Mysteries Set in Ancient Times are a difficult proposition. There are few forensic techniques available and the prospective sleuth is from a world which may be far removed from the reader. However, the increased interest in archaeology and the increase knowledge of the ancient worlds has opened up many new settings for criminal investigation.
The Roman world, renowned for it’s political intrigue and it’s empire building has become a popular setting for many detectives. The Roman sleuth can be a ‘gumshoe’ or an attorney, the language formal or colloquial. But images of the Empire are now part of mainstream interest and thus successful in the genre.
The other ancient worlds are now no longer the preserves of the intellectual or the dry scientific publications - they are being opened up to the common reader and thus interest in the ancient world is increased - not a bad thing really!
Pro’s: Mysteries are character-driven and personalities are important. The description of such distant times, only half-known by the general readership can be fascinating.
Con’s: New archaeological discoveries constantly change the image we have of ancient civilisations thus some settings can seem out-of-date.
Recommended Authors
Lindsey Davis- Popular author of the Falco series of books, set in Rome during the reign of the canny Emperor Vespasian.
Mary Reed & Eric Mayer - Writing team that created John the Eunuch, Lord Chamberlain to the Emperor Justinian of the Byzantine Empire.
Paul Doherty - A much-published author, he has written a fascinating series of stories set in Ancient Egypt detailing the investigations of the Chief Judge, Lord Amerotke.
David Wishart - Another excellent writer of Roman crime mysteries, Wisharts Marcus Corvinus trots his way with dry humour through the latter days of the Emperor Tiberius’ rule.
Rosemary Rowe - This author is the creator of the freedman Libertus, humble pavement (mosaic) maker in Roman Gloucester who reluctantly solves many a crime - he’s an artist and craftsman ... Not a sleuth! Lucky for us he’s good at both his trade and investigation.
Peter Tremayne - Scholar and inventor of Sister Fidelma, the ancient Irish dálaigh or advocate of law and religious figure, these stories demonstrate that the ancient world was quite advanced in some circumstances.
Mike Ashley - The “Mammoth Book of Roman Whodunnits” and “Mammoth Book of Egyptian Whodunnits” can be considered to be required reading for fans of mysteries. Inspired collections of short stories, these books are great introductions to both styles and settings.
Jane Finnis - A Yorkshire author, her debut was “Get Out or Die”, closely followed by “Bitter Chill”, part of the series set in Roman Britain in AD 91 and involving Aurelia Marcella, proprietor of “the best mansio this far north!”
Kelli Stanley - Another new talent, Kelli has cornered the market in the sub-genre of Roman Noir. Set in Roman occupied Britain, her doctor-sleuth Arcturus treads the mean streets ...
