Although I'm reading these a bit out of order, courtesy the public library, it really doesn't matter much. The books tie together, but not in any critical way, so reading book 3 then book 9 then book 1 will not be a problem; you can jump in at any point.I've read quite a few of these so far, and they're all consistently entertaining, informative, interesting, and have solid mysteries. Roberts' research into Roman culture, history, and details of life is excellent, and what he doesn't (or can't) know, he invents and extrapolates well.Each mystery is a solid, well-crafted puzzler, largely related to Roman culture or historical events. This one sweeps a bit more broadly than most of the previous books, examining a major conspiracy that is an attempt to deal with the looming threat of the Republic's demise. Caesar and Pompey are fast approaching an inevitable collision, and we know how that turned out from history. Meanwhile most of Rome continues on life as they always have, ignoring the changes around them.The main character of Decius is likeable and interesting, but refreshingly a man of his times - that is, he has no problem with slavery, regularly presumes Roman superiority to the world, and is not some magically "progressive" person from modern day transplanted into Rome. The only quibble I have is that the language and writing style is very modern and while he avoids (usually) modern idioms and colloquialisms, every once in a while one sneaks into dialog and the style feels too informal and comfortable for modern readers to fit Rome.
Really 3.5 stars. This book did some things really well. First, it combined the complex nature of politics, family, legal and class system of the Roman republic. Secondly, it combined all these aspects into a mystery that had me thinking to the end. In fact it made my head hurt. And the clever use of one liners, brilliant!Though on the downside. The use of the words: penny-pinching and millionaire; these terms do not fit in to roman world thus cheapen the book. Also, the use of code cracking reeks of trying to like 'The Di Vinci Code', which were only written a few years before 'A Point of Law' was released. A bit unnecessary, really.This book reminded me more of the Sub Rosa series than any other of JMR books - but just a bit more fun.
What do You think about SPQR X: A Point Of Law (2007)?
Decius has returned from pirate hunting in Cyprus and is about to stand for election. All is going well until an unknown charges him with bribery and corruption in that pirate hunt. That is bad enough but on the morning they are to appear in court to wrap up this nuisance the accuser is dead. Now he is charged with the murder. He must figure out who is acting behind the dead man and why and all in three days or he won't be able to stand for election or worse. Julia and Hermes and Asklepidos are all there as usual helping sort out what is going on. Enjoyable read conclusion is a bit strange in how it resolves, but fun read as usual
—Argum
This is one of J.M. Roberts' best. A perfect blend of history, mystery and comedy — five days after reading it and I am still grinning at the book's most comic scenes. A Point of Law is a lesson on Roman courts: how Ancient Romans dealt with legal issues such as complaints, juries, arrests, investigations and, well, the law in general. As usual, J.M. Roberts made his characters so endearing to the reader that even "killjoy" Marcus Porcius Cato seemed so lovable. Decius Caecilius Metellus the Younger and the gang make you feel like they are your old friends, and whenever I put down another book (especially this one!) in this series, I feel really sad. If that's not amazing (as in deserving of five stars), I don't know what is. For me, a great book (regardless of its place in whatever critic or bestseller list) leaves you laughing/crying/heartbroken/mad/ecstatic for days after you've finished reading the last page. SPQR X: A Point of Law is a WORTHY book in MY book :)
—Georgina Ortiz
