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Murder Imperial

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Murder Imperial
by Paul Doherty

It is 312 C.E. Constantine has recently defeated his rival Maxentius and has entered Rome to become Emperor of the West and self proclaimed "protector of the Christians." His eyes, however, are on the real prize, the rich lands of the East now held by Emperor Licinius. These plans are being undermined by a serious of gruesome murders connected to the palace. To discover the identity of her son's enemy, his doting mother Helena has her most effective spy, young Claudia, become an undercover palace servant. Because of her observation skills and ability to glide about without being noticed, Helena calls Claudia her "little mouse." But even a mouse cannot remain invisible for long, and it seems likely that Claudia will be the murderer's next victim.

Publicly Claudia is the inconsequential niece of a local tavern owner; in secret she belongs to a type of imperial spy group called Argentes in Rebus. Both personae give Claudia access to a variety of colorful Roman types - from an influential Christian priest to popular gladiators, actors, and courtesans. Of particular interest are the palace personalities and their intrigues. "Trust no one," Claudia is told - advice that more than once proves to be true.

Doughty is a prolific writer whose works span wide historical periods. He writes vividly and with great style on the quotidian details of his periods. His main scholarship, however, seems to be medieval England and we would feel more comfortable about his descriptions if this book on Constantinian Rome had listed some of the author's most useful sources.

Paul Doherty is the consummate professional when it comes to writing historical novels. I for one do not know how he can be so prolific with his offering of books and yet make sure that each of them is well researched. Whether they be 13th, 14th, or fifteenth century they are always true to the period. He also writes about Ancient Egypt and Alexander the Great. Paul Doherty has the rare talent of making you feel as though you are there, be it medieval England, or battling with Alexander. The sounds and smells of the period seem to waft from the pages of his books. He has now turned his attention to Ancient Rome and this is the second book in the series.

Rome 313 AD, after a series of abject and at times tyrannical rulers, the Emperor Diocletian has divided the Roman Empire into east and west. Constantine has had a victory over Maxentius in the west and Rome now seems to be heading towards a period of prosperity and stability. But instead of enjoying the fruits of his victory, Constantine under the guidance of his mother Helena is striving to harness the power of the increasingly influential Christians.