Rufus Varro returns for another thrilling mystery in Richard Foreman’s latest instalment to the Spies of Rome series. Assassin is the third novella and sixth story, and a welcome addition for fans of the series. But with a fast-paced plot, new readers will soon be caught up to speed on Varro’s antics.

Foreman immediately throws the reader into the bloody murder at the centre of the novella. The dead body in question is that of Marcus Sura, an assassin and fellow spy, discovered in a brothel with an intriguing wound to his neck. This rather complicates Varro’s mission to deliver important funds to Sura but, working on familiar territory, he endeavours to catch the killer. Capua is full of likely suspects and Varro must untangle a web of lies to find out who to trust.

Assassin might be a short story but it is packed full of peril, secrecy and intrigue. It is a classic murder mystery with a twist; the backdrop of Augustus’ empire gives it a rich context. Foreman weaves a unique blend of genres, combining the thrilling action of mystery and espionage with the vivid descriptions of historical fiction. A commitment to historical accuracy never gets in the way of a pacey plot and lively characters.

Varro is a highly entertaining protagonist. His deeply sarcastic nature and reluctant enthusiasm might make him an unlikely detective, but when he isn’t complaining about his lack of sleep or yearning for his ex-wife, he has a sharp mind and an excellent intuition. Fans will be glad to see the return of spymaster Marcus Agrippa and Manius, Varro’s trusted accomplice and bodyguard.

But there are plenty of new characters too, and with new faces comes new suspects. Readers will be kept guessing until the end.

Richard Foreman is the author of Assassin: A Spies of Rome Novella, published by Sharpe Books. Lily Lowe is an Editorial Intern at Aspects of History.