The Ring that Caesar Wore

Leonidas the Gladiator Mysteries #3

by Ashley Gardner, Jennifer Ashley

Leonidas, a freed gladiator in Nero's Rome, is coerced into a dice game with a stranger at his local popina–who turns out to not be such a stranger after all. The man’s presence puts all around him in danger, and Leonidas struggles to keep the man's identity secret.

Leonidas has no wish to be caught up in this trouble–he’s about to begin working as a builder, his ticket out of his life as a gladiator and bodyguard.

But the next morning at the building site, Leonidas almost immediately stumbles across a valuable ring buried in the mud, a ring that has the potential to change the destiny of Rome.

Nero commands Leonidas and Cassia to uncover everything about this ring, including who owned it and how it had come to be where it was found. They are not allowed to fail.

The ring proves to be only the tip of the troubles Leonidas uncovers, with connections from the Emporium to the Esquiline, and danger that visits Leonidas and Cassia very close to home.

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Historical, Fiction, Historical Mystery, Audiobook, Italy

266 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 21, 2023

About the author

Ashley Gardner is the pseudonym for NY Times bestselling and award-winning author Jennifer Ashley and nationally bestselling and award-winning author Allyson James. Her award-winning Captain Lacey Regency mysteries have garnered top reviews and an enthusiastic following. These books are now available as digital editions. More about the series can be found at http://www.gardnermysteries.com

Reviews

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable light reading--another Leonidas the Gladiator mystery. With his faithful slave/scribe Cassia, Leonidas and Cassia find themselves embroiled in a riddle involving an old ring, a dead body of many years, a complicated plot involving a family of travelling actors and a play written for them, in which their son would play a descendent of King Tarquin coming back to claim the throne. Of course, Nero was most unhappy at this he feared a rival for his throne. Leonidas now works for a builder, whom we met in an earlier adventure. They also face an arsonist along with a second dead body, and their escape from a smoke-filled building is harrowing. The printer could have been much more careful; words were left out. Why did the author call the man who ran the popina a landlord, rather than a publican or even owner?

[Lorena · Rating 4 out of 5]

I continue to love this series, with it's vast depth of research regarding life in Nero's Rome, and wonderful character development. It's one of those where everything is so real, I find myself wanting to eat what the characters are eating! I also enjoyed the clever bit of foreshadowing about the danger and fear of fire in the crowded conditions of Rome in this period.

[Mary Heron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leonidas finally has a chance at a life but is.it.about to be stolen from him?

Leonidas is starting work for the architect Gallus as his foreman on a building site, they will.be building a warehouse in the banks of the Tiber. On the first day when walking the site Leonidas finds a ring hidden in the dirt. The ring is old, engraved and solid gold. Cassia identifies it as old Etruscan and after some help translates what is engraved on it. This leads to.a whole host of problems for her and Leonidas, Nero orders them to find out who is responsible for the ring being in the dirt and bring them to him. A ring buried the God's only know when, it may even have just fell off someone's hand one day unnoticed, but Leonidas and Cassia have seven days to give Nero answers or face his wrath..................

[Gregory Mele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Has hit her stride

This third full-length tale of a freed gladiator and clever female scribe forced into service as investigators for Nero now has the smoothness of a mature series; we know Leonidas and Claudia and there is a growing cast of recurring characters that bring their Rome to life. A lighter, but worthy, counterpoint to John Maddox Roberts' SPQR series.

[SheLove2Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good story with Leonidas and Cassia!

[Cody · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this one. There were some nitpicky things, but overall it read really quickly and definitely felt like the best book in the series so far.

Quick hits:
+ Leonidas and Cassia still continue to thrive, growing individually and together.
+ The story was a little out there for sure, but I actually thought considering that it was handled really well and the resolution was pretty good.
+ The side characters continue to play a large role in the story and it's an interesting dynamic for Leonidas to form relationships as he feels unworthy. I'm really looking forward to where his and Livius' relationship goes.
+ Teases for future adventures that would be a nice change of pace.
- There were a few editing issues littered throughout the book, and I was hoping for a little bit more development between Cassia and Leonidas. It feels like they're at the glass ceiling and the breakthrough moment isn't happening.

The series continues to improve with each installment and this one has certainly been the best. The characters and the world continue to deepen and expand, which is great for those of us reading every book. This can be read as a standalone but it of course works better as an installment. I would recommend the book and series to those who are fans of Ashley's other work or those who are fans of good historical cozy mysteries.

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25/5⭐️

Another good entry. The plot got a little convoluted at times, but I enjoyed it just the same.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kindle version-own
Leonidas, Cassia
Ancient Rome

I love this series. I love learning about life in Rome during this time (Nero was emperor 54 A.D. until his death 14 years later). I especially love Leonidas and Cassia and their own blossoming love story...although that could move along a little quicker for my tastes. Props to Jennifer Ashley/Ashley Gardner for all the research she must have done for this series to make it so authentic. I feel like I am right there, walking the streets of this ancient city. The mystery element is always good, but I'm here for the characters.

[David A. · Rating 2 out of 5]

don’t bother

Where do I begin? I’m a fan of this series and the Captain Lacey books, and looked forward to reading the next installment of the Leonidas saga.
To say I was disappointed is an understatement. The premise is ridiculous and the execution clumsy. Ashley are you employing an understudy?
On top of that it appears your proof reader is on vacation. The word ‘lake’ appears when it should have been ‘lack’ and that is only one example including using the name of the wrong character in a paragraph. There are others. This is the first time I’ve experienced these kinds of oversights in the numerous books by Ms. Gardner I’ve read.
I’m disappointed and I hope the next book in the series will be better.

[Elisabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as good

While the characters are as solid as ever, the plot is forced. There are holes where events are forced, people do things for no particular reason other than to advance the plot, and the resolution is unsatisfying. And the danger scene before the great reveal was particularly forced. I'm saddened as this is one of my most favorite series by a most favorite author. Fingers crossed that it isn't the beginning of the end but just a blip in the road.

[Lissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

These books can be a little slow but the depth of research and the recreation of life so different than anything I can imagine is a delight to read.

This is a character list for my middle-aged memory
Leo - ex gladiator, freed by unknown benefactor, very observant
Cassia - scribe, 20ish, dark hair, obsessively organized & takes note, very smart
Xerxes - Leo bestie, fun & mischievous, dead in match leaving behind family
Marcella- Xerxes widow with 5 kids, still mourns, lives on farm outside Rome
Nones Marcianus-doctor of gladiators, kind & brilliant dr. from Equestrian family but likes treating unfortunates, Leo friend
Marcia - young women ex-prostitute that Marcianus has taken in as assistant when madam died. Marcianus is protective of her.
Aemilanus/Aemil - ex gladiator, owner & trainer of Leo Ludus, fierce taskmaster but not heartless, secretly considers Gladiators his responsibility. Has a temper
Regulus - best gladiator after Leo. Hates Leo for not killing him in last match as R wanted. Arrogant and always looking for way to harm Leo. 1st in Ludus
Ajax - gladiator slave from Pannonia, likes sex with prostitutes', third in Ludus,
Herakles - gladiator slave from Pannonia, mistress is Dominiana, wants to die in glory
Rufus - free man who sold self into slavery/gladiator to pay debts. Married to rich Chyrseis, second in Ludus. dead in book 2
Chyrseis - angry, cheap, beautiful rich wife to Rufus, has many land holdings
Gaius, Merope, Martolia - Rufus lovers, talented dancer and drummer who are often invited wealthy homes as entertainment, young, poor and fun loving
Septimius - gate guard of Aemil ludus
Praxis - young new slave gladiator form North, hears and remembers thing
Volteius - armor maker to gladiators
Albus - works for Volteius, not strong enough to work forges so does accounts, waits on customers
Marcus Vatia - captain of Aventine Vigils
Helvius - Cassius scribe childhood friend from prior owner. Loves Cassia, works for Dominaiana
Sextus Livius - from book 1, very rich freeman/secretly ex slave, bastard son of P, adopted by wealthy man, feels in Leo debt for protect birth father
Hesiodos - go between for Leo/Cassia and secret benefactor
Gnaeus Gallus - builder of not fancy buildings, wants Leo to come work as assistant, maybe foreman, building warehouse for Sextus Livius
Servius - one of Nero guards who recognizes Cassi & Leo and helps them
Vibus - equestrian class, also works for Gallus with Leo, married higher class practical Aelia. has a kind nature and good heart
Cloelius Crispus- Aelia brother, family was well regarded & wealthy but Cloelius is disliked, vicious tongued and faithless
Scaevola - local leader of virgils, kind if a bully
Duilius - pater of theater family, poor
Camilla - his wife, will of family
Laurentius - eldest son of theater family

[R · Rating 5 out of 5]

**MINOR SPOILERS**
This book is the third in the Leonidas the Gladiator series (there is also a novella). It is set in 63 AD in Rome.
Leonidas is a former gladiator and, in this story, he begins a new job as a builder and on the first day he finds a ring almost buried in some mud at the site where a building will be built. His new boss says that he can keep it. When he brings it home to give it to his slave and friend, Cassia, she is intrigued by its age and inscription. With help, she quickly figures out that it is an old Etruscan ring and it is said that whoever wears it has a claim to the throne of Rome.
Cassia and Leonidas decide to bring the ring to Nero. When they do, he suspects a conspiracy and orders them to try to find out who the conspirator might be, or he will punish them. They are unhappy with this assignment, as they believe it will be difficult or impossible to find out more. Gradually, they do find out more, some of it an unlikely tale. Despite that, it is interesting and the story has a good pace.
Leonidas and Cassia are friends. They both are attracted to each other but unaware of the other’s interest.
The book is told from Leonidas’ first person point of view. Words were improperly used in spots. The dialogue was realistic. The secondary characters are fleshed out.
A small note to the author or publisher: it would have been nice to include a map.
It is interesting to read about the history of Rome and what life might have been like back then.
I plan to continue onto the next book in the series.

[Colour Me Purple · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Ring That Caesar wore, book 3 in Ms. Gardner’s mystery series set in Rome, AD 63, continues the adventures of Leonidas, a freed Gladiator, and his scribe Cassie.
Cassia came to Leonidas as a gift from an unknown benefactor, and in addition to a fascinating mystery, this novel continues Leonidas’ efforts, without success, to discover the name of his benefactor.
Leonidas has been hired by the builder, Gnaeus Gallus, to assist in erecting a new warehouse. On his first day on the building site, Leonidas finds a ring, and from that find comes a mystery that weaves and winds its way through the City of Rome. The reader once again meets well-established characters and is introduced to an interesting cast of new players.
Ms. Ashley’s in-depth research is evident in her depictions of everyday life in very early Rome, as well as her descriptions of buildings and vistas. The slowly developing relationship between Cassie and Leonidas is a joy to watch. I am quite enchanted by these two principal characters. This is a another thoroughly enjoyable read in the series and I look forward to future releases.

[Ute · Rating 5 out of 5]

Waiting for Book 4

Devoured this third book in the series . It was just as much engaging as the two previous ones with the only difference, that I fell in love a little bit more with the characters in this fantastic series. Smart , shy but determined Cassia, strong and dependable Leonidas,ever curious Marcianus ,Gallus and the new addition of Vibius - they all are likable characters in this mystery series playing in Ancient Rome. The mystery is good and Ms Gardner has a wonderful talent to describe the scenery from the busy streets of Rome to the palatial home of Nero himself.
It is a book series I love every minute of it and I really hope that for book 4 the waiting time is rather short ( a girl can hope ).
Can recommend for a good mystery , with well flushed out characters and very slow, slow, slow romantic development between the main characters :)

[Christopher Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another enjoyable outing with Leonidas the retired gladiator. There are some aspects that are a bit sketchy historically (the slave girl is a bit too bold and able to act, talking without permission etc) but its pretty solid and a fun dip into an ancient culture.

This time the mystery involves a ring found in a building site that leads Nero to believe that there is a conspiracy to depose him and put a king in his place, an ancestor of the last king of Rome. Nero gives Leonidas a very short, arbitrary deadline to break up this conspiracy which the team struggles to solve. Is there actually such a thing or is it all a coverup for something else?

[Nina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some improbable plot contrivances, but still a good story. I adore Leonidas and Cassia, so they can do whatever they want. In this book of the series, Leonidas, former gladiator, has taken a job on a building site and finds a gold ring with an inscription inside that would appear a threat to the emperor. He turns the ring over to Nero so that he himself won't be caught hiding it, and Nero sends him off to find a potential traitor or be executed himself. Leonidas and Cassia, his faithful slave/scribe are nearly killed themselves more than once trying to uncover what is either a hoax or a plot against the emperor.

[Ellie Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so invested in this series and this was another terrific outing for Leonidas and Cassia.

The way Ashley Gardiner brings Nero's Rome to vibrant life through the point of view of an ordinary Roman citizen and fascinating and thoroughly enjoyable. The investigation element was not only cleverly plotted but took the reader on a tour through Rome with its sights, sounds and most of all, the people who were drawn into the plot.

Leonidas and Cassia are developing as a team as well as individual characters, and their mutual reliance and respect with a hint of romance drives this series. Can't wait for the next one!

[Beverly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love Ashley Gardner's historical mysteries, but this one story was only good because the characters were excellent. It was the mystery and the actions of the characters which were convoluted, unbelievable and sometimes just ridiculous. On top of that, it was poorly edited. All of that makes me wonder if she rushed writing the story, forcing things into it that obviously didn't work, and then did a quick once over edit. I will read the next one because I love the characters and the storyline, but I hope the plot is written better than this one.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am deeply commmited to Leonidas and his scribe Cassia. Their story takes place before the Falco and Flavia Albia series by Lindsay Davis. My heart cringes everytime they encounter Nero. He was such an unpredictable tyrant. In this storyline I wasn't sure that Leonidas and Cassia were going to make to the end of the book with their lives intact let alone figure out the task that Nero set them on.

I love this series, gritty, dark and just enough angst to keep me reading. Looking forward to their next adventure.

[Michael Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cold case crime. Leonidas worked for a builder in his early days and needing money now, gets a job with Gallus, on a new building. He finds an old golden ring, which might be used to unseat Nero. He has to tell Nero because if Nero found out otherwise, he and Cassia could face a horrible death. The slightly unstable Nero is very upset and orders that he find out who is behind the plot to unseat him, or else.
A tale of hate and revenge unfolds as well as more bodies turning up, as they try to find the unknown guilty man, who in turn tries to kill them.

[Linda Lassman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a great series! Gardner has a real gift for making ancient Rome come alive. I love Leonidas and Cassia, and hope there will be many more books to come. I was pleased that my identification of the person who was the instigator of the plot was correct, but I was way off-base on pretty much everything else--the reason why, what he hoped to accomplish, and how he had decided to accomplish those goals.

[Kati · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought the mystery was well done and I didn't guess what was going on. But I really just read these books for Leonidas and Cassia. I'll forget this story's plotline by the next book.

This mystery was heavy on the misdirection and I'm not sure I was following along with the clues. It does wrap up neatly and the plot does make sense.

Overall I think the series has finally found it's footing and I'm looking forward to the next installment.

[Misti · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like this series although this one does have a plot that is a little far fetched, like other reviews have mentioned. The characters are fun and while I have no idea how historically accurate her Rome is, I like it. I see from her website that there will be a book 4 but since she’s writing at least 3 other series at the same time, it will be a long wait. Right now, I’m sure I’ll read it but no idea if that will be the case in another couple years.

[R E C · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this one. It shares the calming, thoughtful tones that are similar in her other historical novels. The pacing is still fast enough for impatient readers like myself and I finished the book too quickly. Her descriptions are specific but not overwhelming or fussy. I might have to read some Greek history next! Or make lentil stew. Mmmm…

Leonidas reminds me of Captain Lacey - and I have no problems with that!

[Roxie Klinksiek · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series. Leonides has such an interesting life even though he only seeks peace and a mundane life. This mystery was one that I couldn't figure out how they were even going to approach the investigation. There is so much information about ancient Rome and the daily lives of its citizens from the Patricians to the lowest slave that I quickly get caught up in the story. The narrator is a quite talented reader.

[Jim B · Rating 3 out of 5]

Of the three books so far in this series, this seemed to be the most far-fetched and unlikely plot. Not that it was grandiose or imaginative, but that I couldn't imagine someone thinking that things would work as they planned it (they didn't), or that even a Plan B was possible.

For those who enjoy hunky men discovering the worth of good women in their lives, this book offers one of those plot lines, but the attraction can continue for several more books.

[Yvonne Anagnost · Rating 5 out of 5]

Byzantine Plot, Absorbing

As usual, the characters sell the book. Who couldn't love, and identify with, Leonidas and Cassia?

The plot is truly Byzantine, and its twists and turns keeps me reading to the satisfying conclusion.

Can't wait for the next book!

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story

Leonidas and Cassia truly have a challenging mystery to solve this time around. It seems like they are given an impossible task with no leads to follow, but one by one they discover one thread then another until, finally, the answer becomes clear.

[David Stimpson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Series

The 3rd in the Gladiator series and it is coming on very nicely .The 2 main Characters are very good indeed and the Stories are very Good .. I will be waiting for Book Number 4

[PJ Hatfield Bauer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Historically interesting.

Her descriptions are vivid and the life ways of Rome are vividly brought to life. I enjoy the unique mysteries that lead readers through the labyrinths of Rome