A Vote for Murder

Book Description: Marcus Corvinus is already restless after a couple of days in the Alban Hills, where he’s visiting his stepdaughter, Marilla; a regular seat at Pontius’ wine shop is all very well, but bucolic leisure has its limits. So when Corvinus is asked to investigate the brutal slaying of Vettius Bolanus, one of two candidates for the forthcoming censor’s elections, he jumps at the chance. Corvinus feels certain there’s a political motive for the murder, and the obvious suspect is Concordius, the rival candidate. But as he pursues his investigation, the obvious solution becomes less and less likely. There are two more violent deaths, plus a near miss for himself, before Corvinus (tipped off, as usual, by his brainy wife, Perilla) uncovers an elaborate nationalist conspiracy. Once again, David Wishart delves deep into classical history to provide a rich backdrop to an intricate tale of murder and betrayal.
(© New English Library)