Rating: 
Summary: A mess in Massilia
Review: This is neither a good historical novel nor a good mystery. The set pieces are mildly interesting, but the author has to stretch the contrived plot far beyond believability to get his protagonists moving around between the set pieces and the historical characters. All the characters are unconvincing to the extreme; they talk in cliches and behave implausibly. Avoid! For a good historical mystery, try Iain Pears' An Instance of the Fingerpost.
Rating: 
Summary: One of Gordianus' Best
Review: This is one of my favorite in the Roman Sub Rosa series. The focus is mainly on Gordianus and his son-in-law Davus, and the answers to the mystery in which they are involved and the surprise ending which results is quite satisfying and unexpected. You'll find yourself racing through this one!
Rating:
Summary: One of Gordianus' Best
Review: This is one of my favorite in the Roman Sub Rosa series. The focus is mainly on Gordianus and his son-in-law Davus, and the answers to the mystery in which they are involved and the surprise ending which results is quite satisfying and unexpected. You'll find yourself racing through this one!
Rating:
Summary: Terrific--a real page-turner!
Review: This one kept me reading till I finished it at 3:00 a.m. It's an excellent follow-up to "Rubicon." The reader aches for Gordianus throughout his harrowing journey to Massilia and efforts to learn the truth about his son Meto's fate. In his quest, he crosses paths with other parents grieving with and for their luckless children--and children whose lives have been warped by the bitter legacy of their parents. Also, while searching for his beloved son, he develops a new appreciation of his traveling companion, the son-in-law he never wanted.Readers will probably guess a few things--or at least perceive the possibilities--before Gordianus does. But not everything. The ending is powerful, and there are major surprises. As always, the history in which Gordianus is caught up is thrilling. Unlike some other readers, I had no problem with their being few famous historical personages onstage. The siege of Saylor's magnificently recreated Massilia was every bit as fascinating as the intrigues of Cicero!
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