Throne of Caesar

Roma Sub Rosa #13

by Steven Saylor

In The Throne of Caesar, award-winning mystery author Steven Saylor turns to the most famous murder in history . . .It's Rome, 44 AD, and the Ides of March are approaching.Julius Caesar has been appointed Dictator for life by the Roman Senate. Having pardoned his remaining enemies and rewarded his friends, Caesar is now preparing to leave Rome with his army to fight the Parthian Empire.Gordianus the Finder, after decades of investigating crimes and murders involving the powerful, has finally retired. But on the morning of March 10th, he's summoned to meet with Cicero and Caesar himself. Both have the same request - keep your ear to the ground, ask around, and find out if there are any conspiracies against Caesar's life. Caesar, however, has one other important matter to discuss - he is going to make Gordianus a Senator when he attends the next session on the 15th of March.With only four days left before he's made a Senator, Gordianus must dust off his old skills and see what conspiracy against Julius Caesar, if any, he can uncover. Because the Ides of March are approaching...Praise for Steven Saylor'A compelling storyteller, with a striking talent for historical reconstruction' Mary Beard'Saylor's scholarship is breathtaking and his writing enthrals' Ruth Rendell'The most reliably entertaining and well-researched novels about the ancient world [are] Steven Saylor's tales of the Roman proto-detective Gordianus the Finder. The Throne of Caesar brings the series to a satisfying conclusion [and offers] a new, compelling perspective on familiar historic events' Sunday Times'Writing a detective story about one of the most famous murders in history is no easy feat, but Saylor carries it off with characteristic brilliance . . . he has made this era his own' Ian Ross

Genres: Historical Fiction, Mystery, Fiction, Historical Mystery, Roman, Crime, Historical

400 pages, Paperback

First published February 20, 2018

About the author

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 classics. He divides his time between Berkeley, California, and Austin, Texas.

Reviews

[Marialyce · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

44 AD was not a good time to be Julius Caesar. It was his fate to be viciously murdered on the foretold Ides of March. “Beware the ides of March.” There would be no escaping the fate the gods had in store for him. Yet, Gordianus the Finder, a man who has solved many a crime in and around Rome, is tasked to discover if there is a plot afoot to murder Caesar. Hired by Cicero, Gordianus is also slated because of his adopted son's closeness to Caesar, to become an esteemed senator. Seems like a monumental task and considering the outcome we all know it was mission impossible.

However, weaving a tale of all the major players in this drama, and throwing out possible scenarios, Steven Saylor created a highly readable and enjoyable book that makes you wonder at all the possibilities.

This is my first Saylor book, and I felt at first a bit behind the curve at the start. Later, however, I was able to pick up the thread while learning a bit about a poet named Cinna. (totally disreputable man with a penchant for macabre poetry), Brutus (not high on the ethics list...“Et tu, Brute?”), Antony (exactly what if any part did he play? "My heart is there in the coffin with Caesar") and Fulvia (a lady who definitely had all her ducks in a row). This book was enjoyable and entertaining, one that people interested in ancient Rome and its delightful citizens might enjoy.
Thank you to Steven Saylor, St Martin's Press and NetGalley for a copy of this book.
My reviews can be also seen here: http://yayareadslotsofbooks.wordpress...

[Liviu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally we have the long-awaited Gordianus and the Ides of March novel and it is even better than I expected; the author does a few clever things (some prepared in earlier volumes) to allow the following: Gordianus must be involved and witness the assassination but is not able/willing to prevent it (so the how - as it took place in the Senate - needs to be addressed, and the why of not getting wind of it also); there needs to be some mystery too and a better one than in recent novels (here the author has a cool note describing how his choice of addressing poet/tribune and Caesar's intimate Cinna killing as that mystery in the aftermath of the Ides came about), while we definitely need to have more Gordianus so a closing beyond the Ides is needed too

Without too much spoilers beyond the blurb (Caesar nominates Gordianus as his last senator to be confirmed on the Ides before the Parthian expedition - this as a favor to Meto who as an adopted freedman cannot be a senator of course, while the nomination was made possible by Gordianus advancing to the equestrian class as he was literally paid a fortune at the end of Triumph of Caesar for reasons you will find out reading that one), all the above requirements are met brilliantly (Gordianus is now a senator - sort of though as he will be confirmed precisely on the ides at the last meeting of the Senate before Caesar departs for years, so incidentally we get a lot of suspense there, will he actually become a senator or not - so he must attend the meeting, he is busy digesting and adapting to his new status, so his investigation of a possible plot is more perfunctory than usual etc etc - here I loved the descriptions of the reactions to Gordianus ascent with for example the populist nobles like Anthony and Fulvia cheering him on, while Cicero got so mad and lost his temper so badly on hearing that Gordianus will be his colleague, that he almost blinded a slave by throwing a stylus at him)

Adding a lot of atmosphere with Cinna's macabre and disturbing poetry (and fate), the last supper at Lepidus house before the Ides where Gordianus is one of the invitees (the one at which Caesar remarks on how he would prefer to die, the day before the will be killed of course), meeting the usual characters (Fulvia, Anthony, Brutus - both of them) and much more, the novel hits all the right notes and is definitely one of the best Gordianus books - the best since Murder on the Appian way and the Mist of prophecies imho

We also get a great ending (including Anthony famous speech) though it is clear that the series can now continue at the author's pleasure with the turbulent years ahead having Gordianus and his family ready to meet them

Highly recommended and a top novel of 2018

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have really enjoyed reading the Roma Sub Rosa series by Saylor. The time had to come when the death of Caesar would be part of the story, and this was it. If the series sprouts further life, I would guess it could be the continuation of crime investigation by family members of Gordianus the Finder.
I really have no desire to spoil this book for others so hesitate to share too much detail. There is plenty of action even though Gordianus is approaching his 66th birthday and is enjoying retirement.

I can tell you all the characters of the series have matured, there are mythology themes throughout, brief appearances by Cleopatra and Cicero, but the central figure is Gordianus and how he reacts to new friends, his elevation to the Senate by Caesar and how he carefully measures his responses to several tragic deaths.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

And so ends the Roma Sub Rosa series.... and it ends with Rome's most infamous murder. Taking place over just a few days, this superb novel investigates Caesar's last days as witnessed by Gordianus the Finder. It also paints a vivid and varied portrait of life, religion, the arts and politics in Rome during the dying days of the Republic. Beautifully written. A full review will follow shortly on For Winter Nights.

[Jeanette · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is, for me, a hard review. Knowing most of the characters, they are still in roles of much greater age than in the last few books of the series. And of course, now we are also at the Ides of March under the Dictator for Life, Julius Caesar. Within the first few chapters you have to read with strong context attention, because you get the present "now" for all the family members. Meto, Eco and all the rest of the Bathesba and Gordianus clan. Cicero and Tiro are prime too. Tiro, of course, is a freedman and citizen now. His short hand is used by Diana, so its spreading.

How can I review this without giving spoilers? Forgive me for the length of this because I have now read other reviews and find very few of them specific upon how his vastly differs from the other Gordianus novels.

I will try to give no spoilers.

It's long. And it truly does NOT seem to me to be of a similar genre of the others (prior books) in the series. Our Finder is 66 years old and drinking too much. He takes afternoon naps with his cat, Bas. And his drinking companion at his favorite tavern is named Cinni. Cinni is the most celebrated poet of the age.

What commences is a novel broken up into time periods of 1 day each. It starts the week before the Ides, and continues until more than 2 weeks after that date. Each day gets a lengthy section of copy, nearly minute to minute minutia of telling. And they are not at all cored upon the who-dun-it, an investigation, or just 1 set of "players" either. In fact, they are much more broad in context subject matter than other Saylor's (I've read them all). Unlike the tone of other Saylor Gordianus -the scope is deeper/wider. Even Cleopatra and Caesarion are on the scene. For instance in copy count to story line "plot" per se we have the reciting of two long, long poet tales staged and voiced like plays within two of those different days. So great gobs of the book are classic musings or thoughts upon their composition and the ability of wordcraft itself. Cicero's is one kind. Cinni's quite another. If you like books about writing by and with the thoughts of writers who are writing upon writing skills- you will love that aspect. I didn't and I don't. And the classics stories, both the originals and the poems written of their fates or encompassing the same characters, fit into the whole novel #13 well, but are also some of the least favorites of myth, Greek or ancients that I have ever heard. Continually centering on incest, murder and women who are mad fiends (cannibals to be frank)!

Regardless, the tension is done well as we draw to the Ides date. And much conversation is with Julius, Calpurnia and many of the other main characters you KNOW will be eventful to the betrayals. But there is also a fine nuance in health and in relationship encompassed, as well. This was 4 star plus portrayal of the Julius cognition, mindset, goal, condition of perception etc. Well done, Saylor.

All of the family of our hero and central figure who is tavern sitting or visiting or questing for a new toga (here's the surprise I will NOT tell you about) more than finding anything at all- is well carved. The women are prime in this hearsay context. And his son-in-law is incredibly interesting as he hardly speaks but I found him a keen observer. The other characters within the visits and in conversations are more like "think pieces" than in a mystery or who-dun-it format. For instance, at the 6 person dinner of the eve of Ides, there is a long and rather perversely set discussion of what deaths they all would prefer. And for my reading of this book, that is exactly the tone you grabbed during the majority of it. Not only dire, but at times absolutely macabre in its subject matter. The joy you can find in this book could fit into a thimble.

After I finished the book, I took some time to refresh my thoughts upon it. It's that kind of book. In this genre completely rare for me to do so or think about the review that long. What did I read? Not at all what I expected.

After some hours of pondering, I have come to this conclusion. This book centers on revenge. And the spirits of human nature itself. It's far, far at the lowest ends of hope for better. Much more a treatise on pay back to hurt being repaid by elevated viscous and exceeding violence. As a "good" and best way to proceed.

I almost thought I was reading about Sicilian ambiance for "justice" instead of ancient Roman. This equates. Mightily.

And not only upon the death of Caesar himself or the conspiracy or taking of spoils either. But about the women.

The women are vitriol core served to those who they decree have cause to receive "just desserts". Similar to those harpies in the classics. Or the other forms that made the harpies look like choir girl angels. Similar to the women who killed all their men and ruled alone on their famous great isle.

I feel that Saylor makes this book the ending of our Finder's career as well. And now insures that the duo of Diana and Davus (daughter and son-in-law) will take their places within his former profession. His (Gordianus) is another role completely going forward.

It was well written. The prose was 4 or 4 plus. But the women's rites and the entire two week period after the Ides- it was way, way too stomach churning for me. I've seen violence like that in my own life, but even if I hadn't I don't think the realities for outcome in the tangent players' houses would sit well with me. Or the scenes after Antony's speechifying.

The power and vitriol to torture and pay back becomes a virtue here. And the women are centered on flinging out their own underground power in the most beastly ways possible while often retaining a supposedly tranquil or nurturing facade.

It's nearly the 180 degree opposite of innocence. Innocence betrayed turns to a taste for gore.

I just don't see womanhood in that light as reflected and displayed here as actual. So this, for me, is a 3.5 star. Rounded down, not up.

[Keith Currie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gordianus the Finder is growing old. He does not particularly welcome a new commission from Cicero and is not especially inspired when he receives a similar commission from the dictator Julius Caesar: both men want him to investigate whether there exists a conspiracy against Caesar’s life - and it is only days until Caesar leaves for Parthia on The Ides of March. It should come as no surprise to the reader that Gordianus fails to uncover a plot and that at about half way through this novel, Caesar lies stabbed to death beneath the statue of Pompey.
But this not simply a retelling of the death of Caesar. There was another death too which occurred in the wake of Caesar’s burial, that of Rome’s leading poet, Gaius Helvius Cinna, and it is this death which becomes the focus of Gordianus’ investigation. Cinna’s brilliant but perverse poems become key clues in what appears to have been a case of mistaken identity, but which may have a solution much closer to home.
The Gordianus novels have long been favourites of mine, but I reckon the earlier ones were the best, and the series faltered somewhat with the more recent. This one too could have fallen into the latter group, but for the focus on a lesser known consequence of Caesar’s death and Gordianus’ personal involvement. There is much to enjoy here, not least a lovely coda where we discover when and how Gordianus began to record the stories of his life. I enjoyed this a lot and recommend it to followers of the series.

[Sherry · Rating 4 out of 5]

In THE THRONE OF CAESAR, Gordianus the Finder faces one of the most difficult challenges in his career: to learn whether there’a a plot to kill Julius Caesar so it can be nipped in the bud. Author Steven Saylor faces a task that’s equally daunting: to make readers care about a murder mystery in which most of them already know what’s going to happen.

Alas, Gordianus doesn’t succeed at his task. Saylor, however, does extremely well at his.

Accompanied by his drinking pal, the poet Cinna, Gordianus grapples with a side issue: Caesar’s promise to propose him for the Senate on the Ides of March. The Finder’s giddy exhilaration humanizes him as he searches for a new toga, while his family adjusts to the overwhelming boost in social class. Cinna comes alive, too, his faux modesty hiding an artistic yearning to be acclaimed for his ambitious (if somewhat creepy) poem along the lines of Ovid’s Metamorphoses.

The ensuing plot twists will startle you if you think you know everything about events on the Ides. You may figure out a little sooner than Gordianus does what actually happened, but maybe the author wants to emphasize its scandalousness. I would add that one aspect of a related tragedy seems a bit far-fetched. However, that – as Cinna might say – makes it truly poetic justice.

[Assaph Mehr · Rating 5 out of 5]

I came across Steven Saylor's work when my Kindle suggested Roman Blood (I just finished Lindsey Davis' Falco at the time). I delved right in, and loved it! This is the latest in the series, though I hope not the last.

What to Expect

This is the latest Gordianus novel, and it harkens back a lot over his career. (In a way providing a bit of closure - though I certainly hope it's not the last novel in the series!). Events are set around the backdrop of teh Ides of March, and Saylor deftly moves between the big personalities that dominated them to the lesser known people around them.

Although the murder of Caesar is not a surprise to any reader, Saylor still manages to twist a captivating yarn by shifting his focus. Besides an unexpected death (not Caesar's), a lot of the book centres on Latin poetry of the time, of morals and politics as they would have appeared to someone watching from outside the inner circles.

What I liked

Saylor's writing is complex, with many layers of meaning and allusions. His knowledge of history and research into the specifics around each episode are beyond comapre. On top of that, Saylor has a great talent in bringing characters to life, and a knack to present a highly plausible "it could have been that way" view of events.

What to be aware of

This is the latest book in the series, and (the older) Gordianus is in semi-retirement. It offers some closure with his first case, with references to the story in Roman Blood. You should start either with Roman Blood (his first big case, and the first one written), or with The Seven Wonders (which is choronologically the first, with Gordianus' early life in Alexandria).

Summary

This series is an absolute pleasure to read, and to learn from. In the plethora of novels sets in first century BCE Rome, these stand out. The amazingly well-researched background and the mysteries Saylor spins around them are some of the most enjoyable reading on the period.
I do believe there will be more novels of Gordianus in his younger days (and maybe even of the elder Gordianus), and I am certainly looking forward to them.

--
Assaph Mehr, author of Murder In Absentia: A story of Togas, Daggers, and Magic - for lovers of Ancient Rome, Murder Mysteries, and Urban Fantasy.

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

I tend to get a little bored with books set around the murder of Julius Caesar. This one, however, was a little different.

The murder of Caesar is a backdrop to a different crime. Why was the poet Cinna torn apart at Caesar's funeral? Gordianus witnesses the event and solves the crime.

Even if you haven't read the previous Gordianus novels, this one is worth the read for it's setting as both a mystery and an eye-witness account of Caesar's murder.

Highly recommended.

[Marta Clemente · Rating 4 out of 5]

Por fim terminei esta mega saga. Depois destes 16 livros, posso dizer que fiquei muito mais rica. Passei a conhecer muito melhor a história da Roma Antiga. Percebi que era muito ignorante a esse respeito. E seguir as aventuras e investigações do Gordiano tornou-se uma ótima forma de aprender!
Neste volume encontramos um Gordiano já idoso, que assiste ao assassinato do grande ditador César e que se reforma finalmente da vida de investigador. Muito perspicaz, antes disso descobre ainda como foi assassinado o seu amigo poeta, mais uma vez de forma magistral!
Vou ter saudades do Gordiano e da sua familia!

[Serafim Silva · Rating 2 out of 5]

Uma desilusão..
Muito pouco de Gordiano e um roçar a morte de César.
Esperava mais, muito mais.

[Mary Heron · Rating 5 out of 5]

We reach the end.of.Gordianus story.

Gordianus the finder is.now.almost sixty six and most definitely retired, thanks.to the largess of Ceasar's wife, Calpurnia he has become.rich enough to join the Equestrian's which means he is technically eligible to become a senator, not that a man from his humble beginnings could aspire to such a promotion. But.......Gordianus does not count on Ceasar wishing to reward his faithful companion Meto (Gordianus adopted son) even though Meto is a free man because he was born a slave he can never attain a high office so............ Give the reward to Meto's father instead. The day of his ascension to a senator is scheduled for the Ide s of March (yes those Ides of March). Gordianus is actually asked to make enquiries about a possible.threat to Ceasar but discovers nothing, has old age finally caught up.with him. It seems so there's another.murder that takes place and although the details are abhorrent to him Gordianus is compelled to find the truth of the.matter. ............. This is a great end to a great series................

[Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Here endeth the saga of Gordianus the Finder. And bloody good it was too, both book and series.

[Vicki Cline · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book covers the day-to-day happenings of Gordianus surrounding the Ides of March, in 44 BCE, when Julius Caesar was assassinated. It starts on March 10 with Tiro coming to say that Cicero wants to talk to him. There's some interesting conversation about the first time Tiro and Gordianus met years ago during Roman Blood, when Cicero needed his help in the court case that made him famous. Today Cicero wants Gordianus to check out some men who might be trying to do Caesar harm. After talking to the men on Cicero's list, he doesn't get any hints of a plot. Not long after, he's summoned by Caesar who announces he's going to make Gordianus a senator when the Senate meets on the Ides of March. There are a few more references to instances in other books in the series, almost as if this is a summing-up of his career. He's in Caesar's entourage when Caesar is stabbed, so he witnesses the dramatic event. Gordianus does his investigations in the company of Cinna the poet, who also knows all the interesting characters. There's a lot about two of Cinna's famous poems, a bit too much for me, actually. The mystery isn't really about Caesar's death, but is sort of tacked on near the end of the book. This feels like the coda of Gordianus' career. I hope not - I'd love to see him get involved with Octavian.

[Tita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Releitura 2024
5 Estrelas
Vejam a minha opinião em vídeo, AQUI

Leitura 2018
5 Estrelas
Já não é novidade para ninguém que adoro os livros de Steven Saylor e o Gordiano e apesar de este ser já o 13º livro da série Roma Sub-Rosa, senti-me completamente presa na história.
Este era um livro muito esperado pelos fãs pois todos aguardávamos a história sobre o assassinato de Júlio César e apesar de já sabermos o desfecho, Steven Saylor conseguiu, mais uma vez, criar uma história interessante e com mais um outro mistério paralelo.

O desfecho do livro foi também algo que me agradou bastante. O modo como o autor conseguiu ligar este último livro, ao primeiro da série. Genial. No entanto, fiquei com a sensação de que talvez fosse o último livro de Gordiano, mas se tal acontecer, foi um grande final.

[Roger · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's been a long time. ROMAN BLOOD, the first book in Steven Saylor's series featuring Gordianus the Finder unveiled in 1991, and if I did not read it at the time of publication it was shortly thereafter. Eleven novels and one collection of short stories followed in rather rapid order, up through the publication of THE TRIUMPH OF CAESAR in 2008, and I read them all. Collectively, Saylor named his books the Roma Sub Rosa series. Three prequels followed THE TRIUMPH OF CAESAR, but for some reason I did not follow. THE THRONE OF CAESAR continued Saylor's Roma Sub Rosa series with its publication in 2018, and now, after more than a decade, I am returning to the fold. It is a welcome return.

Gordianus the Finder (a detective in the parlance of the day) made his ROMAN BLOOD debut in 80 B.C. He has no real social status and is occasionally feckless, but he is also a keen observer and a man of pronounced integrity. Throughout the Roma Sub Rosa novels, his investigations involve him, at least peripherally, in the great events of the last few decades of the Roman Republic. Saylor never slowed the aging process (a la Charles Todd in the Ian Rutledge series, where 21 books occur over the span of a little more than two years), and so we see Gordianus age, become more successful, marry and create an extended family. THE THRONE OF CAESAR occurs in 45 BC as Gordianus turns 66 and as he begins to withdraw from his investigative work. His social status is much improved and looks to be on continued upswing, while his extended and extensive family is settled, safe, and happy. Then, Julius Caesar enters stage left.

It’s March, in 45 BC, so pretty much everyone should know what is going to happen to Julius Caesar. If somehow a reader does not, then the art on the cover jacket will give it away. But this isn't a mystery about the death of Julius Caesar (spoiler alert). It isn't even really a murder mystery until well into the book, in the final few chapters. The early and middle portions of this novel lull us, as Gordianus is tasked to investigate possible conspiracies that may be afoot, tasked separately by both the great man himself, Julius Caesar, and by Cicero. Frankly, Gordianus gives rather perfunctory attention to this investigation, but Saylor is able to reveal surprising new elements about the Finder's life as well as introduce a "who's, who" of important Romans in the process of following Gordianus through the few days leading up to the Ides of March. Saylor has always been a scholar in his writing. In no way does this make the story ponderous, as some might expect. What happens is that an adept writer is able to add detail and nuance, creating a vivid picture of Roman life through the eyes of Gordianus the Finder.

So, THE THRONE OF CAESAR starts as a reintroduction to old friends, friends who have done well for themselves, and as a realistic walk through the past. When the real murder mystery begins it isn't all that unexpected but it is certainly lurid. Without any evidence I thought this may be the culminating book for Gordianus the Finder. Now, I do not think so. In the future the focus may be on family rather than one individual, but there seems to be more in store for Gordianus and Bethesda and their brood.

When push comes to shove
even the best of friends may
not be what you think.

[Italo Italophiles · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is likely the last book in this series of 15 books set in Ancient Rome, spanning the end of the Republic and the beginning of Imperial Rome, featuring the fictitious Gordianus the Finder, a private investigator. Gordianus, as usual, rubs shoulders with the famous and infamous of this era in this book.

Fans will be happy with all the Roman words and concepts that help bring the past to life, as well as the references to previous books and people from the series. Actually, it feels like this one was written with the fans firmly in mind, to give them a satisfactory ending to the series.

The first person account by Gordianus brings the reader quickly up to date with the character and his life, as well as the era of emperor-dictator Julius Caesar. Moving swiftly and smoothly into the story, the author mixes dialogue and description with historical information and cultural color.

There are special asides that appear to be meant for historians or amateur historians, for example, references to things to come in the near and far future for the characters. We see Cicero hoping his treatises will be his path to lasting fame, when students of Latin will know that his entertaining correspondence and precise legal arguments have always been valued more than his dull, over-labored treatises. Marc Antony, his martial wife Fulvia, Cleopatra and various others have events foreshadowed too.

There are also timely meditations on the nature of dictators and their followers. Questions about narcissistic leaders and their authoritarian tendencies arise, as well as what to do when a leader, especially a dictator shows signs of mental illness.

From the beginning of this series, there has been the hint that the main character was an imagined ancestor of a later mysterious one-named real Roman Emperor, Gordianus. This book shows how a family could rise in society to that height, keeping that hint alive.

This writer has never spared the gory details of Rome's institutionalized sadism of torture, slavery, war-mongering, paternalistic misogyny, etc., and we get plenty of it in this book too. Actually, I'll admit that by the end of this book, I felt ill from the horrid crimes and retributions, and was not glad to have read the book, which is a feeling I've had at the end of several of the previous books in this series. Gordianus's narration is part of the issue, since he is portrayed as quite typical of his era in many of his horrid beliefs and attitudes. This is one for the die-hard fans, however, so don't mind me. I received a review-copy of this book; this is my honest review.

[Laurence Westwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this, the 13th book of the Roma Sub Rosa series, Steven Saylor confronts the plot to assassinate Julius Caesar. And, since anyone with a passing interest in Roman history will know how that turns out, Steven Saylor very cleverly weaves another mystery in and around the assassination plot.

The year is 44AD and the Ides of March are not far away. Gordianus the Finder is now 66 years of age and spends much of his time in the local tavern with his drinking buddy the poet Gaius Helvius Cinna. Unexpectedly, Gordianus is contacted by Cicero who wishes him to discover whatever he can about a possible plot against the life of the Dictator Julius Caesar. Not long after Caesar himself puts the same request to Gordianus, to keep his ear to the ground and to meet with certain individuals – from a list provided by Caesar – to learn whatever he can from them and ascertain if there is any substance to the rumours of a plot. Julius Caesar also promises – much to Gordianus’ shock – that he will be made a senator at the next session of the Senate on the 15th March (the Ides).

Not wanting to give away any of the plot, this is a masterful tale of Roman politics, macabre poetry, revenge and murder. Though this novel can be read as a standalone, I would suggest it can be more fully enjoyed if you have read the preceding twelve novels as, quite purposely, we are reminded of the very first novel, Roman Blood, set many years before when Gordianus is first employed by Cicero. So, in many ways – and not just for Caesar and for Rome – this novel is both an ending and a beginning. All of Steven Saylor’s scholarship and skill as a novelist is on show here as he evokes both the time and the place. And, even though we all know what is going to happen to Caesar, the tension in the narrative builds wonderfully as we near the Ides. It felt so good to be back in the company of Gordianus’ family again – Bethesda, Diana, Davus and Meto (Eco also gets a mention) – and, though this novel is an ending of sorts, much is still left open for the future.

While not my favourite of the Roma Sub Rosa series – that would be A Mist of Prophecies – this is still a wonderful novel. And though Steven Saylor finds space within the narrative to reflect on life and literature, hinting perhaps that the Roma Sub Rosa series is done, I sincerely hope that this is not the last we will see of Gordianus the Finder.

[Mª João Monteiro · Rating 4 out of 5]

Este livro é um pouco diferente dos outros, pois não parte de um episódio menor para uma ficcionalização. Ao contrário: o momento que se pretende atingir é a morte de César, momento histórico em que nada se pretende descobrir ou distorcer. As personagens e ocorrências à sua volta é que acabam por sofrer alguma análise e parte-se de alguns fragmentos de poemas para o desenvolvimento do poeta Cina, designado como um dos maiores de Roma, tendo apenas fragmentos seus chegados até nós. É um livro que vale pela recriação de ambientes históricos e de momentos específicos de Roma; surgem alguns festividades como as Lupercálias e o Liber Pater e tudo se entrelaça enquanto vamos acompanhando Gordiano. Há algumas cenas um pouco macabras além da morte de César, descritas com grandes pormenores à boa maneira romana. Fiquei com vontade de reler alguns livros desta série (vontade que tenho desde que fomos a Roma e me apeteceu «colar» a Roma atual à daquele tempo).

[Redsteve · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an excellent (final?) installment in the Roma Sub Rosa series. The last chapter of the book has Gordianus begin dictating his memoirs, starting with the beginning of ROMAN BLOOD (1991), so this seems likely to be the last novel, unless Saylor decides to go back and write some additional prequels. I'm ambivalent about that as the three prequels that Saylor has already written seem weak when compared to the series. Not to be spoiler-y, but the first section of the book is "Day One: March 10" so you can pretty much tell where things are heading. The assassination of Julius Caesar occurs about 2/3 of the way through the book, but his is not the only murder that Gordianus is involved with, nor is his the most brutal killing either. As always his history is excellent and his dialogue easy to read without being anachronistic.

[Mike · Rating 3 out of 5]

Comprising 13 novels and 2 short story collections, the Roma Sub Rosa series has been mostly excellent. I say 'mostly' because the earlier books were gripping intrigues with some Roman family drama stirred in to add colour and verisimilitude. This final book reversed that equation to such an extent that we're barely aware of a mystery element until the very end, when it is revealed and solved. I enjoyed The Throne of Caesar, but it doesn't measure up to Arms of Nemesis (#2 in the series) or Catalina Riddle (#3). That said, I'm glad I still have the prequels to read. I'm not ready to say goodbye to Gordianus the Finder just yet.
3.25 stars.

[Mark Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Throne of Caesar is the first full length story for some time in Steven Saylor's wonderful Gordianus Roman mystery series. This one is set in the fateful month of Caesar's assassination. The mystery, revolving around Gordianus' poet friend Cinna, is really a side-issue to Saylor's brilliant portrayal of his hero's experiences leading up to, on and following the famed Ides of March. No matter. Brilliant characterisation and writing. I found the book utterly riveting.

[Rui · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nada de importante a dizer a não ser um enorme obrigado por, ao longo de vários anos, nos contempla com o maravilhoso e por vezes doloroso mundo “Sub-Rosa”. Gostei do arranjo, narra a história como poderia ter sido, ou foi, tudo é relativo e tudo depende de perspectiva como em toda a História. Ave Gordiano, O Descobridor: até sempre.
Obrigado, Steven.

[Kathleen Schilling · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book, my only complaint was one with my own memory. As it has been several years since I read many of the books, when the author talked about the past book incidents, I couldn’t always remember them. Made me think I might like to reread some. Might make it a challenging stand alone

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not his best. The story of Caesar’s assassination with a sub plot involving the poet Cinna, not much of whose work survives. Gordianus is hired by both Cicero and Caesar to uncover any plots against the Dictator. Saylor waxes lyrical over the poetry of Cinna. Details about the cult of Bacchus.

[Penny Cipolone · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought it would be impossible for anyone to do anything new with the assassination of Julius Caesar but somehow Saylor did it. This was a bit slow in the beginning but the last 1/3 of the book went very quickly and allowed the reader to see what the opening was leading up to. As usual, an excellent Roman read.

[Kathy Davie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Twelfth* in the Roma Sub Rosa historical mystery series revolving around Gordianus the Finder set in ancient Rome. The Throne of Caesar begins on 10 March 44 B.C.

* Combining my own chronological system of inserting short stories between the full-length novels and Saylor's chronological list of his books, The Throne of Caesar is number 12.

My Take
The story is split into Gordianus' concerns about Caesar's intended elevation for him, reflecting back on the past, and worrying over the requests made of him by Caesar and Cicero.

It starts with a flashback to when Gordianus first met Tiro ( Roman Blood , 1; Tiro is now nearly sixty), Cicero's secretary, for Cicero again wants to speak to Gordianus.

Unfortunately, the pace is so incredibly slow, that I kept putting it down. Another unfortunate point is how dim Gordianus seems. How could he not see all those clues Saylor kept dropping?? Yeah, we know he's clueless as Saylor is using first person protagonist point-of-view from Gordianus' perspective, so we know he's getting the same information we are.

It's sweet how Gordianus notices Bethesda's pleasure in her greater status, and how she and Diana are wallowing in all this acceptance!

I find it so fascinating that the men of Rome are so interested in poetry. Cinna notes that a poem is still alive in the mind of a poet rather than dead and unchangeable on the printed page:

"To read a published poem is like examining the corpse of a beautiful woman."

Boy, Caesar is deceiving himself about a lot of things. That law Caesar wants passed about multiple wives...hoo, boy. It is so true that absolute power corrupts...

As usual, Saylor keeps us informed about the lack of women's rights while writing of their manipulations and plots. Of Diana's desire to take over her father's business in Rome. On the power of women in the ambitious Fulvia who draws a parallel between Cinna and Caesar, of their fantasies of rape and power. Only Cinna's is home-based and Caesar's are of conquest.

Oh, lol! Gordianus speaks of women who have their own ways of divining. Outside the control of men! Ahh, I would love to see a Roman man's reaction if he suddenly popped up in our society today *more laughter*.

It's darned handy that Saylor makes use of Spurinna as a haruspex who predicts that Caesar must be careful for a whole month, ending on the Ides of March. Keeps that tension up, for we all know about the Ides, yet we haven't any idea how Saylor plans to get through the Ides.

It was the aftermath that was so sickening. The allowances that were made, even as others, e.g., Antony's speech about Caesar, made some good points to those traitors.

One of the few bright spots was the books Caesar had been donating to the Library of Alexandria.

It's a tale packed with characters who drive all the action — so very much action! Unfortunately, Gordianus is so absorbed in his own musings that it's a tedious read in spite of my curiosity as to how Saylor would treat Caesar's end.

The Story
Even though Gordianus is retired, he's suddenly inundated with cases from Cicero and Caesar. Cases that could have such impact, if only Gordianus had been paying attention...

The Characters
Gordianus the Finder, the last honest man in Rome, is a retired detective who now lives on the Palatine Hill, a most exclusive neighborhood. It suits his elevation to the Equestrian class. Bethesda is his wife, a slave he bought in Egypt, whom he manumitted and then married ( Catilina's Riddle , 3). Diana is their daughter who is anxious to take over her father's business. She is married to Davus, who frequently acts as Gordianus' bodyguard. Diana and Davus have two children: Aulus and Beth. Makris is the children's nursemaid. Bast is Bethesda's beloved cat. Well, not the original, but yet another. Meto is one of Gordianus' adopted sons, a former slave of Crassus' ( Catilina's Riddle , 3) and a soldier working closely with Caesar.

Eco, Gordianus' eldest (adopted) son is married to Menenia. He's taken over his adopted father's business and moved to Neapolis with the twins: Titania and Titus as well as the mute Rupa, the youngest of the adopted sons of Gordianus who now serves as Eco's bodyguard, and the two slave boys, Mopsus and Androcles ( Rubicon , 6).

Gaius Julius Caesar is the Dictator, the Father of the Fatherland, who rules Rome and lives in the Regia in Rome. Calpurnia is Caesar's wife, although Queen Cleopatra is his mistress installed in his country house. Caesar and Cleopatra have a son, Caesarion. Hammonius is Cleopatra's Psyllus, a snake handler, who can save a person who has been poisoned. Piso is Calpurnia's father and executor of Caesar's will. Hipparchus is Caesar's chief litter-bearer. Porsenna had been Calpurnia's haruspex, and then Spurinna came along. Gaius Octavius is Caesar's grandnephew and protégé.

The Senators of Rome
Marc Antony is Caesar's right-hand man who finally abandoned his affair with Cytheris, an actress. He's still too fond of the drink but is now married to the most ambitious widow in Rome, Fulvia, who has her own spy network all over Rome. (Fulvia's first husband was Clodius (( A Murder on the Appian Way , 5)); her second had been Curio, one of Caesar's most promising lieutenants (( A Mist of Prophecies , 8)).)

Gaius Helvius Cinna is Rome's foremost poet particularly renowned for his Zmyrna , a tribune, an ally of Caesar's, and Gordianus' drinking buddy at the Salacious Tavern. Although, Antony is his dearest drinking buddy. Helvia "Sappho" is his only child, a daughter. Polyxo is her nursemaid. Parthenius of Nicaea is the poet who tutored Cinna.

Senator Marcus Junius Brutus is descended from the Brutus, Lucius Junius Brutus, who drove out the last king and founded the republic 400 years ago. He's also been appointed urban praetor. Servilia is Brutus' rude mother. Porcia is Brutus' new wife and his cousin. Cato had been Porcia's father, Brutus' uncle, and Servilia's brother. Gaius Cassius is married to Brutus' sister and has been made praetor and appointed him as governor of Syria. Artemidorus, a famous Greek rhetorician, is tutor to Brutus' son.

Marcus Tullius Cicero is a renowned politician, former, who has gone up and down too often, making him quite security conscious, but still believing in Roman law. Tiro is still working for him, but as a free man now. Sextus Roscius had been Cicero's first major trial ( Roman Blood , 1). Cicero's daughter, Tulla, had died in childbirth.

Spurinna is both haruspex and newly made Senator. Dolabella is to have the consulship. Decimus Junius Brutus Albinus is a senator new to Gordianus, handpicked by Caesar to rule Gaul. Lucius Cornelius Cinna is a praetor whose sister had been Caesar's first wife; Julia, Caesar's daughter, had been a favorite niece. Calvinus will become Master of the Horse. Gaius Trebonius lures Antony away. Speculation is rife that Lucius Tillius Cimber wants Caesar to recall his brother, Gaius, from exile. Gaius Servilius Casca, Publius Servilius Casca, and Gaius Cassius Longinus are still more senators.

Marcus Aemilius Lepidus is a treasured ally of Caesar's. He's married to a half-sister of Brutus'. He's to become governor of Spain. Meanwhile, his legion will invade Rome.

I think an haruspex sees the future through entrails, a Roman rite of divination. Arcesilaus is a fine artist. Mamercus is the finest tailor of senatorial togas in Rome. Vulca was one of the greatest Etruscan artisans. Antipater of Sidon had been Gordianus' old tutor ( The Seven Wonders , 0.5). The Subura is Rome's most dangerous neighborhood. Simonides runs a bookshop. They can mount your scrolls and include glorious handles and/or rollers. They also make copies. It's also the only place where you can buy Cinna's Zmyrna. Marcus Artorius is a disabled centurion of the Seventh Legion. Father Liber is worshipped by Fulvia and represents Dionysus and Bacchus.

The tale of Zmyrna
She was the daughter of King Cinyras and the boastful Queen Cenchreis.

The women of Lemnos
Princess Hypsipyle had a nursemaid, Polyxo. King Thoas is her father.

Bacchus had been born of a Theban princess and Jupiter. Agave was Bacchus' mortal aunt and mother of young King Pentheus, who was as rigid as Bacchus was liberal. The Bacchantes were women who celebrated Bacchus; when in a frenzy, they became Maenads who could tear apart humans.

King Romulus, the first king of Rome, was assassinated by the first senators. The Furies are Alecto, Megaera, and Tisiphone.

The Cover and Title
The cover has a vicious brown background of men in pastel-toned togas, holding knives over their heads, coming up behind Caesar's back as he sits on this throne in a red toga over a white tunic, wearing a band of laurel leaves, his right arm crossing his chest while his left holds something, a stylus as mentioned in the book??, next to a barrel of scrolls. The text is all in white starting with the title at the very top in two different fonts and three different sizes in a marble effect. In teeny tiny print set to the right of Caesar's head, we are informed that this is a novel set in ancient Rome. The author's name starts below Caesar's waist in the same marbled font. At the very bottom is an info blurb.

The title refers to The Throne of Caesar which represents the power of Rome and of Caesar.

[ClaudiaR · Rating 3 out of 5]

Muita história, pouco policial.

[Chb4usc · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent series! Have read them all....vivid descriptions of ancient Rome. This may well be last in
series....at least chronology .... Excellent history....and mysteries of "The Finder."

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written as usual, but the tone of the novel was unremittingly dark. I understand that the subject matter was grave, given the fact that much of the novel encompasses the time leading up to the Death of Caesar and some of the time thereafter, but the cynicism displayed by all of the characters is disappointing. Even the ever cheerful and straightforward Mark Antony gets a bleak makeover. Still a good read, though.