SPQR V: Saturnalia (The SPQR Roman Mysteries) - Hardcover

Roberts, John Maddox

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0312205821 ISBN 13: 9780312205829

Publisher: Minotaur Books, 1999

Synopsis

This eagerly awaited fifth book in John Maddox Roberts's Edgar-nominated historical mystery series once again takes the reader back to the Rome of Julius Caesar and the Roman Senator Decius Caecilius Metellus the Younger. Decius has won himself a reputation as both an investigator and, most unfortunately, a bit of a playboy. Having been banished by his family for sometimes embarrassing activities to a rather leisurely lifestyle on Rhodes, he is puzzled to be suddenly and unexpectedly summoned home to assist in an investigation.

Quintus Caecilius Metellus Celer, a relative of Decius and his family and the head of a powerful political clan, has been poisoned, and his infamous wife Clodia is immediately suspected of disposing of her rather inconvenient husband. Not entirely convinced of Clodia's guilt, Decius delves into the intricacies of Rome's ruling class and discovers that a clandestine, forbidden witches' cult is inextricably intertwined with some very highborn people. A trial for Clodia would be most unwelcome, as it could bring to light some well-kept secrets. To get to the bottom of the corruption that accompanies the intoxicating allure of this ancient city, Decius must form an uneasy alliance with Clodius, Clodia's brother and his sworn enemy, and be extremely careful not to step on any toes.

About this title

About the Author:

John Maddox Roberts has written numerous works of science fiction and fantasy, in addition to his successful historical SPQR mystery series. He lives with his wife, Beth, in the little coal-mining community of Pound, Virginia.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.:

"Tonight's one of their most important festivals, isn't it? The eve of Saturnalia is when they dance and sacrifice and perform their rites, out on the Vatican field."

This was the first I had heard of such a thing. "Why the Vatican?"

"There's a plot of sacred ground out there," he said. "It's said to have a mundus and the witches can call up the dead through it or contact the gods of the underworld. Mark me, sir, at midnight tonight you won't find a striga in the city. They'll all be out there."

"You've been very helpful, Marcus Urgulus," I said, handing him a few denarii. "Here. Have a fine holiday."

"He thanked me and hurried off, leaving me to sit and ponder. Rome contains worlds within worlds. This world of the witches was a new one to me. It was a part of the world of the peasants and the small country towns, as the politics of the Senate and the rites of the great temples were parts of my own world. Witches and spells and poisons; the thought made my cut palm throb.

"Why all this talk of witches and their rites?" Hermes asked, the hot wine working on him as well. He looked uncomfortable with the subject.

"I don't know," I admitted. "I thought this would be a straightforward murder investigation, just a simple poisoning for sound personal or political reasons. Now we're off into the realms of the occult and the supernatural."

"Like most educated people I was sharply skeptical of all superstitions and persons claiming supernatural powers. On the other hand, I knew better than to take chances. And the woman Furia had unnerved me. I couldn't help but wonder: Just what did they do out there on the Vatican field?

I just knew that my curiosity was leading me into something incredibly foolish.

About this edition

• Publisher: Minotaur Books
• Publication date: 1999
• ISBN 10: 0312205821
• ISBN 13: 9780312205829
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 275