The House of the Vestals The Investigations of Gordianus the Finder [Paperback]

It is Ancient Rome, and Gordianus the Finder has a knack for finding trouble. Known to many as the one man in the ancient world who can both keep a secret and uncover one, Gordianus lays bare some of his most intriguing and compelling adventures.
The House of the Vestals collects nine of the award-winning stories of Gordianus the Finder by critically acclaimed, bestselling author Steven Saylor. Filling in some of the gaps between novels, this delightful collection of unique and unforgetable mysteries is Saylor at his finest - revealing the intrigues in the secret history of Rome.

Ingenious . . . Saylor offers rich history with great imagination. Seattle Times

Entertainment of the first order. The Washington Post Book World

Saylor's fluid and probing characterization work as effectively in the short story as they have in his admirable Gordianus novels Publishers Weekly

This collection of short stories . . . shows how a fine hand at historical research can enliven the most traditional and well-titled of genres . . . Gordianus himself is a compelling character. The Herald (SC)

Three groups of readers will find these stories irresistible: history buffs who appreciate Saylor's careful research into Roman politics and Roman mores; fans of his novels who want to find out how the [Finder] first became Lucius Claudius' friend, or how he acquired his faithful slave Belbo; and anyone who enjoys leisurely, literate storytelling. Kirkus Reviews

Saylor serves up a collection of short stories designed to fill in some of the gaps that have piqued the curiosity of devoted fans of his popular Roma Sub Rosa series. Set between the years 80 and 72 B.C., these nine tales document some of the early adventures of Gordianus the Finder. During the course of these cases, Gordianus establishes firm and tender relationships with Eco, his adopted son; Bethesda, his Jewish-Egyptian concubine; Belbo, hils-