Shadows on Colonia (The Colonia Crimes Vol. 1)
Pandemonium, Germanic style, is unfolding in Colonia, the largest Roman city north of the Alps in 87 CE. Colonia (modern day Cologne, Germany) is an established and expanding Roman presence that is a magnet for Roman citizens from around the Empire hoping to get in on its increasing prosperity. Situated to the west of the Rhenus River (the Rhine), Colonia’s fluid boundary also attracts Germanic merchants and traders from the still-independent and self-governing tribes to the east of the river.
The two main characters, both Roman citizens of Colonia, confront the unfolding chaos spreading throughout the city from Germanic barbarian invaders who are apparently entering and robbing people. Fear and uncertainty between Romans and their Germanic neighbors are growing. Quintus Tibur, born and raised in a Germanic tribe to the east but now a Roman citizen and lawyer in Colonia, is joined by Lucretia Veturius, daughter of a wealthy merchant, in investigating the mounting bedlam to find out who is behind it. Quintus and Lucretia become involved for both personal and civic reasons. Quintus wants to further his own career but also show the citizens of the city that not all Germanic people are marauders, and Lucretia wants revenge for a family tragedy and to confirm that Romans are honorable people.
This fast-paced adventure never slows down, with mounting attacks, increasingly strident talk of retaliation on both sides, and a growing net of people seemingly trying to either stop or incite further violence. Quintus and Lucretia must follow clues from both Roman and Germanic perspectives in their investigations. Sure to draw any reader in and keep them hanging on every word, this book is highly recommended!
