Sacred Games by Gary Corby (historical fiction mystery)

Part of a pretty good series, this is a fun and zippy mystery set during the Olympic games.  It has several silly jokes, but not so many to ruin it.  I did not catch the big tell that revealed the true murderer until it was revealed again at the end.

Life and Death in Pompeii and Herculaneum by Paul Roberts (nonfiction)

A giant and wonderful book full of beautiful pictures and interesting analysis. 

To Serve a King by Donna Russo Morin ("historical" fiction)

There are quotation marks around the word historical because the main character did not exist, though many of those in the story did.  This is pure tripe, silly, heaving, with too many adjectives.  So many authors of historical fiction make their female characters "unconventional."  Enjoyed it nonetheless.

Working IX to V by Vicki Leon (nonfiction)

A very-well researched book about ancient jobs and duties, this book is ruined by stupid jokes in every.single.paragraph.  It could have been good.  It includes general job descriptions and short biographies of specific people, a remarkably effective format. 

Helen of Troy by Margaret George (fiction)

Yes, some people are surprised to learn there was no Helen of Troy, just like there was no King Arthur.  This book is from her perspective, and surprisingly agile though it weighs a ton.  I've read other books by Ms. George, and she is a master of weaving her research into a work of fiction.