Using her supreme knowledge of the period, author Annelise Freisenbruch presents the great new heroine of historical fiction, Hortensia, who must navigate the male-dominated courts of law in her quest to uncover a sinister plot to overthrow the Republic.

Drawing from historical accounts of the daughter of famed Roman orator Quintus Hortensius Hortalus, Freisenbruch delivers an atmospheric, meticulously accurate and fast-paced story that will have readers craving more. Rome, 70BC. Roman high society hums with gossip about the suspicious suicide of a prominent Roman senator and the body of a Vestal Virgin is discovered in the river Tiber. As the authorities turn a blind eye, Hortensia is moved to investigate a trail of murders that appear to lead straight to the dark heart of the Eternal City.

The riveting, masterfully told historical thriller set in ancient Rome

About the Author

Annelise Freisenbruch received her PhD in Classics from Cambridge University. She has worked as a researcher for the BBC and has appeared in documentaries about ancient Rome for PBS and CNN. Her first non-fiction book, The First Ladies of Rome: The Women Behind the Caesars, was published to much critical acclaim and has been translated into eight languages. Rivals of the Republic is her first novel.

Reviews

'Freisenbruch deftly intertwines her plot with the politics of the late republic... and the layers of life, crime and grime in that most fascinating of cities... I look forward to Hortensia's next adventures' The Times

'Stunning... a riveting tale. Highly recommended!' Alison Weir, bestselling author of Katherine of Aragon

'Brilliant... an enthralling and convincing imagining of Ancient Rome' Harry Sidebottom, bestselling author of the Throne of the Caesars series

'Annelise Freisenbruch's Hortensia is a delight - passionate, articulate, fallible and, better still, inspired by a real woman' Ruth Downie, author of the bestselling Medicus series

'An exciting journey' Margaret George, bestselling author of The Memoirs of Cleopatra

Book Information
ISBN 9780715652206
Author Annelise Freisenbruch
Format Paperback
Page Count 288
Imprint Duckworth
Publisher Duckworth Books