Book 13 of a series which has sold over 900,000 copies since publication in September 2001 and which is the inspiration for the prime time BBC TV series. No comparable series exists and we now have a total of 16 titles contracted. Romans are a hot favourite with children and are studied on the National Curriculum at Key Stages 1 and 2. Terrific storytelling cominbed with authentic historical detail. Rights sold in 17 territories. Extensive spin-off publishing planned for 2007, to tie in with the TV series and consolidate fantastic growth in sales.

'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

Caroline Lawrence is American. She won a scholarship to Cambridge to read Classical Archaeology, then did a degree in Hebrew and Jewish studies at University College London. She now lives in London with her English husband and travels widely to research and promote her books.