Roman Blood by Steven Saylor
Roman Blood is the first in a series of historical mysteries, this time set in Ancient Rome! Specifically, Gordianus the Finder is an ancient investigator who helps solves crimes in the waning days of the Roman Republic (pre-Caesar). This series opens with Gordianus being recruited by a young lawyer (yes, THAT Cicero) who is defending a citizen accused of murdering his father.

The mystery twists and turns and, of course, none of the suspects are entirely innocent. Gordianus ferrets out their secrets one-by-one, and the pace flows nicely.

Unfortunately, I am not an expert in Ancient Roman history, but the history felt authentic. No anachronisms jumped out at me anyway. The details were incorporated in a mostly naturalistic way (aside for a few pages of unabashed straight history near the end).

There is a tendency in modern historical novels to dwell on the seedier aspects of society, by our standards anyway. Roman Blood contains the standard complement of sewer-streets and bordellos. He goes out of his way to mention these details, but does not linger over them either.

I also didn't really care much about the characters. Decent Read. Not overly exciting.