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Summary: A vivid image of Ancient Rome filled with suspense and myste
Review: This is the second Steven Saylor book I have read and I enjoyed it immensely. The book started out with immediate action that was rich in detail. The main characters were dynamic and intereseting. Saylors use of words creates imagry vividly present in every page. I could see every setting as if I were actually in the story. During the imprisonment, I felt that I couldn't stop reading until they had escaped. If you like Roman history or a riveting story, I suggest A Murder on the Appian Way. Every one of my fellow students agread with me in saying that this was the best school-read book ever.
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Summary: What else do they say? Regret nothing,Apologize for nothing!
Review: This is the third book by Steven Saylor that I have read, and I regret to say that it is not the best of his books. In his previous books, he tried to stay away from the extreme detail of Roman Politics. In Murder, this force seemed to drive the plot. The action of the book took a lot longer to develop than in Catalina's Riddle or Rubicon. In these he immediately started with the action, but in Murder, he began with Publius Clodius' death, then immediately began an intricately woven web of deceit and treachery within the Roman Republic. The last two sections of this novel is one of the best examples of Saylor's brilliant action sequences. I also enjoyed when our Latin III class asked questions to answer questions posed by our teacher James Storad. This kept me involved in the book and made me think about different twists that could possibly occur within this delicate plot. Another thing that kept me involved was the way Saylor continually uses words to convey a particular image or scene. These things combined with my knowledge of Roman History made me want to be in Gordianus' shoes. I wanted to find out who committed the MURDER ON THE APPIAN WAY!
Rating: 
Summary: Another Triumph
Review: This series gets better with each novel. Unfortunately, I only have three more to go. What will I do then? Gordianus is also getting a bit old at this point, so I hope that, when the time comes, Mr. Saylor will continue his Roman Sub Rosa series with Gordianus' son Eco taking his place as the Finder. My only question is as to why the author seems to ignore the development of Eco's wife as a character - she is never given much attention. These stories are totally involving and a great pleasure to read. Start with the first one (Roman Blood) and keep going!
Rating:
Summary: Another Triumph
Review: This series gets better with each novel. Unfortunately, I only have three more to go. What will I do then? Gordianus is also getting a bit old at this point, so I hope that, when the time comes, Mr. Saylor will continue his Roman Sub Rosa series with Gordianus' son Eco taking his place as the Finder. My only question is as to why the author seems to ignore the development of Eco's wife as a character - she is never given much attention. These stories are totally involving and a great pleasure to read. Start with the first one (Roman Blood) and keep going!
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Summary: Pure brilliance
Review: When I began to read Saylor's "Murder on the Appian Way" I confess I was expecting a goos story but not much else. I was pleasantly surprised. Saylor 'knows his stuff' about Ancient Rome and leading characters in it. I particulary liked his portrayals of Cicero and Caelius - Cicero was not a simple character, and Saylor has not attempted to present him as one. He is neither a weak coward or a saint, neither a hero or a fool. Rather, he is a brilliant orator with irritating qualities and good qualities, a good man in some respects yet flawed in others. Caelius is a witty, sharp-tongued young man yet lacking the brain-power or staying power to make it in the world of ancient Rome. His portrayal of the Antony/Curio/Fulvia relationship was interesting - one of the highpoints in the book. In fact, the whole Antony-character was great - likeable, amusing and a great deal of fun! I liked the fact that the book was mixed - a novel about mystery, history, politics and family life is not easy to find, but here it is! It is a superb book, and I am looking forward to hunting out more of Saylor's books.
Rating: 
Summary: A plot in need of an editor
Review: While the book has good historical info, it is a rather droll read. Saylor drifts woodenly around historical events, more like driftwood caught in a whirlpool, than a Roman war trireme circling in for a kill.I really wanted to like this book, but it takes effort to finish it. If you want to read good Roman adventure, I suggest reading Julius Caesar's "Conquest of Gaul".
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Summary: Steven Saylor wrote a puzzle for our minds....
Review: With the changing times in the approacing millenium, I find creative mystery books hard to come by. We are approaching an age of science, and well written books such as Murder on the Appian way, are hindered by the books of the future, the books of anticipation. Murder on the Appian Way puts our minds at ease, as Steven Saylor takes us on an adventure throughout Roman times. It is unbelieveable how he captured that time period with such perfection. Suspense captures all minds, and Steven Saylor couldn't have been any less predictable with his conclusion. The plot accumulated page by page, and the suspense built with every line. I enjoy the stories where a mere person becomes a hero. Gordianus surpasses most reader's expectations with his immense courage throughout the novel. Provoking questions arise throughout the story, and only encourage the reader to continue at a strenuous pace, until their mind's could be put at easy when the puzzle is solved. "Who killed the infamous ruler of Rome, Clodius". Is Steven Saylor merely teasing our minds? Is the answer obvious, does it lie right before our eyes? Or is there an in depth conclusion to the plot. Who would kill the fearless leader of Rome, in such a time of haste. The riots only excel page by page, the strife continues to grow in the land of Rome, will there be an end to the chaos that plights their land? I feel this book will grow on the reader, as it has grown on me. I truely suggest this book due to the suspense, and even the action. You really adapt to the character's, and feel what they feel, even think what they think. Steven Saylor wrote a puzzle for our minds, and there is only one way to solve it!
Rating:
Summary: Saylor Strikes Again
Review: Yet another fine novel from Steven Saylor. Despite an awkward beginning (a contrived explanation by Gordianus to his daughter about the Roman government), Murder on the Appian Way quickly throws the reader into the turmoil that marked Rome in the 50s B.C. Much better written than McCullough's Masters of Rome series, it also provides a point of view of major events from someone other than the major players, while still showing us the human side of such figures as Cicero and Marc Antony. As others have commented, this one is less mystery than some of its predecessors, but it is historical fiction at its best.
Rating:
Summary: Saylor Strikes Again
Review: Yet another fine novel from Steven Saylor. Despite an awkward beginning (a contrived explanation by Gordianus to his daughter about the Roman government), Murder on the Appian Way quickly throws the reader into the turmoil that marked Rome in the 50s B.C. Much better written than McCullough's Masters of Rome series, it also provides a point of view of major events from someone other than the major players, while still showing us the human side of such figures as Cicero and Marc Antony. As others have commented, this one is less mystery than some of its predecessors, but it is historical fiction at its best.
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