Customer Reviews

SPQR XII: Oracle of the Dead

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Overall:
I am giving "Oracle of the Dead" by John Maddox Roberts 3.5 stars. The book is a very quick and entertaining read. The style is basically the same as the other books in the SPQR series. However, the parts where keys pieces of information get figured out only indicate that Decius has figured something out which makes it fairly easy to figure out who the bad guys/gals are.

I am curious to see how John Roberts will wrap up the story now that the Republic is about to be destroyed by Julius Cesaer. The civil war between Cesaer and Pompey is just about to be begin. Thankfully, Decius is smart enough to run away to the south.

Characters:
-----------
Decius does not develop much as a character. He does grow up a bit and starts to take more seriously his political rank and the associated rights / responsibilities. A nearly successful assassination attempt helps to get him back in shape and prepare for the hard times ahead of the Republic.

Julia is not developed much but she does show a bit more understand on how to work with Decius. Decius does show more appreciation for Julia's skills.

Misc. cast of characters: there is a large group of colorful characters in the story which help round out the scope of the events quite well. I would like to have more red-herring characters to help obfusicate who the killer(s) is/are.

Story:
------
The story revolves around a mass murder of all the priests in the Temple of Apollo. The Temple of Apollo sits above a temple of Hecate. The followers of Hecate claim to have a oracle of the dead in their underground complex. The situation is complicated by the rising tensions between Pompey's faction and Cesaer's faction...overlayed on local issues between natives of the areas and the Romans who forcibly settled in the area.

The question of religious practices and superstitions are raised quite a bit. But, ultimately, it comes down to human nature.

Action:
-------
The action in the book was limited compared to the other books. Decius is more of a supervisor than an actual worker. The level of disconnectedness comes through in the story which is unfortunately as one of the main reasons I enjoy Decius is that he has been a very hands on type of person. He is not a "seagull manager" but a person who you want to work for.

Prose:
------
The style is nearly identical to the last 3 or 4 books in the series.

Characters: 2.5 stars
Story: 3 - 3.5 stars
Action: 2.5 - 3 stars
Prose: 2.5 stars
Overall: 3.5 stars -- the combination of characters, setting, roman culture, action is better than the sum of the individual parts

"Oracle of the Dead" is Book VII of the Decius Caecilius Metellus mystery series. This story is set in the waning days of the Roman Republic, as Julius Caesar approaches his run at total power. Most interestingly, it gives the reader an educated view of Roman jurisprudence and governance as practiced by protagonist Decius Metellus, who has been appointed to the position of circuit magistrate, with current headquarters in the area of the Bay of Naples. This same area is destined to be covered in ash by Mt. Vesuvius some decades later.

As an important representative of the Roman Senate and naturally inquisitive sort, Metellus extends his authority to investigate the murders of a half dozen priests of the temple of Apollo in Baiae, sharing space with some dodgy priestesses of Hecate, who guard an important oracle.

Author John Maddox Roberts takes his protagonist through some entertaining hoops as he sorts out the hows and whys of the murders. I especially enjoyed the details of Roman life in what was the resort area of the Roman upper class of the time as well as the background of Rome's relationships with the fairly recently conquered areas of southern Italy. I had forgotten how Greek that area was before the Romans moved in. Author Roberts spends some interesting focus on the impact of Greek culture and custom on Rome.

"Oracle of the Dead" will be enjoyed by fans of the SPQR series, but new readers will also find the book interesting and the mystery at its core, credible. A good read.

SPQR XII is another one of the classic Decius Metellus books we've all come to know and love, this time dealing with a corpse that washes up in an underground river at a rural shrine known as the Oracle of the Dead...yeah, creepy. But Decius and Hermes plow on with their usual aplomb, investigating in a way no one else seems to understand. Julia remains a bit of a harpy here, which is no real change from previous books; I often wonder whether the fictional Decius privately bemoans his marriage. 80% of the time he seems to skive off from her watchful eye and do what he wants to do, but that remaining 20% really makes him seem unpleasantly henpecked! Pompey and Cato put in brief but necessary appearances. No sign of Caesar.

The book rolls along well, with good characters and excellent settings. I was completely intrigued right up to turning the very last page, when, after solving the mystery to its fullest, Decius turns the case over to the local magistrates. It's not so much THAT he does this, which is a perfectly reasonable thing for him to do...it's HOW he does this. One sentence to announce he's turning it over, then turn the page to read one follow-up sentence about events in Rome after that, and bam. End of book. Too abrupt; I could have used a little more warm fuzzies in the "events in Rome after that" section, especially "what happened with regard to this case as the locals dealt with it." But this is only enough to take off half a star, which I can't do, so I don't take off any stars.

I did have a hunch who the main perpetrator was, rather early in the book, and I rarely guess that sort of thing correctly. Perhaps I've simply gotten enmeshed in Decius' way of thinking, or perhaps Roberts is becoming slightly more heavy-handed in his character introductions. Either way, it's a good read, just like all the rest of the SPQR books.

This was my "Christmas book" and it was worth every moment of zinfandel and cheese! It started with the acknowledgement of Tony Hillerman (another of my all time favorites who will be greatly missed) and grew in interest to the "annoying" climax. As usual, Decius led me to a lot of computer time and research...there's that "mundus" again! I admit the plot was a tad shakier than usual. Roberts has a love for a particular kind of villaness and when she turns up, I figure that's the one. On the other hand, there was a lot of various and interesting information about "aborigines" and about Hecate. His characters are so well-written, complete with memories, pasts, and personal attributes that I am easily drawn into his world. As far as the conclusion, I first felt a tad "dumped"... what was going to happen to those nasty priestesses? Then I realized he'd been telling us all along. As far as Decius, I'm glad he sloped off to Sicily. I keep expecting Vesuvius to explode on him. I loved the description of the amphitheater at Pompeii. It is so enthralling to read about those places through Decius' eyes. They are pretty darn lively now but he helps me imagine what they must have been back "in the day."
Julia and her party and her bickering a somewhat over-familiar. I hope Roberts finds more use for her in additional books. And I miss Milo, no matter how appropriately Roberts "disposed" of him. As usual, there are many interesting parallels between the current world situation and Rome of the Caesars.
Thank you, John M. Roberts

Polly

I have thoroughly enjoyed this series. This novel is no exception. The relationship between Decius and Julia is becomming that of a true partnership; she cares deeply for Decius keeps him focused. The issue of Julia's infertility has surfaced throughout the last few novels. I hope that this is resolved in future. Will Decius and Julia adopt? Will Julia finally carry a child to term; and will that child survive to adulthood? Will Julia die in childbirth? We know from future short stories (King of Sacrifices) that Decius has a grandson but what happens in between? Can't wait to find out.

In this, the twelfth in the SPQR series, Decius Caecilius Metellus serves as praetor peregrinus, a magistrate with authority over all disturbances involving foreigners in Italy. While holding court in the area of Compania in southern Italy, he stumbles upon the death of the chief priest of the temple of Apollo and determines to investigate.

By this time in his career Decius is famous as an investigator. Before he even arrives in Campania the people know his resume. Local officials welcome him and celebrate him with dinners and entertainment. The people, however, are nervous concerning his investigations, and that anxiety grows the more Decius learns. He suffers two attempts on his life.

The death of the priest occurs in the area of the temple. The temple of Apollo sits atop the ancient Tunnel of the Oracle of the Dead which is associated with the goddess Hecate. Early in the investigation Decius discovers the bodies of all the priests of Apollo. Since all of the priests are murdered Decius suspects a conspiracy.

As in previous SPQR books, John Maddox Roberts shares his knowledge of ancient Roman culture. At one of the feasts, the host serves eggs with gold-leaf decorations. When some of the unmarked, unbroken eggshells are cracked open, prizes are found inside. Decius openly wonders how the host accomplished this feat.

The dinner discussions were often entertaining and enlightening. In one discussion participants debate whether the world is round (because of curved shadows). Decius, himself ponders the differences between a panegyric and an ode.

The Oracle of the Dead is an excellent murder mystery full of action and suspense. The crime that Decius discovers is one of intense intrigue. I highly recommended this novel.

Decius Caecilius Metellus is traveling southern Italy as "praetor peregrinus" (praetor for the foreigners). He administers justice in cases involving foreigners, many of whom live in southern Italy. He runs across murder at a site with two temples, one of Apollo and one of Hecate. All of the priests of Apollo are murdered while Metellus is on site. Although his jurisdiction is problematic and his own life is soon in danger, Metellus takes on the investigation for several reasons, including distraction from his worries.

Why is he worried? After all he is serving his year as one of eight praetors (the second highest office in the Roman Republic). As a member of one of the most powerful families in the Republic he can probably attain the highest office (consul). He has served Caesar, knows him well (he is married to his niece) and is simultaneously fascinated by Caesar's genius and repelled by his overarching ambition.

Caesar is deciding whether to cross the Rubicon and ignite civil war. Most of Caesar's opponents, including Metellus' family, think that Caesar is cornered and will be easily defeated politically or militarily. Metellus knows better. He realizes that Caesar outclasses his opponents greatly and has long known that Caesar's triumph will mean the end of Metellus' beloved Republic.

The epic theme of the SPQR series has been the inevitable and tragic end of the Roman Republic. The series has portrayed the increasing disorder and the shortsightedness of the leaders accurately and entertainingly. The Metellus character has seen much of this at first hand and participated, sometimes near the center and more often on the periphery, in many of these events. He is now so despairing that he desperately wants to stay out of the forthcoming struggle and so survive the resulting bloodbath. But can he?

Unlike many writers, author Roberts imparts Roman history and attitudes as an integral part of his stories. His characters never give boring expository lectures to one another about things that any Roman of the time would already know. Here, for example, Roberts explains the limits of Metellus' jurisdiction by having lawyers question it at a hearing where Metellus must dance around the objections. He also illustrates Metellus' personal dilemma by having him think about how the power of his high position will cause the opposing factions to force him to choose sides. This is an accurate, entertaining and painless picture of Roman practical politics.

Metellus solves the murders, does so entertainingly and gives a painless lesson in Roman history (more in the background this time) along the way. But his distraction ends and his problem remains. Not the best of the series but solid. The atmosphere of foreboding surrounding the action is especially good.

I am a great fun of SPQR series and a really enjoyed the Oracle of the Dead although in my opinion the quality of the plot in the last books is not as good as it used to be in the first ten.What really made an ipression on me,was the ending of the book where Metellus says that that year was the last of the republic and that he is going to die soon.Does this mean that there will not be another book of the series?If so,SPQR will be truly missed.....

I enjoyed this book immensely - and was reminded yet again how much I like this series. The books in this series are among the few books I will buy new, in hard cover. And certainly the only books written by an American. There are a number of mysteries set in various ages of Ancient Rome, this one is placed in the last years of the Republic and beginning of the age of the emperors. In my opinion it's the best written and most enjoyable to read - closely followed by Lindsey Davis. I like my mysteries well written and Roberts delivers almost without exception. Steven Saylor has a series set in the same time period, but tends to be a good deal more serious, and, while readable, I don't look forward to his books with anywhere near the same anticipation. I truly appreciate Roberts' glossaries - each book has a section at the end explaining some of the arcane terminology - which allows you to follow the stories a bit more clearly. The previous book in the series was a little below expectations, but this one is back on top.

I have tried introducing friends to the various Roman mysteries and many friends simply don't like them. I have a hunch it's the names - the names are so unfamiliar, and one character may be called by any of his 3 names (all but a few had 3 names - read the glossary for the explanation) or by a nickname. It's like keeping track of the characters in Russian novels. however, if you can get past this, you will find pleasure and edification in this series. The premise is that Decius Metellus is "writing" his memoirs from the Emporer Augustus' time so the series is a first person recounting of the historical events of the time. Decius is a member of a wealthy, influential, patrician family, and is working his way through the "course of honor" as the trail from simple Senator to important leader was called. Each book takes on something in Roman history, in the form a mystery, so I have "met" most of the important people of these times - Rogues and virtuous citizens alike - during the course of the books. Naturally Metellus has his own view - usually jaundiced - of these folks, making them human for his readers. Metellus also has a turn of thought - deductive reasoning - that is not common in that time. (Alas, I sometimes wonder how common it is now!) This makes him able to figure out the mysteries - while his status in Roman society provides him with entree to every possible venue, from the Senate itself to the lowest dives. He knows everyone worth knowing and a good many you would probably not want in the house. Always entertaining and witty - and generally a good use of logic and plotting as well.

I look forward to many more episodes in this long - 12 books counting this one - memoir of one of the most important transitions in recorded history - the Roman movement from being a Republic to having an dynastic emperor. Caesar's niece, Jullia, is Decius' wife, so we are able to keep track of his career - and starting with SPQR 1 - we meet virtually all the important people of the time. This series is a delight and I can hardly wait until next year's book.

Another enjoyable Roman murder mystery starring the aristocratic Decius Caecilius Metellus the Younger. This time Decius is investigating curious events at a strange shared temple of Apollo and Hecate in South Italy. Decius's initial inquiries concern the mysterious drowning of the high priest of Apollo, but that is only the beginning of a complex tale.

The setting is the year 50 BC, in the waning days of the Republic. It is no accident that Decius has chosen to spend the year safely away from Rome. Tensions are mounting between the followers of Caesar and Pompey and both sides are preparing for war. Decius has so far managed to maintain friendly relations with both sides, but has no desire to join either.

Overall it is an amusing light adventure. The murder mystery is perhaps a little more contrived than in some of the stronger volumes in the series. But, as usual, Decius carries off his investigations in a fine breezy style and the period atmosphere is good. There are cameo appearances by Cato the Younger (annoyingly self righteous, but also alarmingly honest) and Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus (still very confident of his own greatness). There are some extended ruminations on Roman politics, but there is also plenty of action, the occasional extravagant party and quite an impressive body count.