Rating: 
Summary: For fans only
Review: Before reading this book, you have to read volume 1 (SPQR) to understand what the SPQR series are all about. Volume 2 (Catilina) is recommended, too.This novel is actually just for the fans of the SPQR series, so I won't bother you with the story background or plot details. As you might expect, our friend Decius Caecilius Metellus gets involved in dangerous intrigues once again, taking this time an even larger bite than in the last times. On the other hand, you might be happy to see some rather pleasant changes in his life. To sum up, this book is as good as volume 2, but by no means a match for the volume 1.
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Summary: Ave John Maddox Roberts
Review: Buy this book! SPQR III is everything an historical mystery should be--full of accurate historical detail presented by a compelling main character/hero--and more. The modern sensibility that shines through is always witty and entertaining, never takes away from the story or suspension of disbelief, and captures perfectly the irony that intelligent Romans probably felt about themselves, the races they conquered and their 'empire.' It far surpasses the Lindsay Davis "Falco" mysteries that are becoming so rote and predictable that one hardly has to read the latest to know what is going to happen. Just one complaint--when are the first two volumes in the series going to become available to readers? I discovered Metellus the Younger, in his later years, in a collection of Historical Detectives, and was completely captivated. I had to do some detective work to track down these novels--and thank you Amazon. Considering some of the dreck being put on the market, how can SPQR and SPQR II, NOT be in print? "Wise up," as Decius would say.
Rating: 
Summary: How convincingly realistic
Review: Decius Caecilius Metellus, scion of an old and noble Roman family, and a snooper with the best of them, is now a Senator. That only means he now can pry more easily into matters that bring him to the really dangerous attention of truly powerful opponents who are playing the lethal end game of the Roman Republic (c. 61 B.C). Here he comes up against the most powerful triumvirate Rome ever produced, but inexplicably he has the protective respect of Julius Caesar, one of its members. This story revolves around a sacred secret women's rite and why an up-and-coming popular rabblerouser, Clodius, would want to spy on it. As usual, from such a minor incident Decius gradually uncovers a colossal conspiracy against the Republic. I found it hard to keep track of the minor but crucial characters not only because they are numerous, but also because they frequently have similar names and certain of them are also busy changing those names during the action (practices explained in the highly useful end-glossary of the Latin terms Decius drops into the narrative). One unique aspect of these Roman mystery stories is that they are purportedly narrated long after the events by Decius in his old age, thus allowing him amusing and droll comments (in the manner of Suetonius) benefiting from historical perspective. Roberts has a light touch on otherwise grim happenings, many of which he is not making up. His use of Caeasar's famous quote about how his wife must be above supicion is deliciously ironic. I'd guess the more one knows of classical history the more fun is this genre of mystery novels (cf. McCullough's biographical use of Caesar, Saylor's use of Cicero's law cases). The current St. Martin series has a much nicer presentation than the original Avon pulps, but has no more "Roman" an appearance (e.g., no Roman numerals). A useful map is included although its central parts disappear into the book's gutter. Incidentally, a computer mystery game titled "S.P.Q.R." was published in 1996 (has an amazing virtual Rome and gameplay a la MYST I, but is unrelated to the Roberts stories).
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Summary: Good, but one major inaccuracy
Review: Good plot, as usual, except Caesar did not have a wife named Pompeia.
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Summary: Ave John Maddox Roberts
Review: I hope that the other books John Maddox Roberts that are only in German will be brought out in English
Rating:
Summary: Wishes of other books
Review: I hope that the other books John Maddox Roberts that are only in German will be brought out in English
Rating:
Summary: Superb story, and a big laugh
Review: I like the Decius metellus stories. I recommend as well books by Steven Saylor. There are based in the same time of history.
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Summary: Read it. In German.
Review: I've read this book, and others of the series, in German. I strongly recommend it. The author has an admirable sense of humor and an excellent dry wit.
Rating:
Summary: Enjoyable read
Review: The Metellus stories are always enjoyable "on the bus" reading. I enjoyed this book particularly because of Decius irreverent attitude toward Julius Caesar. My only frustration is that there are several Decius Metellus short stories scattered about and I don't know where most of them are. I think I've seen one or two in anthologies called "Historical Whodunnits" and "Historical Detectives" and "Crime Through Time". I hope someday they will be gathered into a volume of their own.
Rating:
Summary: Best so far
Review: This one is the best so far of the series. Apart from the author's familarity with his main character, Decius, the supporting ensemble are all finely meshed and their personalities are comfortable to the reader. The continuing feud between Clodius and Decius makes for fine entertainment. The introduction of the slave Hermes is with a mildly irritating character, but, given he is in the fourth installment it is interesting to see how he will develop. JMR gives us a more stable influence on Decius' live with the daughter of Lucius Julius Caesar 'joining' forces but being tee-d up to be Decius' betrothal.
The plot centers around Clodius' infamous disruption of the Bona Dea rites in 62BC, and this time knowledge of the period doesn't impact on figuring out the murders. In all actuality, the murders are irrelevant and JMR hardly bothers to clear them up, Decius just mentally confirming his own theory as the facts. It spirals off into an interesting and, perhaps, not unbelievable, early view on the coming triumvirate. All the time JMR is quick to downplay and perhaps poke fun at the staid glorification of ancient Roman legends such as Caesar. For example Decius' hilarity at Caesar's famous remark about his wife Pompeia's non-complicity. It tends to humanise these historical figures.
JMR's novels are 'published' as Roman murder mysteries but they are so much more than that. A satirical look at a fascinating period of history (much echoed by Steven Saylor), his astute (and, in this installment, being given license for hubris) hero bounces through ancient Rome in a delightfully irreverent manner in his quest to know the facts about murders and the general shadowy political dealings of Republican Rome.
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