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suzemo's review against another edition
4.0
Decius is summoned back to Rome from Rhodes by his father to uncover/prove that his uncle was murdered by his uncle's wife (and sometimes enemy of Decius himself). This is a good old fashioned murder mystery set against the holiday of Saturnalia. It also features some of the usual political intrigue and a bonus of a different/older religion than the usual Roman state religion.
Decius is just as glib as always, and I appreciate Julia (his fiance) being around, as she's a fun character. Also enjoy when Milo is around.
There is some intrigue involving Pompey Magnus and Julius Caesar and that political situation, but I don't think you need to be particularly well versed to follow along, which is nice. Even though I have a pretty strong background in Roman History, I think these books are fairly accessible, but I do think this is not a serious one should jump into at the middle. It will make a lot more sense to follow along in publication order (which also follows internal chronology).
Decius is just as glib as always, and I appreciate Julia (his fiance) being around, as she's a fun character. Also enjoy when Milo is around.
There is some intrigue involving Pompey Magnus and Julius Caesar and that political situation, but I don't think you need to be particularly well versed to follow along, which is nice. Even though I have a pretty strong background in Roman History, I think these books are fairly accessible, but I do think this is not a serious one should jump into at the middle. It will make a lot more sense to follow along in publication order (which also follows internal chronology).
sandin954's review
3.0
Usually the family of Decius Caecilius Metellus the younger finds his interest in sleuthing unbecoming but, when a family member dies and rumors abound, Decius is recalled to Rome just in time for the year end celebration of Saturnalia. Another fun audio listen with narration by John Lee.
raptorimperator's review
4.0
This one was fun, being set during Saturnalia, the one day in the year where the slaves don't have to obey their masters in Rome. Hermes enjoys it far too much, even taking the liberty of calling Decius by his name instead of master, which I found hilarious. The case was good too, specifically since the most likely suspect was way too obvious, making it more of a mystery of who did it. With the exception of a few deviations, the narrative flowed nicely. And I like book 4, the story is able to stand on its own feet without relying too heavily on historical events, unlike the first 3 books, which while still fun to read made it the plot all too predictable for a student of Ancient Roman history.
The Metellii seem to like to hedge their bets, politically, making sure they have an alliance with each of the 3 big men to Rome: Crassus, Pompey, and Caesar. Decius being the link to Caesar with being betrothed to Julia Minor. I enjoyed Decius's interactions with Julia in this one, as they were able to be more free with their affections for one another thanks to the Saturnalia season. Decius still finds her complete unwillingness to see who her uncle Julius Caesar really is despite all the evidence he presents her, amusing and frustrating. I just find it amusing. Though some of the shine in her eyes might have worn off in this one. If just a bit.
Now that the series has hit its stride with book 4 and book 5, I'm looking forward to book 6.
The Metellii seem to like to hedge their bets, politically, making sure they have an alliance with each of the 3 big men to Rome: Crassus, Pompey, and Caesar. Decius being the link to Caesar with being betrothed to Julia Minor. I enjoyed Decius's interactions with Julia in this one, as they were able to be more free with their affections for one another thanks to the Saturnalia season. Decius still finds her complete unwillingness to see who her uncle Julius Caesar really is despite all the evidence he presents her, amusing and frustrating. I just find it amusing. Though some of the shine in her eyes might have worn off in this one. If just a bit.
Now that the series has hit its stride with book 4 and book 5, I'm looking forward to book 6.
1outside's review against another edition
5.0
Can't wait to read more of these. Loved Sturnalia, prefer it over book VI, maybe because it takes place in the city. Great stuff for someone who's into Ancient Rome & detective stories!
sophiewilliams's review against another edition
3.0
Looked at poisonings and the opinions on witches and religions in Ancient Rome while solving the crime.
mgcco's review against another edition
4.0
In Saturnalia , SPQR series hero Decius Caecilius Metellus the Younger goes back to Rome to investigate his kinsman's murder. While not as hilarious and as comic as the previous book in the series, I find Saturnalia to be better written and its plot more well-developed. John Maddox Roberts is truly a great storyteller.
Saturnalia has all the elements of an entertaining read: suspense, horror, action, drama (that last bit with Decius shouting at Jupiter in the rain after a fight was thoroughly amusing), the works. Though the ending was a little bit abrupt, it left me wanting for more. Am actually restraining myself from downloading Nobody Loves A Centurion at this very moment!
Good work JMR! Hope you're finished writing the 14th book in the series because at the rate I'm going, I might be able to catch up with you :D
Saturnalia has all the elements of an entertaining read: suspense, horror, action, drama (that last bit with Decius shouting at Jupiter in the rain after a fight was thoroughly amusing), the works. Though the ending was a little bit abrupt, it left me wanting for more. Am actually restraining myself from downloading Nobody Loves A Centurion at this very moment!
Good work JMR! Hope you're finished writing the 14th book in the series because at the rate I'm going, I might be able to catch up with you :D
staceylynn42's review against another edition
3.0
Book 5 in the series, featuring Decius Caecilius Metellus the Younger a well born Roman man with a reputation as an investigator, at the time of late Roman Republic.
This isn't one of my favorites in the series. It's not as much fun & feels darker to me.
The plot is fairly straightforward. Decius' family has recalled him from his most recent exile (he gets exiled at the end of nearly every book as a result of his snooping). They want him to investigate the sudden death of Metellus Celer, who is married to Clodia, sister of Decius' old enemy Clodius. The family wants him to prove Clodia did it, but as he tells them, he doesn't work that way. He'll find out WHO did it, no matter who that turns out to be.
Along the way he becomes involved in a banned witch cult that appears to have ties to poisonings.
Lots of twists & turns & certainly held my interest.
This isn't one of my favorites in the series. It's not as much fun & feels darker to me.
The plot is fairly straightforward. Decius' family has recalled him from his most recent exile (he gets exiled at the end of nearly every book as a result of his snooping). They want him to investigate the sudden death of Metellus Celer, who is married to Clodia, sister of Decius' old enemy Clodius. The family wants him to prove Clodia did it, but as he tells them, he doesn't work that way. He'll find out WHO did it, no matter who that turns out to be.
Along the way he becomes involved in a banned witch cult that appears to have ties to poisonings.
Lots of twists & turns & certainly held my interest.
plantbirdwoman's review against another edition
4.0
Saturnalia was one of the most popular holiday periods in ancient Rome. It was a time when frivolity and high spirits reigned. Perhaps a perfect time to hide a crime. But not on Decius Caecilius Metellus' watch. He continues to develop his sleuthing skills and his reputation among the well-connected of Rome in this another highly interesting tale in this series.
stacey42's review against another edition
3.0
Book 5 in the series, featuring Decius Caecilius Metellus the Younger a well born Roman man with a reputation as an investigator, at the time of late Roman Republic.
This isn't one of my favorites in the series. It's not as much fun & feels darker to me.
The plot is fairly straightforward. Decius' family has recalled him from his most recent exile (he gets exiled at the end of nearly every book as a result of his snooping). They want him to investigate the sudden death of Metellus Celer, who is married to Clodia, sister of Decius' old enemy Clodius. The family wants him to prove Clodia did it, but as he tells them, he doesn't work that way. He'll find out WHO did it, no matter who that turns out to be.
Along the way he becomes involved in a banned witch cult that appears to have ties to poisonings.
Lots of twists & turns & certainly held my interest.
This isn't one of my favorites in the series. It's not as much fun & feels darker to me.
The plot is fairly straightforward. Decius' family has recalled him from his most recent exile (he gets exiled at the end of nearly every book as a result of his snooping). They want him to investigate the sudden death of Metellus Celer, who is married to Clodia, sister of Decius' old enemy Clodius. The family wants him to prove Clodia did it, but as he tells them, he doesn't work that way. He'll find out WHO did it, no matter who that turns out to be.
Along the way he becomes involved in a banned witch cult that appears to have ties to poisonings.
Lots of twists & turns & certainly held my interest.