The Venus Throw

Love the series disappointed it has pages missing and rips on multiple pages

Steven Saylor's fascination with Ancient Rome began at an early age. A history graduate and former newspaper and magazine editor, he lives in Berkeley, California. His series of books about Ancient Rome and featuring Gordianus the Finder are extremely popular both here in England and also in America. Anyone who is a fan of Lindsey Davis will love these books too. Steven Saylor brings Ancient Rome to life, so much so that the reader can lose himself in the sights and sounds of the ancient city. Gordianus the Finder, the investigator of crimes, a man whose skill and integrity have made him much sought after by some of the most important men in Rome. Men who may need a secret to be kept, men who need to know that when Gordianus is working for them he will be discreet and not susceptible to bribery. The Sub Rosa series is very quickly growing in popularity and it is easy to see why. The main character Gordianus the Finder is both a likeable and believable character and the author's descriptive talents bring the sights and sounds of Ancient Rome leaping off the pages. In this novel set in the period 50 BC Gordianus is hired to investigate a murder and he must follow a trail of intrigue to places that no one in their right mind would go, into the realms of political power. Nobody is more devious than the men who rule Rome. Men who, on the surface are the height of respectability, but rub the surface . . .

I've read almost all of Saylor's Roman mysteries (save for Myst of Prophecies), and I think this one is the best. In this novel, the author turns his attention towards Alexandria, and the instability facing the Ptolemaic dynasty. We will remember from history that an unofficial Alexandrian delegation tried to reach the Roman senate (which included the philosopher Dio), only to be assassinated outside of Rome. Since the delegation was against Ptolemy, he has long been suspected. But Saylor offers a fictional alternative that will surprise most readers.The Roman poet Catullus is also introduced in this book, and Saylor does a delightful job bringing this character to life. The poet is cyncial and comical, and certainly one of the author's most memorable figures.

Saylor's work is, as always, excellent. This one focusses on the power struggles of Rome's elite in the late Republic...and on how the various loves and lusts in that elite cause nasty thingsto happen. In addition to providing an anecdote about pointing fingers and guilt that no reader will soon forget, this book really brings Rome to life...and reminds the reader that some things are eternal.

Gordianus is back. This time he's investigating the murder of his old mentor. His investigation turns up not only the murderer but the less than philosophical lifestyle of his philosopher teacher. The true glory is the pagentry of daily life in Rome during the time of rapid expansion during the first century BC and the state of international politics as Rome casts its greedy eyes upon Egypt.

This book operates at a number of levels. As a mystery, it is full of plot twists and turns. Gordanius the finder is very much a private detective like those of Marlow's creations. Like most detectives, he has a need to know the truth, and like most, the truth does not bring him happiness. As a mystery alone it would be most satisfying.One of the most enjoyable parts of all the stories of Gordanius the finder is it's very believeable recreation of the last years of the Roman republic, and the events which led to the Caesars and the death of the republic. Those who love this era, and have studied it will have even more to enjoy. Part of the fun of this story is an description of the Clodia - Caelius - Catullus relationship - which can loosely be called a triangle, which leads to the scandalous trial of Marcus Caulius. Of course, Gordanius' old acquaintance Cicero defends Marcus Caelius and thoughly and deliciously destroys Clodia's reputation. Students of the Poetry of Catullus, should read Poem number 37, (omitted from my college text) before reading this book and be prepared for a hoot.