Most Roman historical mysteries are set in either Rome or Britain. This one is set in Aquitaine during the reign of Augustus Caesar. That alone would make it unique, but in addition it is pure noir fiction. The story has a world weary investigator, good women gone bad, corrupt officials and a series of ugly murders. Minus the togas, this could be L.A. in the 1940's. Infantem, quod non curant (Baby, I don't care). Well worth reading.