The Gladiators from Capua Book

March, AD 80. In Rome the Emperor Titus has announced that there will be a hundred days of games to open the new Flavian amphitheatre (now known as the Colosseum). Suspecting that their friend Jonathan is not dead, as they had thought, Flavia, Nubia, and Lupus organie an invitation to Rome on the pretence of witnessing this historic event.

Their search for Jonathan leads them straight to the games, where they must face wild beasts, criminals, conspirators, and gladiators. It's Nubia's turn to employ all of ther courage and talens, and before the end of the story she is called upon to make the most terrible choice.

A heart-pounding behind-the-scenes account of gladiator fights, executions and beast fights makes this one of the most exciting Roman Mysteries yet.

School Library Journal

Gr 5-8-This addition to the series occurs in A.D. 80, during the 100 days of games that celebrated the opening of the Flavian amphitheater, now called the Colosseum. Jonathan, one of four mystery-solving friends, is missing and feared dead in the fires that rage through Rome. When word reaches his friends that he may actually be alive but under arrest for arson, the search begins. Their hunt leads them to the Colosseum, where they fear he will be found among the prisoners who serve as gladiators. The author does not shy away from the gory facts of life there, and the myriad forms of torture, attack, and death are described in great and overworked detail. As in previous titles, Lawrence includes a wealth of information about ancient Roman life. This installment stands well on its own, though new readers may need to sort out the group dynamic. Fans of the series will be happy with the fast-paced plot and plucky young sleuths.-Pat Leach, Lincoln City Libraries, NE Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.