What a ridiculous concept. A Classical Roman Era informer (detective) cast as a sort of 1950's gumshoe. And yet it works! This was a genuinely enjoyable book and I actually liked reading about a few of the historical things I did not know about ancient Rome. I'm not sure if it is much an actual historical novel, but I think it does a fair job of presenting the characters and setting to a modern audience. It made me curious about other parts of ancient Rome and I always appreciate a book that drives interest in other things.
I thought the plot of him embedding himself in a slave camp was a little hard to believe. Like, that is a serious commitment to your craft my friend. I suppose he was a tad bit depressed/guilt ridden at that point, but still, I found it a bit ludicrous.
Regardless. The warmth and wit of our hero carries it through though. He is a scrappy cad that you just can't help rooting for.