The difference here is there's also a Mithraeum, a sprinkling of Latin phrases, some Druids, and talk of the Emperor. All the elements you would expect of a hard-boiled detective story. There's a beautiful woman, a trusty assistant, a bully with a heart of gold, sneaky politicians, and plenty of villains, of course. Arcturus, medicus to the governor and sometimes detective, has a murder to solve and limited time to solve it in. It's raining outside, of course it always is in Londinium. What a series this is going to be! Imagine Ellis Peters re-written by Elmore Leonard and you'll have some notion of this gem of a novel-and it moves like a gladiator on speed.' - Ken Bruen, Barry and Shamus Award-winning author of Priest Read more from classical to sheer class and for a book that is so meticulously researched, it has a wild and wondrous sense of humour. 'Nox Dormienda (A Long Night for Sleeping) nigh cost me a night's sleep! The language is a sheer treasure. Stanley is a terrific writer.' - Gayle Lynds, New York Times Bestselling Author of The Last Spymaster Fueled by fascinating characters and rich details from Londinium in 83 A.D., this unforgettable tale brings the past eerily alive while leaving you hungering for the next book in what surely will be an exciting series. 'From first page to finis, Nox Dormienda by Kelli Stanley is chock full of chills, thrills, and breath-taking adventure. Don't miss your chance to do the same.' - James Rollins, New York Times bestselling author of The Judas Strain I look forward to vanishing again into the world she has created. Written in a fresh and uncompromising voice, here is a novel as evocative of ancient times as it is masterful in crafting a mystery as entangled and ingenious as any modern story. 'In Nox Dormienda, Kelli Stanley has created a startling new genre of mystery: the Roman noir. and crafts a satisfyingly intricate puzzle. First-timer Stanley is sure-footed and enthusiastic about history. takes the reader on a colorful tour of this singular culture high and low, from jails and brothels to the corridors of power. Nox Dormienda is the first book in the Roman Noir series that continues with The Curse-Maker, available wherever print and e-books are sold. Arcturus has one week to find out who butchered him-and why-before Agricola and all of Britannia are plunged into civil war with Rome. Vibius Maecenas, spy for Emperor Domitian, lies on an underground altar.

Set in first century AD Londinium (London), Nox Dormienda introduces Arcturus, private physician for the governor of Britannia as well as his reluctant sleuth. Winner of the Bruce Alexander Award for best historical mystery of 2008, Nox Dormienda is critically-acclaimed author Kelli Stanley's debut novel and the first book in a new series and new genre: Roman Noir.

City of Secrets by Kelli Stanley