The Emperor's Servant

'Beautifully written and utterly absorbing, Forsyth has created a stunning depiction of the end of the republic and birth of the Roman Empire.' Jemahl Evans, author of The Charioteer

Rome. 23 BCE.

In the depths of serious illness, the Emperor Augustus is forced to rethink how he governs the city. He calls upon an unlikely helper.

Lucius Sestius, one of those who fought against Augustus in the early days, desires nothing more than to drink himself happy in the Italian countryside. But the once Republican is called upon to serve the Empire.

To Lucius’ consternation, he is catapulted into office just at a time when a pestilence is sweeping through Italy. Thousands of people are dying and the River Tiber is riding dangerously high.

But Lucius finds himself not only fighting floods and an epidemic. A conspiracy is forming, centered on Lucius’ friend Aulus and the respected Primus, hero of the war in Macedonia. The Emperor feels threatened and Lucius is expected to choose sides.

Lucius tries to bury himself in private life once more, but when Aulus comes begging for help to escape Italy, Lucius cannot refuse.

It is a mistake that brings the Emperor’s wrath down upon him and Lucius’ must pay a heavy price to redeem himself in the eyes of Augustus.

Recommended for fans of Steven Saylor, David Wishart and Peter Tonkin.

Fiona Forsyth studied Classics at Oxford before teaching the subject for 25 years. She lives in Qatar.

Praise for Fiona Forsyth: 'Tightly-written, well-researched, fast-moving, and showing an excellent eye and ear for character and dialogue. A joy to read.' David Wishart

‘A riveting fast-paced mystery that sideswipes everything we thought we knew about Caesar’s assassination and the fall of the Roman Republic.’ Jacquie Rogers

‘Forsyth weaves fact and fiction to produce a page-turning mystery and insight into the end of the Republic.’ Richard Foreman