I believe the John Maddox Roberts splurge has ended for a while with S.P.Q.R. IV: The Temple of the Muses. This is not because I’ve grown tired of his writing or the exploits of Decius Caecilius Metellus the Younger. I’ve simply finished all of Roberts’ books ready to hand. This seems like a good spot for a break. I’ll keep my eye out for more at used bookstores, but I’ll not order more on-line. It is time to squeeze some other authors onto my bookshelves. (Or perhaps indulge in some re-reading; I’m dangerously short of shelf space.)
As to volume IV itself I have nothing but praise. The mystery does not kick off until well into the book, though important clues are scattered prior to the initial murder. Instead of instant who-done-it sleuthing, we get a travelogue of 1st Century BC Alexandria, historical immersion, and general fun. Once the murder investigation begins, Decius becomes as much action hero as detective. It is grand stuff and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I rather feel like breaking out Lindsey Davis’ Alexandria and comparing Falco’s take on the city a century later with Decius’.
I’ll be flying out to Portland later this week to participate as a panelist at Orycon, the 45th (and, alas, final) installment of the event. If you are in the PDX vicinity this coming weekend drop by and say hello. While there I’ll be promoting the publication of Cesar the Bravo. It will be available (in print and digital) for purchase beginning November 12th, though you can pre-order the digital edition right now.