There is also 'A Gladiator Dies Only Once' which is a detective story set in the Roman world. It has interesting characters and a plot full of twists and turns, showing the darker side of the Roman era while the detective tries to solve the crimes.
One well - known author is Lindsey Davis. Her books often feature a detective in the Roman setting and are known for their detailed historical research and engaging plots.
One of the well - known ancient Roman romance novels is 'The Golden Ass' by Apuleius. It contains elements of love and adventure within its narrative.
Well, 'Lolita' by Vladimir Nabokov can be considered a roman à clef in some ways. It contains elements that seem to be drawn from the author's own complex thoughts and experiences. Then there's 'The Bell Jar' by Sylvia Plath, which is semi - autobiographical and has elements that are thinly veiled references to her own life. And 'Tropic of Cancer' by Henry Miller also has characteristics of a roman à clef as it is based on his life in Paris.
One of the most famous detective novels is 'Sherlock Holmes' series by Arthur Conan Doyle. It features the brilliant detective Sherlock Holmes and his loyal friend Dr. Watson, solving various complex mysteries in Victorian London.
Agatha Christie's 'Murder on the Orient Express' is also extremely well - known. The story takes place on a train where a murder occurs, and detective Hercule Poirot has to figure out who the killer is among a group of suspects with their own secrets. Christie is a master of creating intricate plots and misdirections.
Another great 1971 detective novel might be 'The Chill' by Ross Macdonald. His novels often feature complex characters and intricate plots. In 'The Chill', the detective Lew Archer has to dig deep into the past of several characters to solve the mystery. There are layers of secrets and lies that he has to peel away, which is a common and interesting trope in detective novels of that era.
Well, it typically has an element of mystery that drives the story forward. There are often clues scattered throughout the narrative that the detective has to piece together. The language used can be both descriptive and suspenseful. It might describe the seedy underbelly of Roman society or the grandeur of the upper classes, which are often intertwined in these stories. Also, the pacing is important. It usually starts with the introduction of the crime or mystery and then gradually builds up tension as the detective gets closer to solving it.
One of the well - known authors of roman novels is Petronius. His 'Satyricon' is quite famous. Another is Apuleius, who wrote 'The Golden Ass'.
One famous Roman love story is that of Pyramus and Thisbe. They were two young lovers in Babylon. Their families forbade their love, and they communicated through a crack in the wall. Eventually, believing the other dead, they both took their own lives. It's a tragic tale of love against all odds.
One famous Philadelphia detective novel is 'The Blackboard Jungle' which, while not strictly only about a detective, has elements of crime and investigation in the Philadelphia setting. It gives a great view of the city's social issues back then.