Continuing the authora s exciting new take on Roman Britain this well researched fifth novel of the nail-biting series has chief investigator Felix yet again having to combine intuition with detection. Arch provocateur Mercurialis fully understands the financial constraints placed on Governor Urbicus by the Emperor and takes advantage of the lack of resources to expand his plans to usurp Britannia. When the insurgent groups begin to fight amongst themselves Felix and his son-in-law, Clemens, allow that it might only be a ruse. However, putting their lives at risk daily, Felix and his team counter-plot by employing stratagems of their own. At the same time as befits family men, humour and emotion are not forgotten. Live their lives with them. Share the danger.

Having brought peace to a country at war with itself the benign Roman governance encouraged previously unknown literacy plus education, trade, farming, an economy and the usage of Roman invention including the improved Roman plough, wind/water mills, double action pump and glass amongst many things. Such wealth production naturally generated envy and crime existed, including treason and murder as well as extortion and fraud, in the 105 towns that catered for a population of 2.5 million. A well organised civil service included policing and Albinus Felix, himself the son of a British ex-slave, had climbed the army's promotion ladder to become chief of intelligence in Britannia to be ably assisted by his son-in-law, Clemens, from a wealthy family in Rome. At daily risk from traitors, confidence tricksters and their acolytes they plan and counter-plan to capture them, at the same time attempting to infiltrate the groups. Experienced Governor Urbicus and his fleet admiral Agrippa offer whatever support is required within the law but often leaving Felix and Clemens out on a limb. A local tribal leader who understands that peace and stability can only benefit the tribes also offers help, to the chagrin of the overall tribal council.

The author's exciting new take on Roman Britain continues with this fast-moving novel when senior investigator Felix finds that overcoming one conspirator simply identifies another, as each seeks to usurp the benign Roman governance of British governor Urbicus. Danger is never far away but ably supported by son-in-law Clemens they employ ingenuity, subterfuge and sheer doggedness to face another storm of political intrigue.

Suggested by actual events this historical crime novel presents Roman Britain in a new and exciting light. Taking place in the 140s A.D (Roman years 892-897) it features the problems and dangers encountered by senior investigator Albinus Felix in a land of 105 towns and a population of 2.5 million, often with governor Lollius Urbicus away in the north which had never been pacified as had the south east. A new wall beyond Hadrian's was demanded by the emperor, causing more problems than it solved by taking troops from the midlands and south. The governor, admiral and many other characters actually lived at this time.

Intriguing mysteries and fast-paced action combine with humour and emotion...To combat treason, sedition and rebellion in the Empire's most northerly state, the prosperous Britain of Roman year 891 (AD 139), chief investigator Felix is charged by the Governor with rooting out traitors in the 25 large and 80 small towns that catered for a population of two and a half million people. Forced to live on his wits amongst a heady mix of cult sacrifice, lust, crime and warfare, his own dark secret is finally revealed.

Intriguing mysteries and fast-paced action combine with humour and emotion. In the Roman year 897 (AD 145) rebellion, treason and dissent were rife on the empire's most northerly frontier. A second wall, beyond Hadrian's, meant to promote peace inevitably only adds fuel to the fire. Charged by the governor with rooting out the traitors investigator Felix is in daily danger as they hold life cheaply, forcing him to live alongside crime, warfare, love, lust, sacrifice and treason - in a heady mix!