The King's Gambit (1990)

The first, and perhaps the best, of the SPQR series of mysteries set in ancient Rome. The hero, Decius Caecilius Mettelus, is almost as well born as an ancient Roman could be. He lacks, however, the martial ambition so typical of his caste, and is beginning a standard Roman career of moving from office to office mostly because that is what the Metelli do. But he does have brains, and when he is drawn into an investigation with political implications, he digs in and investigates.

What's most appealing about this series is the vivid recreation of ancient Rome and Roman life. This has been done by other authors as well, of course, but there is room for many different points of view. Also, Metellus is an interesting character, not as engaging as Lindsey Davis' Falco, or as principled as Saylor's Gordianus, but refreshingly objective about himself and his world. ( )

This is the first novel in Roberts' excellent SPQR series, in which young Decius Caecilius Metellus, son of a senatorial family, by giving full rein to his insatiable need to know, unintentionally gets himself embroiled in the great political scandals of his day. Named for an actual historical figure (whose life remains obscure, although many members of his family became famous), Decius is an unofficial detective working his way up the cursus honorum during the last generation of the Roman Republic. The author masterfully mixes history, intrigue, and humor to paint a realistic picture of Roman life in the days of Cicero and Julius Caesar.

Read my overview of the SPQR series here:
http://acatholicreader.blogspot.com/2010/03/mysteries-of-ancient-rome-part-1-spq... ( )

Set in ancient Rome. Decius Caecilius Metellus investigates. OK.

The story itself was pretty good. However, I got the feeling that the author did so much research for the book that he felt like he just couldn't leave out anything. There were looonnnggg sections where nothing about the actual plot was discussed but loads of Roman life and politics were catalogued. I really wanted to like this book since there are so many others in the series and I love historical mysteries. But...alas... that was not the case. Perhaps, one day, I'll try another in the series... just in case. ( )

This is a historical mystery set during the waning years of the Roman Republic, about 70 B.C. Julius Caesar is a minor character. This is the first in a series of mysteries set in ancient Rome featuring Decius Caecilius Metellus the Younger as a Commissioner in the city of Rome. As such, it is his job to investigate murders in his district. Roberts sets up his characters for parts in later books well , and integrates his historical and fictional characters very well. Roberts includes a glossary that is very helpful, but I wish he would include a pronunciation guide, as well.

Overall, I like Lindsey Davis's mysteries set in about 70 A.D. better. Marcus Didio Falco is funnier, and all of the people he interacts with are more interesting. Roberts's characters are more serious. Since this is Roberts first book in the series, maybe his characters get more interesting as the stories progress. I did like the book enough to go out and buy the second one today. ( )