A Murder on the Appian Way by Steven Saylor

He adores his family and will do anything to ensure their safety with the women having their own idea of protection. I just how love how well Saylor conveys the feel of ancient Rome, even if it does make my gut clench over some of their behaviors! Gordianus has an interesting take on his world, and he loves and hates it.

It'll be curious to see where we go in The House of the Vestals, 6. In this one, Rome can't even get to its elections, and Pomphey is preparing to take over.

In each story, Saylor is following history and weakening the government and its ability to govern. I also suspect that the entire series is building toward the end of the Republic. And that should be an interesting one to watch in future stories! One will set off the riots and grief, another will destroy a relationship forever while yet another will lead to a new one. Then there are the side notes of betrayal. But the underlying theme is one of anger with a man who takes with no consideration for others. It's got me all confused with the different Milos! I kept expecting Saylor's Milo to be the same person as Roberts', which is silly, but, well, there ya go… I definitely should not have read John Maddox Roberts' King's Gambit, I when I started this series. If you can ignore the reader, as I did, this book is still worth it.Fifth in the Roma Sub Rosa historical mystery series set in ancient Rome and revolving around Gordianus the Finder, senior. I am sorry that Scott Harrison is the narrator in so many of the Saylor Roman Mysteries. It is too bad that this will never be redone as it an excellent book. His female characters all sound as if they were hoarse. Not only is he basically a monotone, but he unable to make the characters come alive with his voice. The narrator fails on some many accounts. It gives an excellent view of Roman Society and customs as well as providing an excellent mystery - although the mystery portions are really seconday to the narrative of civil disorder in Rome.

The fascinating story is a great look at Rome on the eve of the coming of Julius Caesar. He not only tends to read with little expression, but he often mispronounces words which is very annoying. He simply is one of the worst readers I have ever encountered. I would have given this a 5 but for the narrator, Scott Harrison.

A Murder on the Appian Way by Steven Saylor