10/25/1993 Catilina's Riddle is revealed

October 25, 1993.  On this day the third book in Steven Saylor's series of mysteries set in the dying throes of the Roman Republic was published.  Catilina's Riddle describes Gordianus the Finder's reluctant involvement with Catilina, whom Cicero suspects of plotting to take over the city. 

This book has a special place for me, because years ago I visited the Baths of Diocletian in Rome where they store bits of ancient writing. One was a small bowl with Catilina's name in it: election swag from his campaign for consul.  He lost and the rest is history.  Or, in Saylor's case, fiction.