South of Rome on the Gulf of Puteoli stands the splendid villa of Marcus Crassus, Rome's wealthiest citizen When the estate overseer is murdered, Crassus concludes that the deed was done by two missing slaves, who have probably run off to join the Spartacus Slave Revolt Unless they are found within five days, Crassus vows to massacre his remaining ninety-nine slaves Gordianus the Finder must unravel the mystery