For vibrant lovely Jean Suttman, the fellowship to study in Rome was the culmination of all her dreams - until she undertook an innocent expedition to the ancient subterranean Temple of Mithra. From the moment she stepped into the pagan darkness and disvoered the corpse of the repulsive Albert, one of her fellow students, she was afraid. Not even the comforting presence of the perceptive and practical Jacqueline Kirby could erase the fear which was nourished by one small accident after another. "Accidents" which come dreadfully close to killing her. Someone was stalking Jean, someone ruthless and determined. Before long she could see no chance of rescue from the ever-present terror; no hope of escape; nothing except death.

As an author Elizabeth Peters ROCKS! This is NOT one of her Amelia Peabody series but one of her earlier novels (1970s). Think Rome. Think being a group of art/archeology students. What if an 'old' (over thirty--is important distinction if you are a product of the 60s/70s) librarian shows up and joins the group of seven (sinners? saints?). That is yet to be determined. An odd character who is known to crash the little group dies mysteriously. The only suspects are among the group of seven. Peters weaves a well grounded mystery that will keep you guessing until the last pages (even I couldn't guess and I'm good at it!). Excellent character development and word pictures. I've lived in Rome as a student during that time and she captures the aura on the money.

If you've read other Peters books with the character Jacqueline Kirby, you may be initially confused. I think this is her first time Peters introduces this character so the Jacqueline Kirby, popular author, character is not yet developed. Don't let that prevent you from engaging in this really good who-done-it. Definately two thumbs up!

Not an Amelia, but an enjoyable, intelligent mystery nonetheless.

Not an Amelia, but fun.

Jean Suttman receives a fellowship to study at a temple in Rome. She discovers the corpse of a fellow student and other strange occurance occur. good book

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