Rating: 
Summary: A superb mystery, a great view of Roman scandal,& great fun
Review: This book operates at a number of levels. As a mystery, it is full of plot twists and turns. Gordanius the finder is very much a private detective like those of Marlow's creations. Like most detectives, he has a need to know the truth, and like most, the truth does not bring him happiness. As a mystery alone it would be most satisfying.One of the most enjoyable parts of all the stories of Gordanius the finder is it's very believeable recreation of the last years of the Roman republic, and the events which led to the Caesars and the death of the republic. Those who love this era, and have studied it will have even more to enjoy. Part of the fun of this story is an description of the Clodia - Caelius - Catullus relationship - which can loosely be called a triangle, which leads to the scandalous trial of Marcus Caulius. Of course, Gordanius' old acquaintance Cicero defends Marcus Caelius and thoughly and deliciously destroys Clodia's reputation. Students of the Poetry of Catullus, should read Poem number 37, (omitted from my college text) before reading this book and be prepared for a hoot.
Rating: 
Summary: Surprising philosophical &literary depth in a bang-up story
Review: With THE VENUS THROW Saylor returns to top form. His combination of historic detail, mystery and eroticism makes very compelling reading. This is probably Saylor's most mature book to date and threatens to break out of the mystery/history genre and into literature. In the opening scene of the book we meet a hulking diplomat in female drag and a fine-boned eunuch disguised as a man who have come to Gordianus for shelter from those trying to murder them. Thus Saylor signals right off the bat that sex roles in Roman Society are going to be a major theme. One major thread in this rich tapestry concerns the lives of women. Although Bethesda (formerly Gordianus's slave and now his wife) and the profligate aristocrat Clodia come from opposite ends of society, their womanhood binds them together along with Diana (the adolescent daughter of Bethesda and Gordianus) and Zotica, a sexually abused slave girl. Venus, goddess of femininity is invoked throughout the book via outsized idols and gambler's oaths. Then there are the exotic Egyptian eunuchs, neither man nor woman, who serve The Great Mother, Cybele. (There's a fairly detailed description of the ritual by which the eunuchs of that cult castrate themselves in a fit of religious ecstasy.) The book has many exotic settings where exhibitionism/voyeurism, sexual promiscuity and perversion (sadomasochism, incest), poisonings and stabbings, political intrigue, jealousy and revenge are enacted. Among the settings are a sleazy tavern frequented by crooks, bohemians, gamblers and downwardly-mobile prostitutes, bathhouses where homosexual acts are commonplace, and a lady's country hideaway where she can be surrounded with good looking naked young men hired to do her bidding. Throughout the book we have Gordianus' respect for the truth at war with his desire to believe the best about people. Gordianus is a moral man in an immoral society. The book's climax is a riveting trial scene wherein Cicero brilliantly turns the tables on his client's opponents. The mystery element of this book is probably the best of the Sub Rosa series so far. I certainly did not guess the murderer and was rather shocked when the truly disturbing truth was revealed. With this book Saylor proves himself an author of surprising philosophical and literary depth. I very much look forward to the future volumes in this series.
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