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110th out of 354 books
—
448 voters
A Gladiator Dies Only Once (Roma Sub Rosa #11)
Steven Saylor's Roma Sub Rosa series of novels, set in the later Roman Republic and featuring Gordianus the Finder, has garnered unusual acclaim from readers and reviewers alike, establishing him as one of the pre-eminent historical mystery writers. In A Gladiator Dies Only Once,the second collection of his award-winning stories featuring Gordianus, Saylor more than meets...more
Paperback, 288 pages
Published
May 30th 2006
by St. Martin's Griffin
(first published 2005)
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Often, I judge mysteries partly by how well I remember them, considering there are so many out there that it is becoming hard to distinguish between them all. Considering I remember the Gladiator Dies Only Once extremely well, and find the characters memorable and unforgettable (regardless of whether I like them or not), credit should be given to Saylor for his creativity and ability to tell an good mystery.
Despite this, I find it hard to give any Gordianus the Finder books a higher rating. Gord...more
Despite this, I find it hard to give any Gordianus the Finder books a higher rating. Gord...more
This is part of a wonderful series which began with "Roman Blood" and has continued on through (now) 11 books. The series is full of detailed information on Roman daily and political life and you find yourself in the midst of all sorts of historical events, such as Caesar's capture by pirates, Sertorius' rebellion in Spain, Spartacus' slave revolt and Caesar meeting Cleopatra. This book is a collection of short stories set between the the first and second book, so early in Gordianus' career. The...more
Another collection of short stories featuring Gordianus the Finder, Saylor's last century BC private investigator. There's more mystery in this collection and less character, something that works fine if you've read the other stories. With one exception, these are well done historical fiction, that is, stories that put you effortlessly in a place and time. The exception is the title story, which reads more like the kind of historical fiction they use to trick elementary kids into learning someth...more
Like many other reviewers have said: the novels are significantly better than the short stories. Saylor's characters come across as significantly flat in these mysteries, and it seems like he's half-heartedly cobbled together some semblance of a plot to wrap around whatever historical lesson he wants to offer (and that's the book's only saving grace: Saylor really does know his Roman history).
The book is also painfully repetitive: you may notice that every time Gordianus meets two men, one of th...more
The book is also painfully repetitive: you may notice that every time Gordianus meets two men, one of th...more
A Gladiator Dies Only Once is the second collection of short stories in Steven Saylor's excellent Gordianus the Finder mystery series, set in ancient Rome in the 1st century BCE.
The short story format doesn't allow Saylor to develop plots with the complexity of those in the novels, but the stories are satisfying nonetheless, not least for the exploration of aspects of Roman life and culture which haven't come up in the novels. These range from gladiators, in the title story, to chariot racing a...more
The short story format doesn't allow Saylor to develop plots with the complexity of those in the novels, but the stories are satisfying nonetheless, not least for the exploration of aspects of Roman life and culture which haven't come up in the novels. These range from gladiators, in the title story, to chariot racing a...more
Al igual de "The House of Vestals" se trata de una colección de relatos cortos que se desarrollan en diferentes momentos de la vida de Gordianus. En cada uno de ellos, podemos conocer pequeños detalles y anécdotas de la vida de Gordianus, mientras aprendemos un poco más de la historia de Roma.
Sin embargo, salvo un par de relatos, la mayor parte de las historias son de mejor calidad que los que pudimos disfrutar en "The House of Vestals". Sólo se lo recomendaría a los más fieles seguidores de las...more
Sin embargo, salvo un par de relatos, la mayor parte de las historias son de mejor calidad que los que pudimos disfrutar en "The House of Vestals". Sólo se lo recomendaría a los más fieles seguidores de las...more
This was a library discard, and as I enjoy Steven Saylor's Roman mysteries, I immediately grabbed it. If you enjoy historical mysteries, or are interested in ancient Rome, you can't really go wrong with any of his books. In these stories he explores various topics that hadn't made their way into his novels, like gladiators, horse racing, and the introduction of cherries. The book was a good read when I was sick and couldn't get the house below 86 degrees, and I expect I'll enjoy it again in a fe...more
I usually prefer books that are not collections of short stories but I definitely liked this collections of short stories about the "Finder" Gordianus. Saylor's story telling keeps me reading, entertained & amused. There is plenty of historical background in Saylor's books, as well as humor & study of human nature. I enjoy books that periodically send me to dictionaries to look up words that are new to me, as Saylor's stories usually do. I can't help but noticing parallels between the im...more
Okay, so it is a book of short stories based in roman times, so I am not going to review each one, go figure. It was nice to read a book with a bit of difference from the norm. I found that i read the book relativily quickly. Everything was too the point and each story had a different point of interest, with not much in the way of seen setting. Not much is needed if you are familiar with the series. Overall a good read, if you interested in roman stuff.
I've read several books in the Gordianus the Finder series and enjoyed all of them. One of the things I've really liked is that they are based on actual incidents in Roman history. This book is of short stories, each one concerning a historical incident, notable Romans or something illustrative of everyday life in ancient Rome. The title is also the title of one of the stories, one I particularly like.
In my sort of unannounced quest to read everything Stephen Saylor, i have stumbled upon two roadblocks. 1) certain of his books are only available in large print (via the fantastic multnomah co library system) and reading large print is too much like read dr suess, wtihout the pictures. 2) i can't get into the short stories. the novels are better.
Steven Saylor developed a passion for all things "Roman" as an adolescent. He's spent years reading and researching everything he could find on this time period and writes stories based on historical events and characters. He doesn't sugar-coat the past nor does he write under the influence of any religious dogma. If you're easily offended by depictions of gladiatorial games, bloodshed, and sexual attractions and situations, do NOT read this series. If however, you're an adult who accepts that a...more
A collection of short stories all starring our favourite, ancient Finder, Gordianus. Normally I am not a fan of shorts, but these were all good. Rich and detailed, plus, clearly, short stories, with a beginning and end. They also wove together well historical facts and known characters.
Another collection of short stories from Steven Saylor, featuring his ancient Rome-era detective, Gordianus. The stories are all entertaining and quick to read, but pale in comparison to Saylor's novels. Given the choice, I'd rather read one of his novels because they feature so much more detailed, well-researched information about Roman life.
Wonderful re-imaging of Rome as the Republic is dying that does a good deal to show the harshness of life for all classes. Logically combines the mystery genre with historical fiction.
Steven Saylor is one of my favorites (along with Lindsey Davis) when it comes to portraying life in ancient Rome.Gordianus the Finder is a finely wrought protagonist and Saylor's character ages gracefully as he experiences Rome's increasing decadence and gradual decline.
A variety of short stories that are no more than mildly entertaining but do still manage to convey the societal mores of Rome through the likable character, Gordianus the Finder.
For fans of "The Finder" series this fills in some early blanks with a series of short stories that capture the Roman period of post-Sulla chaos.
collection of short stories starring Gordianus the Finder and set between the events of the novels "Roman Blood" and "Catilina's Riddle", book 11 of the Roma Sub Rosa series
Jun 08, 2009
Redsteve
rated it
3 of 5 stars
Shelves:
classical-period,
detective-crime-mystery,
fiction,
history,
italy,
roman-republic,
rome,
roma-sub-rosa
I like Saylor's full length novels better than his short stories, but this was OK. Besides, any story with a mystery set around the production of garum is OK in my book.
It's a collection of short stories - no real character/plot development.
Sounds as if I cribbed Audrey's review.
Sounds as if I cribbed Audrey's review.
Saylor's books are brilliant and I cannot ever get enough of Gordianus, the Finder. I hope these books never end.
A collection of short stories from Gordianus the Finder's earlier investigative years. Some interesting and some rather trivial. This is a good book for those who have read several of the more traditional novels in the Roma Sub Rosa series. I would not recommend if you have not read at least 3-4 others.
Saylor does a good job to futher develop the Gordianus character and especially his relationship with his son, Eco. He also is able to highlight some historical elements of the Roman empire that h...more
Saylor does a good job to futher develop the Gordianus character and especially his relationship with his son, Eco. He also is able to highlight some historical elements of the Roman empire that h...more
Greata series of short stories. Illuminating as always. the food sounds way too rich.
Another great set of short stories featuring Gordianus the Finder.
I'm not a fan of short stories in general, but this contains some wonderful pieces.
in dit boek lost de romeinse detective gordianus 9 mysteries op. zoals steeds zijn de verhalen goed uitgewerkt en kom je meer te weten over het romeinse rijk ten tijde van cicero. aangename literatuur.
Fun for fans of the series.
Bought at Bookstop on 4/28/09
Aug 15, 2009
Irene
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
mysteries-roman-history
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Steven Saylor is the author of the long running
Roma Sub Rosa
series featuring Gordianus the Finder, as well as the New York Times bestselling novel, Roma and its follow-up, Empire. He has appeared as an on-air expert on Roman history and life on The History Channel.
Saylor was born in Texas and graduated with high honors from The University of Texas at Austin, where he studied history and classi...more
More about Steven Saylor...
Saylor was born in Texas and graduated with high honors from The University of Texas at Austin, where he studied history and classi...more
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