Kevin Butcher

On his return to Rome after serving in Judaea, Pontius Pilate finds that himself to be the focus of a sometimes violent struggle between various Jews, Samaritans, Simonians, and Angelics, all interested in his records of a trial he presided over in Judaea. Also the new emperor, Gaius Caligula, has a mission for him, and it's not at all clear whether it would be more dangerous for him to succeed or fail.

The description somebody posted on FB made me think this was going to be a comedy, but it was actually quite an intriguing thriller, albeit with some humorous moments. It's an interesting look at Pilate as a Roman official navigating treacherous imperial politics as he tries to work out what, according to a prophecy, is going to be the one thing for which he will be remembered throughout history (and he gets the answer wrong!). The ending strongly hints at a sequel being in the works, and the historical note at the end confirms this. I do hope so. Highly recommended.… (mais)