close to tears. Gordianus is summoned to investigate the brutal murder of one of Crassus's administrators at one of his many villas at the countryside. He is taken there by ship; and here is when one of the many gory descriptions of ancient slavery takes place: with the rowers at the bottom of the "Fury" - the actual name of an imposing ship.

Throughout the story Gordianus takes almost a frantic approach to save the lives of many slaves, although, being a roman citizen himself, he doesn't understand really why. The story is so trascendental, one can understand why Gordianus, in the next book, his own family established with Bethesda, decides to retire to the country. He could hardly imagine what Saylor had in store for him in future adventures!

The other "Roman mysteries" I've read are by Lindsey Davis, books I can't say that I really like for several reasons. But this book, the first I read from Steven W. Saylor gives me hope that there are good mysteries set in a fairly historically accurate Rome afterall. My first summer class I'm teaching will be reading this this early June and we'll talk about the historical and social realities behind the book. I'm glad I took the risk of buying this book. I look forward to reading more Saylor books, especially those with Gordianus whose detective skills seem to fit well into the late Republican period of Rome. Little seemed strained or "modern" not even the attitudes toward slavery which were, even then, a mixture and varied from person to person, class to class.

If you are tempted to glorify the empire of Ancient Rome, you won't be after reading this novel. A sense of urgency pervades the book, from the moment Gordinius is hustled aboard a ship to visit an estate in the south of Rome to the very end when Gordinius is brought news of the fate of those he met. The primary plot of Arms of Nemesis focuses on the fate of a few -- those slaves who will all be killed unless the murderer of the master is found. Its backdrop is the great slave revolt led by Spartacus and romanticized by the silver screen. Gordinius struggles on a personal level with the concept of slavery and how it affects him as a Roman citizen. The choices he makes are personal, yet Saylor never attempts to impose modern values on this ancient detective. The decisions he makes are within the context of his current morality and philosophy. While many of his contemporaries tell Gordinius he is wasting his time to save the lives of these hapless slaves, he still pursues justice for both slave and master. Saylor reveals the relationships between masters and slaves and how even the kindest of relationships can have bitter endings for both parties. while solving the mystery, Gordinius learns more about the cults found among the women of Rome and in doing so, teaches much to the reader. "Arms of Nemesis is a book well worth reading, and one that will haunt the reader's heart and conscience for a long time to come.

Steven Saylor's "Roma Sub Rosa" stories, the adventures of Gordianus the Finder, continues to be one of the very best historical mystery series ever written. Not only is the history accurate (the First Century BCE as the Roman Republic shatters), the characters are three-dimensional and convincing, and the reader cares what happens to them. Often a mystery series will grow tired after several books, the plots becoming predictable and the relationships among the characters increasingly trivial. Not so with the "Roma Sub Rosa" tales. We continue to care about Gordianus the Finder and his family, even as new tensions tear them apart.

"A Mist of Prophecies" takes place against a backdrop of the war between Julius Caesar and Pompey the Great. Although these two rivals are off stage in this novel, their agents are active in Rome, creating a dangerous urban jungle. And perhaps even more perilous for Gordianus the Finder, the chaos unleashed by the war has prompted others to also grab for power, whatever Caesar and Pompey might do. Into this turmoil steps the beautiful, mad seer Cassandra who proves irresistable to Gordianus, beset by financial ruin, family discord, and the mysterious illness of his wife.

As much as I like this novel, I must discourage readers unfamiliar with Saylor's books from beginning with "A Mist of Prophecies." This is a series where the characters grow and their relationships evolve. So, start with "Roman Blood" and go through the rest in chronological order. And when you finish "A Mist of Prophecies," then you can wait with me for the next!

This latest Gordianus the Finder murder mystery novel is far more somber in tone, slighty slower in pace, and is a little convoluted in the telling than previous ones. So if you're looking for a Gordianus installment that is in keeping with "Roman Blood" and "Murder on the Appian Way," you might be in for a disappointment. I'm a staunch fan and am a real addict for the series, so that my lauding of this latest Gordianus novel can be seen as a personal bias. I liked this book quite a bit. The mood and the tone reflects Gordianus's state of mind completely -- his fears for what the current political upheaval could mean for Rome and her people; his anxiousness over his wife's ill health and their financial woes, and his apprehension over his estrangement with his son, Meto. Tying all these emotions together is his fascination for the mysterious young seeress, Cassandra, and his guilt over his feelings for her. The backdrop to all this emotional angst is the power struggle that is going on between Julius Caesar and Pompey, and the anxiety that everyone feel as they anxiously await the results of this conflict.

"A Mist of Prophecies" opens with the funeral of the mysterious, Cassandra, a young woman who had the uncanny ability to foresee the future. But who exactly Cassandra is and where she hails from is a mystery, for Cassandra seems to have suffered from a form of amnesia. And one day, while Gordianus is shopping at the market with Bathsheba (his wife) and Diana (his daughter), Cassandra bursts upon them much agitated. She collapses in Gordianus's arms and dies after claiming that she has been poisoned by a woman. Because Cassandra has no family (and because, it is hinted here, of his relationship with her) Gordianus decides to foot the bill for her funeral. He also privately resolves to investigate her death. And at her funeral, Gordianus gets his first intimation of just how high Cassandra flew, for seven of Rome's most prominent women from rather important and powerful families attend her funeral. And they include Terentia (Cicero's wife) and her sister, Fabia (a Vestal Virgin); Antonia (Mark Anthony's wife); Fausta (the tyrant Sulla's daughter, who is also the wife of Milo, leader of the rabble); Calpurnia (Caesar's wife); and Clodia (the disgraced sister of Publius Clodius). Perhaps the mysterious 'she' that Cassandra referred to is one of these seven women? Grappling with his grief and anxiety, Gordianus begins his determined search for Cassandra's murderess, an investigation that is steeped in a danger all of its own as Gordianus begins poking and prying into the affairs of these rich and powerful women...

As I noted this mystery unfolds at a more sedate pace than previous Gordianus mysteries and in a more circular manner as well, as chapters dealing with the investigation are juxtaposed with Gordianus's memories of when he first saw Cassandra and how they met. I suppose that one could describe this novel as a tender elegiac to Cassandra -- an old man's tender memories of the young woman he cared for. I liked the book for it's poignancy and it's tenderness. I also liked this novel because I thought that it belonged to the female characters of this mystery -- to Cassandra and Diana (who seems to understand what it is her father is going through even if she does not approve), and to the seven patrician women who may hold the key to the mystery of who murdered Cassandra and why. Of course we're only really treated to a thumbnail sketch of these women, but it did make for fascinating reading to read of the wives and daughters of the men who made Rome tremble and shake. I loved "A Mist of Prophecies" and fairly devoured it in one go. Steven Saylor did a fantastic job of getting the feel and mood of Rome (at that particualr time) right, as well as informing and relating to us the political realities of the period. "A Mist of Prophecies" is a wonderful read, and one that (in my opinion) should not be missed.

Saylor's latest offering is remarkably different to the rest of the Sub Rosa series. The format, the prose-style, the characterisation and the historical basis move well away from the preceding set.
Indeed this is the first of the novels that doesn't directly use a 'mystery' set in actual fact. At the time of the novel Caesar was about to meet Pompey at Pharsalus in 48 and Saylor only uses the references to the relatively unstable calm to place a date for this mystery. There is some dragging of historical 'fact' of the praetor Caelius in this year before Caesar's dictatorship and in some respects the tired old man ambience that permeates the entire book could be seen as echoing the sudden death of the Republic.
The book takes the form of alternating chapters set in the present, as Gordianus investigates the poisoning of the ex-troupe artist/seer 'Cassandra' and the past with a series of snapshots of Gordianus' interactions with her. The denouement is reversed, actually taking place at the beginning of the novel with the mundus (Saylor actually gives some subtle direction as to where the guilty party lies) and then moves on to explain what happened.
As in most of Saylor's novels it is the motive that is of utmost importance, that and Gordianus' relationship to both deceased and affiliators. We see a man struggling to accept his age and he changing times he lives in. His relationships and his reality are laid open bare to see.
I suspect that Meto will make a 'return' to good graces in the future, Davus is broadly hinted at as possessing acute mental faculties and the continuance of Hieronymous is excellent. Bethseda's illness neatly places a sense of pathos into the proceedings.
So, the novel: very different, as excellent as ever. However, you can't help wondering what is going to happen to the Sub Rosa series as time continues to pass for Gordianus.

This is the first Steven Saylor novel I have read. Fans of Steven Saylor will recognize the main character Gordianus from previous novels. Gordianus is peacefully settled on an Etruscan farm which he has inheirited from Lucius Claudius. Gordianus has left Rome and retired from his dangerous work. Gordianus reliniquishes his title of Gordianus the Finder to Gordianus the Farmer. His peaceful farm life is soon disrupted as he is drawn into the Catiline conspiracy by Cicero. One of the most interesting elements of the book is how Saylor analyzes the Catiline conspiracy. Catillina is not portrayed as the destroyer of Rome. However Saylor lets the reader draw their own conclusion on the character of Catilina. I found this a very entertaining novel, and it is a must read for any Saylor Fan. 3 stars

My Latin class is currently reading this book. It coincides well with what we are studying and the historical detail is wonderful. It is still historical fiction, however. Our teacher gave us a choice of this or one of the others in the series, and we choose this one. She hadn't finished reading it yet, which explains why we were allowed to read it in school. I don't recommend it for anyone who can not handle sexual content and the topic of homosexuality(which the Romans didn't really think twice about).

Even if you are not a Latin scholar, or any other type of scholar for that matter, you can still enjoy this book. It's a true murder mystery, with the death(s) and intrigue and multiple suspects that has my entire class guessing who is the one responsible. We aren't even done yet, but I have enjoyed it enough to be placing the other books of the series, Roman Blood for example, in my shopping cart.

Oh, and be prepared to root for someone you wouldn't think you would root for: Catiline(or Catilina, whichever you prefer).

"Catilina's Riddle" is packed with intrigue, information and excitement. As usual, Steven Saylor makes a first class job of marrying history to mystery, and the result is a challenging and informative book. Tantalisingly, Gordianus continues to refer to previous cases which are not represented by books, but there is apparently a collection of short stories to explain all these to his followers - I look forward to receiving my copy. I heartily recommend this book to all who are interested in Roman history and archaeology, as well as to mystery fans.

Steven Saylor's understanding of the period (the late republic) is impressive; the detailed descriptions as well as the vivid picture of the general moral and mentality in Ancient Rome. Representants of all social classes are present and thoroughly described. After having read "A Murder on the Appian Way", I feel convinced that this is what life in Ancient Rome was really like. Still, Saylor appears to be insecure whether to write a historical novel or a family story. He ends up with producing something inbetween - which eventually leads to that those who read "A Murder on the Appian Way" for the criminal mystery, will complain that the plot moves to slowly forwards, while those who read it for the family-thing, probably will think it too simple and superficial. I know this is Saylor's usual style and usually it works quite brilliantly, but this time he has been less succesful. Those who read the book for the historical atmosphere and accuracy, will have nothing to complain about. "A Murder on the Appian Way" is by no means a bad book, but I find other books in the Gordianus-series much better, such as "The Venus Throw" and "Arms of Nemesis".

Perhaps more so than in his previous novels, A Murder on the Appian Way by Steven Saylor is really the telling of an historical (and epoch-making) event in ancient Rome with just a bit of fiction to sew it all together. Our fictional sleuth Gordianus does very little here, which is sort of a shame (..in previous Saylor novels we've grown to love him and his family). But the reader does gain a lot of insight to what made ancient Rome the way it was, for better or worse.

The actual murder (of Clodius) on Applian way is not terribly interesting ... it's more of a reckless accident. But the political turmoil it creates is most interesting, and ultimately very upsetting to the Roman citizenry. Many readers might find all this political in-fighting to rather dull, which is understandable. However Saylor fans who have already read through his previous works should find it to be interesting enough.

Bottom line: historical fiction that is heavy on history, light on fiction. Not Saylor's best, but the events told were truly historical. Recommended.

Saylor has struck gold with his book A Murder On the Appian Way! It is a rivetting book with a twist at every turn. Saylor portrays very well the growing decay of Rome and the one man that seems to be apart from this body, Gordianus the Finder. There is incredible turmoil released in the city of Rome after the people have found the body of Publius Clodius, dead. After, the city is in a state of extreme riot, and something must be done. Gordianus and his son, Eco, are hired to get to the bottom of the matter, for the truth shall set Rome free. There journey for the truth brings about many adventures, and the two befriend several important people. When there seems to be no hope, Pompey the Great is elected to govern the city and restore order until the next consular election. I liked A Murder on the Appian Way much better than the last book I read of his, Catilina's Riddle. There is more action and a much more unpredictable plot. I felt a mixed emotion of suspense, sympathy, and joy continually throughout the book, without end. I highly recommend this book to a reader of any preference, whether it be mystery, action, or suspense.

I've read the other reviews of this book, and I must say, I'm puzzled.
I honestly didn't like this book. But that's not the reason I gave it 1 star. I gave it 1 because not only didn't I like it, it was, overall, not very good at all.
I'll start by saying I thought the premise was good. It had the potential to be a great short story. Unfortunately, Saylor chose to stretch it to book length. This book could have easily been condenced into 5o pages, and still been a little too long.
All right, that was my first problem. The second was, the story was sadly transparent. Anyone who didn't know who the killer was by the time we found Dawn wasn't actually paying attention.
The writing style seemed....how should I put this....Well, like something you would expect from a 16 year old.
The characters were lacking in everything from personality, to depth, to intrest, and more. Rue was agravating, and as for the others....Let's just say, in a few weeks, I will have forgotten that they even existed.
The plot development was sad. By then end of the book I was so thankful that the story was over that I was actually glad that this book was only 200-something pages long.
Now, this sounds like a negative review, right? Well, it is. This is probably one of the worst books I've read in a long time. But! Don't let that stop you from reading it! It seems like I'm the only one who thought this book wasn't worth the paper it was printed on.
Maybe I found the simplicity of the story pointless, instead of interesting. Or... well, you'll just have to read it for yourself.
So, in closing, Have you seen Dawn was not my kind of book. And, I'm assuming that this review will generate many negative responses. But, don't just vote aginst it because you don't like what I'm saying, all right? Try and look at it objectively, and then if you feel that this was not worth the time it took to read it, I understand.

Before publishing mystery novels, Steven Saylor wrote gay male erotica (often with strong S&M elements) under the psuedonym Aaron Travis, for which he attained substantial recognition in certain circles. If, by chance, this little bit of trivia about Saylor surprises you, you probably haven't read Have You Seen Dawn?.

Granted, he ostensibly presents the story from a woman's point of view, but his complete lack of narrative investment in Rue's identity *as a woman* points to his real reason for incorporating a straight female lead--through "her" eyes, he can spend inordinate amounts of time eroticizing his male characters (and comparing the respective sizes of their genitals). This veneer of respectable heterosexuality is painfully transparent; I wish Saylor had just cast Rue as a gay man and left it at that. If he had, the added frisson of non-normative gender relations and what would have undoubtedly been a more enthusiastic characterization might have made the novel a better read.

Yes, the story could have been much better. Though I'm not a prolific mystery novel reader, I'll presume that it is a *bad* thing that I knew who the culprit was by page 23 of the 247 pages of text. However, I couldn't decide if that was simply because, after reading Saylor's erotica, I'd become attuned to the way his mind works somehow. For the sake of those who like to be surprised by the resolution of a novel, I hope readers less familiar with Saylor might be captivated and deceived more easily by the twists of the plot.

The editorial reviews above provide a very good introduction to the general plot of Have You Seen Dawn?, so I won't repeat any of that here. However, those who have a weak stomach for dangerous and perverse sexuality--be forewarned. The sexual elements of the novel are central and impossible to ignore. If this isn't your thing, stay far away.

If, on the other hand, you are interested in the parallels between this novel and the Travis erotica, try reading the short story "Kudzu." The similarities go without saying (and can't be said, since I don't want to spoil the plot).

In final analysis, Have You Seen Dawn? represents a solid story neither particularly bad nor particularly good. The prose is straightforward and easy to read, but very little about the novel is especially thought-provoking...except how much it reads like the gay male erotica that Saylor supposedly stopped writing.

I'll land somewhere in the middle on this one. After all, I did finish it and I enjoyed reading it. I agree with one of the reviews below that the novel has the feel of being written by a very young person -- it's almost like "Young Adult plus" (perhaps I'm outside the age range of the intended audience?). While the portrait of small-town life is reasonably well done, the characters are rather flat (to a degree occasionally verging on the ridiculous). I found the plot easily guessable. Saylor tries to overcome this by ladling on buckets of red herrings, but experienced mystery readers are not going to find this one much of a mystery. Why did I enjoy the book? The writing style is clean and literate, the protagonist is sympathetic and her sense of nostalgia over her small-town roots is nicely drawn. Stacked up against formulaic beach/airplane novels, the book comes off fairly well. Compared to more competent mystery fiction, well... but Saylor is a talented writer. I'll be interested to see what he's up to in the future.