The Carnelian Phoenix
(2022)(The second book in the Quintus Valerius Mystery series)
A novel by Jacquie Rogers
"Believable characters take the reader on a perilous and sometimes heart-breaking journey." Fiona Forsyth, author of Rome's End.
AD 224
Former Praetorian Guard, Quintus Valerius, travels from Britannia to visit his family in Rome. A skilled swordsman, Valerius has an unerring nose for danger and death.
Valerius is travelling with his optio, Tiro - a lover of brawling and drinking from Londinium - and the woman he loves, Julia.
In Gaul, Valerius receives a mysterious legacy from his long-dead father — a carnelian intaglio ring. On the road they stumble over a platoon of dead soldiers, also travelling to Rome. One of their high-level political prisoners is dead; the other, Cassius Labineus, has escaped.
But the mystery has only just begun.
Soon after, Julia disappears and Valerius is torn between conflicting loyalties. Family secrets are revealed too, involving a conspiracy and plot to unseat Alexander Severus, the boy Emperor.
When Valerius reaches Rome, the soldier discovers that friends have become enemies. But perhaps an enemy could become a friend?
The fate of Valerius - and the Empire - become linked, as he strives to prevent an assassination.
But there will be blood.
After many years abroad, and careers in advertising and academia, Jacquie Rogers now lives in the Malvern Hills of England.
Praise for Jacquie Rogers:
‘One to watch — Rogers has class in abundance.’ Alistair Forrest.
‘A compelling mystery... For fans of Steven Saylor and Ben Kane.’ Richard Foreman
‘Vivid prose, gripping mystery and a constant sense of adventure: this Roman Britain is richly textured and immediately alive.' Robert Wilton.
Genre: Historical Mystery
AD 224
Former Praetorian Guard, Quintus Valerius, travels from Britannia to visit his family in Rome. A skilled swordsman, Valerius has an unerring nose for danger and death.
Valerius is travelling with his optio, Tiro - a lover of brawling and drinking from Londinium - and the woman he loves, Julia.
In Gaul, Valerius receives a mysterious legacy from his long-dead father — a carnelian intaglio ring. On the road they stumble over a platoon of dead soldiers, also travelling to Rome. One of their high-level political prisoners is dead; the other, Cassius Labineus, has escaped.
But the mystery has only just begun.
Soon after, Julia disappears and Valerius is torn between conflicting loyalties. Family secrets are revealed too, involving a conspiracy and plot to unseat Alexander Severus, the boy Emperor.
When Valerius reaches Rome, the soldier discovers that friends have become enemies. But perhaps an enemy could become a friend?
The fate of Valerius - and the Empire - become linked, as he strives to prevent an assassination.
But there will be blood.
After many years abroad, and careers in advertising and academia, Jacquie Rogers now lives in the Malvern Hills of England.
Praise for Jacquie Rogers:
‘One to watch — Rogers has class in abundance.’ Alistair Forrest.
‘A compelling mystery... For fans of Steven Saylor and Ben Kane.’ Richard Foreman
‘Vivid prose, gripping mystery and a constant sense of adventure: this Roman Britain is richly textured and immediately alive.' Robert Wilton.
Genre: Historical Mystery
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Used availability for Jacquie Rogers 2's The Carnelian Phoenix