Book 87: "Drinking Midnight Wine" by Simon R. Green

When Toby Dexter follows a beautiful woman through a door he has never noticed before, he finds that he has moved from Veritie (the real world) into the magical world of Mysterie, and although he is still in Bradford-upon-Avon it is a very different version of the Wiltshire town, peopled by godlings and mythological beings, some of whom are very old and powerful indeed. It becomes clear that he is a focal point, someone who will make a decision at a crucial point in the struggle between good and evil. The inhabitants of Mysterie, however powerful are limited by their mythological roles, whereas Toby, being from Veritie, has free will, and can change the course of events. The hidden identity of the woman Toby loves will not come as a surprise to anyone, but Toby doesn't realise even when he meets her sister.

The story was rather slow in the middle, with too much time spent walking around town chatting to various of the inhabitants. However, overall it was very enjoyable; the mice were great, and the thought of the baddie's true identity gave me a shiver - just imagine if it were true!

Nottingham Round the World Reading Challenge - UNITED KINGDOM - ENGLAND - WILTSHIRE

Book 88: "Roman Blood" by Steven Saylor

This is the first of a series of books about Gordianus the Finder, an investigator in Ancient Rome in the reign of the dictator Sulla. Cicero hires Gordianus to investigate a case of parricide, and he only has eight days to discover the truth before the trial is due to start on the Ides of May. "Roman Blood" is based on Cicero's first major case as an advocate.

The Roma Sub Rosa series is one of my sister's favourites. I gave her the first book one birthday and by Christmas all the other books in the series were on her Amazon wish list, so I knew I had made a good choice. Now that I have finally got round to reading this book, I am just as impressed, and intend to read the whole series too.

Nottingham Round the World Reading Challenge - ROMAN EMPIRE - ROME