Rating: 
Summary: Average
Review: This is the latest installment in a series of historical mysteries set at the end of the Roman Republic. There are other series of this type, but this is the best because the principal character is less anachronistic than the protagonists of other series. Overall, this is a competent mystery story with a decent plot. As in other books, there is an attempt to portray some of the unusual features of Roman life, in this case the holiday of Saturnalia. This book is simply not as much fun as others in the series.
Rating: 
Summary: Another ultimate masterpiece in the SPQR series!
Review: This is the volume 5 of the SPQR series. Before you read this book, you have to read the volume 1 (SPQR) and at least one of the volumes 2-4 in order to understand what this book's all about. My advice is to read all the books in the right order.While "SPQR" is one of my favorite books ever, the three follow-up volumes were a bit disappointing. This one is, however, a worthy match for the first book. Decius is back in Rome and has a criminal case of greatest delicacy to solve. He will meet his usual friends and enemies, some of them under rather unusual circumstances. The final solution is very unexpected. Enjoy it!
Rating: 
Summary: One of the better entries and what to expect
Review: Up to now, I've read all the 9 (! ) books of SPQR published in Germany (last one dec 99 : Cleopatra's Ships), but to be honest, SPQR V is the last really good one. I wish JMR would take some more time for his series. They all start very impressively (SPQR, CINGULUM, TRELOAR) in the first 2 or 3 books and then he seems to loose interest. SPQR VIII and IX actually lack the humor and warmth of the series' beginning and read more like written to fullfil a contract. Sad so. I hope though, that interest stays high and that he will return to better form with books X to XX or so... (for more info about the german series look into amazon.de)
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