A Point of Law: SPQR X
by John Maddox Roberts
Published by Thomas Dunne Books
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Reviewed by Kathy Perchmann
This is the tenth is the series, begun in 1990.
We follow the career of Decius Caecilius Metellus the Younger, who has returned from capturing pirates in Cyprus and is flush with money from captured loot. He pays off debts, gives some to the treasury, and runs for judicial office, praetor. Campaigning seems to be going well when a complete stranger, Marcus Fulvius, accuses him of corruption and plundering during his campaign in Cyprus.
This is during the last days of the Republic, when Pompey and Julius Caesar are vying for power. The family of Decius has not taken sides in the power struggle yet, though Decius is married to Caesar’s niece, Julia. When they show up for the trial the next morning, Marcus Fulvius is found dead on the steps of the basilica (court building), and Decius finds himself suddenly accused of murder by a Tribune of the People, Publius Manilius. Hermes and Decius are free to investigate, and they find out a lot in the few days they have before the murder trial.
There is a lot of enjoyment here—housebreaking and leaping from balconies; a wine- tasting clue; a very unusual gold ring with a carved sapphire and scrolls in cipher. And there is an exotic and beautiful visiting Egyptian philosopher and mathematician, Callista, to help decode them. The climactic trial, while not the sort we are used to, is riveting.
Roberts is the author of many science fiction and fantasy books as well as this acclaimed series. His glossary and explanation of Roman names and characters helps a great deal in understanding this complicated political thriller. The city and the people are realistically portrayed and the detail is just enough to flesh out the story.
This is the first I have read in the series, and I am going back to read the earlier books.
Armchair Interview agrees.