Gordianus is a Finder, a private investigator who has retired. No one would ever have suspected the ruse that works, and thankfully, Gordianus and Davus are rescued by the Scapegoat, a sacrifice who can do no wrong. They’ve already heard that the city refused to open its gates to Caesar, and Gordianus is thinking up ways to get in. That note left Gordianus confused and worried, and he needs to see for himself. Gordianus and Davus have been traveling for the past twenty days, heading to Massilia. Politicians and military men have not changed over the centuries. On the negative side, people on either end of the timeline are greedy, selfish, cruel, loving, loyal, and more. Yes, they also gossiped, but they also had philosophical discussions. We may have microwaves and refrigerators, but they enjoyed their food. Oh, sure, we have television, cars, the Internet, and in many ways I think the Romans and Greeks were more advanced than us. It’s fascinating how similar our societies are. Luckily for this story’s Scapegoat, he’s at least treated well. ![]() That’s what the Christians did back in AD 33. ![]() Worshipping gods and goddesses is one thing, heaping all your sins on one person and then sacrificing that person, well, that’s another. Talk about a couple of idiotic syncophants! They do mean well, but if they are an example of Catilina’s followers, it’s not surprising that he lost his battle. I’m not sure how to categorize Publicius and Minucius. Gordianus takes some tremendous risks to find Meto, and along the way, he discovers some good people. Businessmen and lovers lie and cheat as well, still. Now half of it is moldy and rations are reduced within the city. They never bothered to rotate the emergency stores, deeming it too costly. And he makes it so seamless.Īs for the story itself, Caesar is definitely a politician. It’s this attention to detail that helps pull you into 49 BC. Thank you, god! I do get tired of dimes in Regency novels. Saylor also pays attention to the dress, culture, mores, and more of the time. I can taste those figs - and want some of my own for real! Nor does he indulge in the hated info dumps! Yeah!! Saylor does a great job of informing us without sounding like an encyclopedia or a news article. I can see the view from Hieronymus’ rooftop, the piles of treasures in Verres’ vault, the décor within the homes. I feel as though I am also walking those streets, wending my way through canyons, swimming my way through a flooded tunnel. It’s not as intense a show as say, Bernard Cornwell, but he is not telling the story. That is one of the pluses of Saylor’s writing. ![]() It doesn’t feel as if Gordianus is doing much in the way of detecting in Last Seen in Massilia but flopping about, providing Saylor the opportunity to show us another style of government, another city in ancient times, a different approach to religion. I’m not really sure why Saylor wrote this one, unless it’s to create the situation that culminates in that scene at the end. ![]() It’s definitely an easy read that won’t make your heart race. Last Seen in Massilia is not as tense or dramatic as it could have been. Other books by this author which I have reviewed include Arms of Nemesis, Seven Wonders, Catilina's Riddle, The Venus Throw, The House of the Vestals, A Murder on the Appian Way, Rubicon, A Mist of PropheciesĮighth in the Roma Sub Rosa historical mystery series and revolving around Gordianus the Finder and his family in the Rome of 49 BC. It is part of the Roma Sub Rosa #8 series and is a historical mystery in Hardcover edition that was published by Minotaur Books on Octoand has 277 pages. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. I received this book for free from the library in exchange for an honest review.
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