Fresh from his trip to Britannia, Marcus Didius Falco needs to re-establish himself back in Rome.

A minor role in the trial of a senator entangles him in the machinations of two lawyers: Silus Italicus and Paccius Africanus, both ex-consuls with notorious reputations.

Silius hires Falco and his young associates – Aelianus and Justinus – to prove that it was murder, not an attempt to protect his heirs from further legal action.

Falco finds himself in the role of advocate, exposing himself to powerful elements in Roman law.

If he offends the wrong people, it might lead to charges he has not bargained for and ruin his family financially.