"Eloquently written, Loreticus works on every level" ~ Grady Harp, author of War Songs and Amazon Hall of Fame reviewer
It's time to play as dirty as the other team
A historical thriller for whodunnit fans
Loreticus, the brilliant young spymaster of the empire, is chased out of the capital by a feud amongst his masters. He returns to his ancestral home in the mountains, desperate to get some rest from the bickering and politics.
But as soon as he arrives back to the village, he finds that the enemy has made his family's old country house home. Within twenty four hours, the interloper is dead - murdered - and Loreticus and his agent Selban are prime suspects. Can they find the missing assassin and the vanishing suspect before the generals demand that they swing for murder?
In Loreticus, JB Lucas has created a remarkable world of historical fiction that has parallels in both ancient Rome and modern diplomacy. Compelling historical fiction for fans of Steven Saylor and Lindsay Davies, Loreticus is soon to become your new favourite spy.
Reviews of other Loreticus books (all on Amazon):
"On every one of the pages, readers are sure to [find] the kind of wide-eyed fascination that renders authors unforgettable and their work resonant."
"High stakes diplomacy on the run."
"Gripping, intelligent and rewarding."
"If you like intrigue, cynicism and page-turning backstabbing then this is for you."
"Couldn't put it down"
"So exciting that I read it in a single weekend"
The book has been read by over 1,200 people in its first month, some days trending within the top 20 for historical thrillers in the English language (unheard of for short stories). This is the first time that I've received unsolicited fan mail, and the book has poured new subscribers into my mailing list on a daily basis.
There will be four to five other short stories which lead on from this book, creating continued sales across the series and box set.
“Young man,” she started in a mocking tone, “Don’t do anything foolish that satisfies you in the short term, but brings upset afterwards.” She looked at him. “I know what you do in the capital, and what the emperor asks you to do. We’re all proud of you, but we don’t want you to start practicing your ways in Lores. Get rid of this Gholan if need be, but through persuasion, not by burying him behind some tree in the woods.”
“Rather blunt, Mona,” he replied, his throat tight. “What makes you think that I’m some sort of thug?”
“Your reputation has never been that of a thug,” Mona said gravely. “But you do have very similar end results to one. People disappear.”
*
“I can tell that that bothered you,” said Selban, lazing in a sofa in the dining room. All the dishes had been cleared away, but for that with the cold duck skin that he was picking at slowly. The sounds of his open-mouthed chewing filled the room. “We’re not thugs. Thugs are scary because they are unpredictable and indiscriminate. We’re gentlemen agents, with the health of the empire driving us.” He twirled a finger in false humour.
“If that were the case, Selban, we’d be better brothers to our religious community, not bickering with them.” Loreticus turned to the young man, whose face and fingers were smeared with fat. “How can you eat more? And before you answer that, at least finish the food in your mouth.”
“Yes, sir,” replied Selban, duck puffing out a cheek. A piece of food was launched by the sibilant, and it landed gently between them. Loreticus stared at the small grey matter as if it were a knife, still quivering from the impact. He looked up at Selban, who smiled cluelessly. He looked away.
| Language | Status |
|---|---|
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Italian
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Already translated.
Translated by Matteo Bulgini
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Spanish
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Translation in progress.
Translated by Greysa Barrios
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