SPQR V: Saturnalia

By: John Maddox Roberts

Narrated by: John Lee

Length: 7 hrs and 12 mins

Publisher's summary

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.

©1999 John Maddox Roberts (P)2012 Audible, Inc.

SPQR series is lots of fun,

Love the SPQR series and characters. Good mysteries, history and lots of fun. I like to listen to series books in order. For some reason SPQR IV is not available. Hope that will change soon. In the meantime, I will keep listening to this series.

Each story in series gets better

Where does SPQR V: Saturnalia rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

As far a historical novels in a series, it is one of the most exciting and interisting. John Maddox Roberts knows his history and keeps the time lines perfect.

What did you like best about this story?

I really like the way Decius and his betrothed are working together to figure out the plots and mysteries. Julia is starting to help him, and it's a nice feature. Also in this story Decius really does get rid of the bad guy.

What does John Lee bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I love John Lee as a narrator, he is one of my favorites and he's wonderful with emothions and voices. I'm so glad that when they changed from Simon Vance, who is also one of my favorites they changed to John Lee.

Any additional comments?

It seems every book in this series is getting better, and the characters that we know are interacting and we learn more about who they are and why they behave the way they do. There is some deep thought going into many of the stories. Looking forward to the next in series.

It just keeps getting better

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, if they were a fan of historical detective fiction.

Any additional comments?

This series gets better with every book. I have just finished book 5. I love the historical detail and the characters are becoming more interesting as they are met in each book.

Best of the series, especial dramatic ending!

Wonderful series. You feel you could fit in in ancient Rome. Lots to do, lots to debate and of course, you'd need to be around Decius. He's a treat.

Great historical Fiction

It's really great to have a historical fiction murder mystery book, where the characters do not have to be politically correct by today's standards. It is a must read!
The book includes all the great Roman historical figures, and as far as I can tell its historically accurate
Although I need to do more research on the history of the Vatican grounds which the book describes in some interesting ways

Saturnalia

I love this series. Roberts is not only a talented writer, he is also an accomplished historian. I learn something new about Ancient Rome with every story.