Book excerpt: In the golden days of Ancient Greece and Rome, amidst the splendid art and architecture, the philosophy and politics - there was always a full measure of intrigue, mystery and murder. In this new collection twenty-two writers take up their pens to give an enthralling picture of classical crime. Favourite historical detectives such as Gordianus the Finder, Decius Metellus, and Sister Fidelma rub shoulders with eminent temporary sleuths such as Socrates and that honourable man Brutus, whilst other great names - Augustus, Archimedes, and even the spoilt and beautiful goddess of love, Aphrodite herself - also become enmeshed in terrible and ingenious crimes. Contributors include: Keith Heller Edward D. Hoch Phyllis Ann Karr Theodore Mathieson Amy Myers Wallace Nichols Anthony Price Steven Saylor Darrell Schweitzer Brian Stableford Keith Taylor and many more