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Numerius Mystery #2
Numerius Meridius Pulcher and the Case of the Syrian Slaves and Slippery Slopes
Numerius Meridius Pulcher, ex-slave and brothel owner is at it again in Ancient Rome. This time, as he tries to set up his new house with the help he needs, he runs headlong into murder. He and his longtime companion, friend and slave, Aristo, and the rest of the Pulcher crew are determined to find out what is going on at the house of Seleucus, his favorite slave dealer, and what secrets these new additions to his household are trying to keep. Amid the backdrop of a hot sultry ancient Rome summer, the characters pursue love, laughter and the solving of one more mystery.
230 pages, Paperback
Published July 2, 2017
21 people are currently reading
192 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
August 18, 2017
I really enjoyed this second story in the series. There are many crime solving novels set in Roman times, but none with the focus that Jay Cardam gives to his story. It's quite different, not focusing on the Politics of the time, but rather on the underbelly of Roman society: the slaves. I honestly don't know why this series doesn't have more ratings and reviews.
The main character of the title is an ex- slave and Eunuch who was once the most famous whore in Rome. He was badly treated from an early age. Since making his fortune through a thriving brothel, and being granted his freedom, he has become a champion for slaves and their free will when it comes their bodies. He doesn't want anyone to suffer how he did. His own household is a happy one, where no one in his household is allowed non consensual relationships. A thread through this book that made me sad, is the expectations, hopes and dreams of a fading beauty, who yearns for love and sees his one time companion slipping away. Numerius puts his money where his mouth is in the story, laying his life on the line to save a slave he loves as family.
Hurry up with the next book Mr. Cardam!
Recommended for fans of Ancient Roman historical fiction.
The main character of the title is an ex- slave and Eunuch who was once the most famous whore in Rome. He was badly treated from an early age. Since making his fortune through a thriving brothel, and being granted his freedom, he has become a champion for slaves and their free will when it comes their bodies. He doesn't want anyone to suffer how he did. His own household is a happy one, where no one in his household is allowed non consensual relationships. A thread through this book that made me sad, is the expectations, hopes and dreams of a fading beauty, who yearns for love and sees his one time companion slipping away. Numerius puts his money where his mouth is in the story, laying his life on the line to save a slave he loves as family.
Hurry up with the next book Mr. Cardam!
Recommended for fans of Ancient Roman historical fiction.
August 18, 2017
A delightful mystery filled with engaging characters.
I have now read both books in what appears to be a mystery series. The stories are fun and the puzzling are a puzzling.😊 .
They are a fun read and a pleasant way to pass the time.
I have now read both books in what appears to be a mystery series. The stories are fun and the puzzling are a puzzling.😊 .
They are a fun read and a pleasant way to pass the time.
August 13, 2017
Liked it a lot!
I like this book, and the series, very much. Lots of Roman atmosphere, sympathetic characters and a very interesting mystery.
I like this book, and the series, very much. Lots of Roman atmosphere, sympathetic characters and a very interesting mystery.
March 13, 2019
A bittersweet tale.
Another joy. We are in the Roman house with our hero and his extended family of good and slaves. Once again he is involved in a case and he goes in defence of slaves forced into violent orgies. The once favourite Hylas has terrible memories of such. Then he realises he is losing his dear companion of many years to the attraction of a woman with sons. Sadly he accepts this but allows himself to fall foolishly in love. Oh, dear, I felt for the poor man and had to remind myself he is not really old in years (just under 40) but old in experience. Numerous Meridus Pulcher is a marvellous drawn character, full of warmth and humanity despite his past as a slave prostitute. In this book he shows his brains and his courage in enduring humiliation at the hands of an enemy in order to save one his slaves. I love him, would love to meet him and am looking forward to doing so in the next story. If you are after explicit sex you won't find it here but you will find a great story and insight into the darker side of Roman life. Loved it. Recommend it.
Another joy. We are in the Roman house with our hero and his extended family of good and slaves. Once again he is involved in a case and he goes in defence of slaves forced into violent orgies. The once favourite Hylas has terrible memories of such. Then he realises he is losing his dear companion of many years to the attraction of a woman with sons. Sadly he accepts this but allows himself to fall foolishly in love. Oh, dear, I felt for the poor man and had to remind myself he is not really old in years (just under 40) but old in experience. Numerous Meridus Pulcher is a marvellous drawn character, full of warmth and humanity despite his past as a slave prostitute. In this book he shows his brains and his courage in enduring humiliation at the hands of an enemy in order to save one his slaves. I love him, would love to meet him and am looking forward to doing so in the next story. If you are after explicit sex you won't find it here but you will find a great story and insight into the darker side of Roman life. Loved it. Recommend it.
February 6, 2019
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It was a bit amateurish - just by adding some names, it does not always sound like a Roman story . This was my first book of this author - now I shall get rid of the other volumes.
It was a bit amateurish - just by adding some names, it does not always sound like a Roman story . This was my first book of this author - now I shall get rid of the other volumes.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews