Germanicus

On the whole, I liked this novel, one of the Marcus Corvinus series of ancient Roman mysteries. I didn't think it was as good as the other two in the series I've read--#1 and #10. By this time I'm used to Wishart's unconventional Rome, so that was no stumbling block. This particular mystery was just too confusing. One of the villains was not brought in until the book was nearly finished, which to my understanding, is sloppy mystery writing. I'd give the story 3.5 stars if possible.

The Empress Livia summons Marcus Corvinus and asks him to investigate the death of her son [and Tiberius's adopted son], Germanicus, the hero and general. Ostensibly, he had died of an illness, but even Tacitus has admitted the details of Germanicus's death show more were cloudy.

In Rome, Marcus does find evidence of a conspiracy having to do with the death, but he has raised as many questions as he has answered. The plot was confusing to me, or else I'm obtuse. After Marcus had an "Aha!" moment, I'm glad he and his wife, Perilla would discuss what he had discovered; then through their questions and answers I would "get" it.

The charismatic Germanicus had been sent away from the western part of the empire to Asia to dilute his influence. Marus and Perilla travel to Antioch, where Germanicus had died, to try to fit more pieces of the puzzle together. As the couple is getting too close to the truth for someone's comfort, they are "asked" to leave and to return to Rome. The conclusion was ingenious speculation, but plausible. I think the author took an interesting premise and made the plot a bit more complicated than it should have been.

Marcus's new stepfather, Priscus, was emphasized and was a comic figure. There were some humorous comments in this novel: e.g., concerning the innkeeper of the Two Cedars Inn in Antioch and his extended family. The sightseeing tour in Antioch, the guide, and Marcus's interior thoughts were also funny--I took this as a satire on sightseeing tours in general, with the delighted wife and the all-suffering husband.

I enjoyed this light mystery, however I felt it was too elaborate for its own good. I do recommend it, however. show less

After charges against Piso and his wife Plancina of murdering the Emperor Tiberius's adopted son, Germanicus, are dropped, despite the general feeling that they were guilty, the Empress Livia asks Corvinus to investigate just who was behind the death of her grandson and why.

A satisfyingly complex mystery with what seems like a historically plausible solution.

Number two in the Marcus Corvinus series of Roman mysteries, and almost as good as the "Ovid", the oustanding first book in the series. In this one, our party boy hero has married the lovely Perilla, but still hasn't developed much of a sense of civic virtue. The former empress Livia (remember her from 'I Claudius"?) draws him into the investigation of the death of Germanicus, the Emperor Tiberius' step-son. Plot recoils upon plot as Corvinus unravels this tangled web. Great atmosphere and Roman detail, excellent weaving of history and fiction, and a unique and endearing hero.

It kept me going, I love the way Corvinus pulls together the "evidence" for his mysteries, the way historians attempt to build their theories about what happened in a particular time and place.
Sadly, this was apparently when Wishart starting having Corvinus call everyone Pal, which he didn't in Ovid, and I really preferred that. This has not stopped me from beginning to read Sejanus, but it might stop me from reading the series. I find it annoying.

A fairly confusing story, as it dealt with a real death of a real imperial. Slangy voice was a bit distracting at time. I'd read others in the series though.

FF: Set in Ancient Rome. When Marcus Corvinus is summoned by the Empress Livia he fears the worst: age has not sweetened her. But Livia has a favour to ask, Marcus must investigate the death of her grandson, Germanicus. This favour is to embroil Marcus in a multi-stranded web of betrayal and deceit.

Cuando Marcus Corvinus es convocado por la emperatriz Livia, teme lo peor. Pero Livia tiene un favor que pedir: Marcus debe investigar la muerte de su nieto, Germanicus, que pronto envolverá a Marcus en una red de traiciones y engaños.