period suspense

Roman Spies Take the Back Gate to Hell

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As past posts will attest, I’m intrigued by a literary mash-up, and this one is definitely mash-uppy. A spy thriller set in ancient Rome. Who’da thunk it? Apparently, author Q.V. Hunter.

 

The Back Gate to Hell, a Novel of the Late Roman Empire by Q. V. Hunter. $5.99 from Smashwords.com
Roman agent Numidianus’ mission to spy on Caesar Gallus and his vicious consort Constantia tosses him into Antioch’s cesspool of corruption. This third adventure in the Embers of Empire pits Marcus against the warring heirs to the Constantine dynasty and the eunuchs who rule them. Can Marcus save the Empire? More important, can he save his son Leo from mutilation by the Chief Eunuch, Eusebius?

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Go Period France and Go Spine-Tingly with Madame

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Todd Cooks’s Madame made the “Books” list because of its delightfully odd mash-up of concepts. 18th century and a description that starts with “France’s version of Area 51?” Sold.

Madame by Todd Cook. $3.99 from Smashwords.com
For centuries, a preserve known as “The Royal Lands” was France’s version of “Area 51.” Soldiers guarded the perimeter, and only they and specially authorized royalty were allowed inside, but what was being kept there? Speculation ranged from military armaments to monsters. In 1718, young Jean du Vivier accepts a post inside The Royal Lands.