The Bull Slayer (Plinius Secundus Series)
This sequel to Roman Games (2010)stars Pliny the Younger, Roman governor of Bithinya (in modern Turkey) in the first century CE. Sent from Rome to govern this recalcitrant outer province, Pliny is neither familiar with local customs nor popular with the locals, though he is known as a just, clever, and calm man. His optimistic calm threatens to crack when a Roman official is murdered and, in the process of investigating, Pliny uncovers a ring of corruption in the treasury, a bizarre cult somehow involved in extortion. Following the trail, he comes face-to-face with his wife’s lover. So tangled are the clues that it seems almost anyone could be a the killer. Macbain’s knowledge of the ancient world is apparent in his meticulous attention to detail and his insightful portrayal of characters who spring to life under his pen. The reader commiserates with patient, kind Pliny in his predicament as cuckold, failing sleuth, and besieged governor, and bears with him the burden of knowledge as the mystery slowly unfolds. Fans of Steven Saylor’s Gordianus the Finder series and Ruth Downie’s Ruso mysteries will enjoy Macbain’s novels. --Jen Baker