"It would be impossible to imagine a more stellar lineup of suspects in all imperial Rome."

--Kirkus Reviews

"One of the best'mystery series being published today... A pitch-perfect work.., gripping prose."

--The Austin Chronicle

"A gritty depiction of the underbelly of the great city in its heyday. The secret history of Rome has never been so fascinating."

--Maxim Jakubowski, The Guard/an (London)

In the year 48 B.C., Rome is in the midst of civil war. As Pompey and Julius Caesar fight for control of the Republic,Rome itself becomes a hotbed of intrigue, riven by espionage,greedy profiteering, and bitter betrayals...

A beautiful young seeress staggers across the Roman marketplace and dies in the arms of Gordianus the Finder.Possibly mad and claiming no memory of her past, Cassandra--like her Trojan namesake--was reputed to possess the gift of prophecy. For such a gift there are many in Rome who would pay handsomely...or resort to murder.

Obsessed with Cassandra and her mystery, Gordianus begins to investigate her murder. As he gradually peels away the veils of secrecy that surround Cassandra's life and death, he discovers a web of conspiracy linking many of the city's most ruthless and powerful women. Now Gordianus's pursuit of the truth not only endangers his own life, but could change the future of Rome itself.