Pompeii

A Tale of Murder in Ancient Rome

By: Robert Colton

Narrated by: Dan Curtis

Length: 13 hrs

Publisher's summary

History awaits an unsuspecting young man, fleeing the imperial capital and Nero's wrath. Arriving in Pompeii, Marcellus witnesses the funeral of a local man; the course of his life will be altered by this stranger's death. Unable to stop the murder of a mysterious woman named Helen, Marcellus becomes the caretaker of the dead woman's newborn baby. Hiding in plain sight at a brothel, Marcellus is left to decipher Helen's secrets. With the help of his overbearing servant and a seductive oracle, Marcellus must deduce who in Pompeii has blood on their hands. Helen's killer and Marcellus' true identity appear to be his greatest threats. Little does he know what cataclysm the Mighty Jove has designed. If Marcellus can survive the city's disaster, he just might expose a murderer and stay alive.

©2012 Robert Colton (P)2014 Robert Colton

Dreamlike quality kept me transfixed

The reader's voice is unusual but pleasant none the less. The story is anything but usual. A complex plot in a historical setting, Pompeii before the eruption but during and after the earthquake 6 years prior, is itself a complex story all its own. The main characters have a role swap which adds to the general air of a confusing dream. All the threads finally do come together. There are no real heroes here but determined players and survivors. The historical details enrich the story immensely. The author has done his homework. I only hope that this team of author and narrator will offer us more of the books in this series as audiobooks. A pleasant and rewarding experience for their listeners!

From the egg to the apple

Would you listen to Pompeii again? Why?

Yes, I would listen to the book again. The story is complex, the main characters are involved in a complicated mystery while they are on the run for a crime one of them is accused of. The two elements are not connected, although I had guessed that they were. Listening again, I wouldn't need to spectate, but rather take it all in.

What other book might you compare Pompeii to and why?

There is a Jeeves and Wooster find themselves in Steven Saylor's Arms of Nemesis feel to the story. The roman details were well done and the dynamic roles of the main characters proved humorous.

Which scene was your favorite?

I really enjoyed several scenes it is hard to pick one. While several scenes are playful and fun, the description of the earthquake was really well done.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No, I enjoyed the characters and didn't want the book to end too soon.

Any additional comments?

The narrator had a nice range. The character's were given distinctive tones which made the lengthy book easier to follow.

Great historical fiction!

Great story and fascinating characters, especially that of Tay. Look forward to more! When will the next book be available as an audiobook?!