I devour historical fiction set in the ancient world with the fervor of a Harry Potter fan when J.K. Rowling releases snippets on Pottermore. In particular, I have a soft spot for mysteries set in antiquity. Every time I look for one, I wonder why I haven’t read more of Steven Saylor’s Roma Sub Rosa books, featuring the late Republican adventures of Gordianus the Finder.

And every time I pick one up, I remember: Gordianus isn’t a particularly interesting character. After all, it’s hard to center a mystery on a dull investigator, even when the setting is brilliantly brought to life. In Saylor’s latest effort, WRATH OF THE FURIES, the author falls into similar pitfalls, despite the fascinating backdrop against which the story takes place.

"The book’s saving grace, as in so many of Saylor’s stories, is the way the author brings the tumultuous political world of Rome and its allies and enemies to vivid life."

This subset of the Roma Sub Rosa tales is set in Gordianus’ youth, spent traversing the Mediterranean. Currently living in Alexandria, a city in flux thanks to the Ptolemaic kings’ constant throne-swapping, Gordianus does his best to keep a low profile, along with his slave and lover, Bethesda. He does wonder, though, what became of his tutor, the famed poet Antipater of Sidon --- try to count how many times throughout the novel Saylor repeats that epithet --- from whom he split acrimoniously a few years before. When he receives a snippet of Antipater’s diary that hints the old man is residing in Ephesus in Asia Minor --- in danger, no less --- he hurries to the city to help his one-time friend.

The book’s saving grace, as in so many of Saylor’s stories, is the way the author brings the tumultuous political world of Rome and its allies and enemies to vivid life. Ephesus is in turmoil, thanks to Rome’s great enemy, King Mithridates of Pontus, extending his rule over most of the East. And Gordianus must infiltrate that man’s court in order to save Antipater --- and possibly the lives of everyone he holds dear. Saylor shows Mithridates and Ephesus in extreme detail, from the excruciating tortures to which the king subjects his Roman foes to the glorious Temple of Artemis at Ephesus --- one of the Wonders of the Ancient World. The reader cringes at Mithridates’ mad ambitions, all while wishing to be swathed in the royal family’s opulent silks. Saylor’s grasp on ancient politics is second to none, and the reader may well wish the novel revolved around Mithridates, a fascinatingly mercurial character, rather than Gordianus, who offers the audience little.

Note to Saylor: It might be wise to focus less on Gordianus and keep doing what you do best --- writing figures straight out of history. That way, Republican Rome can emerge in its full, horrifying glory, just as the ancients may have intended.