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Hello, Mrs. Lawrence,
I'm a 32 year old mom of two girls (almost 10 and 6 1/2 years) and I first discovered the Roman Mysteries series several years ago at my local library. I adore historical mysteries and was immediately entranced by the characters and their adventures. My family enjoyed the audiobook version of The Thieves of Ostia while on vacation two summers ago; I was delighted at how much my girls enjoyed your book. Only moments ago I discovered your series has been adapted to a TV series - I am over the moon, what luck!! But, seconds later, I saw the series is a BBC production showing in the UK and, alas, I live in the US. Any chance PBS will run it?
Cheers, Audrey

Caroline says: Sadly, the BBC TV series does not seem destined to go to America, (even PBS). However, lots of US fans are able to watch on their laptops and multi-region DVD players, as this picture of a re-enactment group in Fredericksburg (above right) proves! At the moment you can buy both series quite cheaply at Amazon.co.uk.

Hi Caroline,
I love reading your books and I'm really exicted about you coming to our school (norwich high school for girls) and me meeting you! I hope you can tell us loads about how you write and other stuff. I love your books and they're really intresting and exicting! At the moment I'm reading The Charioteer of Delphi for the 4th time!!!
Yours sincerely
Felicity (year seven)

Caroline says: And I can't wait to come to your school, Felicity!

Hi Caroline,
I'm thinking of using The Mini Mysteries to read aloud once the class have embarked on the series. I read 'The Thieves of Ostia' and then I let them loose on the rest and oh how they love them! We have a whole shelf in the class library just for The Roman Mysteries! A little girl in my class - Abbie - showed me an amazing mosaic that she and her Gran made of Lupus. You'll love it! It's all made with small tiles - simply exquisite. I'll attach it.
Jill (Year 4 teacher)

Caroline says: Wow! It's amazing! Tell Abbie and her gran I am hugely impressed. Thanks for showing this to me.

Dear Caroline Lawrence
It was good to meet you at Rokeby School, Wednesday 3rd of March. I was the boy who wanted the autograph from you and you said I should go online and check out your website and print off the bookplate. My favourite part was when you gave the talk about the detective and the sponge on a stick. I look forward to reading your brand new book( The Man from Pomegranate Street) and the book that is coming out soon (The Legionary of Londinium).
From: Vivek

Caroline says: Better than that! I'll send you some signed bookplates! Thanks for being a fan!

Dear Mrs Lawrence
I just read your maginficent book Secrets of Vesuvius. I loved your great writing... My favorite part of the book was where Miriam got a sparrow from Aristo, I thought that was so romantic and so kind. I wish when I wake up I would get a sparrow or a wonderful handmade bracelet. My name is Sandra and I live in Germany, Munich. I have two questions number one: Why did the movie not include Clio and Vulcan? Number two: Do you know where in Germany I could get other Roman Mystery books? Thank you so much for your hard work.
Sincerely,
your dearest Sandra (5th grade) Munich International

Caroline says: You can buy my books on www.amazon.de!

Dear Caroline Lawrence
The book The Secrets of Vesuvius was great. It had exciting parts such as when the volcano was going to erupt and it had some tragic parts like when Pliny dies of asthma. I loved the way you used more specific language e.g. not just tired but exhausted. My favourite part was when the mountain was erupting. How did you get the idea of writing these books? This book is completely different to my life.
Yours sincerely,
Sophia (10) Munich International School

Caroline says: That's the great thing about books, Sophia. They can take us to times and places and adventures so far from our own lives.

Dear Caroline,
Here I am dressed as Flavia on world book day at Sion Junior School. I loved your tips on how to write a book. Recently I have been reading The Thieves of Ostia (for the second time) it is great, also thank you for signing my book. I love your books
love from Jasmine xxx

Caroline says: Thanks for sending me the picture of you dressed up for World Book Day, Jasmine. You make a great Flavia!

hi caroline lawrence
salve! you do not know me but i am from the norwich high school for girls and you are coming to visit us soon for a book signing. i have read all of your books and have them all at home but the librarian here says i can only bring my favourite for you to sign. the librarian also said that we should email you and ask you questions like have you got a new book coming out and stuff like that. i really like your books and i wish you would write more even though it is probably going to be very hard for you! is it true that you write two books a year? that is amazing! hope to see you soon!
yours truely, chiara (year 7)

Caroline says: Wow, Chiara! You must be a Top Fan! I can't wait to meet you and the other girls at Norwich High School and tell you my best secrets about how I write!

Dear Mrs Lawrence
I am writing to you because I am enchanted by your books. I am reading your series of books and I very much enjoy History, espesialy the Roman area. I am going to write a few questions about your books and about the Roman area. My favourite book you have written is 'The Secrets of Vesuvius'. You put so much detail into all of your books. It was so thrilling and adventurus, I had to wake up at 4.00 in the morning to read it. Now I will ask you a few questions. What persuaded you to become an author? And if you weren't an author, what would you be? You may remember you came to our school (Howell's School Llandaff) you were signing books. But I do not expect you to remember. My name is Rachel and I am eleven years old. I would like to ask you if you are working on any books at the moment. If you are, could you tell me about it or if you are at any book festivals please could you let me know cause I would love to meet you.
Yours sincerely, Rachel (11)

Caroline say: Check my EVENTS page, Rachel. I don't have any events near you at the moment but I might put something up in a month or two!

Dear Mrs Lawrence
My name is Louisa and I'm twelve years old... I am a massive fan of your books ('The Roman Mysteries') and also the televsion series on CBBC. I admire you for inspiring me to read books without my mum hasseling me or forcing me. I started reading your books when my mum took me to Borders (the bookshop), where I met my friend Fion who is also a huge fan of yours. She recommended your first book, (the Thieves of Ostia), and she she said it was one of the best books she had ever read! So I decided to buy it, since the first night I bought it I finished it in just two days! Ive been reading your books for years and am currently on your twelfth book The Charioteer of Delphi'. I love how your books are so thrilling and dramatic and always keep my head stuck in your books...
Yours sincerely, Louisa (12)

Caroline says: Ooh, you still have five books to go!

Dear caroline lawrence
i have just finished reading the last book of your series the man from pomegranet street and oh it was a wonderful ending you are a really good writer and i have loved all your roman mysteries books and really want to live in ostia with flavia, nubia, jonathan and lupus!and it would be lovely if you could further them on so please please write some more they are truly wonderful and all i want to read.
from tree

Caroline says: When I wrote the Roman Mysteries I hoped that people would want to live in that world... So I'm glad you do!

hi
i'm from sion school worthing (the tall one with ginger hair yr.7) the thieves of ostia was a great book and my sister loved it as well
Thomas (13)

Caroline says: Wow! That was fast!

Ms. Lawrence:
I just finished the Man From Pomergranate Street. I've been reading the stories from the beginning. I am sad to hear this is the last novel. I like the way you wrapped up everything. I have enjoyed each book. I hope you enjoy your time away from Flavia and the rest. As a Sherlockian, I know what Sir Arthur Conan Doyle went through with Sherlock Holmes as a writer. Just as he brought Sherlock Holmes back to life, I have a feeling you will hear Flavia calling you back. Good Luck and thanks for the stories.
Irregularly, Jim

Caroline says: Funny you should mention Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Jim! He's one of my heroes and I've borrowed two of his stories for my final, FINAL Roman Mystery book, The Legionary from Londinium (and other Mini-Mysteries). Enjoy!

Dear Caroline Lawrence
My name is Harriet and I go to Winchcombe Abbey Church of England Primary School and I think you're an awsome author, because you've written some great books. I hope you don't mind me asking some questions.
Have you got any tips for an author, etc...
Thank you very much for your time.
Yours sincerely, Harriet

Caroline says: You can see the answers to all your questions on my FAQS page, Harriet. And my best writing tips are HERE!

Dear Caroline Lawrence
I am in the middle of reading your so-far fantastic book, "The Sirens of Surrentum" and needed to tell you how amazed I am, and how entriguing this book is at the moment. Virgil would be super-astonished! Flavia Gemina is my favourite character, I would love to meet her. Her uncontrolable mood swings, jelousy and happiness really engaged me in the story so far. To be honest, she sounds a bit like me! Did you actually base her on anyone you know? Sometimes I feel sorry for Nubia, especially when she gets shouted at! The mysterys - how do you do it? I love to try and solve the mystery before the end of the book, but I always get the wrong end of the stick! I find it amazing how you think up all the complexed plots. If you weren't an author would you consider becoming a detective or a policewoman? I cannot wait to read the rest of your book and find out if the lady with the panther is poisoning Pulchra's mother! And then I cannot wait to read the rest of the series. I hope that you will keep writing more!
Yours sincerely, Jess (12)

Caroline says: Thanks for your great letter, Jess. I am sorry to say that I am also a bit like Flavia and sometimes my husband Richard gets bossed about like poor Nubia!

Hello Caroline Lawrence
You may not remember me but I was the boy who was about to faint when you had sighned my book. My school is called St Barnabas and St philips Primary School and my name is Wadah. I like your book so much I have almost bought the whole series of Roman Mysteries. Me and Everyone in my class are all reading your books. We love them. Hopefully you can write back to me. If you cant write back please try and read my letter anyway. If you are, when are you going to write another book.
From Wadah (St Barnabas & St Philips School)

Caroline says: Salve, Wadah! I do remember you and I'm thrilled you all like my books. You can see all the books I've written at the bottom of this page. There are plenty more for you to read!

Hello Caroline,
I'm Georgia and I have been reading the Roman Mysteries ever since they first came out :) They're the most amazing series I have ever read! My favourite book is The Man from Pomegranate Street, because Nubia and Flavia finally both get married!
I got quite emotional at the end.
I do hope you'll write a little more about them, because they're really fantastic and I would love to hear what happens to them in the future! Thank you very much for writing such fantastic books, they've really filled my life with entertainment :)
Georgia xxx

Caroline says: I might write more about Flavia and her friends one day, but when you write about a character you have to make things tough for them and throw them into all sorts of troublesome situations. I like to think of Nubia and Flavia et al living happily ever after, without me making life difficult for them! My next project is something completely different: The Western Mysteries. You can read a bit about them on my other BLOG. Even though it's completely different, I hope you will like those books, too, although the first one probably won't be out for a year or so!

Caroline
I was delighted with The legionary from londinium story. It was a bit of a free for all over who read it first (I was second) but by nine o'clock we had all read it and discussed it to death. I see what you mean by 'steal everything' now...it really works, doesn't it. You have another minor triumph in our household, by the way; I've been trying to get my eldest boy, Daniel to read Conan Doyle/Dickens and broaden his horizons a bit , though with only limited success; but since the Lion's Mane and orange pips references he has picked up my rather dog-eared Sherlock Holmes compendium and started to make inroads into it! (This also allows me to finish yours.)
Erik, Benjamin & Daniel

Caroline says: Always glad to point people in the direction of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle!

Hi!
I'm Hannah, Lily's twin.
I just wanted to say that your talk was amazing and funny!
And I love your books! I cant say which is my favourite because all are amazing out of this world! My dad is a writer too ... I want to be a journalist too or an actress. How was your day today? My one was great. I found out I got into my favourite school! Then I squeled then went back to work reading The assasins of rome. It is amazing so far i am up to the bit of Jonathan is a slave now.
Bye for 'Flavia Gemina' Caroline,
Hannah x (St Barnabas & St Philips School)

Caroline says: Congratulations on getting into the school of your choice, Hannah! Euge! (Yay!)

oh my goddddddddddd!
your visit to my school st barnabas was simply the best and i'm now obsessed with your books!!
your really funny and thanks for the sponge on a stick lecture!
hugs and kissesxxx
bye from alix (St Barnabas & St Philips School)

Caroline says: Thanks, Alix!

Hi Caroline -
I'm Lily, you met me yesterday when you came to my school.
Obviously, I started to read your books (hey - I bought eleven - oh!- I know - I'll read them! ;-) ) And to tell you the truth, The Sirens of Serrentum is going to be a book I will never forget. (Oh, I forgot to tell you, but you actrally really did meet me in person - I was one of the winners of the writing competition and one of the 'Hannah and Lily' twins.) Once I get first get reading that book, I can never stop. In my Y6 class, you are only ment to read 20 mins... but I could read for 20 DAYS your books. (With a few snacks, of course!)
Lily (St Barnabas & St Philips School) xx

Caroline says: Thanks, Lily! I could read for days, too, as long as I had snacks...

hi my names Sophia and you were at our school today.
i thought your 'how to write a great story' was really useful and VERY funny!
i was amazed to know that you know one of my favourite authors Sophie McKenzie.
i am starting to read one of your books and so far it is brilliant: The twelve tasks of flavia gemina.
bye! Sophia (St Barnabas & St Philips School)

Caroline says: I'll tell Sophie I met a fan of hers today!

Caroline Lawrence,
I am a fan of your books, and recently I have introduced my brother to them, too.
I recently had an essay for my latin class and used your books, which I found useful. I got 10/10 - thanks! Me and my brother both went to your speech on 'A Day At The Races' in Colchester recently, and we both really enjoyed it. I also took away a few tips on characters, which, you never know, might come in useful some day...
Alice x

Caroline says: Thanks, Alice! If you want to be a writer, be sure to have a look at my WRITING TIPS Page. Good luck!

Salve Caroline Lawrence,
I really like your books! I have read all the Roman Mysteries at least once!
Once, you came to Abingdon and you met my mum at St Helens and St Katharines school, where she is a Latin teacher. Its been 3 years and I am still in love with the Roman Mysteries. I was just wondering if you could mabye visit my school - North Hinksey Primary School in Oxford? Shall I ask my head teacher to invite you some time? I know you are very busy but it would mean a lot to me if you did come. I think the Roman Mysteries is really good and I normally can't stop reading the one I'm on! I also have a passion for writing - I would like to be a writer when I grow up!
Yours Sincerely, Frances (10 years)
P.S I think I am probably one of your biggest fans! Hope you can visit my school some time.

Caroline says: Please tell your head master to email me ASAP if:
1. He can fit me into the schedule next October 2010 (I visit schools in March & October)
2. He is happy to pay £150 plus VAT and travel for me to do a one-hour talk on 'How I Write'
3. He can guarantee me 200+ children aged 8-12

To Caroline Lawrence,
My name is Isobel and I love reading your books. Today I was very happy as I got to hear your talk on 'A Day at the Roman Races', your talk was very informitive and really interesting! I would like to thank you for giving up your time to come to Colchester and for supporting the Roman circus appeal. My mum and I both thought you were excellent and we learnt a lot!
Best Wishes, Isobel
P.S: Millie Banks was also lovely! Thank you for signing my books and giving away a free book and poster(it will go up in my bedroom)

Caroline says: Thank you for thanking me, Isobel. It was a talk I've never given before so I'm glad you liked it!

Hello Caroline,
Thank you so much for your talk today in Colchester. I thought it was incredibly interesting and I didn't know the Circus Maximus was so big!!! It was almost like a birthday present because it was my birthday on Wednesday!!! In year 3 we did the Romans and I felt very intrigued by them. Have you ever seen the cells underneath Colchester Castle? Although the keep is Norman, the cells are Roman and you can go inside but I'm warning everyone, it is scary!!!!! I have been thinking, I would like to write about the Romans and the life of Roman children. Could you give me some ideas on what kind of things too write about?
Thank you, Cicely (11)

Caroline says: Salve, Cicely, and thanks for your email. Why don't you choose a place or historical person you are interested in and then write about that? For example, you could write about Colchester during the time of Boudica's revolt (c. AD 60). And don't forget to check out my WRITING TIPS Page. Good luck!

Dear Caroline,
I just wanted to say what a pleasure it was to attend your talk today at Colchester Arts Centre.
It was fascinating to discover so much new information on the Roman circus, both in Rome and here in Colchester. You really have the knack of getting over a lot of knowledge in a very accessible way. I last studied Roman history as part of my first degree, ahem, 20 years ago! You have really inspired me to dust off my old text books and revisit this period, which always held fascination for me. I've also just started reading the first of your Roman mysteries, which I've read in parts to my daughter Cicely, but am now looking forward to enjoying in one go by myself.
My mum (who also came along today) and I will both be looking out for the book by Mary Renault that you recommended too. I've just finished reading Wolf Hall, which is one of the finest historical novels I've ever read (although set in Tudor times) and it will be good to get my teeth into another. I did study Plato and Aristotle at university so again it would be good to revisit.
Well, just wanted to say how much we all enjoyed today. Let's hope the appeal reaches its goal and the circus can be saved.
Kind regards, Tracy

Caroline says: Thanks for your kind words, Tracy. You and your mum will both love The Last of the Wine!

hi caroline lawrence
your books really sound great from the website and i'm a passionate writer, i cant believe i'm actually emialing you right now i'm in histerics, any tips on being a writer would be great!!!xxxbye
Alix

Caroline says: Salve, Alix! Yes, you can see my best writing tips on my WRITING TIPS Page. They really work!

Dear caroline,
I have been doing my research into your series of books only to find to my displeasure that after only 17 books you end your brillant series with the death of titus. I know this is when he died but there is his brother that became emprorer the next day its not the fall of the empire so why stop. This series can go on till they are no longer children. There are hundreds of mysteries to write so please answear this question is there another series with thier children or is this the end forever.
yours sincerly, matthew

Caroline says: I tried to reply to you three times, Matthew, but I was bounced back! Although The Man from Pomegranate Street was the final book in the series, a second collection of Mini-Mysteries about Flavia and her friends introduces a new detective who might carry on the four friends' good work. The Legionary from Londinium is out in the UK next week!

Salve Caroline,
My name is Ben and I am eleven years old. I attended your London Museum talk and bought your new book. I really enjoyed reading it and loved all the new ideas. My favourite was the last mystery. I think the idea for who could be the new detective is brilliant and hope the Flavian Trilogy is out soon. I'm writing some stories myself and I've looked at your writing tips on your website. It isn't about Ancient Rome but it has several mystery aspects to it. I've also added some of the Latin that we learn at the school I'm at into the names.
I hope you keep writing your stories.
Vale, Ben (11) London

Caroline says: Glad you enjoyed today, Ben. So did I! Threptus would be the star of a spin-off for younger readers, rather than the Flavian Trilogy which is on hold for a while. Good luck with your writing. Check out my page called HOW TO GET PUBLISHED.

Dear Caroline,
My name is Annie, I am 12 and I live in London.
I love your Roman mystery books. They are so good! Once I pick one up I can't put it down again! I have only read the first four but I can't wait to read the next one. I am trying to collect the whole series.
I have heard it's on T.V. Is it still on? Hope to hear from you, keep on writing!
Love from Annie (12) London

Caroline says: Yes, the TV series is often repeated on weekdays during term (so schools can watch it) on CBBC. You can also get DVDs!

Ms. Lawrence--
I thought I would drop you a line to thank you for the Roman Mysteries books. I finished The Man from Pomegranate Street last night. It was a satisfying conclusion to a series I have loved since I was 11. I owe my love for Roman history to your books. So much has changed since then; I'm thinking about college instead of middle school! Practically growing up with Jonathan, Flavia, Nubia, and Lupus, I feel like they are a part of the now-16-year-old me. One half of me lives in Colorado and the other lives in the Roman Empire! Thank you so much for creating such an amazing series. I can't wait for more peeks into the lives of some of my favorite literary characters!
Sincerely,
Laura (Rock Canyon High School, Colorado)

Caroline says: Thanks for that lovely email, Laura! There's one more Roman Mystery, The Legionary from Londinium. It's out in the UK next week and should be in Colorado by summer!

To Caroline Lawrence
I love your books. I’m reading the fifth one The Dolphins of Laurentum, It’s my first one of yours I’m reading and I really like the bit where Lupus is drumming the drums with a sponge on a stick. You came to my school on Monday 1st Feb and I really liked listening to you talking about your books and getting my book signed.
Love from Lily aged 8 (Notting Hill and Ealing High School)

Caroline says: I'm glad you like that bit, Lily. It's one of my favourite scenes, too!

Salve, Caroline,
Thank you so much for all of your wonderful books. I have watched your TV series number 2 but sadly number one is no longer available! I greatly enjoyed the Roman Mysteries Treasury and have made extreme use of Pulchra's ten tips for staying beautiful! My knowledge of ancient Rome increased and I had a good Classics report. I have been watching a film where young men kidnap women for wives just like the Sabine women in your last book. The film is Seven Brides for Seven Brothers!
Vale, Imogen

Caroline says: The first DVD is available again, Imogen. It's just that Amazon.co.uk sold out for a few days!

Hello Caroline,
We are from class 3.4K in Stockton wood CP school. At present we are studying you as our author. All of us like your books and look forward to each new one. Can we please ask you some questions about your books?
How long did it take you to write each book?
Do you have a new book coming out?
Which was the book that was translated into Chinese?
Does your mum design your book covers?
How many books have you written altogether and are they all flavia Gemina books?
Is there any possibility that you would be able to visit our school in Liverpool and talk to us about your books?

Yours sincerely,
Class 3.4K, Miss Kerbey & Miss Cummings

Caroline says: Answers to your questions are: six months, next week, The Thieves of Ostia, no and see the list at the bottom of his page! Sorry I can't come visit you but I am booked solid! However if you are in London over halfterm, come hear me a the Museum of London on Monday 15 Feb, and if you are near Colchester come hear me at the Colchester Arts Centre on Friday 19 Feb! Find out more on my EVENTS page.

dear caroline
i really love your books they are great but i cant find the tv series any more.
do they make dvds of the sereis?
from your biggest fan
Finley

Caroline says: Yes, Finley! You can buy DVDs of seasons one and two at Amazon.co.uk!

Dear Caroline
I really enjoyed your visit to our school as I love all your books especially The Thieves Of Ostia and The Assassins Of Rome. I’ve read all the Roman Mysteries apart from one (The Code Of Romulus).
From Your Top Fan Elena (Year Six Notting Hill)
P.S I think your Western Mystery opening was excellent!

Caroline says: Thanks, Elena! You can read more about The Western Mysteries HERE.

Dear Caroline,
I love your books they are intense and gripping. We had them in our class and we were allowed to read them when we were finished our work. My favorite character is Lupus. Please read my story and tell me what you think of it. It is based on our holiday in Italy.
From Schan
An Italian Holiday
Travelling is like Marmite. You either love it or you hate it. I for one, hate Marmite and I’m not too keen on travelling either. So it is just my luck that I have the most well travelled parents in the whole wide world...etc.

Caroline says: This is great stuff, Schan! Between you and Ben (below) I think I'd better start worrying!

Dear Caroline
My name is Ben, I'm 12 and I go to the European School of Mol in Belgium. For World Book Day, my classmates each have to pick their favourite authors and send them some stories that we wrote, and get some feedback. I wanted to send mine to you because I think your books are fantastic, and I really can't wait to read the final one!
Ben (12) Brussels
Ah, Spring! The shimmering butterflies were fluttering languidly in the dewy meadows, the fluffy bunnies were hopping joyfully in the emerald grass, and - CRASH! Prince Charmian fell off his horse in full shining armour (just to be clear – it was him with the armour, not the horse). Prince Charmian was the son of the king and queen; so naturally, he was expected to be good at things like jousting, rescuing princesses, and getting rid of evil witches. The only problem was that he wasn’t...etc.

Caroline says: This is fantastic! I loved your story with all its witty anachronisms and remarks to the reader and the surprise TWIST at the end. Well done!

Dear Caroline
Could you please e-mail me how many books you have in the roman mysteries series please and in order. I really enjoyed your talk on 1st of Feb. at NHEHS and I love your teddy bear. I think you have a wonderful imagination and are a great presenter (and I love your jokes).
Your Western series, in progress, I think is absolutely brilliant and I will be the first in Waterstones to get it. It will be a great success.
Yours faithfully Beth, 10
PS. I AM DYING TO READ YOUR BOOKS!!!!!!!!!!!

Caroline says: Thank you, Beth! Guess what? You can get the first 15 Roman Mysteries for only £12.99 from The Book People! That is a fabulous offer at less than £1 per book!

Hi,
I am Vedika. You came to my school today ( Notting Hill and Ealing High School ).
Your talk really made me want to read your books, especially the "Western Mysteries".
You were very funny with the sponge on the stick.
From, Vedika

Caroline says: Thanks, Vedika! You can read a little more about the Western Mysteries HERE!

Salve Ms. Lawrence,
Gratias ago, for those great books! I have only The Beggar from Volubilis left to read and I'm reading The Man from Pomegranate Street, its great... I don't know how you do it but, CONGRAGULATIONS et cetera et cetera...
Vale,
Camilla Gemina, daughter of Publius Camillus Geminus, sea captain (cousin of Flavia Gemina, daughter of Marcus Flavius Geminus, sea captain also)

Caroline says: Gratias ago! (Thanks!)

To Caroline Lawrence,
I'm Amrit and I'm 11yrs old. You came to my school today.
I was wondering, when you visit schools does it get boring doing the same thing or do you change your performance to make it exiting? Today you mentioned a book which inspired you to write the Roman mystery books, what was the book called? If i found it would it be appropriate for me, because you said that you read it when you were eighteen. i hope you answer all of my questions.
i love your books!
Amrit (Notting Hill & Ealing High Junior School)

Caroline says: I don't get bored when I talk about my books, because - as you could see today - I always update the films part, (like adding Up and Star Trek etc.) Also, I will never get bored of talking about the Seven Plot Beats... or the Sponge-on-a-stick! The book that 'changed my life' is called The Last of the Wine and I think you could definitely read it! There is a romance between two men but that was normal for those days (as it is today!) and the author handles it sensitively. Show this to your mum and see what she thinks.

Salve Caroline
I have read all your books up to The Prophet from Ephesus and absolutely love them all, I also have The Man from Pomegranate Street on hold from a book shop and am counting down the days until I get it, (my siblings are getting really annoyed because I keep on going on and on about it!) I went to your lecture at the Festival of Ideas and had only read half of The Slave Girl from Jerusalem and after coming out of your lecture I read all of your books (in order) and even The Slave Girl from Jerusalem again I also have seen the first series on dvd I absolutely LOVE your books. Thanks for writing The Roman Mysteries, I have tried writing a book and know how hard it is so I am so amazed at how much detail and precision you have put into your stories they are WONDERFUL they are as if someone is telling them to you who saw it all happening.
Thanks again Alice (11)

Caroline says: And don't forget about The Legionary from Londinium, Alice! Some fun mini-mysteries out in March!

Dear Caroline,
Thank you for making these great books for us to read.
I love the books and i hope you make lots more.
Me and my friend love the exiting adventures the four friends go on.
My fave book at the moment is the Beggar of Volubilis/The Slave-Girl from Jerusalem.
love always, Jade

Caroline says: Thank you, Jade. I'm so glad you like those later books!

The ENTIRE Roman Mysteries series:

I The Thieves of Ostia - the friends meet and solve their first mystery
II The Secrets of Vesuvius - a riddle and danger as Vesuvius erupts
III The Pirates of Pompeii - who's taking children from the refugee camp?
IV The Assassins of Rome - Jonathan's search takes him to Rome
V The Dolphins of Laurentum - sunken treasure and Lupus's past
VI The Twelve Tasks of Flavia Gemina - romance and mystery in and around Ostia
VII The Enemies of Jupiter - plague and fire in Rome, early AD 80
VIII The Gladiators from Capua - opening of the Colosseum, AD 80
IX The Colossus of Rhodes - the four friends take a cruise in May...
X The Fugitive from Corinth - then pursue a fugitive around Greece
XI The Sirens of Surrentum - the Bay of Naples for poison & decadence
XII The Charioteer of Delphi - a famous racehorse goes missing
The Code of Romulus - a World Book Day booklet (now a collector's item)
The First Roman Mysteries Quiz Book
XIII The Slave-girl from Jerusalem - courtroom drama in Ostia
Trimalchio's Feast and other Mini-Mysteries - a collection of short stories
The Second Roman Mysteries Quiz Book
XIV The Beggar of Volubilis - a caravan across North Africa
From Ostia to Alexandria with Flavia Gemina (a Travel Guide)
XV The Scribes from Alexandria - Egypt and Nubia in Roman times
XVI The Prophet from Ephesus - the four go to Asia Minor (Turkey)
XVII The Man from Pomegranate Street - who killed Titus?
The First Roman Mysteries Omnibus (new edition)
The Legionary from Londinium and other Mini-Mysteries
and...
Roman Mysteries TV series Season One DVD
Roman Mysteries TV series Season Two DVD