The Blood of Caesar: A Second Case from the Notebooks of Pliny the Younger - Tapa blanda

When the body of a mason is found in the library of current Princeps (first citizen) Domitian,Pliny the Younger is asked by his mother to find the killer. At the same time, Domitian orders Pliny and his friend Tacitus to find out if there is a real heir to the throne. Their exploits in Syria (All Roads Lead to Murder)have reached the ears of all in Rome, and they now have the reputation of being competent detectives. Readers will delight in the duo's tracing of Caesar's blood line; walking with Pliny through his daily routine is entertaining, too. Outstandingly researched and laden with suspense, this journey into ancient Rome by history professor Bell could be one of the masterpieces of the historical mystery genre. Lindsey Davis and Steven Saylor will hold readers over until the third casebook of Pliny the Younger publishes. Highly recommended for all collections. Jo Ann Vicarel - Library Journal, Starred Review - named one of the 5 best mysteries of 2008

Albert Bell is a literary renaissance man. His published books include nonfiction, historical fiction, and mysteries. Bell discovered his love for writing in high school with his first publication in 1972. His articles and stories have appeared in publications from Jack and Jill and True Experience to the Detroit Free Press and Christian Century. Dr. Bell has taught at Hope College in Holland, Michigan since 1978 and has served as chair of the History Department since 1994. He has a Ph.D. from UNC-Chapel Hill, an M.A. from Duke and an M.Div. from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. He has been married for over 40 years to Bettye Jo Barnes Bell, a psychologist; they have four children and a grandchild.