Unabridged Chick

Set in 5th century Ravenna, this mystery novel is made dense and detailed by Noyer's vibrant descriptions of social life, customs, and culture. Surgeon Getorius Asterius and his wife, medica Arcadia, become embroiled in a strange mystery when they find a dead eunuch in an Arian church and a pregnant woman who claims to be a Vestal Virgin. The plot grows more elaborate when it is discovered that a local Senator might be involved with smuggling and counterfeiting and the Arian presbytera is mysteriously killed. Though this is the second book in a series, it stands alone nicely and I didn't feel hampered by not reading the first.