Helpful Score: 2
I really liked this book, and yes, you do need to keep referring back to the historical information to keep up with the political machinations, but it all comes clear at the end. I like the contemporary tone and language. I did not see anything that was anachronistic, however. Young Corvinus is a gumshoe in the style of Sam Spade and Philip Marlowe, complete with beautiful dames, thugs and ruffians, criminal masterminds, lots of drinking and hangovers...and of course, murder!
Helpful Score: 1
I read this book a while ago. It was good but a bit confusing especially if you do not have a good grounding in Roman history. There is family history chart in the front that helps. I have more of his books to read to see if they get better. May favorite authors for Roman mysteries are Steven Saylor and Lindsay Davis.