Steven Saylor's books really bring to life Ancient Rome. Meticulously researched and written in a rivetting style, they effortlessly blend fact and fiction. This one isset at the time of the Civil War, as Caesar and Pompey fight it out for control of the Empire. The 'hero', Gordianus the Finder, is a fictional detective set in a very real context. Excellent for teachers wanting to get to grips with the reality of Rome.