The Song of the Gladiator (Ancient Rome Mysteries) [Paperback]

Paul Doherty (Author)

Book Description

Series: Ancient Rome Mysteries | Publication Date: April 4, 2005

It is 313 AD, and tempers are rising in Rome. The Emperor Constantine and his mother Helena are trying to make sense of the new Christian religion which is spreading through the Empire. Scholars are locked in a bitter struggle over whether Christ really was the son of God, and Constantine invites delegates from both sides to debate before him at his villa. Soon after the meeting, envoys from both sides are found murdered in a most macabre fashion, and the Holy Sword is later discovered to be stolen. Helena calls on the help of her secret agent Claudia—a shrewd, unobtrusive detective—to untangle the dangerous web of intrigue.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Paul Doherty is the author of several mystery series, including the Ancient Egypt Trilogy, the Ancient Roman Mysteries series, and The Sorrowful Mysteries of Brother Athelstan series.

Product Details

• Paperback: 416 pages
• Publisher: Headline Book Publishing (April 4, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0755307798
• ISBN-13: 978-0755307791
• Product Dimensions: 6.9 x 4.5 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #992,761 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A good read, September 19, 2005

By 

Bryan MacKinnon (Tokyo, Japan) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Song of the Gladiator (Hardcover)

This book is better than its slightly corny title. A murder mystery set in ancient Rome, it brings to life historical and fictional characters during a very interesting time - the transformation of Christianity from a "subversive" sect to the official religion of the Empire. Into this turmoil is injected a healthy mix of politics, theft, murder, and revenge. Gladiators do form part of the book's basis but no more than does the Imperial Court of Constantine the Great served by the agile and inquisitive spy Claudia for the Empress Helena. I can't wait for Claudia to appear in a future installment.

Personally I prefer reading historical fact or historical novels that bring the characters to live. This book fits the bill very well.

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Thumbs Up!!, November 13, 2004

By 

J. Chippindale (England) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Song of the Gladiator (Paperback)

As the reader can deduce from the title this novel is about Ancient Rome. Is is set at the time of the Emperor Constantine and his manipulative mother Helena, who is the power behind his "reign". Claudia the leading character is Helena's spy. She is heavily involved with one of the foremost gladiators in the city and he has become the subject of a heavy betting syndicate who are attempting to manipulate his fights in the arena to their advantage. The book is full of the savagery and violence that is well documented for that period of history. Paul Doherty seems to be able to turn his hand to any period of history, be it Rome, Ancient Egypt or Medieval England. This is as good as any of his recent books.

5.0 out of 5 stars An Enjoyable Book, November 27, 2009

By 

Dale Johnston (Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Song of the Gladiator (Ancient Rome Mysteries) (Paperback)

Though I'm sure I have read other books by Paul Doherty, I do not recall them. I will be looking for some in the future.

"The Song Of The Gladiator" was a captivating mystery with several subplots, thoroughly enjoyable characters, both heroes and villains, and a reasonably satisfactory conclusion.