A Roman Death

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About A Roman Death:
Historical thriller set in Ancient Rome

A ROMAN DEATH_frontIt is 45 BC, and Julius Caesar is at the height of his power. Quintus Fufidius agrees against his wife’s instincts to the marriage of their daughter to the handsome, young Lucius Scaurus. It is an alliance which could heal old feuds and create a new dynasty. But before the wedding takes place one of the principals is murdered.

Suspects are few, but Roman society is shocked when Quintus’ wife is accused, not only of murder, but also of incest. The trial of Helvia, in which she is defended by Cicero, is a courtroom battle on the grand scale and accompanied by the political shenanigans which result in Caesar’s assassination.

Joan O’Hagan has written a brilliantly evocative novel and a unique whodunit, subtly combining the elements of a contemporary mystery with the atmosphere of Ancient Rome.

‘(O’Hagan’s) knowledge of the period, the place, the politics, the social milieu and sexual mores of Caesar’s Rome is impeccable. Rather than intruding on the plot, the myriad details blend seamlessly into the story and serve to drive it forward.’ (Steven Saylor)

Foreword by Steven Saylor.

Edited by Denise O’Hagan.

Will appeal to devotees of crime and detective fiction, historical fiction, and those interested in the life and customs of Ancient Rome.

About the author

Joan O’Hagan was a published crime writer (Incline & Fall, Death and a Madonna, Against the Grain, Jerome and his Women). Originally published by Macmillan, A Roman Death was her most acclaimed novel, translated into Swedish and Japanese. This second edition includes her later amendments and a Foreword by Steven Saylor.

Excerpts of A Roman Death

Read selected excerpts from the book.

Industry reviews of A Roman Death

‘In this page-turning murder mystery set in ancient Rome, the author has skillfully woven historical facts with a gripping narrative that illuminates both the sophistication and barbarity of ancient Rome. The plot is truly masterful, but there is the underlying theme of giving a voice to the women of this period, something that the written historical record handed down to us rarely does…’
Peter M. Fitzpatrick, The US Review of Books (Recommended)

‘O’Hagan is especially adept at making the trial scenes vivid, with the legendary orator Cicero speaking for the defence. Steven Saylor fans won’t want to miss this one!’
Publishers Weekly

‘An absorbing story, with fully drawn characters, a fascinating place and period, all given vibrant life in the author’s best work so far.’
Kirkus Review

‘An original setting, carefully researched and vividly portrayed.’
The Times Literary Supplement

‘Religious beliefs and superstition in the ancient world play a key part in Joan O’Hagan’s novel about mayhem in Rome … The identity of the killer, in this excellent classical puzzle that is also a classic whodunit, is revealed in a splendidly contrived shock ending.’
Gerald Kaufman, The Listener

‘Who put the poison in Lucius’s wine, what truth in the scabrous accusations? Cicero for the defence; an unusual treat, don’t miss it.’
Christopher Wordsworth, The Observer

‘The contexts are all smartly timed … beware of wicked terminal twists.’
Stephen Walsh, The Oxford Times

‘Everyone is a suspect in this murder mystery that takes place against the backdrop of the age of Julius Caesar, Marcus Antonius and perilous political intrigue … With smart and effective dialogue, the novel portrays tantalising glimpses from a time of goddesses, slaves, superstitions, sacrifices and brutalities. O’Hagan writes in a voice that is universal and addictive in its appeal.’
Angela Wauchop, Backstory Journal

‘O’Hagan’s skill as a writer is in bringing the Roman ruins and statues to life. And in particular, the Roman women!’
Robert Fairhead, Writing NSW

‘A gripping historical courtroom drama …’
Emma Lee, The Blue Nib

‘In this novel, excellent as a mystery and as a reconstruction of the life of upper-class Rome in 45–44 BC, O’Hagan tells a story of murder, magic, love, greed and intrigue, the plot of which could have come right out of an oration of Cicero.’
Fred Mench, Fictional Rome: Authors & Reviews

‘(O’Hagan) is obviously that rare beast, a Latinist who is perfectly at home with the story’s first century BC background … the writing is tight, spare and controlled and the language carefully chosen … her dramatis personae are real people, masters and controllers of their own fate, not puppets manipulated by the author to act her story out …’
David Wishart, author of the Corvinus historical detective series

‘If you are upset by discussions of poisoning by aconite, or by descriptions of multiple anal rape, or by sympathetic portrayals of incest, this is probably not a book for your reading list. I, on the other hand, greatly enjoyed it … this novel puts you in late-Republican Rome. You are dropped straight into an alien moral environment – or perhaps it is not so alien. You can see and smell the streets. You are given a seat at the counsels of a ruthless and cynical ruling class …’
Richard Blake, historical novelist

‘A crime novel which also functions as a social commentary on one of the most powerful civilisations in our history? O’Hagan shows it can be done.’
Wendy J. Dunn, historical novelist

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