Steven Saylor
Steven Saylor is an American author of historical novels, particularly the Roma Sub Rosa series featuring Gordianus the Finder, set in ancient Rome.
Books
This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.
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1. Last Seen In Massilia
A Novel of Ancient Rome
In this gripping installment of a historical mystery series set in Ancient Rome, the protagonist, a Roman detective, finds himself in the besieged city of Massilia (modern-day Marseille) during the height of Caesar's Civil War. Tasked with solving the mysterious disappearance of a woman amid the chaos of the siege, he navigates through a city teetering on the brink of destruction, uncovering secrets and confronting betrayals. The detective's journey is not just a quest for truth but also a deep dive into the complexities of loyalty, power, and the human spirit in times of crisis. Through vivid historical detail and intricate plotting, the narrative weaves a compelling tale of intrigue, resilience, and survival.
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2. The Seven Wonders
A Novel of the Ancient World
Set in the ancient world, this historical mystery follows the young Gordianus as he embarks on a grand tour of the Seven Wonders of the World. Guided by his tutor, Antipater of Sidon, Gordianus encounters a series of intriguing and dangerous adventures at each iconic site. As they travel from the Great Pyramid of Giza to the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, Gordianus not only witnesses the marvels of human achievement but also uncovers secrets and solves mysteries that challenge his intellect and courage. The journey serves as a rite of passage, shaping Gordianus into the keen observer and detective he is destined to become.
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3. Wrath Of The Furies
A Novel of the Ancient World
Set against the backdrop of the ancient world, this historical thriller follows the adventures of Gordianus the Finder as he navigates the treacherous political landscape of the Roman Empire. Tasked with a perilous mission, Gordianus must journey to the heart of the enemy's territory in Ephesus, where he uncovers a conspiracy that threatens the very foundations of Rome. Alongside his resourceful slave, Bethesda, he faces danger at every turn, encountering a cast of intriguing characters and unraveling secrets that could alter the course of history. As tensions rise and loyalties are tested, Gordianus must rely on his wits and courage to survive and protect those he holds dear.
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4. Raiders Of The Nile
A Novel of the Ancient World
Set in ancient Egypt, this thrilling historical novel follows the young Roman sleuth, Gordianus the Finder, as he embarks on a perilous journey to rescue his kidnapped beloved, Bethesda. Amidst the vibrant and treacherous backdrop of Alexandria, Gordianus navigates a world filled with political intrigue, dangerous alliances, and the shadowy underworld of thieves and raiders. As he delves deeper into the mystery, he uncovers secrets that could alter the course of history, testing his wit and courage in a race against time to save the woman he loves.
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5. The Throne Of Caesar
A Novel of Ancient Rome
Set against the backdrop of ancient Rome, this historical novel follows the seasoned detective Gordianus the Finder as he navigates the treacherous political landscape leading up to the assassination of Julius Caesar. Tasked with uncovering a potential conspiracy, Gordianus finds himself entangled in a web of intrigue, betrayal, and shifting allegiances. As he delves deeper into the heart of Roman politics, he must use his wit and experience to unravel the truth before it's too late, all while grappling with the personal and societal implications of the impending power struggle.
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6. A Gladiator Dies Only Once
The Further Investigations of Gordianus the Finder
Set in ancient Rome, this collection of short stories follows the astute detective Gordianus the Finder as he navigates the complex and often perilous world of Roman society. Each tale presents a new mystery, from political intrigues to personal vendettas, showcasing Gordianus's keen intellect and unyielding determination to uncover the truth. Against a backdrop of historical authenticity, the stories delve into themes of justice, morality, and the human condition, offering a vivid glimpse into the lives of both the powerful and the powerless in the Roman Empire.
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7. The Judgment Of Caesar
A Novel of Ancient Rome
Set against the backdrop of ancient Egypt, the narrative follows Gordianus the Finder, a seasoned detective, as he navigates the political intrigue and personal vendettas of the Roman world. Tasked with unraveling a complex murder mystery, Gordianus finds himself entangled in the tumultuous power struggle between Julius Caesar and Cleopatra. As he delves deeper into the case, he must confront his own loyalties and the moral dilemmas posed by the shifting allegiances of those around him. The story weaves historical events with a gripping tale of suspense, exploring themes of justice, betrayal, and the quest for truth in a world on the brink of monumental change.
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8. The Triumph Of Caesar
A Novel of Ancient Rome
Set in the tumultuous period of ancient Rome, this historical mystery follows Gordianus the Finder, a seasoned detective, as he navigates political intrigue and danger to uncover a plot against Julius Caesar. As Caesar returns victorious from his campaigns, tensions rise in the city, and Gordianus is tasked with unraveling a conspiracy that threatens the very heart of Rome's power. With a rich tapestry of historical detail and a cast of vivid characters, the story weaves through the complexities of loyalty, ambition, and betrayal, culminating in a gripping and suspenseful narrative that captures the essence of a civilization on the brink of transformation.
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9. A Mist Of Prophecies
A Novel of Ancient Rome
Set in ancient Rome during the tumultuous period of civil war, the story follows Gordianus the Finder, a seasoned detective, as he navigates a city rife with political intrigue and danger. When a mysterious and alluring prophetess is found murdered, Gordianus is drawn into a complex web of secrets and lies, uncovering connections between powerful figures and hidden agendas. As he delves deeper into the investigation, Gordianus must confront his own beliefs and the shifting loyalties of those around him, all while trying to protect his family and maintain his integrity in a world where trust is a rare commodity.
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10. Rubicon
The Triumph and Tragedy of the Roman Republic
Set against the backdrop of ancient Rome, this historical mystery follows the astute detective Gordianus the Finder as he navigates the turbulent political landscape during the civil war between Julius Caesar and Pompey. When a high-ranking Roman official is found murdered, Gordianus is drawn into a web of intrigue and danger, tasked with uncovering the truth amidst the chaos of shifting allegiances and power struggles. As he delves deeper, Gordianus must use his wit and resourcefulness to untangle the complex motives and secrets that threaten to engulf the city in further turmoil.
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11. The House Of The Vestals
The Investigations of Gordianus the Finder
Set in ancient Rome, this collection of nine short stories follows the adventures of Gordianus the Finder, a shrewd and resourceful detective. As he navigates the complex social and political landscape of the city, Gordianus encounters a series of intriguing mysteries, from the theft of sacred vestal treasures to the murder of a wealthy merchant. Each tale is steeped in rich historical detail, bringing to life the vibrant and often dangerous world of the Roman Republic. Through Gordianus's keen observations and clever deductions, readers are treated to a captivating blend of suspense, history, and intrigue.
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12. A Murder On The Appian Way
Set in ancient Rome, this gripping historical mystery follows the astute detective Gordianus the Finder as he navigates the treacherous political landscape following the murder of the populist politician Clodius. As tensions rise and the city teeters on the brink of chaos, Gordianus is drawn into a web of intrigue and deceit, where powerful figures vie for control and justice hangs in the balance. With his keen intellect and unwavering determination, Gordianus must unravel the truth behind the assassination, all while contending with the volatile forces that threaten to engulf Rome in civil unrest.
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13. The Venus Throw
Set in ancient Rome during the tumultuous final days of the Roman Republic, this historical mystery follows Gordianus the Finder, a seasoned detective, as he navigates a web of political intrigue and personal vendettas. When a renowned philosopher and former Egyptian ambassador is found murdered, Gordianus is drawn into a complex investigation that exposes the dangerous undercurrents of power struggles and betrayal. As he delves deeper, Gordianus must unravel the truth amidst a backdrop of political machinations, revealing the fragile balance between justice and survival in a city on the brink of chaos.
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14. Catilina's Riddle
A Novel of Ancient Rome
Set in the tumultuous period of the late Roman Republic, this historical mystery follows Gordianus the Finder, a seasoned detective, as he is reluctantly drawn into the political intrigue surrounding the infamous conspiracy led by the charismatic and ambitious Catilina. Gordianus, living a quiet life on his farm, is tasked with uncovering the truth behind the conspiracy, which threatens to plunge Rome into chaos. As he navigates a web of deceit, betrayal, and murder, Gordianus must rely on his wit and intuition to unravel the riddle, all while grappling with his own moral dilemmas and the dangerous power struggles of the era.
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15. Arms Of Nemesis
A Novel of Ancient Rome
Set in ancient Rome during the tumultuous period of the Spartacus slave revolt, this historical mystery follows the astute investigator Gordianus the Finder as he is summoned to the luxurious villa of the wealthy and influential Crassus. Tasked with solving the murder of a slave overseer, Gordianus must navigate a web of political intrigue, social tensions, and personal vendettas. As he delves deeper into the case, he uncovers secrets that threaten to unravel the very fabric of Roman society, all while racing against time to prevent a brutal mass execution of innocent slaves.
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16. Roman Blood
A Novel of Ancient Rome
Set in ancient Rome, this gripping historical mystery follows Gordianus the Finder, a private investigator, as he is hired by the young lawyer Cicero to uncover the truth behind a patricide case. The accused, Sextus Roscius, stands trial for the murder of his father, a crime that could lead to his execution. As Gordianus delves deeper into the murky world of Roman politics and social intrigue, he encounters a web of deceit, betrayal, and power struggles that threaten to unravel the very fabric of Roman society. With his life on the line, Gordianus must navigate through dangerous alliances and hidden motives to reveal the real killer and bring justice to light.
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17. Rubikon
A Novel of Ancient Rome
Set against the backdrop of ancient Rome, this gripping historical mystery follows the astute detective Gordianus the Finder as he navigates the treacherous political landscape during the tumultuous period of Julius Caesar's crossing of the Rubicon. As tensions rise and civil war looms, Gordianus is drawn into a complex web of intrigue and betrayal, tasked with unraveling a murder that could have far-reaching implications for the future of Rome. With his keen intellect and unyielding determination, he must sift through layers of deception to uncover the truth, all while balancing the precarious allegiances that threaten to engulf him and his family in the chaos of a city on the brink of transformation.
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18. Empire
The Novel of Imperial Rome
Set against the backdrop of ancient Rome, this historical novel follows the tumultuous journey of a patrician family through the reigns of several emperors, from Augustus to Hadrian. The narrative intricately weaves personal dramas with significant historical events, capturing the grandeur and brutality of the Roman Empire. Through the eyes of the family members, readers witness the political machinations, cultural transformations, and philosophical debates that shaped one of history's most influential civilizations, offering a vivid portrayal of power, ambition, and legacy.
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19. Roma
The Novel of Ancient Rome
Spanning over a millennium, this historical epic traces the rise of a small settlement along the Tiber River into the mighty city of Rome. Through the eyes of two families, the narrative weaves together the myths, legends, and historical events that shaped the Eternal City. From the founding myths of Romulus and Remus to the political intrigues of the Republic, the story captures the essence of Roman life, culture, and ambition, painting a vivid tapestry of a civilization that would leave an indelible mark on history.
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