Rating: 
Summary: OK book, but political attack in it is offensive
Review: I enjoyed this book, although it is not 5 stars, but I warn potential buyers to chose a different book if they are easily offended. The author puts a gratuitous note in the book referring to the challenge of surviving our modern era because, among other things, Ronald Reagan lives today. The slam against Reagan had nothing to do with the rest of the book and it left me with a sour taste. The author doesn't have to practice tolerance, of course, this being a free country, but those who don't want be insulted for their beliefs when they are just trying to read escapist fiction might want to steer clear of this book.
Rating:
Summary: Worth reading, but seen better
Review: This book by Saylor has its charm and worth, but it shouldn't be at the top of anyone's reading list. Roman historical fiction are few and far between, so if you like the period, I'd still pick it up. However, if you've read the intense detail and drama of Coleen McCullough's series or the enjoyable twists and turns of Didius Falco's life in Lindsey Davis's series, you may be a tad disappointed. The book is worth reading if you're in between good books, but it's nothing incredible. The mystery is almost a little too obvious at times and the historical "fact" is a little hard to take at times. I didn't find myself latched onto Gordianus the way I did to Didius Falco. Read Lindsey Davis's series before this one.
Rating: 
Summary: Excellent research, vivid description of Roman life.
Review: Saylor does an excellent job at combining history and mystery. While learning a lot about Roman life, reading is always entertaining and interesting. Great book!
Rating: 
Summary: great encyclopedia of roman life
Review: "Roman Blood" is an excellent source of every-day roman life. Although it's a "detective story" with investigations, murder, and intrigues, it is full of little details of daily routine, which make this book attractive for anyone, infatuated with mankind
Rating:
Summary: Well-crafted Whodunnit set in ancient Rome
Review: "Roman Blood" is a whodunnit set in ancient Rome near the end of the Republic. It features Gordianus the Finder as the gumshoe. Gordianus a down-on-the-heels Roman detective is hired by Cicero an up-and-coming republican, lawyer/politician to gather evidence proving the innocence of a murder suspect he's defending. Gordianus's footwork unveils a not just the murder, but a political intrigue involving the highest levels of the dictator Sulla's regime.
Whodunnits are pretty formulaic. This one reminds me a lot of the best of Ellroy mixing murder, money, and politics. The spin of setting it in ancient Rome makes it more interesting. Saylor writes well. His prose is tight, and graphic. The obligatory gratuitous sex is especially well done. His violence and action passages are just a little weak. In addition, the story is twisty enough, not to figure it out ahead of time.
"Roman Blood" is good. It is a well crafted, murder mystery with enough information on ancient Rome to keep even serious readers of historical fiction interested.
Rating:
Summary: A powerful whodunnit rich with historical detail
Review: From page one you are plunged into the world of Ancient Rome like no other author has ever recreated. Not since I, Claudius has there been such a touching portrait of a Roman citizen. You can smell the stench of the Subura as you pick your way from clue to clue in this tightly woven mystery. I recommend the entire series highly. Reviewed very favorably by the Sunday Sleuths on DOROTHY-L
Rating:
Summary: A thrilling mystery draped with vivid historic detail.
Review: I first began reading Steven Saylor's short stories in Ellery Queen and
was immediately taken with his writing. Saylor brings history to life in
an immediate and vivid manner. He does it so well, the reader doesn't notice
it after awhile.
"Roman Blood" is first and foremost a mystery, and the "detective" is Gordinius the Finder, a Roman citizen who is often hired to find truth.
In this story a man is accused of murdering his father, and faces a
horrible punishment if Gordinius and Cicero cannot find him innocent.
Saylor exposes the corruption of the Roman political system while
asking pointed questions about what justice is. This novel is so far
my favorite of Saylor's novels because although he delves into the
politics of the Roman Forum, the book is foremost a mystery novel.
Gordinius is attempting to solve the murder of a Roman citizen, and
Saylor maintains the suspensefulness throughout the novel. The book's ending leaves the readers surprised and thoughtful. Saylor
also, by the end of the book, has ensured his future royalties because
he's made you care about the characters and leaves you wanting to read
more about their lives and their challenges.
Rating:
Summary: Potential Masterpiece Blotted by Horrible Ending
Review: The first 300+ pages of Roman Blood is a masterpiece of historical mystery writing. It has richly drawn characters, lots of suspense and a strict adherence to historical fact. In short, it is a great read. If Saylor had the judgment to end his novel with the first 300+ pages, I would have given it a 5-star rating without any reservations. However, such is not the case. The reason is that Saylor either decided to throw in one final plot twist or his editors compelled him to do so. This twist contradicts both established historical facts and also the facts of the case that was laid out in the previous 300+ pages. It is also written in such a way that it literally violates the suspension of disbelief that is vital to any enjoyable escape reading. The reader feels cheated at the end of the novel. Due to the merits of the first 300+ pages, I still give this a 3 out of 5 star rating, but it could have been a 5 all the way.
Rating:
Summary: Enjoyable little mystery.
Review: I'm immediately biased in favor of any book that is set in Ancient Rome. That having been established, this was a highly entertaining read.
Our protagonist, Gordianus the Finder, is a middle class Roman citizen perched precariously on the edge of financial ruination. I particularly enjoyed his observations of the great men of his day. Cicero (AKA Chick Pea) is one of the major characters in this book, and the author does a fine job of painting a picture of what life in his household may have been like. Sulla the dictator is featured less prominently in the story, but the danger he represents is palpable throughout the book.
The book features shockingly brutal descriptions of murders, rapes, and the punishments doled out for such crimes. The action moves along nicely, and makes for a quick, satisfying read.
Read it! You'll like it!
Rating:
Summary: A Great Read---Stephanie Green
Review: Roman Blood is a wonderful display of Ancient Rome at its finest, and its dirty underside. Steven Saylor sure doesn't shy away from the unappealing aspects of ancient Rome. Instead, he has geniously incorporated all aspects of Roman life, giving the reader an accurate description of the hustle and bustle to be found in the streets of Rome and the exquisite and diverse decorating styles in the homes of the wealthy. Rome is a city shrouded in mystery, as the reader finds when following the paths of Gordianus the Finder as he braves the Roman World to help bring justice to the lawbreakers. Roman Blood is a quick, suspense-filled novel, one that I truly enjoyed. Steven Saylor depicts Rome so well, it seems as if you're really there and the characters are portrayed in such a manner that the reader feels he really knows them. Roman Blood is a wonderful piece of work and I highly recommend it.
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