SPQR stands for Senatus Populusque Romanus, or The Senate and the People of Rome. SPQR X a Point of Law is the tenth installment in a series by John Maddox Roberts which revolves around the political turmoil in ancient Rome.

Decius Caecilius Metellus is the next shoe-in for a spot in the Roman Senate. Things are looking bright for Decius until Marcus Fulvius publicly accuses Decius of extortion. On the morning of Decius's trial, Fulvius's body is found murdered on the steps of the basilica and Decius now finds himself accused of murder. What better way to ruin his election hopes?

Decius must now navigate through the political intrigue and unravel the mystery of who actually killed Fulvius and why he has become the target chosen to take the fall. While a quick-witted, resourceful detective, he must also enlist the help of several key characters including Julia, Decius's wife and niece of Julius Caesar; Asklepiodes, forward-thinking doctor and forensic specialist; and Callista, Greek mathematician and philosopher.

Without having read the first nine installments in this series, I found it extremely easy to jump into this book without being left aimlessly looking for answers to events that may have happened in past books. While the mystery itself is well thought out and kept me guessing until the end, it was very hard to follow along with this story. Considering that in ancient Rome, there were only about 18 first names that were used, it made for quite a bit of confusion due to the family members having the same names; sons named after their fathers and daughters taking on the feminine form of their father's name. I found myself plodding through many parts of the book without understanding the connections between the players, which makes me wonder if the mystery was that good, or if I just couldn't put the connections together, which left me in the dark. In order to understand the tangled web, I would have had to draw out genealogical charts and family trees. However, at the same time, I do applaud the author for sticking with this historically correct aspect. As a lover of history, I find that slight inaccuracies can completely ruin a historical tale.

If you think you can follow along, buy the book. If you lack the willpower to follow the logic in the complex labyrinth of characters, don't even try it.

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Publisher: St. Martin's Minotaur (May 16, 2006)
ISBN: 0312337256
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