The Calidus

The Calidus mysteries are set in first-century Rome during the reign of Nero and follow a recently freed slave whose position gives him access to very different levels of Roman society. Calidus begins by investigating the suspicious death of his former master, moving between slaves’ quarters, senatorial households and the imperial court while learning how dangerous it is to ask questions in a system built on status and patronage.

The second novel widens the political stakes as members of Rome’s priesthood are murdered and Nero’s suspicion falls across those around him. Together the books combine classical murder mystery with court intrigue, using the social restrictions of slavery, freed status and imperial power as practical obstacles to investigation.