Gladius and Gladrags: A Roman Murder Mystery (Imperium, Interrupted)

By Jon Smith

Murder's never in season. Especially in Rome.

When a senator's son is found dead at a prestigious Imperial fashion symposium-impaled on a decorative gladius while modelling ceremonial undergarments-the Empire erupts in scandal.

To keep the affair quiet, the investigation is handed to a group of battered legionaries now on "administrative reassignment." Led by Commander Gaius Festus, who would rather stay unnoticed, the Damned Legion must solve the murder without offending Rome's most dangerous elite: the fashion houses.

As Lucia Vorena uncovers corruption in the textile guilds, Festus is unwillingly scouted as a model, Sabina infiltrates a rival atelier as a mute seamstress, and Capo moonlights as an anonymous gossip columnist known only as Gladragus. When cursed fabrics, counterfeit laurels, and a prophetic designer collide, the team realises the killing is only the beginning-and the next victim may be wearing the Emperor's label.

Runway sabotage. Deadly design. And one very judgmental goat.

The Empire's reputation may survive-but its taste won't.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1916970982
• ISBN13: 9781916970984
• Release Date: June 2026
• Publisher: Balkon Media
• Length: 270 Pages
• Weight: 0.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.0" x 0.7" x 5.0"