Rubies of the Viper - Paperback

by Martha Marks (Author)

AD 53 - Strong-willed, impetuous, and naive, Theodosia Varro inherits the family estate after her brother is murdered on the streets of Rome. With no preparation, she goes from poverty and isolation to great wealth and a prestigious position in society. Only by identifying her brother's killer can she feel safe, yet her efforts take her in quite the opposite direction. After her own actions and the scheming of others lead to catastrophe, Theodosia struggles to survive and recover what matters most in her life.

Author Biography

When Martha was seven, she traveled with her parents to Italy, where the ruins of Pompeii, Herculaneum, and the Roman Forum made an indelible impression on her. As they walked the streets of Pompeii, she informed her parents that she had been there before. It was all entirely familiar. You'll find photos of her from that first visit to Pompeii on her website: marthamarks.com. As a teenager, she devoured every available novel about ancient Rome. As an adult, she read newer fiction set in that time, revisited the same ancient sites and others, and studied ancient history and cultures. Rubies of the Viper, its sequel, The Viper Amulet, and her work-in-progress, The Ruby Ring, are the direct results of the fascination that began on that childhood trip to Italy. Years later, she earned a Ph.D. at Northwestern University and taught on the faculties of Northwestern University and Kalamazoo College. She and her husband live in Santa Fe, New Mexico.