Although he distrusts both men, Gordianus is forced into the center of the power struggle when his six-year-old daughter Diana finds a headless corpse in their stable. Claiming that Catilina plans an uprising if he loses the race, Cicero asks Gordianus to keep a watchful eye on the radical. But this bucolic life is disrupted by the machinations and murderous plots of two politicians: Roman consul Cicero, Gordianus's longtime patron, and populist senator Catilina, Cicero's political rival and a candidate to replace him in the annual elections for consul.

Gordianus, disillusioned by the corruption of Rome circa 63 B.C., has fled the city with his family to live on a farm in the Etruscan countryside. The third in Saylor's Roma Sub Rosa novels featuring Gordianus the Finder. 'Engrossing.Ironic and satisfying.' - San Francisco Chronicle Gordianus does not want to know - but then the first headless corpse turns up in his well.Saylor brings the people and the politics of Ancient Rome to convincing life, in the middle of a fast-moving and compelling mystery.'Saylor rivals Robert Graves in his knack for making the classical world come alive.' -(ortland) Oregonian Cicero wants him to work against the dangerous, charismatic populist politician Catilina. But he cannot escape from intrigue so easily.

Gordianus has washed his hands of politics and moved his family to a farm in Etruria, hoping to get away from the dirt and danger of Rome. Following the success of Roman Blood and Arms of Nemesis, Catilina's Riddle is the third novel in the series to be published in Britain in paperback format. Robinson is publishing the whole series - five novels to date - in the UK. Steven Saylor's historical mysteries set in ancient Rome and featuring investigator Gordianus the Finder enjoy a widespread following in America.

Catilina's Riddle by Steven Saylor