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A Murder on the Appian Way Audiobook
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(4.00) - 1,356 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
Ancient Rome has been in a state of turmoil as the rival gangs of Publius Clodius, a high-born, populist politician, and his arch-enemy, Titus Milo, have fought to control the consular elections. When Clodius is murdered on the famed Appian Way and Milo is accused of the crime, the city explodes with riots and arson, and even the near sacrosanct Senate House is burned to the ground.
As accusations and rumors fly, Gordianus the Finder, whose famed investigative skills and integrity make him sought after by all sides in the escalating conflict, is charged by Pompey the Great with discovering what really happened. Who is really responsible for Clodius’ death? And should his murderer be despised as a villain or hailed as a savior of the Republic?
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"Steven Saylor developed a passion for all things "Roman" as an adolescent. He's spent years reading and researching everything he could find on this time period and writes stories based on historical events and characters. He doesn't sugar-coat the past nor does he write under the influence of any religious dogma. If you're easily offended by depictions of gladiatorial games, bloodshed, and sexual attractions and situations, do NOT read this series. If however, you're an adult who accepts that ancient people approached life differently and relished food, entertainments and pleasures (when they could get them), then get comfortable and enjoy some good stories. Life was hard in ancient times and this author tells it like it was!"
— Denise (4 out of 5 stars)
Quotes
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“Gordianus has wisdom and prudence; Saylor has intelligence, wit, and insight. Saylor has acquired the information of a historian but he enjoys the gifts of a born novelist.”
— Boston Globe -
“In Steven Saylor’s lively imagination, Rome—both glorious and grimy—is revived.”
— Seattle Times -
“An unusual and morally sturdy character, Gordianus is honest without being sanctimonious, a savvy observer of the political scene who never loses his integrity…The suspense never lags as Saylor spins a sophisticated political thriller that also brings his readers up to speed on their Roman history.”
— Publishers Weekly -
“The plotting is deft and the action—both physical and intellectual—is nonstop.”
— Amazon.com, editorial review -
“Another irresistible installment in the continuing chronicles of Gordianus the Finder…Gripping suspense and intrigue superbly supported by a wealth of accurate historical detail.”
— Booklist
A Murder on the Appian Way Listener Reviews
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" I can't stop reading these books. They're like crack. "
— Alex, 2/12/2014 -
" I have an only slightly-secret love for the mysteries of Steven Saylor set in ancient Rome. They're always fun, and often a little educational as well. Another favorite of mine, this one with Saylor's take on the truth behind Cicero's Pro Milone. Anyone who has studied the parallel accounts of the murder of Clodius (e.g. by teaching or learning from Ecce Romani IV ought to read this one! "
— Colin, 1/29/2014 -
" Overall this was a good book, if Roman history with a little murder mystery thrown in is something that interests you, then this is a book for you. "
— Eric, 1/18/2014 -
" Another good book in the mystery series. This one is about the murder of Publius Clodius, hero of the people, by patrician politician Milo "
— Michele, 12/18/2013 -
" I got this book out of the library...a wonderful historical mystery novel based on the orations of Cicero. "
— Julianne, 12/7/2013 -
" I love historical Roman mystery stories. If you like Roman history and a good mystery then read this series. "
— Freddie, 11/7/2013 -
" In the Roma Sub Rosa series. "
— Brenda, 10/20/2013 -
" Really enjoyable mystery, complete with a who's who of the fall of the Roman republic. "
— Julie, 9/28/2013 -
" Excellent - enjoyable! "
— Mieczyslaw, 8/31/2013 -
" another great novel which combines fiction with history, and gives insight into ancient Rome. "
— Paulina, 7/26/2013 -
" This series keeps getting better. "
— Linda, 5/3/2013 -
" This was a very exciting addition to the series. Marc Anthony is moving in and Cicero is being pushed out of the Roman spotlight. There was even mention of a young Cleopatra. I can't wait to read the next book. "
— MaryBeth, 3/23/2013 -
" Really enjoyed this book. Gordianus the Finder is an excellent character. "
— Bob, 1/19/2013 -
" Enjoyable read. The mystery was not as interesting to me as the information about life in ancient Rome. "
— Jack, 11/6/2011 -
" Nice to read after Rome, as both of these take place around the time of Season 1. Fun, not super-serious, though I imagine he's got all the details right. (Nominally murder mysteries.) "
— James, 7/2/2011 -
" There are not enough stars to rate Saylor's books. Once you begin reading you are immersed in the sensation of being a Roman citizen in ancient Rome. "
— Marijalas, 6/12/2011 -
" Another good book in the mystery series. This one is about the murder of Publius Clodius, hero of the people, by patrician politician Milo "
— Michele, 3/30/2011 -
" great book I'll look for more by Steven Saylor "
— Matt, 1/3/2011 -
" Really enjoyed this book. Gordianus the Finder is an excellent character. "
— Bob, 12/13/2010 -
" Another strong outing for the finder! <br/> lots of strands to keep hold of in this one and as per the other books in the series it is very descriptive, but I find that works really well for this style of novel. <br/>good stuff! "
— Ben, 9/11/2010 -
" Gordianus can find himself in a bit of a soap opera. He's the least heroic guy I've ever seen when it comes to fighting, and he seems to have a moral sensibility that verges on the 20th century. <br/>But I'm a sucker for Rome and the stories zip along. "
— Dev, 9/2/2010 -
" Saylor's writing is getting a bit darker as this series progresses, but it's not necessarily a bad thing. "
— Leigh-ann, 7/18/2010 -
" I can't stop reading these books. They're like crack. "
— Alex, 6/25/2010 -
" Nice to read after Rome, as both of these take place around the time of Season 1. Fun, not super-serious, though I imagine he's got all the details right. (Nominally murder mysteries.) "
— James, 2/16/2010 -
" Great book. OK I have been slacking on my social networking, and it's been a while. But since I started this, I have actually gone and read a few others from this series. I love Steven Saylor! "
— Jackie, 12/20/2009 -
" Enjoyable read. The mystery was not as interesting to me as the information about life in ancient Rome. "
— Jack, 12/6/2009 -
" I am so addicted to Saylor, it's not even funny... I have picked up some other authors of the Roman mystery genre, and it's apples and oranges when compared to his works. "
— Fredstrong, 2/16/2009 -
" 5th book. This started slow, setting the historical situation. But was quite a good story when all done. More continues to change in Gordian’s life. "
— David, 12/31/2008 -
" Overall this was a good book, if Roman history with a little murder mystery thrown in is something that interests you, then this is a book for you. "
— Eric, 11/12/2008 -
" Really enjoyable mystery, complete with a who's who of the fall of the Roman republic. "
— Julie, 11/6/2008 -
" This series keeps getting better. "
— Linda, 9/12/2008 -
" In the Roma Sub Rosa series. "
— Brenda, 3/29/2008
About Steven Saylor
Steven Saylor is a freelance writer, editor, and the author of novels set in ancient Rome. He studied history at the University of Texas at Austin. Saylor’s writing has appeared in the Threepenny Review, San Francisco Bay Guardian, Ellery Queen’s Mystery Magazine, and the Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction. He lives in Berkeley, California, and Austin, Texas.
About Scott Harrison
Scott Harrison is a graduate of the American Repertory Theater Institute in Massachusetts and founder of Ironweed Productions, a theater company in Santa Fe, New Mexico.