September 314 AD and once more death strikes the sprawling streets of Imperial Rome. When two prostitutes are found murdered - their bodies ripped open and their right eyes gouged out - it's feared a notorious killer, the Nefandus, has returned. Rumoured to be an imperial officer, he once waged bloody murder amongst Rome's prostitutes but vanished before his identity could be discovered. Has he reappeared, or is someone working in his guise? Desperate to retain order, the Empress Helena turns to her most trusted agent, Claudia. Helena commands her to discover the truth behind the Nefandus, before Rome descends further into chaos and confusion.

In the fourth novel in Paul Doherty's acclaimed Ancient Roman series featuring Claudia, secret agent of Empress Helena, a killer stalks the streets of Rome

About the Author
Paul Doherty was born in Middlesbrough. He studied History at Liverpool and Oxford Universities and obtained a doctorate for his thesis on Edward II and Queen Isabella. He is now headmaster of a school in north-east London and lives with his family in Essex.

Reviews
Praise for Paul Doherty and his other novels: 'Resurrectionist magic * New York Times *
The best of its kind since the death of Ellis Peters * Time Out *
I really like these medieval whodunnits * Bookseller *
Historically informative, excellently plotted and, as ever, superbly entertaining * CADS 20 *
This rich tale ... seeps authenticity and is written with wonderfully efficient style. A gem of an historical thriller * Huddersfield Daily Examiner *
The maestro of medieval mystery * Books Magazine *
Doherty dazzles with his story-telling * Nottingham Evening Post *



Book Information
ISBN 9780755338443
Author Paul Doherty
Format Paperback
Page Count 384
Imprint Headline Book Publishing
Publisher Headline Publishing Group
Weight(grams) 204g
Dimensions(mm) 181mm * 113mm * 25mm