Roman Mysteries Series

Titles: 17 including Thieves of Ostia, Secrets of Vesuvius, Pirates of Pompeii

also Quiz Books and Mini-mysteries

Author: Caroline Lawrence

Rating: * (1 star out of 3 possible, "C")

Recommended with Reservations

Audience: Middle-School

These unique historical fiction books follow four young detectives through the Roman Empire during AD 79-81. Readers will encounter Mount Vesuvius, Emperors Titan and Domitian, and the cities of Rome, Pompeii, Corinth, Jerusalem, Alexandria, Ephesus and others.

The books are so well-researched, with such a literate, classical feel I first rated them with 2 stars ("B"), but then realized there was quite a bit of violence and adult themes involved in the plot, so some families may prefer caution.

I'm not sure how socially accurate the stories are because I find it hard to believe the daughter of a Roman sea captain (Flavia) could lead a Jewish boy (Jonathan), former black slave girl (Nubia), and a beggar boy (Lupus) through Ancient Rome solving mysteries. But then I had to admit, all mystery series demand a certain suspension of disbelief.

Historically, the culture, characters, customs and events are accurate, for better or worse. For instance, it was probably not uncommon for girls to marry at 13, but I found it a little disturbing to consider! Roman festivals and sacrifices are described in some detail. Also, keep in mind that Roman Emperors really were brutal and there are events in the book that refer to slavery, having prisoners beat, and even a brief, discreet discussion of rape (Man from Pomegranate Street). As the characters age and mature, so do some of the interpersonal relationships, so prepare for some mild romance: a kiss, a marriage, a wedding-night with no details provided. Thus the recommendation for a middle-school audience.

The Christian content is surprising and refreshing. Two of the friends, and later a third, are followers of "The Way:" "We believe God sent his son as a sacrifice once and for all to give us eternal life. We try to be good and kind to each other and to do what is right." Others remain skeptics: "I think it's irrational. Imagine believing a dead person could come alive again!"

Some titles are written from a male character's perspective and some from a female's. All in all, timely topics for teenagers, both young men and young women.