The Thieves of Ostia (Roman Mysteries #1) by Caroline Lawrence Date of Publication: 2001 ISBN: 1842550209 Number of Pages: 195

REQUIRED READING ABILITY: Junior: Average/High Intermediate: Average
GENRES: Historical Fiction/Mystery
THEMES : Life versus Death - Sacrifice and Redemption – Family - Prejudice - Appearance versus Reality - Survival

SUMMARY:
The story begins with Flavia, the main character, trying to find her father's signet ring. She puts together all the clues and discovers that a magpie has taken it to its nest high in the trees. Unfortunately, after climbing the tree, a half dozen wild dogs await her descent. A strange boy arrives to save Flavia, and they become fast friends. Jonathan is the son of a doctor and formerly from Jerusalem, and he ends up being Flavia’s neighbour, along with his father, sister, and dog. He and Flavia become fast friends, and soon they are also hanging around with Nubia, an African slave-girl whom Flavia sees and saves from the evil trader of the town. Lupus is the fourth character to join Flavia's little group, and the children meet the mute streetkid a few times before they become allies.

When the children return home one day, they discover that Jonathan's dog, Bobas, has been killed. The mystery of who is killing the dogs of Ostia begins. The children’s investigations take them to the harbour, the forum, and the tombs of the dead…but will they ever discover who is killing the dogs of Ostia…and why?

WHO WOULD LOVE THIS BOOK? A kid who...
-likes mysteries
-likes historical fiction
-interested in ancient Roman times
-enjoys reading about kid adventures

WHAT ELSE?
Because this is a historical novel, the author has gone to great lengths to stay true to the period. For this reason, slavery is mentioned, and there are references to the religion of the day, the customs, and the roles of members of society. The killing of the dogs isn’t described in a gruesome way, nor is the apparent suicide of one of the minor characters who plays a role in the mystery, but take these less savoury aspects into consideration when you are choosing students to read this book.

RELATED LINK:
This is the first of the series of Roman Mysteries by Caroline Lawrence, and they all feature the quartet of children introduced in the book. You can learn more about it at www.romanmysteries.com .