A quirky mystery set in ancient Rome with an unconventional sleuth.
Free-spirit Livia Aemilia and her spunky maidservant must find her father’s murderer before her innocent brother is executed for the crime and she is forced into the marriage of her nightmares.
Book One of the Livia Aemilia Mysteries
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About the Book
Sensible women don’t investigate murders.
Or do they?
Livia’s father is dead and her innocent brother accused of murder. What’s a girl to do? Find the criminal herself, obviously.
So Livia and her spunky maidservant pound the ancient Roman pavements in search of the killer, with the help of a reluctant lawyer, a lovelorn merchant, and a handful of loyal servants.
Will she find the killer in time, or will her meddling lead her into deadly peril?
You’ll love this fast-paced mystery set in first-century Rome, featuring a feisty amateur sleuth, a cast of eccentric characters, a glimpse of the early church, and an unrepentant, sausage-snatching cat.
Winner of multiple awards
- Novel of the Year in the 2021 Golden Scroll Awards
- Gold Medal in the 2021 Illumination Book Awards, mystery/thriller category
- Finalist in the 2021 American Fiction Awards, historical mystery category
What people are saying about Death and a Crocodile
Death to a Crocodile is a well-written mystery that is an engaging, fun read full of witty characters and unexpected plot twists. I really loved this unique and quirky story set during the days of Rome shortly after the time of Christ. Definitely a recommend-to-all-your-friends kind of novel!
Gretchen G.
This book has it all: a suspicious death, an independent-minded heroine, greed, competing suitors, danger, rescue, more danger, and ultimately justice. I recommend “Death and a Crocodile” for young and old alike and can’t wait for the next installment of Livia’s adventures.
Carol K.
I loved journeying with them through the rich cultural setting of 1st century Rome. Definitely recommend, especially if you don’t often pick up historical mysteries. You’ll want to after reading this one!
Samantha B.
Book Club Resources
Download the Death and a Crocodile discussion guide here.
