Customer Reviews

A Point of Law (SPQR X)

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As Decius Metellus the Younger stands for election, he becomes the subject of a private prosecution brought by Marcus Fulvius, a political tyro from the sticks who seeks to jump start his career by prosecuting Decius on trumped-up charges of public corruption. As Decius arrives at court to answer the charges, he finds young Fulvius' mutilated body lying on the steps of the courthouse.

Now he must defend himself on a charge of capital murder. Because the Romans are a civilized people, he does not have to languish in jail awaiting trial, but the trial will be a speedy one indeed. He has only a few days to prepare his defense. With the assistance of his trusty freedman, Hermes, his brainy wife, Julia, the Greek physician Ascelpiodes (an expert on the infliction and treatment of wounds), and a beautiful female mathematician from Alexandria, he sets out to untangle the dual mysteries precisely who is conspiring against him and who killed Fulvius.

The investigation leads from the mortuary to the archives of Rome, to the homes of some of the most beautiful leading ladies of Rome, to the barbershops and bathhouses. Decius makes use of forensic pathology, cryptography, gossip, and informal logic in uncovering a convoluted web of conspiracy that threatens the very existence of the Roman Republic. Now how can he make use of his discovery to save both himself and his beloved Republic?

The earlier SPQR stories have contained more action, but in this story Roberts minimizes the bloodletting and emphasizes the brainwork. The book could almost be called a police procedural / courtroom drama. It tracks the criminal procedure of ancient Rome quite closely, and Decius' actual trial in the last chapter appears to be a very accurate depiction of how the Romans actually conducted murder trials.

Back from a successful tour of Cyprus, where he defeated pirates, flirted with Cleopatra, and made money, Decius Caecilius Metellus (the younger) is back in Rome--this time, up for election as praetor. His election seems assured--he comes from one of the noble families of Rome, is married to Caesar's niece, is on at least reasonable terms with Pompey, and is popular for having provided an exceptional series of games during his Aedileship. But one of the surest ways to political success is to accuse another politician of corruption and an unknown, one Fulvius, accuses Decius of exactly that. Decius is prepared to defend himself, but when he arrives at the court, Fulvius's body is already there--already dead. Now Decius is suspected of murder.

When his doctor-friend examines the wounds and determines that Fulvius was killed by several men--slowly--Decius realizes that there is a conspiracy afoot. What he can't determine, however, is the target of that conspiracy. One thing is certain--while the Metellus family is important, they're not important enough to justify the extent of this conspiracy. Someone more important is the ultimate target, and Decius just happens to be the man who's in the way. Ignoring the usual Roman tradition of ignoring evidence and relying solely on family retainers and bribes, Decius investigates. He finds a secret cypher, a beautiful Egyptian woman, and rumors about a 12-year-old boy who might, possibly, be intended as Caesar's heir.

Author John Maddox Roberts continues his SPQR mystery series, set during the dying days of the Roman Republic. Although Pompey has rid the city of the criminal gangs which once fought for supremacy, conspiracies, plots, and murder remain common. Caesar remains in Gaul, but his suporters are active, and he sends hundreds of his soldiers home to vote in the election. The aristocratic party, which hates Caesar, is also active and its young men, including Cassius and Marcus Brutus, play cameo roles in Roberts's mystery.

Strong writing, a falible but sympathetic protagonist, an interesting mystery, and one of the most fascinating periods in history combine to create a superior historical mystery. History buffs, in particular will enjoy Roberts's feel for the last days of the Roman Republic.

Readers who share my interest in ancient Rome cannot but marvel at the way in which author John Maddox Roberts manages to recreate the hurly-burly of life in the dying Republic. At the same time he deftly negotiates for his readers a cast of hundreds, many with the same or similar names. This mystery is so well and skillfully drawn, involving a fascinating look at the Roman legal system and a foray into Greek philosophy as well as methods employed at that time to encode and decode secret messages. Decius' family life and his interaction with his friends only enhance and add to the tale. A very good read and both the cast of characters and glossary are helpful. (I hope Roberts' editors will in the future get the spelling of Sibylline correct, though. This bothers me each time and sends me to the dictionary to reassure myself of the spelling.) His public awaits Decius' next gripping adventure, knowing that a run-in with the dreaded Octavius (now aged 12) must be only a few volumes away. Ave atque vale!

I am soooo looking forward to SPQR X! I loved all of Roberts' books, they are as good as the Davis' Falco series and WAY better than Saylor's Gordianus the Finder, or the Caesar series by Iggulden. The only serious competition for SPQR would be Simon Scarrow's Macro and Falco, but since they are soldiers, and Decius Caecilius Metellus is a Senator... it's as different as James Bond and Rambo. I can't wait to read SPQR X and I'm VERY excited to read Davis' Saturnalia! This whole week of true ancient Roman enjoyment could only be beaten by an afternoon in Maecenas' garden, or Caracalla's baths ;)Or perhaps a good fight in Vespasian's theater... Don't we ALL like the Colosseum?

Another fast paced, thrilling and thoroughly enjoyable SPQR installment from John Maddox Roberts, featuring the canny and drily witty Decius Caecilius Metellus (the younger) for fans to sink their teeth! So, please allow me to add to the chorus of deserving praise already posted!!

It's election time in Rome and Decius Caecilius Metellus is looking forward to his election to praetorship; and given Decius illustrious family ties (not only is Decius is a member of the politically powerful Metelli family, but he's also married to Julius Caesar's niece, Julia), and his proven record of service (both civil and military), this election really should be only a matter of form. But that was before Decius was accussed of corruption and graft by Marcus Fulvius (a political unknown from Baiae, and the brother of the notorious Fulvia, widow of Clodius -- one of Decius' enemies). Since the accusations are quite laughable, Decius is confident that he will be able to successfully refute them. What Decius hadn't counted on though, was that Fulvius would be found murdered the next day and that he would stand accused of the murder. Now, Decius must not only prove his innocence quickly so that he can still stand for election, but also figure out who is behind this campaign to tarnish his reputation and why. His investigation will lead him down avenues he never thought he would ever have to go and introduce him to a side of Roman intrigue he never thought would ever exist. Fortunately, however, Decius possesses friends and a clever wife that he can count on to help him make sense of this latest mess that he finds himself in the middle of...

Fast paced, suspenseful and full of intriguing plot twists, this latest SPQR mystery installment was a treat to read. I especially liked how "Point of Law" grimly pointed the way to what would happen later on -- that famous ides of March event. This was truly well done, and John Maddox Roberts did a first rate job of deftly sketching in various factions, both pro-Caesar and anti-Caesar, and personalities involved as well as their political stands. Also brilliantly done was how the author vividly brought ancient Rome, and especially ancient Roman politics, to life. I also enjoyed the thrilling manner in which Decius' investigation was allowed to unfold -- all the plot twists and intrigue made this particular installment of the SPQR series truly absorbing and engrossing. Really "Point of Law" was quite the page turner! And while still quite drily witty, if some of the usual sardonic humour was in short supply, the rapid and brisk pace at which the plot unfolded, more than made up for this small lack. All in all, "Point of Law" proved to be a real treat of a read -- and one that invites future and equally captivating rereads.

In "A Point of Law", the accomplished investigator is himself accused of crime. How can Decius investigate a murder, and clear himself of criminal charges, while running for political office?

It is 51 BC and Decius Caecilius Metellus the Younger is a candidate for Praetor, a sort of judge. Praetor is a major office with imperium, which means he could raise armies, inflict corporeal and capital punishment and issue binding orders to citizens. As praetor he will have lictors, aides to enforce his orders and be body guards as well. Each lictor carries a fasces, a symbol of the power of corporeal and capital punishment. Decius has powerful enemies who charge him with crimes in an attempt to make him ineligible for office. Is this a conspiracy? Which powerful forces could build opposition and prevent him from political office?

"A Point of Law" reveals a number of interesting facts about Roman culture during the republic.

First we learn that under the law of the republic murder is not a capital crime. A citizen convicted of murder standardly is sent into exile for several years. A citizen accused of crime is seldom imprisoned before the trial - if it is serious (arson is considered the worst crime as it threatens the community) the accused might be put under house arrest. In a trial, evidence is seldom presented - or even considered. Bribery is the primary defense. Trials are not about guilt or innocence, but about friends and enemies.

We learn how to make papyrus. The best papyrus is made into 10x12 inch sheets that may be later glued into a long scroll. The details of making papyrus plants into sheets for writing is fascinating

Because of the ongoing success of Caesar in the Campaign in Gaul, slaves taken in battle begin flooding Rome and ruining the economy. This is because the large number of cheap laborers puts common workers out of jobs. This is much like modern "outsourcing"

"A Point of Law" is an excellent mystery filled with suspense and intrigue. I recommend this novel.

The ending is unfortunately weak. However, I enjoyed this book for the period-piece settings and customs of the late Roman Republic.

"A Point of Law, SPQR X" by John Maddox Roberts is the tenth book in his long running series about the adventures of Senator Decius Caecilius Metellus the Younger in the last days of the Republic of Rome. Again, John Maddox Roberts presents a colorful and realistic view of the time of Pompeii and Julius Caesar, and the intricacies of law and politics in the Ancient Rome of Cicero. This is a page turner! I picked it up to read myself to sleep, and found myself turning the last page before I could sleep.
"A Point of Law" is a great book for stimulating the imagination, as you walk with the protagonist through the streets of Rome before the reforms of Augustus. The story is well written, with enough clues that you can figure it out before the ending, if you pay attention! I always distrust a storyline that adds some secret just at the conclusion, to help the author tie up loose ends. In this work, all of the threads and the ends are there, and some won't be finished with this novel, but the ones that relate to the mystery are logical and plausible!
As you probably know from previous books, Metellus the Younger has just narrowly survived his commission to stamp out a nest of pirates on Cyprus (The Princess and the Pirates, SPQR. IX). Now he is running for praetor, a noble Roman office, but mere days before the election, he is accused of being a degenerate criminal who profited from sales of stolen government naval stores, set his slaves to attack Roman citizens until the citizens paid bribes to make it stop, and other numerous crimes. Whether or not this will actually hurt Metellus the Younger's political career is questionable, (after all, most politicians have secrets), but on the day of the trial, the accuser, one Marcus Fulvius, is found dead on the steps of the Basilica Optimia, where the trial has been scheduled! Now Metellus the Younger is in real trouble, because if he can't prove his innocence, he can't run for office with any hope of victory!
Secret political factions, Caesar's veterans, hidden mathematical ciphers and lots of garum all spice up this adventure from start to finish. These works may not be actual history, but they sure are fun! I know several re-enactors who became interested in the period, due to previous books by John Maddox Roberts about the adventures of Decius Caecilius Metellus the Younger, and if you are a patron of the series, you will spend time with old friends. If you have never heard of the books, you have missed out! Get started reading!

Review by
Caius Fabius

In this tenth installment of the "SPQR" series, Decius Caecilius Metellus the Younger is standing for Aedile, one of the most thankless jobs in the Roman political hierarchy, but also a critical steppingstone to the Consulship (the closest thing Rome had to a chief executive, excepting the occasional office of Dictator.) As a member of the powerful Metellus family, and with a solid military record, Decius is quite certain of election. All seems well until Decius discovers that he is going to be prosecuted on trumped-up charges corruption and wrongdoing in his earlier job as naval commander. Things escalate from there, and this one is great fun. It is also a very good look at how Roman politics worked; author Roberts has really done his homework here.

Like most of the SPQR series, this one combines an engaging storyline with a real look at the late Roman Republic. Decius Metellus is a hoot, and it is very enjoyable to follow him through his travails in his quest for the Aedileship. This novel, like several others in the series, also acquaints the reader with many of the dysfunctional attributes of the Roman Republic. The fascination of Rome is that it combines a highly developed governmental and social structure with barbaric attributes like slavery and institutionalized torture. For this and other reasons, this series continues to fascinate.

The Kindle version is well-formatted and this one made an enjoyable read on my Kindle iPhone application (as I await my new Kindle 3).

Highly recommended. RJB.

Another in a fine series of historical mysteries, I know my historians would be the first to point out that deductive reasoning was pretty much an unknown concept in ancient Rome but if you can get past this logical hurdle you should enjoy yourself. The main character has to depend himself against charges stemming from his actions in the previous book. The charges are false and the accuser has powerful backers but it is the way political fortunes are made.

When all is said and done I have to say that I liked this installment the most out of the entire series so far because whereas most books in the series are a rinse and repeat cycle of Decius's family members thinking that he decedent and crazy (and correct) this time the entire family has to come together to save him. The way in which Decius finally turns the trick is a sight to see let me tell you.