"Widow's Pique" by Marilyn Todd is a captivating historical mystery that takes readers back to ancient Rome. The story revolves around Claudia Seferius, a resourceful widow who has a talent for solving crimes. When a prominent city official is murdered, Claudia finds herself entangled in a complex world of political intrigue and deception. With her wit and intelligence, Claudia must uncover the truth behind the killing, navigating the treacherous Roman society along the way.

One of the strengths of the book is Todd's ability to create a vivid and immersive setting. The attention to historical details is impressive, bringing the ancient streets of Rome to life. From bustling marketplaces to opulent villas, the depiction of Roman society is captivating, adding depth and intrigue to the story.

Claudia Seferius is a compelling and dynamic protagonist. Her sharp intellect and quick thinking make her an excellent detective, while her determination to seek justice adds to her likability. Todd skillfully weaves together multiple plot threads, keeping the suspense high and the readers guessing until the very end. The intricate political machinations and power struggles add complexity to the story, showcasing the author's ability to create a compelling and multifaceted narrative.

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The pacing of the book is well-balanced, keeping readers engaged and eager to uncover the truth alongside Claudia. The dialogue is sharp and witty, capturing the essence of the characters and their relationships. Todd's writing style is descriptive and engaging, allowing readers to easily visualize the scenes and immerse themselves in the story.

Overall, "Widow's Pique" is an entertaining and well-crafted historical mystery that will appeal to fans of the genre. Marilyn Todd has successfully created a captivating protagonist and a richly detailed setting, making this book a delightful read for anyone seeking an engrossing and atmospheric mystery set in ancient Rome.

What are readers saying?

"Widow's Pique" by Marilyn Todd is a historical mystery novel that has received a range of reviews. The book follows Claudia Seferius, a Roman "informer" who finds herself embroiled in a web of mystery and deceit.

Some reviewers praised the book for its engaging protagonist and fast-paced plot. They found Claudia Seferius to be a captivating and likable character, appreciating her sharp wit and courageous nature. The plot was described as gripping, filled with unexpected twists and turns that kept readers guessing until the very end. Furthermore, readers commended the author's meticulous research, which brought the historical setting of ancient Rome to life and immersed them in that world.

Nevertheless, there were also reviewers who felt that the book did not meet their expectations. Some found the mystery to be lacking complexity and suspense, failing to truly grip their attention. Additionally, they found the characters, aside from Claudia, to be underdeveloped, which made it difficult for them to become fully invested in their stories. A few readers also found the writing style to be heavy-handed, with excessively detailed and repetitive descriptions.

Despite these mixed reviews, most readers agreed that Marilyn Todd's writing was enjoyable and exhibited a good sense of humor. The dialogue, in particular, was praised for its wit and sarcasm, which added an entertaining element to the story. The pacing of the book was also generally seen as a positive attribute, as it kept readers engaged and eager to uncover the truth.

Overall, "Widow's Pique" by Marilyn Todd received varying reviews from readers. While some were captivated by the engaging protagonist, fast-paced plot, and well-researched historical setting, others felt that the mystery lacked complexity and the characters were underdeveloped. However, the majority of readers appreciated the author's writing style, humor, and ability to keep them engaged throughout the book.

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