Customer Reviews

The Quirinal Hill Affair (Search the Seven Hills)

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This is a thriller set in Rome, AD 116. The 16 year old daughter of the city prefect is kidnapped, and they're afraid that the Christians have her. Chapter headings from contemporary writings underscore the reason for the fear: cannibalism, infant sacrifice, etc. And, as those practices were parts of other religions of the time and empire, the fears were real rather than outrageous. Marcus, a young philosopy student and friend of the girl, witnessed the kidnapping and becomes involved in the search for her, working with the centurian in charge and enlisting the aid of a reclusive but scholarly retired general/former imperial governor.

Hambly has the gift of seeing history as everyday life and people. She never rubs your nose in her research; many the best bits are throw away lines. The action, however, is fast and both hair raising and hilarious. She doesn't wallow in the corruptness of imperial Rome, but she doesn't ignore it either. And, while the Christians aren't quite what you heard about in Sunday school, neither is this an exercis in religion bashing. She's writing about people, and her characters and scenes are vivid and unforgettable.

This book reads very well the first time; re-reading is even better. Yes, the re-reader knows what the solution to the mystery is, but the construction is brilliant, and it's breathtaking to read certain conversations again, seeing them from an entirely different perspective.

Another great joy is to find someone else who has read the book, and play the game of casting the characters for a movie. Sixtus, of course, is Sir Alec Guinness, but we can't decide between Tommy Lee Jones as Arrius, or Arnold Schwartzeneger. Either would be excellent.

I have read this book at least a dozen times, and have given away more than a dozen copies of the paper-back edition (Search the Seven Hills). St. Martin Press, or someone, needs to re-issue this. I've read enough reviews to know that I'm not alone in my devotion to this outstanding novel.

This is the same book as "Search the Seven Hills" but under another title. Mystery concerning a young man and his girlfriend set in ancient Rome. Provides a well researched glimpse into the time period as well as a view of how the "new" religion Catholicism was first perceived. As with all of Barbara Hambly's books-a must read.

This thriller, set in Rome, AD 116, is the first of Barbara Hambly's books that I read; and it is still one of my favorites. The daughter of a Roman official is kidnapped, and they fear that the Christians have taken her. (Contemporary quotes for chapter headings clarify the basis for the fear.) A young philosophy student and childhood friend who witnessed the snatch tries to help the investigating centurian.

One of Hambly's great gifts is using thorough research without showing off to the reader. She is also a very visual writer, again without pausing for effect. Anyone reading this book will be left with an astonishing collection of vivid images, most of which will evoke a smile or grin.

Hambly is a writer with the gift of seeing history as people surrounded by other people: going places and doing things; not as statues posturing in an ancient language. The Romans are individuals, good and bad; and the Christians are frequently "like tomcats in a sack".

I highly recommend this to anyone who likes an enjoyable mystery; and for those who like to re-read, it's even better the second (or sixth) time through.