Oracle of the Dead

I enjoyed this book immensely - and was reminded yet again how much I like this series. The books in this series are among the few books I will buy new, in hard cover. And certainly the only books written by an American. There are a number of mysteries set in various ages of Ancient Rome, this one is placed in the last years of the Republic and beginning of the age of the emperors. In my opinion it's the best written and most enjoyable to read - closely followed by Lindsey Davis. I like my mysteries well written and Roberts delivers almost without exception. Steven Saylor has a series set in the same time period, but tends to be a good deal more serious, and, while readable, I don't look forward to his books with anywhere near the same anticipation. I truly appreciate Roberts' glossaries - each book has a section at the end explaining some of the arcane terminology - which allows you to follow the stories a bit more clearly. The previous book in the series was a little below expectations, but this one is back on top. I have tried introducing friends to the various Roman mysteries and many friends simply don't like them. I have a hunch it's the names - the names are so unfamiliar, and one character may be called by any of his 3 names (all but a few had 3 names - read the glossary for the explanation) or by a nickname. It's like keeping track of the characters in Russian novels. however, if you can get past this, you will find pleasure and edification in this series. The premise is that Decius Metellus is "writing" his memoirs from the Emporer Augustus' time so the series is a first person recounting of the historical events of the time. Decius is a member of a wealthy, influential, patrician family, and is working his way through the "course of honor" as the trail from simple Senator to important leader was called. Each book takes on something in Roman history, in the form a mystery, so I have "met" most of the important people of these times - Rogues and virtuous citizens alike - during the course of the books. Naturally Metellus has his own view - usually jaundiced - of these folks, making them human for his readers. Metellus also has a turn of thought - deductive reasoning - that is not common in that time. (Alas, I sometimes wonder how common it is now!) This makes him able to figure out the mysteries - while his status in Roman society provides him with entree to every possible venue, from the Senate itself to the lowest dives. He knows everyone worth knowing and a good many you would probably not want in the house. Always entertaining and witty - and generally a good use of logic and plotting as well. I look forward to many more episodes in this long - 12 books counting this one - memoir of one of the most important transitions in recorded history - the Roman movement from being a Republic to having an dynastic emperor. Caesar's niece, Jullia, is Decius' wife, so we are able to keep track of his career - and starting with SPQR 1 - we

This was my "Christmas book" and it was worth every moment of zinfandel and cheese! It started with the acknowledgement of Tony Hillerman (another of my all time favorites who will be greatly missed) and grew in interest to the "annoying" climax. As usual, Decius led me to a lot of computer time and research...there's that "mundus" again! I admit the plot was a tad shakier than usual. Roberts has a love for a particular kind of villaness and when she turns up, I figure that's the one. On the other hand, there was a lot of various and interesting information about "aborigines" and about Hecate. His characters are so well-written, complete with memories, pasts, and personal attributes that I am easily drawn into his world. As far as the conclusion, I first felt a tad "dumped"... what was going to happen to those nasty priestesses? Then I realized he'd been telling us all along. As far as Decius, I'm glad he sloped off to Sicily. I keep expecting Vesuvius to explode on him. I loved the description of the amphitheater at Pompeii. It is so enthralling to read about those places through Decius' eyes. They are pretty darn lively now but he helps me imagine what they must have been back "in the day." Julia and her party and her bickering a somewhat over-familiar. I hope Roberts finds more use for her in additional books. And I miss Milo, no matter how appropriately Roberts "disposed" of him. As usual, there are many interesting parallels between the current world situation and Rome of the Caesars. Thank you, John M. Roberts Polly

As much as Decius Metellus loves Rome, he is glad to be a praetor traveling all over the Italian Peninsular hearing cases involving foreigners. It is not a great time in Rome with Caesar and the Senate in a deadlock in which civil war threatens to erupt if the former crosses the Rubicon. If he does the Senate will send Pompey to fight him, but Decius knows Caesar's legions are battle tested in Gaul while Pompey's has not fought in years. Decius is setting up court in Baiae, but quickly learns the town is not removed from the strife. He and his traveling companions including his wife want to visit the Oracle of the Dead, a site dedicated to Hecate but beneath the Temple of Apollo. Supporters of both are feuding. After traveling through a tunnel to get to the underground river where the Oracle makes pronouncements, one of the Apollo priests is found dead; five more priests are also found dead. Decius wonders how they were killed because he followed them through the tunnels and never heard any deadly sounds. The city is outraged and demands Decius find the culprit; he agrees since someone wants him dead too. John Maddox Roberts makes Ancient Rome come to life enabling readers to believe they are accompanying Decius on his travels. This allows the audience to understand how people feel about the Caesar-Senate confrontation. Decius represents many folks who believe if Caesar seizes power he will execute employees and supporters (Decius' family backs Pompey) of the current. The SPQR saga is one of the consistently best historical mystery series with number XII another winner. Harriet Klausner

I have thoroughly enjoyed this series. This novel is no exception. The relationship between Decius and Julia is becomming that of a true partnership; she cares deeply for Decius keeps him focused. The issue of Julia's infertility has surfaced throughout the last few novels. I hope that this is resolved in future. Will Decius and Julia adopt? Will Julia finally carry a child to term; and will that child survive to adulthood? Will Julia die in childbirth? We know from future short stories (King of Sacrifices) that Decius has a grandson but what happens in between? Can't wait to find out.

SPQR XII is another one of the classic Decius Metellus books we've all come to know and love, this time dealing with a corpse that washes up in an underground river at a rural shrine known as the Oracle of the Dead...yeah, creepy. But Decius and Hermes plow on with their usual aplomb, investigating in a way no one else seems to understand. Julia remains a bit of a harpy here, which is no real change from previous books; I often wonder whether the fictional Decius privately bemoans his marriage. 80% of the time he seems to skive off from her watchful eye and do what he wants to do, but that remaining 20% really makes him seem unpleasantly henpecked! Pompey and Cato put in brief but necessary appearances. No sign of Caesar. The book rolls along well, with good characters and excellent settings. I was completely intrigued right up to turning the very last page, when, after solving the mystery to its fullest, Decius turns the case over to the local magistrates. It's not so much THAT he does this, which is a perfectly reasonable thing for him to do...it's HOW he does this. One sentence to announce he's turning it over, then turn the page to read one follow-up sentence about events in Rome after that, and bam. End of book. Too abrupt; I could have used a little more warm fuzzies in the "events in Rome after that" section, especially "what happened with regard to this case as the locals dealt with it." But this is only enough to take off half a star, which I can't do, so I don't take off any stars. I did have a hunch who the main perpetrator was, rather early in the book, and I rarely guess that sort of thing correctly. Perhaps I've simply gotten enmeshed in Decius' way of thinking, or perhaps Roberts is becoming slightly more heavy-handed in his character introductions. Either way, it's a good read, just like all the rest of the SPQR books.