The Silver Pigs

Marcus Corvinus, a Roman nobleman and amateur investigator, becomes entangled in a case involving stolen silver ingots during the reign of Tiberius Caesar. When he encounters a young girl running for her life in the Forum, he is drawn into a complex web of crime reaching into the highest levels of Roman society. The investigation takes Corvinus from the streets of Rome to the mines of Britain as he follows leads and questions witnesses. He must navigate political intrigue, powerful enemies, and threats to his own safety while trying to uncover the truth behind the silver theft and related murders. The story reconstructs daily life in ancient Rome through details of food, social customs, and the physical environment of the city. Corvinus moves through a world of senators, slaves, merchants and criminals as he works to solve the case. The Silver Pigs combines historical authenticity with elements of classic detective fiction to explore themes of power, corruption and justice in the Roman Empire. The narrative provides insight into how wealth and political influence operated in ancient Rome while delivering a compelling mystery.

Readers describe this as an entertaining historical mystery that brings ancient Rome to life through authentic details and atmosphere. Reviews highlight Marcus Corvinus's sardonic first-person narration and witty dialogue. What readers liked: - The blend of historical authenticity with modern hardboiled detective style - Fast-paced plot with complex mystery elements - Clear explanations of Roman politics and society - Humor and banter between characters What readers disliked: - Latin terms and Roman names can be confusing to follow - Some found the detective too similar to modern noir protagonists - A few readers noted pacing issues in the middle sections Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (274 ratings) Amazon: 4.1/5 (98 ratings) Sample review: "The author manages to make ancient Rome feel immediate and real without drowning us in historical detail. Corvinus's voice strikes the right balance between ancient and modern sensibilities." - Goodreads reviewer

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🏺 "The Silver Pigs" refers to silver ingots smuggled from Roman Britain - these valuable bars were stamped with official marks and used as currency throughout the Roman Empire. 🏛️ Author David Wishart is a classicist who studied at Edinburgh University, lending authentic historical detail to his portrayal of ancient Rome. 🔍 The book's protagonist, Marcus Corvinus, appears in over 15 subsequent novels by Wishart, becoming one of the most enduring private investigators in historical fiction. ⚔️ The novel is set in 70 AD during the reign of Emperor Vespasian, a pivotal time when Rome was recovering from civil war and establishing a new dynasty. 🗺️ The story moves between Rome and Britain, showcasing both the sophisticated urban capital and the frontier province during a time of extensive Roman silver mining operations in Britain.