The Venus Throw

A Novel of Ancient Rome, Book 6

By: Steven Saylor

Narrated by: Scott Harrison

Rome, 56 BC. The great general Pompey has conquered the East; Julius Caesar is defeating the Gauls; only Egypt, with its strategic granaries and vast treasuries of gold, still eludes the grasp of Rome. The city itself is becoming ever more corrupt, as the last generation of the Roman Republic indulges in political backstabbing, endless lawsuits, scandalous love affairs, and the occasional murder.

In recent days several Egyptian envoys have been viciously assassinated. Fearing that he will be next, the Egyptian ambassador, Dio, calls on his old friend Gordianus the Finder and all of his special skills for help - but before the night is out, Dio is murdered.

Now Gordianus begins his most dangerous case. Hired to investigate Dio’s death by a beautiful woman with a scandalous reputation, he will follow a trail of political intrigue into the highest circles of power and the city’s most hidden arenas of debauchery. There Gordianus will learn that nothing is as it seems - not the damning evidence he uncovers, not the suspect he sends to trial, not even the real truth behind Dio’s death.

Poison, betrayals, and long-buried secrets confront Gordianus as one of history’s most famous trials races to a close. But even after the verdict is delivered, there are secrets still to be uncovered.

Steven Saylor is a freelance writer, editor, and the author of novels set in ancient Rome. He studied history at the University of Texas at Austin. His writing has appeared in the Threepenny Review, San Francisco Bay Guardian, Ellery Queen’s Mystery Magazine, and The Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction.

©1995 Steven Saylor (P)1996 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Imaginative…. Saylor’s style is smooth…. A[n] absorbing look at a time when men tried to rule themselves wisely and failed." ( San Francisco Chronicle)

"Engrossing…. Intensely dramatic…. Erotic, funny, compelling.… A bona fide page-turner." ( Detroit Free Press)

"Steven Saylor transports you to ancient Rome with spellbinding effectiveness." ( Austin Chronicle)

One of the Best

Abysmal reader.

If only Cosham could have narrated the entire series! A redo of the entire ‘Roma Sub Rosa’ series by a single, talented reader would certainly boost listenership, as presently so many give up on the series due to individual books being “unlistenable”.

As to story, it builds on two fronts whilst giving us a glimpse of a strange minor religion as well. The surprise revelation at the end makes it one of Saylor’s best. Also, Bethesda and Diana’s characters are finally allowed a welcome bit of dimensionality! Great story, although pacing varies throughout.

Many background noises, very disturbing.

Many background noises, very disturbing. Sounded likes things falling on the ground and bad sound quality, at times. Recording should be repaired.

Love This Series

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, I would and have. Off we go with a delightful family, one that grows and grows in numbers", in the height of Roman History. Once a year I go back and listen to this series once again.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

This plot held me for years

What does Scott Harrison bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

He is my pick for this series. He nailed the energy , humor and spirit of this family.

Who was the most memorable character of The Venus Throw and why?

I loved the new addition to the family. Our hero does collect them, bless his heart, and the way this story unfolds, develops, and the super ending.

love love

regardless who reads it , it is still one of the best books and author if all time

really bad narrator

Narrator exhibits no emotion in this recording, and mispronounces almost all Greek and Roman names