Product Description

This exciting adventure recreates the siege of Masada, and reveals important developments in Jonathan's struggle with his guilt over past events. Also, there's terrific insight into the workings of the Roman legal system in a page-turning court room drama. As always, Caroline Lawrence spings new surprises for all the characters and provides motives, means and opportunities for one determined felon. And, as ever, it's up to the four young detectives to crack the case. And, for one of the popular characters, a tragic end awaits ...

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #241760 in Books
• Published on: 2007-04-02
• Original language: English
• Binding: Hardcover
• 230 pages

Joy Dye (WS Milton Keynes), WATERSTONE'S BOOKS QUARTERLY
'enthralling... will have readers riveted to the last.'

Review
'enthralling... will have readers riveted to the last.' (Joy Dye (WS Milton Keynes) WATERSTONE'S BOOKS QUARTERLY )

'always like to punt this rewarding series for older readers.' (Justine Crow FAMILIES SOUTH-EAST )

'I enjoyed this book...the author brings it (the Roman justice system) vividly to life and has us on the edges of our seats.' (Elizabeth Hawksley HISTORICAL NOVELS REVIEW )

Elizabeth Hawksley, HISTORICAL NOVELS REVIEW
'I enjoyed this book...the author brings it (the Roman justice system) vividly to life and has us on the edges of our seats.'

Customer Reviews

Thrillinggg
Set in the heart of the courtrooms of Rome's port of Ostia, this is an enhancing book that will keep any reader hooked till the end. A unique plot with an amazing storyline, this is by far one of the most thrilling books I have ever read. With surprising twists and new faces, this is one of a kind book.

Mariam's childhood friend, Hephzibah, is stuck in a situation where only someone who knows Roman law inside out can save her. But when Pliny, her original lawyer drops her case, who will take on a case of a slave girl with a troubled past? Especially when she is accused of three murders? Piece by piece, the evidence comes into light... but is she really innocent? or is she just another greedy slavegirl who would do anything to inherit her master's wealth?

Crime Room Drama from Ancient Rome
Straight from the intricusies of ancient Roman culture comes the new childrens novel by Caroline Lawrence.
It follows the four friends as they attempt to prove the innocence of one of Miriam#s childhood friends.
The new element of a trial has been added to enhance the drama of ancient times, not only adding to our knowledge of customs and traditions but also enriching the storyline and characters.
As usual, new faces appear and old friends return, yet the plot is as original as ever.
I found this book very hard to put down, every time you think the mystery is drawing to a lose, a new piece of evidence comes to light. The book is woven with murder, betrayal and love, which makes it immpossble to stop.

Now comparing to Ngaio March
I had just finished reading one of Ngaio Marsh's later mysteries when I picked up "Slave Girl from Jerusalem". The plot and characterizations beg comparison, I think are more intriguing and in the end more satisfying. What I have found to be essential to all Ms. Lawrence's stories are a very frank and matter of fact look at the world that surrounds the characters and how they relate to it, rather more like Grimm's fairy tales or Beatrix Potter (where "Mr. Rabbit was put in a stew").
The entire series appeals to me as an adult, but I recommend it to all levels of school age kids as well.