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Title: Roman Blood

Subtitle: A Mystery of Ancient Rome

Author: Steven Saylor

Narrator: Scott Harrison

Format: Unabridged

Length: 14 hrs and 47 mins

Language: English

Release date: 07-06-09

Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 157 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Hired by Cicero to investigate the charges, Gordianus sets out to discover the truth in a case - and a society - rife with deceit, betrayal, and conspiracy. As he draws nearer to the truth, the conspiracy looms ever larger until Gordianus begins to perceive the hand of the dictator Sulla himself. Playing for stakes much higher than he bargained for, Gordianus finds that not only is he himself endangered but so are all those around him as well.

Critic Reviews:

"Remarkable....a stirring blend of history and mystery, well seasoned with conspiracy, passion and intrigue....A classic historical mystery, in every sense." (Publishers Weekly)

"Saylor's scholarship is breathtaking and his writing enthralls." (Sunday Times London)

"Gripping....a combination of Hithccock-style suspense and vivid historical detail." (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)

Members Reviews:

Good story, bad reader

I purchased 'Roman Blood' when it first came out in hardback, as well as almost all Saylor's other books. I wanted to re-experience his stories in audio now. However, I find Scott Harrison to be a poor choice to read any stories, except perhaps some of the Audible Kids titles. His voice is juvenile in tenor, as is his attempt to portray different voices for different characters in the story. He has no sense of proper emotion for the scene, and mispronounces various words scattered throughout the story. He lacks the maturity and dignitas for stories who ancient loci and personae demand them. I recommend sewing Harrison's renditions of Saylor's books in a sack and throwing them in the nearest Tiber or appropriate substitute.

Disappointing

Would you try another book from Steven Saylor and/or Scott Harrison?

No

What was most disappointing about Steven Saylors story?

It seemed to be a contrivance, whose sole purpose was to show off the author's scholarship (which seems considerable).

Who would you have cast as narrator instead of Scott Harrison?

Virtually any true voice actor on the planet. At best, Scott Harrison is a reader, but not a very good one at that.

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

Certainly disappointment, as I am a fan of Rome and Roman history, and was looking forward to a good read.

Any additional comments?

I'd like to try another Saylor story, read by someone else. If for no other reason than to see if my adverse reaction to the former is prompted by the latter.

Not a good listen.

This book is really nothing more than Sam Spade deposited in ancient Rome--a detective sniffing out clues and avoiding thugs in the gritty backstreets of a great city. The protagonist even has a devoted and efficient female slave who fills the Effie role. The author has done a great deal of research, but, like the hero, it feels like a veneer on the story rather than an integral part of it, unlike the exquisite scholarship of "The Egyptian." The main weakness, however, is the reader. Very poor choice for the material, as he has no aptitude for character voices.

Pretty good

My rating would be 7/10. I liked the flavour for the times - not so foreign to today. I would have liked a more gripping story, with a main character that was more interesting, less perfect. But it entertained.

good read/listen

the story is good if not a little repetitive as a series.