Customer Reviews
A lighter read than usual - By: Iain S. Palin, 18 Sep 2007 
Saylor's Gordianus the Finder operates as a private detectivein Rome during the unstable times that mark the end of the Republic. He has starredin a whole series of excellent novels.
This collection of short stories (I recognise two of them that have already been anthologised elsewhere) lacks the dark intensity that so often characterises the novels. Even where the subject is murder there is a lighter feel to them. There is also,in some of the stories at least, a predictability that lets the reader work out the twistin the tail long before he should. The overall result is a light, undemanding read: pleasant, & I don't regret having bought the book, but it's not what we have come to expect with Gordianus.
Books with Gordianus in them are Always a Good Read - By: J. Chippindale, 24 Jun 2006 
This book is a compilation of nine mysteries involving that likeable sleuth Gordianus the Finder. They are all new stories & anyone who is a fan of Saylor will certainly want to add this book to their collection.
Steven Saylor is right up there with a number of excellent authors who use the backdrop of Ancient Rome as a canvas for their literary works. It is a period of history that holds a particular magic for me, so basically I cannot get enough of them, excellent, good or mediocre. I would certainly put Saylor's booksin the excellent category & althoughin the main not a great lover of short stories,in this case I am more than happy to make an exception.
Another winner - By: M. Chkheidze-brett, 21 Sep 2005 
I am a huge Steven Saylor fan & have loved every singe one of the books; I was so upset after finishing the Judgement of Ceaser because it seeemed that Gordianus was no more... This collection of short stories, as with the previous (house of Vestals I believe) are genius, thet fillin the various time gaps which are left by the longer volumes, they introduce different characters & the quick pace makes a nice change from the longer investigations. I enjoyed all the short stories but especially 'A Gladiator Dies only once' as it was full of very rich characters & the twist of the investigation was although slightly predictable, fulfilling & fun. If you enjoyed the other Gordianus books you certainly will not be disappointed.
