A difficult and at times tedious read eventually becomes an interesting story. Full of an atmospheric Rome it was quite fun finding that most of the places portrayed are still existing. The story itself doesn’t really appear until the second half but it’s worthwhile sticking with as personally I don’t like to not finish a book.

Rome December 1797. Finally Felix Gracchus has woken up in the French embassy after suffering from malaria. Then with the help of Lt Dermide Vanderville, they investigate the possible missing last will of the late Prince Cesarini. But where is Donn'Assunta who nursed Gracchus through his illness. Matters are complicated with the threat of riots and a missing member of the Bonaparte family.
An interesting and enjoyable historical mystery with its cast of varied characters.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

This is the second book in the author's Gracchus and Vanderville historical mystery series. The book follows two protagonists - Marcus Gracchus and Albanus Vanderville - as they investigate a murder that threatens to ignite political tensions in the city.

When a devotee of the god Mithras is found dead, Gracchus and Vanderville are drawn into the shadowy underworld of mystery cults and religious tensions between the traditional Roman gods and newer eastern faiths. The intrepid duo must employ all their skills and knowledge of Roman society to uncover the killer before violence erupts in the streets.
Howard skillfully brings ancient Rome to life while weaving in engaging mystery plot elements. Definitely a good read.
My thanks to Netgalley for providing me a copy of the book for my unbiased review.

I like Gracchus & Vanderville Mysteries as they're entertaining, well researched and keep me guessing.
This one was entertaining and I read as fast as I could.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

I found this a little bit heavy going and really struggled to finish it. The setting and details are very well researched but the complex and political intrigue slowed things down too much for me and it just felt like a slog. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

My review can by found by the link below or by going to my blog at ShellieLovesBooks.com
Thank you for the advance copy of this book.

https://www.shellielovesbooks.com/2023/08/blood-on-tiber-by-b-m-howard-gracchus.html

Set in Rome during the French Revolutionary wars
The French have set up an embassy in Rome after Napolean's defeat of the papal armies.
His brother Joseph is ambassador hoping to encourage peaceful revolution amongst Rome's populasce.
Gracchus is in charge of security helped by his young army friend Vandeville.
Gun power from the stores is missing.
Vandeville tries determine where it is going and for what purpose. Meanwhile Gracchus has stumbled across an inheritance issue for one of Rome's patriarchal families the Cessarini of which a Roman Cardinal and the head of Rome's police is a member.
Caught up in the increasing turmoil and intrigue, Gracchus and Vandeville attempt to steer through the confusion on the Tiber and the streets of Rome.
A complex crime thriller with twists and turns set in an historical context.
Great read that keeps you guessing.

interesting premise but unfortunately I didn't manage to finish this book due to the overwhelming inclusion of political media and language immediately on in the book. I would reccomend this book more to someone who likes realistic political and wartime books, not a fantasy reader.