Murder Imperial

by P. C. Doherty

ISBN: 9780747260776

Published: 2003

It is 313 AD. Under the rule of Emperor Constantine, Rome finally appears to be emerging from its turbulent past. Under the guidance of his mother Helena, Constantine plan to consolidate his control by harnessing the power of the increasingly influential Christian Church. But his loyalties are brought into question when three courtesans from the Guild of Aphrodite—a guild Constantine himself frequents—are found dead. All three bodies have crosses etched on their foreheads and each cheek. Aiming at protecting her son's future, Helena calls upon the service of an agente in rebus politicis—a spy. Claudia is the niece of a tavern-owner and is placed as a wine-server in Constantine's household, but as it turns out, Claudia has secret motives of her own.