What do you think?
Rate this book
Marcus Corvinus #20
Going Back
When the ex-praetor husband of a friend of Claudius's mother-in-law is found murdered on his estate near Carthage the emperor gives Corvinus the job of working out whodunnit. The twentieth book in the Marcus Corvinus series.
Audible Audio
First published August 31, 2018
About the author
David Wishart
57 books98 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
Historical crime writer David Wishart was born in Arbroath, Scotland. He studied Classics - Latin and Greek - at Edinburgh University and after graduation taught for four years in a secondary school.
He then retrained as a teacher of English as a Foreign Language and worked abroad for eleven years, in Kuwait, Greece and Saudi Arabia. He returned to Scotland in 1990 and now lives with his family in Carnoustie, mixing writing with teaching EFL and study skills at Dundee University.
Historical crime writer David Wishart was born in Arbroath, Scotland. He studied Classics - Latin and Greek - at Edinburgh University and after graduation taught for four years in a secondary school.
He then retrained as a teacher of English as a Foreign Language and worked abroad for eleven years, in Kuwait, Greece and Saudi Arabia. He returned to Scotland in 1990 and now lives with his family in Carnoustie, mixing writing with teaching EFL and study skills at Dundee University.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
September 9, 2020
This very exciting Roman mystery is the 20th volume of the amazing "Marcus Corvinus" series, from the author, David Wishart.
At the beginning of the book you'll find a list of Dramatis Personae, and also there you'll notice an explanation that this story is set in August/September, AD 44.
As usual the author is trying with his events to stay as close as possible to the real historical details within his mysteries.
Story-telling is once more of a superb quality, the story is very well structured and executed, and all figures, whether they are real historical or wonderful fictional, come vividly to life within this fascinating Roman mystery.
This mystery is situated mainly in Carthage, August/September, AD 44, and our main character, Marcus Corvinus, is sent there by Emperor Claudius through pressure by Messalina's mother, the formidable Domitia Lepida, to investigate the murder of the ex-praetor, Decimus Cestius.
At first Marcus Corvinus and his wife, Rufia Perilla, will enter a nest of vipers where ranks are firmly closed, only to be opened in a clever way one by one by Corvinus, and thus providing him with a clearer picture about this murder situation, and what he needs to do to unravel this mystery.
What is to follow is an intriguing and exciting Roman mystery, where Marcus Corvinus, with the help from his intellectual wife, Rufia Perilla, will in a desperate effort, followed by an ingenious plot, finally be able to solve this murder case in his own incredible fashion.
Highly recommended, for this is another excellent addition to this amazing series, and that's why I want to call this episode: "A Terrific Marcus Corvinus Roman Mystery"!
At the beginning of the book you'll find a list of Dramatis Personae, and also there you'll notice an explanation that this story is set in August/September, AD 44.
As usual the author is trying with his events to stay as close as possible to the real historical details within his mysteries.
Story-telling is once more of a superb quality, the story is very well structured and executed, and all figures, whether they are real historical or wonderful fictional, come vividly to life within this fascinating Roman mystery.
This mystery is situated mainly in Carthage, August/September, AD 44, and our main character, Marcus Corvinus, is sent there by Emperor Claudius through pressure by Messalina's mother, the formidable Domitia Lepida, to investigate the murder of the ex-praetor, Decimus Cestius.
At first Marcus Corvinus and his wife, Rufia Perilla, will enter a nest of vipers where ranks are firmly closed, only to be opened in a clever way one by one by Corvinus, and thus providing him with a clearer picture about this murder situation, and what he needs to do to unravel this mystery.
What is to follow is an intriguing and exciting Roman mystery, where Marcus Corvinus, with the help from his intellectual wife, Rufia Perilla, will in a desperate effort, followed by an ingenious plot, finally be able to solve this murder case in his own incredible fashion.
Highly recommended, for this is another excellent addition to this amazing series, and that's why I want to call this episode: "A Terrific Marcus Corvinus Roman Mystery"!
July 20, 2023
One of.the things I like most about about this series i the humour the other is the.mysteries themselves. The solution is never obvious or.easy and usually has a very unsatisfactory ending. For example the murder victim may turn out to be a totally horrid person deserving of his/her fate, the murderer will quite often be a sympathetic character who was either backed into a corner or desperate. As such when Corvinus does.solve.the.mystery (which he is compelled.to.do, once engaged he can't just walk way) it usually leaves him.with no.feeling of accomplishment. To make these plot points work time.and time.gain take quite a lot of.skill and.ingenuity. This one see Corvinus once again conscripted by the Emperor Claudius to travel to.the city of Carthage to.investigate a stabbing that happened over a month ago. The Emperor has no personal.interest in the case and is sending Corvinus simply as a favour to.his.mother in law who Is a good friend of the dead mans widow. Corvinus.Is at first.stumped when on arrival.he can find.no one who particularly cares that a high standing Roman was murdered including the dead man family.......................
June 9, 2019
More like 3.5 stars out of 5 due to complexity, which is no flaw. Marcus Corvinus is in Carthage as special envoy of Emperor Claudius at the ruler's behest to solve the several months'-old murder of an ex-praetor. While in Carthage, he is presented with another murder, that of a seaman from a slave ship. Corvinus feels the two crimes are connected in some way although there is nothing overt on the surface of things. Corvinus interviews possible suspects, including a native Carthaginian, and others who may know something of the murders. While on his way back from interviewing an old man, "Nestor", who lives on a beach, Corvinus is attacked. Perilla aids him with her theories and even brings a young couple in love for him to interview. Their respective families hate each other. Family secrets are revealed.
Another intellectual Marcus Corvinus mystery, this time set in an exotic location. As usual, I couldn't guess the perpetrator.
Highly recommended.
Another intellectual Marcus Corvinus mystery, this time set in an exotic location. As usual, I couldn't guess the perpetrator.
Highly recommended.
September 23, 2019
Going Back, like the Foreign Bodies, starts with Corvinus being asked by emperor Claudius to look into a death of someone of interest. It isn't part of the political novels, though, but takes Corvinus to Carthage in the province of Africa.
What to Expect
Corvinus starts with the usual murder, this time of a paterfamilias no one seems to be sorry to see gone. There is the dysfunctional family, the local authorities, and the history. As the story takes place in Carthage, even two hundred years after the end of the Punic Wars these events loom over everything.
We get the usual twisty back and forth between suspects, the dirty laundry of family secrets exposed, some light history and local culture, and a surprising reveal at the end.
This is book 20 of the series, but due to it's different setting can be a good jump-in point to the series.
*** What I liked
I enjoyed the different setting (nothing wrong in Rome, but I love it when Corvinus goes on a journey to other parts of the empire). As usual, Wishart keeps an excellent balance of humour and suspense in his prose, mixing in Roman trivia and wonderful character that make this series a pleasure to read.
Corvinus himself has a most unique voice that is a joy to read, though throughout the series Wishart uses a modern language to bring the characters to life. He's also using a time-honoured trope of representing the Roman patriarchy similar to British aristocracy. The result is a novel that reads as a cross between Sam Spade and Downton Abbey, on a backdrop of ancient Rome. It makes for very enjoyable experience for lovers of those genres - we're not reading in Latin, after all, so taking a purist view is in itself a untenable proposition.
What to be aware of
Though Wishart's prose is excellent, he tends to avoid Latin terms to the point where it's a bit much (like referring to a toga as a mantle, or to Saturnalia as Winter Festival). Interestingly, as the series progresses Wishart includes more of them.
Summary
This is another great read in the series, and as it's a standalone you can start reading here and then go back if you wish. If you enjoyed historical mysteries and Roman-era detectives (e.g. by the likes of Lindsey Davis, Steven Saylor, and Ruth Downie), you really need to read the Corvinus series as well.
--
Assaph Mehr, author of Murder In Absentia: A story of Togas, Daggers, and Magic - for lovers of Ancient Rome, Murder Mysteries, and Urban Fantasy.
What to Expect
Corvinus starts with the usual murder, this time of a paterfamilias no one seems to be sorry to see gone. There is the dysfunctional family, the local authorities, and the history. As the story takes place in Carthage, even two hundred years after the end of the Punic Wars these events loom over everything.
We get the usual twisty back and forth between suspects, the dirty laundry of family secrets exposed, some light history and local culture, and a surprising reveal at the end.
This is book 20 of the series, but due to it's different setting can be a good jump-in point to the series.
*** What I liked
I enjoyed the different setting (nothing wrong in Rome, but I love it when Corvinus goes on a journey to other parts of the empire). As usual, Wishart keeps an excellent balance of humour and suspense in his prose, mixing in Roman trivia and wonderful character that make this series a pleasure to read.
Corvinus himself has a most unique voice that is a joy to read, though throughout the series Wishart uses a modern language to bring the characters to life. He's also using a time-honoured trope of representing the Roman patriarchy similar to British aristocracy. The result is a novel that reads as a cross between Sam Spade and Downton Abbey, on a backdrop of ancient Rome. It makes for very enjoyable experience for lovers of those genres - we're not reading in Latin, after all, so taking a purist view is in itself a untenable proposition.
What to be aware of
Though Wishart's prose is excellent, he tends to avoid Latin terms to the point where it's a bit much (like referring to a toga as a mantle, or to Saturnalia as Winter Festival). Interestingly, as the series progresses Wishart includes more of them.
Summary
This is another great read in the series, and as it's a standalone you can start reading here and then go back if you wish. If you enjoyed historical mysteries and Roman-era detectives (e.g. by the likes of Lindsey Davis, Steven Saylor, and Ruth Downie), you really need to read the Corvinus series as well.
--
Assaph Mehr, author of Murder In Absentia: A story of Togas, Daggers, and Magic - for lovers of Ancient Rome, Murder Mysteries, and Urban Fantasy.
September 23, 2019
Going Back, like the Foreign Bodies, starts with Corvinus being asked by emperor Claudius to look into a death of someone of interest. It isn't part of the political novels, though, but takes Corvinus to Carthage in the province of Africa.
What to Expect
Corvinus starts with the usual murder, this time of a paterfamilias no one seems to be sorry to see gone. There is the dysfunctional family, the local authorities, and the history. As the story takes place in Carthage, even two hundred years after the end of the Punic Wars these events loom over everything.
We get the usual twisty back and forth between suspects, the dirty laundry of family secrets exposed, some light history and local culture, and a surprising reveal at the end.
This is book 20 of the series, but due to it's different setting can be a good jump-in point to the series.
*** What I liked
I enjoyed the different setting (nothing wrong in Rome, but I love it when Corvinus goes on a journey to other parts of the empire). As usual, Wishart keeps an excellent balance of humour and suspense in his prose, mixing in Roman trivia and wonderful character that make this series a pleasure to read.
Corvinus himself has a most unique voice that is a joy to read, though throughout the series Wishart uses a modern language to bring the characters to life. He's also using a time-honoured trope of representing the Roman patriarchy similar to British aristocracy. The result is a novel that reads as a cross between Sam Spade and Downton Abbey, on a backdrop of ancient Rome. It makes for very enjoyable experience for lovers of those genres - we're not reading in Latin, after all, so taking a purist view is in itself a untenable proposition.
What to be aware of
Though Wishart's prose is excellent, he tends to avoid Latin terms to the point where it's a bit much (like referring to a toga as a mantle, or to Saturnalia as Winter Festival). Interestingly, as the series progresses Wishart includes more of them.
Summary
This is another great read in the series, and as it's a standalone you can start reading here and then go back if you wish. If you enjoyed historical mysteries and Roman-era detectives (e.g. by the likes of Lindsey Davis, Steven Saylor, and Ruth Downie), you really need to read the Corvinus series as well.
--
Assaph Mehr, author of Murder In Absentia: A story of Togas, Daggers, and Magic - for lovers of Ancient Rome, Murder Mysteries, and Urban Fantasy.
What to Expect
Corvinus starts with the usual murder, this time of a paterfamilias no one seems to be sorry to see gone. There is the dysfunctional family, the local authorities, and the history. As the story takes place in Carthage, even two hundred years after the end of the Punic Wars these events loom over everything.
We get the usual twisty back and forth between suspects, the dirty laundry of family secrets exposed, some light history and local culture, and a surprising reveal at the end.
This is book 20 of the series, but due to it's different setting can be a good jump-in point to the series.
*** What I liked
I enjoyed the different setting (nothing wrong in Rome, but I love it when Corvinus goes on a journey to other parts of the empire). As usual, Wishart keeps an excellent balance of humour and suspense in his prose, mixing in Roman trivia and wonderful character that make this series a pleasure to read.
Corvinus himself has a most unique voice that is a joy to read, though throughout the series Wishart uses a modern language to bring the characters to life. He's also using a time-honoured trope of representing the Roman patriarchy similar to British aristocracy. The result is a novel that reads as a cross between Sam Spade and Downton Abbey, on a backdrop of ancient Rome. It makes for very enjoyable experience for lovers of those genres - we're not reading in Latin, after all, so taking a purist view is in itself a untenable proposition.
What to be aware of
Though Wishart's prose is excellent, he tends to avoid Latin terms to the point where it's a bit much (like referring to a toga as a mantle, or to Saturnalia as Winter Festival). Interestingly, as the series progresses Wishart includes more of them.
Summary
This is another great read in the series, and as it's a standalone you can start reading here and then go back if you wish. If you enjoyed historical mysteries and Roman-era detectives (e.g. by the likes of Lindsey Davis, Steven Saylor, and Ruth Downie), you really need to read the Corvinus series as well.
--
Assaph Mehr, author of Murder In Absentia: A story of Togas, Daggers, and Magic - for lovers of Ancient Rome, Murder Mysteries, and Urban Fantasy.
April 18, 2019
This time Carthage. A friend of a friend of a friend of Claudius has got himself dead, and our ancient detective finds himself dispatched by the aforesaid emperor to figure out why. A trip to Carthage ensues. The usual complex intrigue is uncovered, humans with some good some not so good, emotion, mistakes, and surprises (buried treasure!). My only criticism is that the ending seems too rushed. The novel finishes in Carthage, not even an after scene with the emperor. Recommended.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 21, 2020
The Lion and the Unicorn by Christopher Nuttall is another gem set in his alternate world, a world he has built masterfully.
We follow two men in two very different warships but, as the men seem to be, for two different styles of attack. Restraint or plunging ahead? Will they tear each other – and their starships – apart or vanquish the enemy. Even their admirals are asking the question.
A wild ride, well written as always.
We follow two men in two very different warships but, as the men seem to be, for two different styles of attack. Restraint or plunging ahead? Will they tear each other – and their starships – apart or vanquish the enemy. Even their admirals are asking the question.
A wild ride, well written as always.
October 7, 2019
Initially, I thought would dislike this book as it started with Covinus undertaking to solve a problem for the emperor. I usually dislike when emperors are used as important characters in mysteries, but thankfully Claudius was just used to get the ball rolling and did not reoccur. The story made a strong start as Covinus and his wife set out to Catherage to solve a murder mystery. I personally did not find the mystery as engaging as others in the series and the characters (other than the recurring characters) mostly very unlikeable. The eventual solution and reason for the murders felt a little farfetched and underdeveloped. This book was not as enjoyable as others I have read in the series and I think if this had been my introduction to Marcus Covinus I don’t think I would have read any more in the series. This would have been a shame as I really enjoyed my first two Marcus Covinus reads and will give the series another go.
November 27, 2018
Excellent addition to a longstanding, much-loved series. Use of first-person narrative and frequent dialog fleshes out another twisted mystery set in Ancient Rome that leaves you guessing until the end.
November 20, 2019
Better than the other Wishart books I've read so far!
August 29, 2021
a laid back roman investigator, and nice reads
have enjoyed his stuff and now a bunch on kindle unlimited, so will be filling out my list of his
have enjoyed his stuff and now a bunch on kindle unlimited, so will be filling out my list of his
February 29, 2020
While the story starts out slow, it does pick up momentum by the third chapter. It’s a mystery when the ex-praetor husband of a friend of Claudius’s mother-in-law is found murdered on his estate near Carthage. The emperor gives Corvinus the job of finding out did it.
What bothered me about this book is that the characters spoke like modern day people of today. The phrases at times just didn’t seem to fit during that time period.
I gave this book a 4-star rating because of the above and, also, because at times it seems to lag in the story telling.
What bothered me about this book is that the characters spoke like modern day people of today. The phrases at times just didn’t seem to fit during that time period.
I gave this book a 4-star rating because of the above and, also, because at times it seems to lag in the story telling.
October 22, 2018
Really nice
Very well written a pleasure to read. As usual Wishart don't let you down. Nice plot. Waiting for the next.
Very well written a pleasure to read. As usual Wishart don't let you down. Nice plot. Waiting for the next.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews