THE THIEVES OF OSTIA The Roman Mysteries #1

When Flavia Gemina notices most of the dogs in her neighborhood turning up dead, she's determined to discover why. Her search into the mystery begins a thrilling journey around the colorful Roman port of Ostia at the time of the Emperor Vespasian. Though some of Lawrence's dialogue and emotions are a little too current, her people and places have the feel of an authentic world. Even Kim Hicks's British accent, while it isn't Roman in any way, reinforces the narrative, lending it a classical formality. Her character renderings utilize a wide range of voices, from the very erudite Captain Geminus to the unctuous slave merchant. This book is calculated to make any first-year course in Latin come alive. P.E.F. (c) AudioFile 2004, Portland, Maine [Published: AUG/ SEP 04]