Herodian Stones

You have weaved history skillfully thoughout a most intriguing tale. Gladly back.
--Bill Hackett (THE STRIBE)

Hi Gaynor,
I've read the first chapter of the Herodian Stones, and of course I'm delighted to run across someone interested in the same time period.
Some comments, as I ran across them:
Pillars were not normally lying around in those days like they are now. It was a time of great building; there were benches available, but all the pillars were standing.
An aqueduct "surfaced" in front of him - that implies it came up through a horizontal surface. As water doesn't flow upwards, I assume you mean it came out of a wall or hillside. You might like to give a sense of its scale, as well as where it's coming from, if it's going to add to the atmosphere.
It was the end of winter. What red, orange and purple fruits and vegetables are we talking about? Naming them will add authenticity and atmosphere.
"The town was now under Roman Occupation". Well, yes, it had been since 63 BC if we're talking about Palestine - 80 years is two, almost three generations, no one remembers anything else.
The smell of vomit would be long gone, from Crete to Caesarea.
I enjoyed many of your little details, the mention of Lydia and other ladies on the boat; but again, Herod's harbour is usually dated to 21 BC, before the births of these gentlemen. It may be poetic license to make the harbour more recent, but then (in mentioning Herod) you risk confusing Herod the Great, the builder, with his less competent children.
"The quay bustled with disembarking passengers" - they have to be inside the harbour walls at this point. But several paragraphs later, at the end of the chapter, Marc becomes aware for the first time that the ship has sailed into the harbour.
These are all little things, but I think that tightening up your visualisation of what is happening would allow you to communicate the action better.
(And I acknowledge that I also have a tendency to overwrite, data-dump, be imprecise, etc - if you have a chance, please look at my 'Gospel According to the Roman Occupation' and point out any flaws and irritants.)
I am backing the Herodian Stones.
Best of luck,
Robin

This is a very enjoyable book and the historical detail evokes the period well. I recommend it as a good read!

An excellent book. Very enjoyable to read and very hard to put down. The plot was superb and had me guessing throughout. I am normally good at guessing the "who done it part" which spoils the read but with this book i was completley thrown at the end with an excellent ending. Would recommend it to anyone.

An excellent book. Very enjoyable to read and very hard to put down. The plot was superb and had me guessing throughout. I am normally good at guessing the "who done it part" which spoils the read but with this book i was completley thrown at the end with an excellent ending. Would recommend it to anyone.

This is a book hard to put down. If you enjoy a thriller, and particularly one with accurate historical input and exotic locations this is for you. The characters featured are well detailed and are believable leading to a desire to turn the next page to see what happens next. I love a gripping story and this hit the spot.

Cracking good read, great plot, authentic period detail - I really enjoyed it.

Most enjoyable read, enough twists and turns in the plot to keep you intrigued as well as the descriptions of the locations providing a convincing insight into the lifestyle and general conditions at the time of Christ. A good insight too of Christian influences.

Read the book last Summer & enjoyed. Good plot!

When I start to read a book I wait to see if I care enough after two pages to want to carry on - and I do with the Herodian Stones - I was intrigued by the Marc Tiro character and want to keep reading - good stuff!

Very intrigued by the opening pages. Like the period detail and the casual comfort of your description. Well done. Will continue to read.