In an ancient Rome torn apart by corruption and decadence, Gordianus the Finder investigates the brutal assassinations of several Egyptian envoys and finds himself in the midst of a deadly and seductive game of murder and intrigue. The author of Catalina's Riddle (LJ 9/15/93) re-creates the corrupt Rome of 56 B.C., when Egypt still remains free. Because several Egyptian envoys have been murdered, the Egyptian ambassador asks series "sleuth" Gordianus the Finder for assistance. Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.