Rating: 
Summary: OK book, but political attack in it is offensive
Review: I enjoyed this book, although it is not 5 stars, but I warn potential buyers to chose a different book if they are easily offended. The author puts a gratuitous note in the book referring to the challenge of surviving our modern era because, among other things, Ronald Reagan lives today. The slam against Reagan had nothing to do with the rest of the book and it left me with a sour taste. The author doesn't have to practice tolerance, of course, this being a free country, but those who don't want be insulted for their beliefs when they are just trying to read escapist fiction might want to steer clear of this book.
Rating:
Summary: Worth reading, but seen better
Review: This book by Saylor has its charm and worth, but it shouldn't be at the top of anyone's reading list. Roman historical fiction are few and far between, so if you like the period, I'd still pick it up. However, if you've read the intense detail and drama of Coleen McCullough's series or the enjoyable twists and turns of Didius Falco's life in Lindsey Davis's series, you may be a tad disappointed. The book is worth reading if you're in between good books, but it's nothing incredible. The mystery is almost a little too obvious at times and the historical "fact" is a little hard to take at times. I didn't find myself latched onto Gordianus the way I did to Didius Falco. Read Lindsey Davis's series before this one.
Rating: 
Summary: A thrilling mystery draped with vivid historic detail.
Review: I first began reading Steven Saylor's short stories in Ellery Queen andwas immediately taken with his writing. Saylor brings history to life inan 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.
Rating:
Summary: Potential Masterpiece Blotted by Horrible Ending
Review: The first 300+ pages of Roman Blood is a masterpiece of historical mystery writing. It has richly drawn characters, lots of suspense and a strict adherence to historical fact. In short, it is a great read. If Saylor had the judgment to end his novel with the first 300+ pages, I would have given it a 5-star rating without any reservations.However, such is not the case. The reason is that Saylor either decided to throw in one final plot twist or his editors compelled him to do so. This twist contradicts both established historical facts and also the facts of the case that was laid out in the previous 300+ pages. It is also written in such a way that it literally violates the suspension of disbelief that is vital to any enjoyable escape reading. The reader feels cheated at the end of the novel. Due to the merits of the first 300+ pages, I still give this a 3 out of 5 star rating, but it could have been a 5 all the way.
Rating: 
Summary: Enjoyable little mystery.
Review: I'm immediately biased in favor of any book that is set in Ancient Rome. That having been established, this was a highly entertaining read.
Our protagonist, Gordianus the Finder, is a middle class Roman citizen perched precariously on the edge of financial ruination. I particularly enjoyed his observations of the great men of his day. Cicero (AKA Chick Pea) is one of the major characters in this book, and the author does a fine job of painting a picture of what life in his household may have been like. Sulla the dictator is featured less prominently in the story, but the danger he represents is palpable throughout the book.
The book features shockingly brutal descriptions of murders, rapes, and the punishments doled out for such crimes. The action moves along nicely, and makes for a quick, satisfying read.
Read it! You'll like it!
Rating:
Summary: A Great Read---Stephanie Green
Review: Roman Blood is a wonderful display of Ancient Rome at its finest, and its dirty underside. Steven Saylor sure doesn't shy away from the unappealing aspects of ancient Rome. Instead, he has geniously incorporated all aspects of Roman life, giving the reader an accurate description of the hustle and bustle to be found in the streets of Rome and the exquisite and diverse decorating styles in the homes of the wealthy. Rome is a city shrouded in mystery, as the reader finds when following the paths of Gordianus the Finder as he braves the Roman World to help bring justice to the lawbreakers. Roman Blood is a quick, suspense-filled novel, one that I truly enjoyed. Steven Saylor depicts Rome so well, it seems as if you're really there and the characters are portrayed in such a manner that the reader feels he really knows them. Roman Blood is a wonderful piece of work and I highly recommend it.
Rating: 
Summary: Roman Blood
Review: The book was awful. Everytime I started a new page I had to reread the half the other page to know what was going on. Also the things that happened in the book weren't very descriptive in the parts that had a lot of action especially in the begining with the murder. I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone.
Rating:
Summary: Different type of mystery
Review: This book was actually really interesting. Of course it seems a bit strange for the book to be about a mystery in ancient Roman times, but that's what so great about it. It's amazing how Steven Saylor was able to keep the reader's attention and still keep the book based on the ancient times. Most books these days have a lot of either present action or future action in it, but this book didn't. Instead it had past action which was very interesting. It was great how Saylor could give a book in this time period so many different twists and turns. Yes some of the terms in the book were slightly out of the ancient times, but for the most part all of it was based in that time period. If you love mystery books you will absolutely love this book. It's like a mystery inside of a mystery. I would definitely recommend this book to others.
Rating:
Summary: Roman Blood
Review: This was a great book. Steven Saylor really showed what he can do. When reading it I felt like I was actually in Rome. The descriptions were outstanding. I could tell that a great deal of research was put into this novel. The mystery was great. I always like a good mystery that can keep me hooked. I would recommend this book to anyone.
Rating:
Summary: A good read, indeed.
Review: This book was impressivly good, and one of the best mysteries I've ever read. Gordianus the Finder, the main character, was well-written and very intresting. Saylor paints such a detailed mental picture of ancient Rome that it seems he was actually writing from the time period. This book is sure to keep you intrigued and guessing until the very last page. Roman Blood is one of the best mysteries I've read in a long time. I highly recomend it to anyone looking for some suspense.
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