SPQR IX - The Princess and the Pirates - first US edition

by John Maddox Roberts

In Roberts's gripping ninth Roman historical (after 2004's The River God's Vengeance), former aedile Decius Caecilius Metellus is dispatched from Rome by his patrician family to deal with a resurgence in piracy to Cyprus, where he encounters the young Cleopatra, whose true allegiances remain obscure. With scant resources, Metellus seeks recruits from the dregs of Cyprian society and attempts to whip his forces into a squad capable of ending the violent pillaging. His focus shifts when Silvanus, the island's Roman governor, is found dead, asphyxiated by a mouthful of frankincense. The economics of the international trade in that aromatic spice prove relevant as Metellus suspects a connection between the assassination and his primary mission.

Book has gray boards with title in silver on the spine. Purchased as new.

Dust wrapper is price-intact at $22.95.