Inspector Abberline and the Gods of Rome — Simon Clark

Inspector Abberline is on the trail of ancient treasure and a murderer who will bring death to his door

408 AD: the Visigoths have torn Italy apart and now besiege Rome. The emperor knows that his once mighty city will be ransacked by the barbarians. He orders his bodyguard to remove seven golden statues, known as the Gods of Rome, from the palace temple, and take them to a place of safety. Within a few short years the Roman Empire has ceased to exist and the location of the golden statues has been lost. 1890 AD. Abberline is investigating the death of Sir Alfred Denby. What at first appears to be an accident turns out to be murder and Abberline realizes that the Denby family is in danger and races to save the life of Professor William Denby, a pioneer in balloon aviation. The famous detective finds himself entangled in the world of international theft, an enduring vendetta, and the mystery of seven golden statues. The Gods of Rome are prized by kings, fought over by men who do evil, and curse the lives of whomsoever touches them.