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SPQR IV: The Temple of the Muses

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SPQR IV: The Temple of the Muses

By: John Maddox Roberts
Narrated by: John Lee
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About this listen

When Roman junior senator Decius Caecilius Metellus the Younger has a chance to join a diplomatic mission to Alexandria, he welcomes the opportunity to temporarily elude his enemies in the Eternal City - even though it means leaving his beloved Rome. Decius is just beginning to enjoy the outpost's many exotic pleasures when the suspicious death of an irascible philosopher occurs, coinciding with the puzzling and apocalyptic ravings of a charismatic cult leader. Intrigued, Decius requests and is given permission by the Egyptian Pharaoh to investigate the heinous crime. What he discovers is beyond shocking.

And when the corpse of a famous courtesan mysteriously turns up in his bed, Decius suddenly finds himself entangled in a web of conspiracy far more widespread and dangerous than he ever imagined - one that threatens to bring about the downfall of the entire Empire.

©1992 John Maddox Roberts (P)2013 Audible, Inc.
Historical
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What listeners say about SPQR IV: The Temple of the Muses

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    5 out of 5 stars
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This series is a lot of fun

Lots of historical and cultural details. I am currently in Rome and many of his details keep popping up.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars

Not the Best in the Series

This gets off to a very slow start. A lot of time is taken up giving the reader a verbal tour of the City of Alexander before the murder happens. Even then it is slow going until near the end when the pace picks up and the end is quite dramatic and exciting.



The book deals with the murder of a famous scholar and as we learn his real skill is in developing war machines for a secret plot for a war against Rome. Decius is in Alexandria where is been exiled after the events in the previous book. It is not until near the end of the book that Decius discovers this plot and unveils it to the current Pharoah and the Roman mission. He is rewarded by being put on the next ship to Rome.



I would not recommend this book if you are new to the series. I would start with one of the earlier books while Decius is still in Rome. I find the the book with a Rome setting are by far the best in the series.



John Lee is an excellent narrator and add a lot to the story. I consider him one of the best narrator who is good at giving distinctive voices to the characters. He certainly makes up for any slot parts in the bookl

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    5 out of 5 stars
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"Roman men never dance."

Although not entirely a vivid description of constant rounds of parties combined with pleasurable religious practises Egyptian style, it certainly feels like it despite the body in the library. Decius Caecilius Metellus is in Alexandria, and in trouble.

I first read the whole of John Maddox Roberts' SPQR series a decade or more ago and am revisiting this fun romp set in the latter part of the Roman republic, but this time on audio. Narrator John Lee becomes the central character relating his sometimes hilarious experiences. Whilst it is best to start with book one, each story can be read as a stand alone and is recommended for anyone who enjoys books set in the Ancient Roman world of daily life and detective work rather than life within the legions. Good fun.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

formulaic

a bit predictable and some historical mistakes.could do better with thw characters. need to see a new novel

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