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Title: A Murder on the Appian Way
Subtitle: A Mystery of Ancient Rome
Author: Steven Saylor
Narrator: Scott Harrison
Format: Unabridged
Length: 16 hrs and 40 mins
Language: English
Release date: 05-07-09
Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.
Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 75 votes
Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Historical
Publisher's Summary:
As accusations and rumors fly, Gordianus the Finder, whose famed investigative skills and integrity make him sought after by all sides in the escalating conflict, is charged by Pompey the Great with discovering what really happened. Who is really responsible for Clodius' death? And should his murderer be despised as a villain or hailed as a savior of the Republic?
Critic Reviews:
"In Steven Saylor's lively imagination, Rome - both glorious and grimy - is revived." (
Seattle Times)"The plotting is deft and the action - both physical and intellectual - is nonstop." (Amazon.com)
Members Reviews:
Great book, bad reader
I love Steven Saylor's books, I have read them all. So I was delighted to see this audio book in the Audible collection.
Unfortunately, I didn't check out the reader before purchasing the audiobook. The thought didn't even cross my mind as I am so use to having good readers on Audible.
The reader has a boring voice completely lacking any depth. He is unable to create different characters so I am constantly in doubt as to who is talking. Finally, his delivery is mechanical without any of the suspense or mystery that a good reader can offer.
My advice is to check out the audio sample for yourself. As for myself, I will stick with the actual books until a new reader comes through.
the WORST cold read EVER!!!!
I am a major Steven Saylor fan. Love the work. You can not imagine my disappointment upon hearing the DRY, Cold read by Scott Harrison. He pauses between every sentance as if figuring out the next words. Fraught with misspronounced words, and half assed characterizations, I just could NOT listen any more. I WANT MY MONEY BACK!!!!!
An older actor with a little gravitas is needed.
This book wasnt for you, but who do you think might enjoy it more?
Actually, it was for me.
What was one of the most memorable moments of A Murder on the Appian Way?
The beginning.
How did the narrator detract from the book?
He sounded like a San Francisco bistro waiter. But seriously, Novels set in Rome are inherently alien. I think British actors are best at this as they impart enough separateness while being understandable. We are all now used to hearing Romans portrayed as British via I Claudius, etc. that it is oddly more natural.
If you could play editor, what scene or scenes would you have cut from A Murder on the Appian Way?
None that I can remember.
Painful to listen to.
Is there anything you would change about this book?
The narrator- I've read cookbooks he could read.
How did the narrator detract from the book?
Its was painful. His narrating sucked. "See Jane. See Jane run. Run Jane run. " That is how this entire book feels.
If this book were a movie would you go see it?
No
Any additional comments?
Very disappointed. This is the only Steven Saylor book I have listened to but it was so difficult to make it through because of the narrating I don't think I will get another.
Great Story - Terrible Narrator
I would have given this a 5 but for the narrator, Scott Harrison. He simply is one of the worst readers I have ever encountered. He not only tends to read with little expression, but he often mispronounces words which is very annoying. The fascinating story is a great look at Rome on the eve of the coming of Julius Caesar.
