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The Roman Mysteries #10
Das Orakel der Pythia
Als Flavias Vater einem schrecklichen Attentat zum Opfer fällt, das ihn fast das Leben kostet, sind Flavia und ihre Freunde fest entschlossen, den Überfall aufzuklären. Ihr Verdacht fällt auf Flavias Hauslehrer Aristo, der plötzlich verschwindet. Doch als sie das Orakel der Pythia befragen, eröffnet sich eine neue, mysteriöse Spur …
223 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2005
16 people are currently reading
383 people want to read
About the author
Caroline Lawrence
81 books321 followersCaroline Lawrence won a scholarship to Cambridge to read Classical Archaeology, then did a degree in Hebrew and Jewish studies at University College London. She now lives in London with her English husband and teaches Latin, Greek, Hebrew, Art and French to children.
Series:
* Roman Mysteries
Western Mysteries
Series:
* Roman Mysteries
Western Mysteries
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
April 9, 2018
This book was really amazing (even though I read it after I read the whole series) and I just thought that this was such a great way to tell more about Aristo's life.
January 3, 2024
I know she has a good excuse, but Flavia is really unbearable in this one
(So is Aristo, which reflects really badly on Nubia, and we hate that for her.)
(So is Aristo, which reflects really badly on Nubia, and we hate that for her.)
August 15, 2024
4.25⭐️: Another super fun one. Flavia's flaws are prominent in this one, but I love how the other characters recognise that and that she herself grows to recognise them too. An excellent story with lots of twists.
October 29, 2015
It seems Captain Geminus has almost been murdered by a close client, his daughter's tutor Aristo. Flavia is determined to solve the mystery, but it is her friends that really do, since she is emotionally involved. African Nubia believes Aristo did not commit the crime, but fiery Flavia counters her with the fact that Nubia is in love with him. Jewish Jonathan thinks Flavia should give Nubia a chance to say her reason, but Flavia does not listen. She's so sad because she knows how much pain he's in and refuses to give up finding Aristo, who is on the run.
They follow him on horses controlled by Nubia, an animal-lover. When the carriage breaks down, they have to sell it and sit on the horses' backs. Flavia complains it's too bumpy, but her friends urge her on, comforting her.
One green, rainy night, Nubia slips out from the camp-site and meets secretly with their handsome young tutor. He trusts her, and knows she knows he didn't do it. Nubia wishes she would ask him who did, but can't break herself from such a wonderful moment.
When they catch Aristo and his brother Dion who had been following him, Dion confesses. Aristo was always the golden boy, he explains, and he wanted the attention, so in madness, he attempted to kill the man sleeping in Aristo's bed, which happened to be Flavia's father. Captain Geminus was in Aristo's room so he wouldn't have to pass him and wake him on his way out in the morning. Dion took a dagger and stabbed the man until he thought he was dead and tried to strangle the body until it fell limp. Then Aristo heard the commotion and ran to Captain Geminus. Dion fled, and Aristo picked up the bloody knife, realising who it belonged to. Unfortunately, he wasn't the only one who had heard the trouble. The servants had to, and seeing Aristo with the knife, arrested him.
But Aristo escaped and ran after his brother. The four children had set out to look for Aristo when really it was Dion who committed the crime. Dion showed so much mercy and forgiveness that Flavia said she wouldn't take him to court, but wouldn't stop her father if he did. And everyone was content. Flavia's father slowly recovered and was soon walking again.
They follow him on horses controlled by Nubia, an animal-lover. When the carriage breaks down, they have to sell it and sit on the horses' backs. Flavia complains it's too bumpy, but her friends urge her on, comforting her.
One green, rainy night, Nubia slips out from the camp-site and meets secretly with their handsome young tutor. He trusts her, and knows she knows he didn't do it. Nubia wishes she would ask him who did, but can't break herself from such a wonderful moment.
When they catch Aristo and his brother Dion who had been following him, Dion confesses. Aristo was always the golden boy, he explains, and he wanted the attention, so in madness, he attempted to kill the man sleeping in Aristo's bed, which happened to be Flavia's father. Captain Geminus was in Aristo's room so he wouldn't have to pass him and wake him on his way out in the morning. Dion took a dagger and stabbed the man until he thought he was dead and tried to strangle the body until it fell limp. Then Aristo heard the commotion and ran to Captain Geminus. Dion fled, and Aristo picked up the bloody knife, realising who it belonged to. Unfortunately, he wasn't the only one who had heard the trouble. The servants had to, and seeing Aristo with the knife, arrested him.
But Aristo escaped and ran after his brother. The four children had set out to look for Aristo when really it was Dion who committed the crime. Dion showed so much mercy and forgiveness that Flavia said she wouldn't take him to court, but wouldn't stop her father if he did. And everyone was content. Flavia's father slowly recovered and was soon walking again.
March 10, 2011
Falvia, ihr Vater und ihre Freunde machen Pause in einem Gasthaus als Aristo zu ihnen stößt. Er hat Urlaub bei seinen Eltern gemacht und bittet nurn Falvias Vater seinen Vertrag als Flavias Lehrer aufzulösen. Die beiden wollen das privat besprechen aber in der Nacht hört man plötzlich einen Schrei: Falvias Vater wurde niedergestochen und Aristo flüchtet.
Zunächst will Flavia sich nicht an die Lösung dieses Rätsels machen, da sie sich um ihren Vater kümmern will, aber schon bald stellt sich heraus, dass er unter Amnesie leidet und Falvia nicht erkennt. So machen sich die Freunde auf die Verfolgung des flüchtigen Aristo oder sind es vielleicht zwei Flüchtende?
Dieses Buch ist auch als einzelner Band zu lesen, er führt nicht wirklich ienen der großen Handlungsstränge der Reihe weiter sondern macht eher den Eindruck eines Lückenfüllers, um auf die angestrebte Bandzahl zu kommen. Netter Krimi für Kinder, in dem man viel über das antike Griechenland, seine Philosophien und Orakel erfährt. Ein weiteres Thema ist Tourismus in der Antike, es gab anscheinend schon damals so etwas wie einen Baedecker.
Eines der Hauptmotive der Geschichte ist die Sage von Jason und den Argonauten.
Zeitpunkt der Geschichte:
4. - 7. bzw. 13. Mai 80 n. Chr., ca. 1 Monat nach Band 9
Zunächst will Flavia sich nicht an die Lösung dieses Rätsels machen, da sie sich um ihren Vater kümmern will, aber schon bald stellt sich heraus, dass er unter Amnesie leidet und Falvia nicht erkennt. So machen sich die Freunde auf die Verfolgung des flüchtigen Aristo oder sind es vielleicht zwei Flüchtende?
Dieses Buch ist auch als einzelner Band zu lesen, er führt nicht wirklich ienen der großen Handlungsstränge der Reihe weiter sondern macht eher den Eindruck eines Lückenfüllers, um auf die angestrebte Bandzahl zu kommen. Netter Krimi für Kinder, in dem man viel über das antike Griechenland, seine Philosophien und Orakel erfährt. Ein weiteres Thema ist Tourismus in der Antike, es gab anscheinend schon damals so etwas wie einen Baedecker.
Eines der Hauptmotive der Geschichte ist die Sage von Jason und den Argonauten.
Zeitpunkt der Geschichte:
4. - 7. bzw. 13. Mai 80 n. Chr., ca. 1 Monat nach Band 9
March 24, 2015
The series started to dwindle at this point, and this book was no better. In fact it was my least favourite of the set.
The two decent parts to this book, winning the two stars, were actually within the storyline. The action surrounding Flavia's father being stabbed brought pace to the novel, and finally meeting Lupus's mother was worthwhile too.
However the whole Lupus's mother being able to give prophecies was weird. It annoyed me that all Flavia had to do was mourn and weep over her father's comatose body to awaken him. Plus chasing Atticus to find out it was his brother that attempted to murder Marcus was frustrating. And if Atticus did nothing, then why did he run? He was running away because he didn't want his brother to kill him, but his brother would have just presumed that he had stabbed the right guy if he had stayed where he was! Certainy wasn't the greatest of plots for this story.
On to number 11...
The two decent parts to this book, winning the two stars, were actually within the storyline. The action surrounding Flavia's father being stabbed brought pace to the novel, and finally meeting Lupus's mother was worthwhile too.
However the whole Lupus's mother being able to give prophecies was weird. It annoyed me that all Flavia had to do was mourn and weep over her father's comatose body to awaken him. Plus chasing Atticus to find out it was his brother that attempted to murder Marcus was frustrating. And if Atticus did nothing, then why did he run? He was running away because he didn't want his brother to kill him, but his brother would have just presumed that he had stabbed the right guy if he had stayed where he was! Certainy wasn't the greatest of plots for this story.
On to number 11...
October 30, 2022
Book 10 of 17 down! I wonder if I can get this series completed by the end of October? We’ll have to wait and see!
Again, there are parts of this story that I remember and then others that I had completely forgotten about. Like I remembered the but with Flavia crying over her father and that causing him to wake up, but I didn’t remember that it was Aristo’s brother that had tried to kill him. So I am really glad that I’m going through this series again, purely for the fact that it’s reminding me of everything that I had previously forgotten about.
I’ve looked ahead at the synopsis for the next few books and from what I can tell, I only have 1 more book that I definitely remember having read and then we are in uncharted territory. So that’s quite exciting.
Again, there are parts of this story that I remember and then others that I had completely forgotten about. Like I remembered the but with Flavia crying over her father and that causing him to wake up, but I didn’t remember that it was Aristo’s brother that had tried to kill him. So I am really glad that I’m going through this series again, purely for the fact that it’s reminding me of everything that I had previously forgotten about.
I’ve looked ahead at the synopsis for the next few books and from what I can tell, I only have 1 more book that I definitely remember having read and then we are in uncharted territory. So that’s quite exciting.
September 10, 2024
Well, it finally happened. After months of reading and loving Caroline Lawrence's excellent novels for older children/young adults, I've finally hit the dud.
Lawrence's writing remains great and, of course, her research in ancient Roman history and lifestyle is second to none. But her plot is, frankly, annoying.
The premise is the attempted murder of the father of Flavia, the 'ringleader' of the gang of four detective children. Finding her tutor, Aristo, standing over the bloody body with the bloody knife in his hands seems a dead cert. But Aristo escapes custody and the four heroes set of in pursuit to bring him to justice.
The problem is, this would have worked one or two books into the series when we were still learning who was who and whether a bad guy or good guy would remain that way. But ten books in, this isn't a believable premise. We know Aristo well. We know his good points and we know his failings. It's obvious, even to a child, that Aristo is going to be innocent. There has to be, after all, a mystery, and it isn't a difficult one to fathom.
Everyone in the story seems to know this too, except Flavia who is determined Aristo is guilty and needs bringing to justice. But Flavia is meant to be the clever one who puts all the clues together. She never does though and the trope that she's the clever one just isn't working now.
But much worse than this is the fact that a main character can instantly think so badly of someone she's known and loved for a long time. Flavia is more than ready to see Aristo hang for his crime and nothing will dissuade her from this - until, of course, the real culprit becomes too obvious. At which point, all is suddenly forgiven and everything is going to be just fine. Even the actual person who attempted to kill Flavia's father gets a certain amount of forgiveness and embraced into the family.
It's all a little too much Enid Blyton for me. A would-be murderer is found just in time for tea and all is right with the world. What a chortle!
Oh dear.
Well, I've got seven more books to go in the series and I will finish and review them all, so let's hope this is just a 'bad day' for Lawrence and the remaining stories get back to the quality of the others. I hope so, because I really have enjoyed these books so far. Even this one, with a plot that makes me curl, has still been an enjoyable romp through Roman lands and history. I have just come expect better plots from this author.
Let's see what happens next!
Lawrence's writing remains great and, of course, her research in ancient Roman history and lifestyle is second to none. But her plot is, frankly, annoying.
The premise is the attempted murder of the father of Flavia, the 'ringleader' of the gang of four detective children. Finding her tutor, Aristo, standing over the bloody body with the bloody knife in his hands seems a dead cert. But Aristo escapes custody and the four heroes set of in pursuit to bring him to justice.
The problem is, this would have worked one or two books into the series when we were still learning who was who and whether a bad guy or good guy would remain that way. But ten books in, this isn't a believable premise. We know Aristo well. We know his good points and we know his failings. It's obvious, even to a child, that Aristo is going to be innocent. There has to be, after all, a mystery, and it isn't a difficult one to fathom.
Everyone in the story seems to know this too, except Flavia who is determined Aristo is guilty and needs bringing to justice. But Flavia is meant to be the clever one who puts all the clues together. She never does though and the trope that she's the clever one just isn't working now.
But much worse than this is the fact that a main character can instantly think so badly of someone she's known and loved for a long time. Flavia is more than ready to see Aristo hang for his crime and nothing will dissuade her from this - until, of course, the real culprit becomes too obvious. At which point, all is suddenly forgiven and everything is going to be just fine. Even the actual person who attempted to kill Flavia's father gets a certain amount of forgiveness and embraced into the family.
It's all a little too much Enid Blyton for me. A would-be murderer is found just in time for tea and all is right with the world. What a chortle!
Oh dear.
Well, I've got seven more books to go in the series and I will finish and review them all, so let's hope this is just a 'bad day' for Lawrence and the remaining stories get back to the quality of the others. I hope so, because I really have enjoyed these books so far. Even this one, with a plot that makes me curl, has still been an enjoyable romp through Roman lands and history. I have just come expect better plots from this author.
Let's see what happens next!
June 19, 2025
Having devoured the whole series on multiple occasions as a child, I was never quite sure why this one stood out to me in particular. It is my favorite book of the series, with The Prophet from Ephesus and The Man from Pomegranate Street coming a close second.
Rereading it a short time ago, I discovered why I love this book so much. The scene where Nubia and Aristo sit beneath the trees watching the rain fall was so beautiful, and showcases Lawrence's amazing writing- her ability to bring the ancient world alive with stunning poetic simplicity. I had to savour that scene, and I read it about five times before I was satisfied. One which I will keep on my bookshelf for years to come!
Although these books are aimed at middle-grade children, I continued to enjoy them way into my teens and I still adore them now! Excellent for anyone who wants the history of the Roman Empire opened up to them in an exciting, realistic way.
Note: In my opinion, some of the books are better than others. I remember reading The Gladiators from Capua and thinking the whole thing was extremely unlikely. Although well-researched and fast-paced, the fact that it was rather unbelievable marred my enjoyment of the novel.
Rereading it a short time ago, I discovered why I love this book so much. The scene where Nubia and Aristo sit beneath the trees watching the rain fall was so beautiful, and showcases Lawrence's amazing writing- her ability to bring the ancient world alive with stunning poetic simplicity. I had to savour that scene, and I read it about five times before I was satisfied. One which I will keep on my bookshelf for years to come!
Although these books are aimed at middle-grade children, I continued to enjoy them way into my teens and I still adore them now! Excellent for anyone who wants the history of the Roman Empire opened up to them in an exciting, realistic way.
Note: In my opinion, some of the books are better than others. I remember reading The Gladiators from Capua and thinking the whole thing was extremely unlikely. Although well-researched and fast-paced, the fact that it was rather unbelievable marred my enjoyment of the novel.
May 29, 2019
It revealed a great part of the story which I had never knew before. I never knew that Aristo was so hated in Corinth. I also did not know that Aristo had a brother who was always jealous of him. I also did not know that Aristo insulted his brother many times without even realizing it. I think that Aristo still has some secrets which need to be uncovered in the next book. However, I think that the ending of this book was not that great. Captain Geminus somehow regained his memory after a horrible incident in which 99& of people would lose their memory. I think that the ending was extremely unrealistic for such a serious event in this book. Anyways, splendid action and description of the environment as usual and I can't wait to read the next one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 10, 2023
I thought this was a clever way to tell us more about Aristo's backstory without making it sound like the rest of the books before. I love the way that curses, and those beliefs play such a strong part and also seem to hold some reasonable logic in the stories and how they move forward.
Also, tzatziki being referred to as ambrosia omg so cute. I love this series and its love for other people and cultures and things. I think it is so inclusive and beautiful in its writing and understanding of deeper issues.
I did see the plot twist coming through almost right from the beginning, so this one was a little frustrating over all the others in terms of having a surprise outcome, but was still enjoyable nonetheless.
Also, tzatziki being referred to as ambrosia omg so cute. I love this series and its love for other people and cultures and things. I think it is so inclusive and beautiful in its writing and understanding of deeper issues.
I did see the plot twist coming through almost right from the beginning, so this one was a little frustrating over all the others in terms of having a surprise outcome, but was still enjoyable nonetheless.
March 28, 2023
This one was a bit weird for me, because it seemed so different to the others. The mystery was a lot more personal and dark (attempted murder!) and it was focused more on character's feelings and relationships. I did enjoy it, I really like Aristo and Nubia. Flavia was super annoying but I guess she had an excuse. I found it weird that no-one cared there were 4 children chasing a would-be murderer.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 7, 2023
Another engaging installment in the series. I really enjoyed the interweavement of Roman and Greek mythology into this one. Although I guessed the basics of the "mystery," fairly early on, I was still thoroughly into the story. My one qualm is the ending in which it is suggested that Megara would be a suitable match for Dion... without acknowledging that her actions were very toxic. Also wish that the brotherly squabble that led to such serious events hadn't been over girls. Oh well.
March 22, 2023
The 10th book in the Roman Mysteries series - someone has tried to murder Flavia Gemina's father, and the prime suspect is Aristo, the beloved Greek tutor. Flavia and her friends seek justice, pursuing Aristo from Corinth to Delphi and then all the way to Athens, to the Parthenon and the Areopagus . . . But is Aristo guilty, and hounded by the Furies? Or is there something else at work?
October 29, 2022
Oh dear.....thought it was going to be good......oh well.
It was in the 'crime ' section at the library. Would have been better placed in the young adult section. Historical information was good, it was just missing a plot....and character development.....and plausibility....
It was in the 'crime ' section at the library. Would have been better placed in the young adult section. Historical information was good, it was just missing a plot....and character development.....and plausibility....
July 31, 2023
I don't feel like giving a nuanced critique right now. Exciting, terrifying, strange, interesting, with things revealed about characters old and new, and truly some of the best atmospheric writing I have ever had the pleasure to read.
September 12, 2018
Not as interesting as the first book in the series, but author still does great job with the setting.
February 21, 2019
Dramatic struggle between main characters was difficult to follow, but the setting gave me an important lesson.
April 22, 2020
Very catchy
March 11, 2023
So good. I am consistently impressed by Lawrence’s characters and research! Lots of intrigue and adventure here. Can’t wait to get ahold of the next one.
February 25, 2024
The fabulous four explore the wilds of Greece, hot on the tail of Aristo the dreamboat-turned-murderer.
October 27, 2024
Basic but readable. Good virus read
July 30, 2020
When Flavia’s father is nearly murdered, she has to come to terms with her close emotional connection clouding her usual clear analytical mind. She becomes more tyrannical to the point she refuses to hear her friend’s advice and puts them off from telling her their more objective conclusions to the mystery of who did the murder and why. All is not as it seems. Is their long-term tutor and friend Aristo a murderer? This storyline is about a journey and the revelations that come along the way, the testing of friendships and the scenic descriptions rich with history and culture as they chase Aristo across Greece to bring him to justice. This is the book on Aristo’s back story. Wonderful view into ancient Greece and the Acropolis. Loved the chapter of Delphi and the Acropolis. You feel like you are there. Evocative descriptions.
December 5, 2013
The Fugitive From Corinth was a good book. It had all the aspects of a good book. It had suspense, action, drama, and much more. The plot was very good, and the mystery was well planned out. I was glad I was able to solve the mystery. I liked the Greek setting and life, as a change to the usual Roman setting and lifestyle. It was sometimes hard to follow the words, but the guide at the back was helpful. Since the story takes place in ancient times, some things are very different than now. One of the things was slavery. Another thing was nakedness, at places like the public baths. It was a little disturbing. Overall, a good book because of its varied genres and authentic ancient life description.
May 26, 2012
This is the 10th in the series; there are, I believe 19 at this time. I’m still very much enjoying them, liking the character development and the history. These stories have together spanned only about a year, which I guess is how it would have to be; these children won’t stay children long. Flavia, about to turn 11, is eagerly anticipating womanhood at 12. The mixture of child and adult in all the children is nicely done, I think. I am quite caught up in the meta-story, wondering how these lives will proceed.
March 29, 2016
While the extensive quest theme became a bit tired for me I loved the resolution of a couple of key threads and I particularly relished an extensive backstory to sex God Aristo!!!!! Really amused me how most of the pathos was caused by Aristo being just too goddam hot, as usual I adored Caroline Lawrence's ability to test and allow maturation to occur in her characters, especially so in this instance with Flavia and Nubia's potential for unpredictability.
August 5, 2012
On the way back from Rhodes, the party stops in Corinth, and in the hospitium where they are staying, thire tutor Aristo is discovered holding a knife over the badly injured body of Captain Geminius. When he runs away, the four friends track him to Delphi, and get an explanation. Quite harrowing.
March 9, 2014
I thought that this wasn't the best book that I've read, but it wasn't rubbish. This book is also in a series of many. It's all about, how Flavia's father is almost killed, but who was it? Flavia's tutor, Aristo, his almost identical brother, or someone completely different? This book is a good books to read, because of all the drama, and all the mysterious mysteries.
November 12, 2011
It was very interesting because they needed time to search around Corinth to find Aristo who killed Pater violently. I was suppoeing this could be an another mystery because Flavia's friends wanted to know who killed Pater and what crime they could recieve.
March 6, 2008
Flavia and her friends chase her father's attempted murderer.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews