Killer of Rome

Carbo of Rome #3

by Alex Gough

Carbo returns in an unputdownable novel of murder and mystery in ancient RomeAfter years of captivity and torture by German barbarians, former legionary Cicurinus' ordeal should be over.Hearing of the legendary Carbo, he returns to Rome to seek out this hero who might help to bring him balance. Instead he finds Carbo descending into alcoholism and gambling, a broken man who brutally rebuffs him.Devastated and disgusted by the immoral city around him, Cicurinus, embarks on a rampage of slaughter through Rome's poor and downtrodden. And to hide his tracks, he frames Carbo for the crimes.With everything at stake, can Carbo master his demons, clear his name, and stop the Killer of RomeThis latest from Alex Gough, a master of the genre, is a Roman thriller that you won't be able to put down. Perfect for readers of Simon Scarrow, Conn Iggulden and Ben Kane.

298 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 29, 2021

About the author

Avid reader of multiple genres, including thriller, sci-fi and fantasy, but particularly interested in historical fiction. Author of Roman historical fiction, and owner of the romanfiction.com blog.

Reviews

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so glad to meet up with Carbo and other old friends--Vespillo, Vatius, Marsia, and Sica--after such a long hiatus! I was beginning to despair there would be no more Carbo. Still with PTSD after his Teutoburg experience and also deeply mourning the loss of his wife, Carbo has sunk into the "slough of despond", using compulsive wine drinking and gambling to numb him. A mentally disturbed serial killer runs riot against what he considers immoral and undesirable people, leaving graffiti such as "Rome must be purified" at the murder scenes, which do get grisly. Besides having hit bottom, Carbo loses everything when betting on a chariot team and is left absolutely poverty-stricken. Then, Carbo is accused of the crime and the story has his friends trying to ensnare the killer and prove his innocence. After such terrible experiences Carbo goes through, I really like the steadfastness of his friends, their belief in him and how they rallied around him.

Highly recommended.

[Andrea Oliverio · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bello! Questo libro mi ha incollato alle pagine. L'ho letteralmente divorato. Ho tifato per il protagonista caduto nella più profonda disperazione.
Per ora è il capitolo conclusivo della serie, ma sono certo che l'autore proseguirà.
Alex Gough è stato una piacevole scoperta, ora mi dedicherò alla lettura di tutti i suoi libri, non c'è solo la saga di Carbone.

[Rowan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had to work my way through the first half of the book. Carbo in his depressed state isn't sympathetic at all. Makes it less compelling to keep reading about him. Halfway through however, the story started picking up and it became the best book in the series.

In general, this series is a bit too fantastical for my liking. There is happening so much in this one man's life, it becomes too unrealistic. Carbo can't seem to catch a break. Generally, I prefer a more realistic approach to storytelling.

[Adam Barnes · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'd been looking forward to this book, after discovering Alex Gough earlier this year. But patiently had to wait for the paperback to be published, and then it went onto my pile of to read books. But I was not disappointed in the wait! As this review is on Goodreads rather than my blog which I've kind of given up doing, I'll spoiler from here on in

Killer of Rome picks up after the previous book's events, back in Rome. I have to admit, I didn't like the start, I didn't like that Carbo had turned into a bit of a dick. But then I thought to myself, after everything he's gone through, I can't really blame him for being a bit lost!
He's turned to drink and gambling, and pretty soon on in the book has lost everything. A mysterious figure enters Rome and is intent on ruining Carbo's reputation. What ensues is a bit of a cat and mouse story, with Carbo accused of multiple murders. It's no wonder he's so messed up. I'm just glad that after the events of the books, he came good and started to put his life back together
It was great to see the old familiar characters of Carbo, Vespillo, Marisa and Sica. I really hope that there's a relationship brewing for Carbo for future books!

4*
Bring on the next book

[peter david mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carbo loses his focus in life.

I cannot give any book in this wonderful series less than five stars. Carbo becomes a drunk and a compulsive gambler, unable to come to terms with the loss of his wife. He loses everything and is also framed as a murderer. He has also lost all his friends, or has he? A gripping tale of loss, retribution and renewal with a fitting climax. I will now immediately purchase Carbo the Thief as I am loath to leave these wonderfully drawn characters behind.

[richard gaywood · Rating 1 out of 5]

Dreadful


simply dreadful. What a waste of time. The one star rating is generous. Possibly the worst book I've ever read

[andrew holling · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this. Hated what carbo had done to himself and the consequences for him.
Well written and a cracking story. Hopefully not the last.

[V T Doidge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyable. Keeping up with Carbo has been a joy.

[Dilys Guthrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yet another unputdownable book! Loved reading about the other side of Rome.