The Secundus Papyrus [Paperback]

The novel begins showing Emperor Valentian III hunting with two Hunnic bodyguards at the outskirts of Ravenna. He was pursuing a boar he had just wounded, but the animal had escaped across a stream. The loss gave the emperor pause for a monologue about the three persons who were making his life difficult, his mother, his wife, and the commander of the West Roman army, all of whom the reader will meet as the story unfolds. While the emperor was still indulging in self-pity, his horse suddenly shied. In the icy waters of the stream bobbed the naked body of a man, striking a grotesque pose with his arms stretched out as if he were crucified. Valentian recognized the man from his tonsured head. "It's that Hibernian monk who comes to the palace library", he cried. With that begins a novel that is as suspenseful as any who-done-it and yet as fascinating as history can be.

There is a host of characters, but if anybody knows how to breathe life into them, it's the novelist. There are Getorius, a physician, and his beautiful wife Arcadia who have been charged with the investigation of the monk's death. The Empress Mother of Valentian invites them and several others to have a look at her newly finished mausoleum. While strolling through the cruciform building, one of them discovers a mysterious papyrus hidden in a wall-niche. As he tries to pull it out, he is struck and mortally wounded by the bolt from a small crossbow concealed in the niche.

Such are the circumstances surrounding the discovery of an ancient papyrus containing a message that could have disastrous consequences for the whole Roman Empire. Is the papyrus a forgery or is it authentic? Who put it there? Is this a conspiracy? Why did they guard it with the murderous crossbow? What are their intentions?

Now the plot thickens. One by one the persons who witnessed the discovery of the papyrus are dying under suspicious circumstances. Getorius and Arcadia wonder when it will be their turn. There are other ominous signs such as a cockerel that appears repeatedly at unexpected places, heightening the suspense.

But this is not an ordinary who-done-it. This is a skillfully designed novel narrated against a masterfully crafted historical background. There is the cast of colorful characters which in itself is no small accomplishment. Then there are the suspects, the intrigues, the false hopes, and the tracks that lead nowhere. It is an intricate web of actors and actions that can be confusing at times, but it is masterfully woven. The solution? You will be surprised.

Read it! When you have finished, you will have learned a lot, not only about history, but also about religion, medicine, food, customs, culture, and politics. Most important you will get a feel for the time.

Bruno and Renate Manz