The Ides of April

by Mary Ray

Book Overview

Hylas is a young Greek slave in the household of Caius Pomponius, a Roman Senator involved in political schemes. When the senator is found mysteriously murdered, the household slaves (including Hylas... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1883937434
• ISBN13: 9781883937430
• Release Date: May 1999
• Publisher: Bethlehem Books
• Length: 165 Pages
• Weight: 1.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.6" x 8.5"
• Age Range: 14 to 17 years
• Grade Range: Grades 9 to 12

Customer Reviews

exciting Roman mystery

As homeschoolers, we loved this book. It went along with our study of Ancient Rome - but would be exciting for anyone who likes historical novels and mysteries. The sequel, Beyond the Desert Gate, is also great!

Well! Only three other reviews...?!

The thing about this book was that it felt _REAL_. It was hard to remember it was *just* a book. You felt the danger; you felt the bruises on the ribs. You wanted the hero to make it. You just didn't find yourself doubting the realness of it. Now, it's been a couple years since I read this, so perhaps I was just more gullible. But I don't think so. I still remember it, after all this time. Its magic was a special fete considering I had NEVER been interested in the Roman era or historical mysteries. When the book was over, I wanted it to keep going.An excellent historical mystery. I highly doubt you'll regret reading it.

Best Book!

This was a very good book. Sometimes a bit of a slow read, but such and intriguing murder story set in anciet Rome you won't even think to put the book down! Great for everyone!

The most riveting modern historical fiction out there!

Part Agatha Christie, part Eloise McGraw ... this book totally blew me away! Mary Ray is terrific, practically creating a whole new genre of books - children's historical mysteries. The plot flows beautifully from one catastrophic event to another, creating a tale of incredible skill and baffling turns.Not much has been written in the Ancient-Roman category anyway, and this book is made even more unique by its point of view - that of a slave. It exposes the so-called 'glamour' of Rome to be merely a circle of cruelty and struggle. This book is not for the very young, but discerning readers 12 & up will find this book absolutely wonderful. I can't endorse it too strongly!