Rating: 
Summary: well-written, intriguing historical elements, but ...
Review: Firstly, if you haven't read any of Steven Saylor's mystery series set in ancient Rome then go directly to the customer reviews for 'Roman Blood'. You must read his series in sequence or you'll regret it (much of the fine characterisations of Gordianus 'the Finder' and his family/friends/foes will be not fully appreciated). So for those who have read Saylor's previous works ... read on.Catilina's Riddle is textbook Saylor material, which means it is very well researched, well-written, and generally interesting. In this installment we have a mystery surrounding a very intriguing *real* person from ancient Rome, Catilina. He a lover of both women and men, is feared by the Roman elite, and in this novel he meets our favorite fictious sleuth - Gordianus. However compared to other Saylor novels this book is somewhat overkill on the history lesson and too light on the mystery element. Yes, it has its moments ... and it is a worthy read on balance. But it is not as good as his previous works, and some of his later works. Bottom line: a so-so effort by Saylor. Nonetheless it should be considered as mandatory reading by his fans.
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