A Murder on the Appian Way by Steven SaylorMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Wow, love this author. It's not for everyone as not a lot happens but it's gentle pace is half the reason to love it. The tale makes you believe that you are in Rome (or further afield). Steven Saylor's depth of knowledge is incredible and the small detail really works, like the time Gordianus is leaving Rome and one of the aqueducts has a leak and water drips down his neck. Such a trivial thing but it tells you loads about Rome, the importance of the aqueducts, the slight imperfections on an otherwise stunning achievement. The story line is also very interesting picking on an less well known character and incident and bringing it to life. There is loads of politics and intrigue, all of which Gordianus is trying to leave behind and failing in the attempt. I have read most of his books and the more you read the better the tale, it spans one man's lifetime from young and enthusiastic person to old and cynical man. It plots the life of key Romans such as Cicero. It describes Pompey's summer residence and it's a sumptuous treat, both in writing and what the "rich" could afford. Amazing tales and well worth getting into.
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