Tangled Web UK Review November 2000
Last Seen in Massilia by
Steven Saylor
hbk out October 00
Published by Constable & Robinson
at £15.99
My first encounter with Saylor’s writing was his A Murder on the Appian Way and I was bowled over by his ability to bring to life the world of ancient Rome. I can remember the pleasure of being almost able to feel and see the places he described, the warmth of the sun in a courtyard, the smell of herbs. In Last Seen in Massilia Saylor sets his mystery in the ancient city that is now known as Marseilles, during the civil war between Caesar and Pompey. Gordianus the Finder is searching for his son Meto and needs to enter the city, which is in a state of siege. Saylor has gathered information from numerous sources surrounding this event and and has written a story which could well have happened in such a time and place, and which makes a compelling page turner. Warfare in Roman times, the amazing Roman army, the strategies used for laying siege and conquering this city for Caesar, its strange ancient customs, provide the authentic and fascinating background to this adventure where Gordianus and his son-in-law embark on their dangerous mission to search for the son they half believe is dead. Saylor’s book is perfectly in tune with the world of Ancient Rome and its people. Nothing he writes strikes a false note in this skilful combination of historical fact and entertaining fiction.
(
Phyllis Davis
)
