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Feted war hero Gaius Furius Paullus returns home to Calabria after years of battle. Haunted by dark memories of what he has seen and done in the name of Rome, he keeps his demons at bay by immersing himself in working his family farm.
When bodies start appearing - hideously mutilated - the locals blame the killings on bandits from the mountains or a supernatural being. But as the body count increases, and desperate for a scapegoat, the big landowners point the finger at an illiterate wise woman. Paullus, sure that she has nothing to do with it, sets out to prove the woman's innocence, but in the process comes under suspicion himself. Could the brutality of his experiences in combat have turned him into a killer?
Knowing that he will not get a fair trial, Paullus escapes, and sets a trap for the killers. But can his quest for truth offer him the chance of redemption?
About the author
Harry Sidebottom teaches Ancient History at Oxford University. His career as a novelist began with his Warrior of Rome series, which has sold over half a million copies. His next series, Throne of Caesars, was equally acclaimed. His latest novel, The Burning Road, is available to pre-order now.
Summary
145BC - CALABRIA, ANCIENT ROME. After many years of spilling blood for Rome, Gaius Furius Paullus has returned home to spend his remaining days working quietly on the family farm.
But it seems death has followed Paullus from the battlefield. Just days after his arrival, bodies start appearing - murdered and mutilated. And as the killings continue, and panic spreads, the war hero becomes the prime suspect. After all, Paullus has butchered countless enemies on the battlefield - could he have brought his habit home with him?
With the psychological effects of combat clouding every thought, Paullus must use all his soldier's instincts to hunt the real killer. Because if they are not brought to justice soon, he may become the next victim.
Foreword
The breakout Roman historical thriller about a war hero who returns home to a series of brutal murders - from the Sunday Times bestselling author of Fire in the East.
