SPQR V: Saturnalia
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3.8 • 5 Ratings
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- $12.99
Publisher Description
This eagerly awaited fifth book in John Maddox Roberts's Edgar-nominated historical mystery series once again takes the reader back to the Rome of Julius Caesar and the Roman Senator Decius Caecilius Metellus the Younger. Decius has won himself a reputation as both an investigator and, most unfortunately, a bit of a playboy. Having been banished by his family for sometimes embarrassing activities to a rather leisurely lifestyle on Rhodes, he is puzzled to be suddenly and unexpectedly summoned home to assist in an investigation.
Quintus Caecilius Metellus Celer, a relative of Decius and his family and the head of a powerful political clan, has been poisoned, and his infamous wife Clodia is immediately suspected of disposing of her rather inconvenient husband. Not entirely convinced of Clodia's guilt, Decius delves into the intricacies of Rome's ruling class and discovers that a clandestine, forbidden witches' cult is inextricably intertwined with some very highborn people. A trial for Clodia would be most unwelcome, as it could bring to light some well-kept secrets. To get to the bottom of the corruption that accompanies the intoxicating allure of this ancient city, Decius must form an uneasy alliance with Clodius, Clodia's brother and his sworn enemy, and be extremely careful not to step on any toes.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Sporting an anachronistic, decidedly modern-day sensibility, the Roman senator Decius Caecilius Metellus the Younger returns to his native Rome from Rhodes at a time when Julius Caesar is beginning his rise to power. Worldly and a bit of a playboy, the prodigal son has been recalled by his family to investigate the death by poisoning of Celer, a wealthy and influential relative. The dead man's wife, Clodia, flaunts most conventional notions of common decency and is clearly capable of murder. She has also been spotted cavorting with witches during the wild Saturnalia celebrations, which are rumored to include a human sacrifice. Decius's father is convinced Clodia is the killer. But her brother, Clodius, an implacable political rival of the Metellus clan, also asks Decius to investigate. He's convinced his sister is innocent--of this crime at least. Decius must balance his devotion to the truth with his family loyalty and pick his way gingerly through the dangerous political intrigues of imperial Rome. Roberts (SPQR IV: The Temple of the Muses, etc.) unleashes a barrage of plots and personalities as he re-creates the lavishness of patrician Roman life. The plot is less engrossing than the setting, but the treacherous atmosphere lingers, as does the wily, if decent Decius.
