The highly regarded first book in Steven Saylor's Gordianus series which is being reissued with brand new covers to tie-in with the highly successful look of Roma and Empire.
A thrilling puzzle from the ancient world with real historical characters and based on a case in Cicero's Orations - Roman Blood is a perfect blend of mystery and history by a brilliant storyteller.
On an unseasonably warm spring morning in 80BC, Gordianus the Finder is summoned to the house of Cicero, a young advocate and orator preparing his first important case. His client is Umbrian landowner, Sextus Roscius, accused of the unforgivable: the murder of his own father.
Gordianus agrees to investigate the crime - in a society fire with deceit, betrayl and conspiracy, where neither citizen nor slave can be trusted to speak the truth. But even Gordianus is not prepared for the spectacularly dangerous fireworks that attend the resolution of this ugly, delicate case...
How wonderful, to have a scholar write about ancient Rome; how comforting, to feel instant confidence in the historical accuracy of a novel. - Sunday Times
Saylor's scholarship is breathtaking, his writing enthrals.
Wonderfully clever. - New York Times
Remarkable...as stirring blend of history and mystery, well-seasoned with conspiracy, passion and intrigue. - Publishers Weekly
Gripping historical thrillers...Saylor's understanding of the rich complexity of Roman life has a universal appeal. - San Fransisco Chronicle
Really excellent...an enthralling recreation of time and place, fascinating storytelling. - Derek Jacobi
Sweeping and marvellously evocative. - Booklist
Remarkable...classical historical mystery, in every sense. - Kirkus Reviews
Steven Saylor is the author of the internationally bestselling historical novels Roma and Empire (which precede Dominus), as well as the acclaimed Roma Sub Rosa series of historical mystery novels featuring Gordianus the Finder, beginning with Roman Blood. His fascination with the ancient world began in childhood when he saw the 1963 movie Cleopatra at a drive-in theater, and continued through his education in history and Classics at the University of Texas as Austin. His first trip to Rome was a life-changing event that propelled him into his 30-year career as a historical novelist. His work has been translated into more than 20 languages, and book tours have taken to many countries, including the U.K. He has appeared on the History channel as an expert on Roman politics and daily life. With Rick Solomon, his husband of 45 years, he divides his time between Berkeley, California and Austin, Texas.