Poetic Justice: A Publius Ovidius Mystery for Readers

"Poetic and haunting" are apt descriptions of the work by Fiona Forsyth, who offers an enthralling glimpse into the life of one of Ancient Rome's most illustrious poets. Ovid, famed for his romantic verses, finds himself in a precarious situation after incurring the wrath of an irate Emperor. Banished to the remote town of Tomis, far removed from the familiar comforts of Rome, Ovid grapples with the dismay of exile.

However, the initial shock of his banishment swiftly gives way to a more pressing and dangerous dilemma. A murderer is on the loose in Tomis. Disturbingly, this individual is committing horrific acts, slaughtering animals in a grotesque mockery of ritual. The local Governor’s advisor, Marcus Avitius, is feeling the pressure to find and apprehend the culprit. Compounding Avitius's difficulties is the deep-seated mistrust that the local population harbors toward Romans, which makes it challenging for him to secure assistance.

As the situation escalates and the murderer begins to shift from targeting animals to taking human lives, Avitius finds himself in a precarious position. Reluctantly, he teams up with the enigmatic and often inebriated Ovid. An even more alarming discovery unfolds; Ovid seems to share an uncanny connection with the killer, as the timelines of his poetry coincide eerily with the murderer’s actions.

After receiving a secretive visit from members of the elite Praetorian Guard, Ovid becomes acutely aware of his own vulnerability in Tomis. His life, along with his freedom, hangs in the balance; he realizes that deviating from the Emperor’s expectations could cost him dearly. While Avitius grapples with the Governor's demands, Ovid becomes ensnared in dangerous machinations that threaten him from both Tomis and distant Rome.

This compelling narrative is recommended for readers who appreciate the works of Steven Saylor, Lindsey Davis, and Simon Scarrow. Forsyth's academic background, having studied Classics at Oxford and subsequently teaching the subject for 25 years, enriches her storytelling. She is also known for crafting the Lucius Sestius Mysteries.

Praise for Fiona Forsyth's work is abundant. Peter Tonkin notes that “Forsyth weaves together the various strands of this gripping tale with an expert hand,” highlighting the authentically recreated historical backdrop and vividly credible ancient Roman characters embroiled in a gripping mystery. David Wishart commends the work as "tightly-written, well-researched, and fast-moving," emphasizing Forsyth's adeptness at character development and dialogue. Jemahl Evans emphasizes her masterful storytelling, stating she has crafted “a stunning depiction of the end of the republic and the birth of the Roman Empire.” Lastly, Richard Foreman underscores Forsyth’s skill in blending fact with fiction, resulting in a page-turning mystery that not only entertains but also provides insight into a pivotal moment in history—the twilight of the Roman Republic.

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