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Agent Strabo's Roman Mysteries #2
Si Tacuisses
Ancient times, modern sins!
Sex, greed, murder: you name it, the Romans had it! Enters our hero, an irreverent crime-fighter with a major personality flaw—decency.
“Si Tacuisses” is a tongue-in-cheek historical mystery that takes the readers through some of Roman life's daily pleasures, from the baths to the brothels, while touching on the two opposing philosophical schools of Stoicism and Epicureanism. Perfect for Lindsey Davis, David Wishart, and Steven Saylor fans.
In the final days before Governor Geta’s departure to his new posting, his court philosopher is murdered. Cleomenes’ horribly mutilated body was discovered in a dirty alley by a prostitute working in the nearby brothel.
Was Cleomenes the victim of a robbery? Or was his death the result of a heated philosophical debate?
Follow Strabo’s new adventure as he struggles to unveil the convoluted threads of this puzzling mystery.
Sex, greed, murder: you name it, the Romans had it! Enters our hero, an irreverent crime-fighter with a major personality flaw—decency.
“Si Tacuisses” is a tongue-in-cheek historical mystery that takes the readers through some of Roman life's daily pleasures, from the baths to the brothels, while touching on the two opposing philosophical schools of Stoicism and Epicureanism. Perfect for Lindsey Davis, David Wishart, and Steven Saylor fans.
In the final days before Governor Geta’s departure to his new posting, his court philosopher is murdered. Cleomenes’ horribly mutilated body was discovered in a dirty alley by a prostitute working in the nearby brothel.
Was Cleomenes the victim of a robbery? Or was his death the result of a heated philosophical debate?
Follow Strabo’s new adventure as he struggles to unveil the convoluted threads of this puzzling mystery.
- GenresMystery
77 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 6, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
April 11, 2025
Strabo (our protagonist) had been a Roman Legionnaire for 5 years, until he suffered the loss of an eye. He has managed to transition to his Legion’s investigator under the supervision of his former commander Hilarius.
This story takes place at the end of the second century C.E. and not in Rome but in the distant territory known as Dacia. This story concerns a violent death outside a brothel. As the layers are peeled back the implications for the Governor, Getna, and the Emperor become clear and Strabo’s task becomes infinitely more difficult.
Strabo is young and his investigations are not on the level of a Marcus Didius Falco. But Zudor puts together mysteries filled with delightful details and humor. This was a short and very enjoyable tale.
I enjoy the details of Roman Empire life. Someday I may be able to master the terminology. Here's an example: "Once inside, Strabo was greeted by the balneator, the slave responsible for collecting the entrance fee—he palmed the coins and handed Strabo a towel, a strigil, and a vial of fragrant oil in return. Strabo proceeded to the covered portico that formed the vestibulum of the baths. Several men were already in attendance, waiting for their masters to finish the morning routine—personal slaves weren’t allowed beyond the vestibulum. The portico ran along the three sides of the atrium proper, the open courtyard where the guests could exercise. The next stop was the apodyterium, the changing room. The place was already half-full despite the early morning hour. Strabo undressed, hanging his tunic from one of the pegs, and dropped the sandals on the ground below. He didn’t trust the notoriously dishonest staff with his belongings."
This story takes place at the end of the second century C.E. and not in Rome but in the distant territory known as Dacia. This story concerns a violent death outside a brothel. As the layers are peeled back the implications for the Governor, Getna, and the Emperor become clear and Strabo’s task becomes infinitely more difficult.
Strabo is young and his investigations are not on the level of a Marcus Didius Falco. But Zudor puts together mysteries filled with delightful details and humor. This was a short and very enjoyable tale.
I enjoy the details of Roman Empire life. Someday I may be able to master the terminology. Here's an example: "Once inside, Strabo was greeted by the balneator, the slave responsible for collecting the entrance fee—he palmed the coins and handed Strabo a towel, a strigil, and a vial of fragrant oil in return. Strabo proceeded to the covered portico that formed the vestibulum of the baths. Several men were already in attendance, waiting for their masters to finish the morning routine—personal slaves weren’t allowed beyond the vestibulum. The portico ran along the three sides of the atrium proper, the open courtyard where the guests could exercise. The next stop was the apodyterium, the changing room. The place was already half-full despite the early morning hour. Strabo undressed, hanging his tunic from one of the pegs, and dropped the sandals on the ground below. He didn’t trust the notoriously dishonest staff with his belongings."
March 6, 2025
Strabo has now.settled in to his job as a government spy and is.enjoying the work. This feeling changes when once again his boss commissions him for an impossible task. Why does he always call on Strabo when he has a politically charged situation? Strabo is good to.find the murderer of an imperial courtier quickly and if he can't or.the killer is.someone important he is instructed to frame someone unimportant.............no pressure then...........
January 9, 2022
Second book in the series follows Strabo in his adventures… well, you will have to read it to see more, point is that you will have fun, it will give you something to think about it and you will have a better picture about the places he visits as the descriptive passages are pretty vivid. Nice reading, makes me want more, cannot wait to see what Strabo will be doing next
October 11, 2022
A Great New Old Roman Detective
Strapped brings humor and heart in a well realized picture of the old Roman Empire. Zudor is skilled at creating believable
characters and clever plot twists. If you enjoy Lindsay Davis' Falco series or John Maddox Roberts SPQR series you will be delighted by Strabo!
Strapped brings humor and heart in a well realized picture of the old Roman Empire. Zudor is skilled at creating believable
characters and clever plot twists. If you enjoy Lindsay Davis' Falco series or John Maddox Roberts SPQR series you will be delighted by Strabo!
June 15, 2025
entertaining and educational series for anyone who enjoys tales about Ancient Rome
Very entertaining with surprising twists.
I found the relationship between the main character and his supervisor quite appealing. I also enjoyed Strabo’s sense of humor realistic and appealing. I have purchased all of this series and am writing this review after rereading them all.
Very entertaining with surprising twists.
I found the relationship between the main character and his supervisor quite appealing. I also enjoyed Strabo’s sense of humor realistic and appealing. I have purchased all of this series and am writing this review after rereading them all.
July 18, 2021
The second book in the series, Si Tacuisses follows agent Strabo in yer another investigation and gave me some good laughs as he worked to untangle this crime. Politics, passion, sprinkled with a little bit of philosophy.
May 1, 2024
Short but sweet!
Wish the books were longer, allowing more character and plot development. Seemed to end much too quickly. Still, I think well of the series and am planning on reading the next volume soon.
Wish the books were longer, allowing more character and plot development. Seemed to end much too quickly. Still, I think well of the series and am planning on reading the next volume soon.
May 9, 2021
Tounge in cheek fun
The two books which constitute this series are light fun! The stories and background are enjoyable, combined with modern wording, often elicit a good laugh.
The two books which constitute this series are light fun! The stories and background are enjoyable, combined with modern wording, often elicit a good laugh.
February 13, 2023
Definitely not my thing, but its beginning to grow on me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews