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Roma Sub Rosa #11
A Gladiator Dies Only Once
Steven Saylor's Roma Sub Rosa series of novels, set in the later Roman Republic and featuring Gordianus the Finder, has garnered unusual acclaim from readers and reviewers alike, establishing him as one of the pre-eminent historical mystery writers. In A Gladiator Dies Only Once , the second collection of his award-winning stories featuring Gordianus, Saylor more than meets his own high standards. Set between the events of his novels Roman Blood and Catilina's Riddle , these previously untold adventures from the early career of Gordianus - when his adopted son, Eco, was still a mute boy and his wife, Bethesda, was but his slave - will delight Saylor's many fans while illuminating details of the ancient world like no other writer can.
288 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2005
57 people are currently reading
998 people want to read
About the author
Steven Saylor
94 books1,076 followersSteven Saylor is the author of the long running
Roma Sub Rosa
series featuring Gordianus the Finder, as well as the New York Times bestselling novel, Roma and its follow-up, Empire. He has appeared as an on-air expert on Roman history and life on The History Channel.
Saylor was born in Texas and graduated with high honors from The University of Texas at Austin, where he studied history and classics. He divides his time between Berkeley, California, and Austin, Texas.
Saylor was born in Texas and graduated with high honors from The University of Texas at Austin, where he studied history and classics. He divides his time between Berkeley, California, and Austin, Texas.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews
March 2, 2023
**Should Read as 4.5 Stars**
This book is the second set of short Roman mysteries, and these are brought to us in a very exciting and educational way by the author.
At the back of the book you'll find a partial Chronology and some accurate historical details within the Historical Notes.
Storytelling is excellent, the mysteries are all easy to follow and the outcome easy to guess, but they are also very educational and lifelike, and thus making this book an enjoyable treat to read.
The mysteries are set as from 77 until 64 BC, and so well into the life and times of Gordianus The Finder, along with his family, Bethesda and Eco, and not to forget his patron and friend, Lucius Claudius.
All mysteries are delivered to us in an easy manner, with Gordianus, whether alone or with his adopted son, Eco, on the hunt for the truth in these nine mystery cases.
In all mysteries, some rather small others somewhat larger, the truth will come to the surface in various ways and in different circumstances.
All in all this book is a great set of short stories, a book that is filled with loyalty, deceit, heroism, backstabbing, and with dangerous adventure and death along the way, and all these stories are brought to us by the author in his own sublime fashion.
Very much recommended, for this is a wonderful set of mysteries, they are maybe simple but still a real fun to read, it's also a book that should be in your collection of the Roma Sub Rosa series, and that's why I would like to call this book: "A Delightful Set Of Roman Short Stories"!
This book is the second set of short Roman mysteries, and these are brought to us in a very exciting and educational way by the author.
At the back of the book you'll find a partial Chronology and some accurate historical details within the Historical Notes.
Storytelling is excellent, the mysteries are all easy to follow and the outcome easy to guess, but they are also very educational and lifelike, and thus making this book an enjoyable treat to read.
The mysteries are set as from 77 until 64 BC, and so well into the life and times of Gordianus The Finder, along with his family, Bethesda and Eco, and not to forget his patron and friend, Lucius Claudius.
All mysteries are delivered to us in an easy manner, with Gordianus, whether alone or with his adopted son, Eco, on the hunt for the truth in these nine mystery cases.
In all mysteries, some rather small others somewhat larger, the truth will come to the surface in various ways and in different circumstances.
All in all this book is a great set of short stories, a book that is filled with loyalty, deceit, heroism, backstabbing, and with dangerous adventure and death along the way, and all these stories are brought to us by the author in his own sublime fashion.
Very much recommended, for this is a wonderful set of mysteries, they are maybe simple but still a real fun to read, it's also a book that should be in your collection of the Roma Sub Rosa series, and that's why I would like to call this book: "A Delightful Set Of Roman Short Stories"!
March 15, 2015
Nine stories of Gordianus the Finder’s early career, showing the relationships and decisions that shaped him into the well-connected and -respected figure he is in the later novels. In “The Consul’s Wife,” consul Decimus Brutus, hires Gordianus to ascertain whether his wife is placing coded messages in the daily news about his upcoming murder (Saylor is very good at writing wealthy, beguiling Roman femmes fatales). In “If a Cyclops Could Vanish in the Blink of an Eye,” Gordianus solves (or does he?) an odd occurrence having to do with some missing clay figurines in his own house. In “The White Fawn,” Gordius ventures into the not quite friendly territory of Sertorius, the general who set up his own Roman state in Spain, to track down a senator’s grandson who may have joined the rebel. In “Something Fishy in Pompeii,” Gordianus solves a case of inchoate copyright infringement at a garum (pickled sardine sauce) factory – one of the details of food and festival that bring the ancient world to life in Saylor’s books. In “Archimedes’s Tomb,” Cicero hires him to solve the murder of a friend at the tomb he discovered. “Death by Eros” is a tale of unrequited love and murder by a state of Eros. In the titular story, the detective solves the puzzle of how a gladiator who died in front of an audience in the arena could be seen alive and well later. “Poppy and the Poisoned Cake” features a son who may or may not be an attempted parricide, and another Roman femme fatale. The last story, “The Cherries of Lucullus,” is one of the more fascinating. Famed epicurean and general Lucullus, famous general and epicurean, hosts Cicero, Gordianus, and some others to dinner; he wants Gordianus to ascertain whether his old one-eyed gardener, who looks after his very rare cherry trees, is actually his old enemy Varius. It’s not exactly a mystery, more a character study, but it evokes Rome and the Roman world with believable detail and research. Saylor’s Rome is always enthralling; there is as much history as drama, which is essential. These are not modern people merely draped in togas, but Romans, enjoying the games, food, culture and mores of their time. Saylor weaves information and suspense with an expert hand.
March 18, 2023
I enjoyed this one very much. All are interesting. This is a collection of short pieces. A nice variety of stories.
November 12, 2024
Read this a ton when I was in junior high and it holds up pretty well! Lots of Wikipedia searches of various historic Roman figures (some obvious, others very niche) so was a fun refresher
February 24, 2025
Voltar aos livros de Gordiano relembra-me os meus tempos de estudante universitária, do qual fiquei ainda mais fascinada em conhecer mais sobre a Roma Antiga devido ás cadeiras de cultura clássica. Foi na biblioteca da minha universidade que foi apresentada a este fabuloso detetive, e voltar de novo agora a este mundo é como reencontrar um velho amigo.
Neste livro temos casos que são muito ligados com a política, outro que envolve corrida de cavalos, outro que se passa Espanha e retrata a revolta de Sertório. Através destas histórias também conhecemos o lado mais doméstico de Gordiano, a sua relação com o seu filho Eco, a sua concubina Bestusa e o seu amigo Lúcio. Também não faltam as conversas filosóficas de Cícero, gostei principalmente o episódio dos gladiadores em que ele refere a origem daquele costume bárbaro.
Neste livro temos casos que são muito ligados com a política, outro que envolve corrida de cavalos, outro que se passa Espanha e retrata a revolta de Sertório. Através destas histórias também conhecemos o lado mais doméstico de Gordiano, a sua relação com o seu filho Eco, a sua concubina Bestusa e o seu amigo Lúcio. Também não faltam as conversas filosóficas de Cícero, gostei principalmente o episódio dos gladiadores em que ele refere a origem daquele costume bárbaro.
August 26, 2018
I have a few books by this author that I need to get through before the end of the month. This was my first one, and I was pleasantly surprised. This was a book of short stories, set in Ancient Roman times. The MC was the same all throughout and he was like an ancient Roman Sherlock Holmes. That was an interesting twist here. I liked the stories. I liked that they were all cohesive, but different. They told a story, by solving a mystery and then it promptly moved to the next story. I think I appreciated that the most. So 3 stars.
March 13, 2017
une série d'enquêtes situées à l'époque romaine par notre enquêteur de talent : GIORDANUS the Finder que l'on suit avec toujours autant de plaisir... même si le mécanisme est toujours un peu semblable, on se plonge avec délice dans cette époque grâce à l'attention que l'auteur porte aux détails
J'ai apprécié la chronologie à la fin pour mieux se repérer
J'ai apprécié la chronologie à la fin pour mieux se repérer
June 4, 2023
Está série escrita por Steven Saylor passa-se na Roma antiga e descreve-nos através das aventuras de Gordiano, o descobridor, acontecimentos históricos de uma forma bastante interessante. Gordiano é um "detective romano" muito esperto. De certa forma é o Hercule Poirot da época. Este "Um gladiador só morre uma vez" tráz-nos mais 9 contos com as personagens já conhecidas dos livros anteriores. Gostei bastante, especialmente do enquadramento histórico final, do qual tirei esta citação : "Numa viagem de lançamento da colecção que, em 2000, fiz a Portugal, a editora levou-me, em visita privada, às escavações de uma fábrica de garum situada por baixo do edifício de um banco, na baixa de Lisboa (a antiga Olisipo); a experiência inspirou-me a levar Gordiano a uma fábrica desse género, e a descobrir “O segredo da receita de Pompeia”."
August 25, 2018
Although Steven Saylor published this collection of short stories late in the Roma Sub Rosa series, the stories depict the time between the 90 and 80 BC. Gordianus the Finder is still a young man. He has at this time only one child: his adopted son Eco, who is still a young adolescent. Bethesda is his slave, but runs his household as his wife for all practical purposes. He is friends with Cicero and other political figures, through Cicero's influence. His dearest friend is Lucius Claudius, a wealthy patrician who is much older than Goridanus, but full of life and enthusiasm. Interestingly, Lucius Claudius appears in many stories in the two other collections of short stories, but is always "off camera" in the full-length novels.
As in the whole series, Steven Saylor portrays all the sights and smells of Roma during the last decades of the Republic. Historical figures appear throughout and are true to their historical attributes. However, the short story genre allows Saylor to offer the readers many aspects of Roman Republican life and culture through the rapid presentation of stories in context. We learn more about the purpose and the conventions of Gladiator Games, as well as the horticulture of Rome and Italy during this historical period. We see the role of the patricians, of the plebeians, of the slave class, or the military, of Roman citizens from the provinces. We see how Roma took care of transport, how it quartered enemies.
For enthusiasts of Steven Saylor, and of ancient history, this is a good read. I recommend this book and the whole series of «Roma Sub Rosa».
As in the whole series, Steven Saylor portrays all the sights and smells of Roma during the last decades of the Republic. Historical figures appear throughout and are true to their historical attributes. However, the short story genre allows Saylor to offer the readers many aspects of Roman Republican life and culture through the rapid presentation of stories in context. We learn more about the purpose and the conventions of Gladiator Games, as well as the horticulture of Rome and Italy during this historical period. We see the role of the patricians, of the plebeians, of the slave class, or the military, of Roman citizens from the provinces. We see how Roma took care of transport, how it quartered enemies.
For enthusiasts of Steven Saylor, and of ancient history, this is a good read. I recommend this book and the whole series of «Roma Sub Rosa».
November 21, 2022
"La muerte llega a Roma", de Steven Saylor. En esta obra el autor ha reunido nueve relatos del conocido detective Gordiano el Sabueso. Las historias nos trasladan a varios años, entre el 77 y 63 a. C., los últimos años de la República romana.
Steven Saylor, escritor norteamericano, tiene una gran habilidad a la hora de describir la ciudad de Roma, ciudad que es el principal escenario de muchas de las aventuras de Gordiano, aunque algunas de sus investigaciones también llevan al lector a Hispania, Sicilia, Nápoles, e incluso mucho más allá de las fronteras de Italia.
La serie de la que es protagonista Gordiano se llama "Roma Sub Rosa", que significa, en latín, "Roma bajo la rosa". Si un asunto estaba "sub rosa", ("bajo la rosa"), significaba que esa cuestión era confidencial. Gordiano investiga casos por cuenta propia o contratado para descubrir o desentrañar crímenes y otros sucesos. En sus novelas, los personajes ficticios conviven con personajes reales de la República romana, como Sila, Pompeyo, Catilina, Marco Antonio... Los relatos contenidos en esta obra nos enseñan a los lectores muchos detalles sobre los combates de los gladiadores y su vida tan terrible; también aprenderemos cómo se desarrollaban las carreras de cuadrigas y el papel que tenía el censor romano. Nos pondremos al día con datos interesantes sobre la comida: podemos aprender la preparación del "garum", esa famosa salsa de pescado que fue tan importante en la cocina romana. Así mismo, conoceremos el origen del famoso epigrama de Cicerón sobre una porción de pastel, y la primera aparición de las cerezas en Roma. Una obra muy entretenida e interesante, con esas historias cortas que además son muy didácticas.
Steven Saylor, escritor norteamericano, tiene una gran habilidad a la hora de describir la ciudad de Roma, ciudad que es el principal escenario de muchas de las aventuras de Gordiano, aunque algunas de sus investigaciones también llevan al lector a Hispania, Sicilia, Nápoles, e incluso mucho más allá de las fronteras de Italia.
La serie de la que es protagonista Gordiano se llama "Roma Sub Rosa", que significa, en latín, "Roma bajo la rosa". Si un asunto estaba "sub rosa", ("bajo la rosa"), significaba que esa cuestión era confidencial. Gordiano investiga casos por cuenta propia o contratado para descubrir o desentrañar crímenes y otros sucesos. En sus novelas, los personajes ficticios conviven con personajes reales de la República romana, como Sila, Pompeyo, Catilina, Marco Antonio... Los relatos contenidos en esta obra nos enseñan a los lectores muchos detalles sobre los combates de los gladiadores y su vida tan terrible; también aprenderemos cómo se desarrollaban las carreras de cuadrigas y el papel que tenía el censor romano. Nos pondremos al día con datos interesantes sobre la comida: podemos aprender la preparación del "garum", esa famosa salsa de pescado que fue tan importante en la cocina romana. Así mismo, conoceremos el origen del famoso epigrama de Cicerón sobre una porción de pastel, y la primera aparición de las cerezas en Roma. Una obra muy entretenida e interesante, con esas historias cortas que además son muy didácticas.
August 4, 2024
The nine tales compiled in this collection, depicting the achievements and trials of Gordianus the Finder— Detective of Ancient Rome, were absolutely wonderful. As mysteries they were not very complex. But the vibrant portrayal of Rome and various parts of the empire, with all their beauty and squalor, was too good. The characters fully came alive with their individual traits. And we could almost feel the joy and despair of Gordianus, as he uncovered truth, only to be stopped, on too many occasions.
This book is highly recommended to all lovers of mystery, especially historical mysteries.
This book is highly recommended to all lovers of mystery, especially historical mysteries.
October 11, 2022
Not bad, though I much prefer the full-length novels. As usual with Saylor, the historical detail is stunning. Eight of the nine stories are very good, particularly the title story which is very intentive. However the final one I found to be rather dull. Oh well, at least I only have his novels to read from now on - I'll get around to ' Catalina's Riddle' soon, hopefully.
January 30, 2021
Nueva recopilación de cuentos, que explica algunos casos de Gordiano a los que se hacen referencias en las novelas. Además, en varios cuentos se recomiendan se explican algunas cosas de la vida en Roma.
Como toda la saga, muy recomendable
Como toda la saga, muy recomendable
August 5, 2023
Gostei do arrumar de pontas soltas entre livros. Estes contos acabam por ser sobremesas deliciosas.
Obrigado, Steven.
Obrigado, Steven.
June 1, 2024
A fun collection of short stories about Gordianus the Finder, a freelance investigator in Republican Rome. If you’re looking for easy, digestible stories with attention to historical detail you’ll enjoy these. My favorites were The Cherries of Lucullus and The White Fawn.
January 30, 2021
Creo que es la primera vez que leo un libro ambientado en la Antigua Roma y lo disfruté bastante.
En la onceava entrega de esta serie (y la única que leí) seguimos al investigador Gordiano, el Sabueso, en sus días activos, en los que recibe encargos de varias figuras famosas del período histórico.
Creo que la dimensión "histórica" ha sido muy bien lograda por el autor. Uno de los desafíos de este género, creo yo, es poder contar una historia en un contexto ajeno al de los lectores, pero que esté bien articulado y que funcione como telón de una historia sin quitarle protagonismo. Desde el primer relato uno puede zambullirse en las formas y costumbres romanas sin mucho esfuerzo.
En este libro en particular se tocan temas como la importancia de la figura del censor, la profesión de los gladiadores, la posible independencia de Hispania, la vida de los libertos (esclavos que han logrado comprar su libertad), y en algunos relatos vislumbramos la cotidianeidad de las familias de distintas clases sociales (e incluso de la familia de Gordiano).
No le puse más calificación porque la dimensión "policial" o de misterio, en mi opinión, quedó un poco corta. Si bien creo que no es el objetivo principal, muchas de las intrigas me resultaron bastante predecibles.
En todo caso, recomiendo mucho a aquellas personas que disfruten de la historia (este libro me lo recomendó un profe de la disciplina, así que confío en la precisión histórica) o que quieran conocer más sobre este período tan interesante.
En la onceava entrega de esta serie (y la única que leí) seguimos al investigador Gordiano, el Sabueso, en sus días activos, en los que recibe encargos de varias figuras famosas del período histórico.
Creo que la dimensión "histórica" ha sido muy bien lograda por el autor. Uno de los desafíos de este género, creo yo, es poder contar una historia en un contexto ajeno al de los lectores, pero que esté bien articulado y que funcione como telón de una historia sin quitarle protagonismo. Desde el primer relato uno puede zambullirse en las formas y costumbres romanas sin mucho esfuerzo.
En este libro en particular se tocan temas como la importancia de la figura del censor, la profesión de los gladiadores, la posible independencia de Hispania, la vida de los libertos (esclavos que han logrado comprar su libertad), y en algunos relatos vislumbramos la cotidianeidad de las familias de distintas clases sociales (e incluso de la familia de Gordiano).
No le puse más calificación porque la dimensión "policial" o de misterio, en mi opinión, quedó un poco corta. Si bien creo que no es el objetivo principal, muchas de las intrigas me resultaron bastante predecibles.
En todo caso, recomiendo mucho a aquellas personas que disfruten de la historia (este libro me lo recomendó un profe de la disciplina, así que confío en la precisión histórica) o que quieran conocer más sobre este período tan interesante.
November 8, 2009
Often, I judge mysteries partly by how well I remember them, considering there are so many out there that it is becoming hard to distinguish between them all. Considering I remember the Gladiator Dies Only Once extremely well, and find the characters memorable and unforgettable (regardless of whether I like them or not), credit should be given to Saylor for his creativity and ability to tell an good mystery.
Despite this, I find it hard to give any Gordianus the Finder books a higher rating. Gordianus and Cicero might be unique and memorable in the historical mystery genre, but I have never read a Gordianus book and actually had fun. Saylor has good command of his subject, but lacks subtlety when conveying his knowledge as someone like Lindsey Davis does. His books also have a very grim atmosphere, with Gordianus and Cicero going from case to case rather reluctantly, which hardly encourages any enthusiasm from me as a reader.
Despite this, I find it hard to give any Gordianus the Finder books a higher rating. Gordianus and Cicero might be unique and memorable in the historical mystery genre, but I have never read a Gordianus book and actually had fun. Saylor has good command of his subject, but lacks subtlety when conveying his knowledge as someone like Lindsey Davis does. His books also have a very grim atmosphere, with Gordianus and Cicero going from case to case rather reluctantly, which hardly encourages any enthusiasm from me as a reader.
May 30, 2024
Releitura 2024: 4 Estrelas
Vejam a minha opinião em vídeo, AQUI
Leitura 2017: 4 Estrelas
Este livro reúne 9 contos que decorrem após Sangue Romano e que correspondem à fase inicial da carreira de detective, num período em que Bethesda ainda é sua como escrava e o seu filho Eco, um rapazinho mudo.
Foi muito bom voltar atrás no tempo e reencontrar Gordiano ainda no início da sua carreira, onde ainda tem uma relação mais chegada a Cícero e reencontrar o seu amigo Lúcio Cláudio.
Apesar de neste livro, serem histórias mais curtas, são sempre interessantes, e temos de tudo um pouco, desde mistérios mais domésticos, a assassinatos.
Steven Saylor com o seu fiel Gordiano, nunca me desiludem e sei que são leituras que me trazem muito conforto.
Vejam a minha opinião em vídeo, AQUI
Leitura 2017: 4 Estrelas
Este livro reúne 9 contos que decorrem após Sangue Romano e que correspondem à fase inicial da carreira de detective, num período em que Bethesda ainda é sua como escrava e o seu filho Eco, um rapazinho mudo.
Foi muito bom voltar atrás no tempo e reencontrar Gordiano ainda no início da sua carreira, onde ainda tem uma relação mais chegada a Cícero e reencontrar o seu amigo Lúcio Cláudio.
Apesar de neste livro, serem histórias mais curtas, são sempre interessantes, e temos de tudo um pouco, desde mistérios mais domésticos, a assassinatos.
Steven Saylor com o seu fiel Gordiano, nunca me desiludem e sei que são leituras que me trazem muito conforto.
November 13, 2020
Readers of Steven Saylor's Gordianus the Finder series should enjoy this collection of nine short stories that sees the private investigator putting his talents to the test solving mysteries that offer a peek into the rituals of daily life in Ancient Rome. The backdrops range from the familiar—gladiators and chariot racing—to the unexpected—fermented fish sauce production, cherry harvests and hidden Greek tombs. Saylor is clearly at home in this world and delivers an immersive account of its sights, sounds and smells.
The mysteries themselves are mostly tales of murder or double-cross. The longer stories naturally offer more twists and red herrings, making it harder to guess the key facts before the final reveal.
For what it's worth, my favorite stories were "The Consul's Wife," "Something Fishy in Pompeii" and "The Cherries of Lucullus."
The mysteries themselves are mostly tales of murder or double-cross. The longer stories naturally offer more twists and red herrings, making it harder to guess the key facts before the final reveal.
For what it's worth, my favorite stories were "The Consul's Wife," "Something Fishy in Pompeii" and "The Cherries of Lucullus."
April 15, 2012
Okay, so it is a book of short stories based in roman times, so I am not going to review each one, go figure. It was nice to read a book with a bit of difference from the norm. I found that i read the book relativily quickly. Everything was too the point and each story had a different point of interest, with not much in the way of seen setting. Not much is needed if you are familiar with the series. Overall a good read, if you interested in roman stuff.
January 24, 2019
Another collection of stories about the early career of Gordianus the Finder, who solves mysteries in Republican Rome. The story about the gladiator is a good one, featuring a beautiful Nubian woman. Cicero shows up in a few of the stories, and is just slightly pompous, as usual. Saylor describes the historical background for the stories in a very interesting afterword.
April 2, 2021
A fine collection of short stories, I didn't like it more than the previous collection but none of them were bad. I just like this series more when in full novel form, I guess. The narrator for this series (first time trying audio) was also awful. I have the next book on audio as well, but after that I'm switching back to paper.
December 14, 2016
Thoroughly enjoyable short stories (most based in, or contextualized by, historical fact) of Gordianus the Finder in Ancient Rome located in the sequence of Saylor's Sub Rosa stories, after Roman Blood and before and shortly after Arms of Nemesis.
June 12, 2010
For fans of "The Finder" series this fills in some early blanks with a series of short stories that capture the Roman period of post-Sulla chaos.
December 5, 2014
I really enjoy these short stories about Gordianus' small quests between novels. Saylor tells a short story just as well as he writes a full novel.
May 31, 2023
I've enjoyed Saylor's Roma Sub Rosa series and the character of Gordianus. As I'm growing older myself, I get a good laugh whenever The Finder complains about his knees or not being quite as fast as he used to be. These short stories are mostly from the early days of Gordianus career but the final two "Poppy and the Poisoned Cake" and "The Cherries of Lucullus" are set in the years of Diana's birth and six years later, respectively.
Each tale is quite good, but I think my favorite is "Something fishy in Pompeii". It is a very funny farce that could easily be a part of the film "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum". Highly recommended for Saylor fans and historical fiction in general.
Find it! Buy it! Read it!
Each tale is quite good, but I think my favorite is "Something fishy in Pompeii". It is a very funny farce that could easily be a part of the film "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum". Highly recommended for Saylor fans and historical fiction in general.
Find it! Buy it! Read it!
September 3, 2018
Fun, interesting book. This is a collection of nine short stories connected because the narrator, Gordianus the Finder, tells how he solves nine mysteries. All of the stories take place in ancient Roman Republic so there are references to political, philosophical, artistic individuals. Gordianus travels from Rome to other places in the Republic, e.g., Pompeii, Hispanic, Neapolis, and Syracuse. This book is number 11 of Saylor's Roma sub Rosa series. Because there are nine distinct stories, there are many characters; however, Cicero, Gordianus' friend and Eco, Gordianus' son, appear in a couple of the stories.
March 14, 2021
Another book of stories that take place earlier in Gordianus' career as a "Finder". I don't like these as much as I like the murder mysteries full novels, but each story still brings some amazing history of the Romans along with his ride to solve a crime.
Fun Fact: (not sure if in this story or others)... if you had to go to trial, and a slave was a witness, the only way you can talk to the slave, or ask questions, is through torture!!
Another Fun Fact: If a slave kills his/her master, ALL the slaves in that household will be killed. They say this is to deter any slave from committing the crime, or making sure to stop it so they don't lose their lives as well. (Crazy times!!!)
Fun Fact: (not sure if in this story or others)... if you had to go to trial, and a slave was a witness, the only way you can talk to the slave, or ask questions, is through torture!!
Another Fun Fact: If a slave kills his/her master, ALL the slaves in that household will be killed. They say this is to deter any slave from committing the crime, or making sure to stop it so they don't lose their lives as well. (Crazy times!!!)
March 2, 2024
I'm always impressed by the research that evidently goes into Saylor's ancient Roman historical fiction. These stories include a short political economy of Roman gladiatorial schools and feature the first introduction of cherries to Rome (purportedly from the Black Sea coast of modern Turkey). It also includes some cameos from famous late Republic figures such as Cicero, Lucullus and Sertorius. But don't allow my nerdy preoccupations put you off. These are also well-crafted short story mysteries, although I think the novels are a bit stronger as they allow Gordianus the Finder to exert his skills a bit more.
April 2, 2024
This is the second collection of short stories (includes novellas) in the series, and I will admit I prefer the novel length Gordianus tales. Short stories can be less immersive, and I read these for the setting as much as for the tale.
I enjoyed the collection, though, and can recommend it. One of the key storylines of this whole series is that Gordianus's world (the Roman Republic) is falling apart, and he is constantly at risk of being collateral damage. (I'm reading the Inspector Chen series, and it's the same thing in modern Communist China.) That risk is sharply clear in some of these tales, but others are more quiet or domestic mysteries.
The one weak spot for me was the title novella. I figured out what was going on almost immediately, and the story then went about exactly where I thought it would, and took its sweet time doing it.
I will be reading the rest of the series, never fear. It's a winner.
Oh, and the grimace count: I noted six uses of the word "grimace" in this volume, which is typical for Saylor (the previous volume had only three, though it did have an anachronistic "minute"), and is about six too many.
I enjoyed the collection, though, and can recommend it. One of the key storylines of this whole series is that Gordianus's world (the Roman Republic) is falling apart, and he is constantly at risk of being collateral damage. (I'm reading the Inspector Chen series, and it's the same thing in modern Communist China.) That risk is sharply clear in some of these tales, but others are more quiet or domestic mysteries.
The one weak spot for me was the title novella. I figured out what was going on almost immediately, and the story then went about exactly where I thought it would, and took its sweet time doing it.
I will be reading the rest of the series, never fear. It's a winner.
Oh, and the grimace count: I noted six uses of the word "grimace" in this volume, which is typical for Saylor (the previous volume had only three, though it did have an anachronistic "minute"), and is about six too many.
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