The second dramatic historical novel set in the turbulence of Roman society to feature imperial secret agent Claudia

313 AD, and tempers are rising in Rome. The Emperor Constantine and his mother Helena are trying to make sense of the new Christian religion which is spreading through the Empire - but the Christians can't agree among themselves. Scholars are locked in a bitter struggle over whether Christ really was the son of God, and Constantine invites delegates from both sides to debate before him at his villa.

Now strange things start to happen. Envoys from both sides are found murdered in a most macabre way. The villa is secretly attacked, and the Holy Sword is stolen. Helena calls on the help of her secret agent Claudia - that shrewd, unobtrusive detective - to untangle the dangerous web of intrigue. As she sets to work, the spy is also facing a crisis in her own life...

"Praise for Paul Doherty's other novels: 'I really like these medieval whodunnits" - Bookseller

"A romping good read" - Time Out

"Historically informative, excellently plotted and, as ever, superbly entertaining" - CADS 20

"This rich tale ... seeps authenticity and is written with wonderfully efficient style. A gem of an historical thriller" - Huddersfield Daily Examiner