Finished Business, A Marcus Corvinus Mystery by David Wishart (historical mystery 2014)

While I enjoy the various characters, the city, and the political intrigue, Wishart almost ruins the whole thing with too many dumb jokes.  The plot is rather byzantine (if you'll forgive me) in this mystery and Gaius (Caligula) even makes a personal appearance. A reader would have to be very very familiar with Julio Claudian bloodlines and contemporary politics to get some of the clues to the murder mystery, but it was an exciting read.

Iron & Rust - Book I of Throne of the Caesars by Harry Sidebottom (historical fiction 2014)

Sidebottom is consistently wonderful, loved this book and looking forward to the sequels.  I didn't know much about Maximinus Thrax, and Sidebottom's characterization is just tops.  He actually seemed like a real  person.

Coming out Christian in the Roman World: How the Followers of Jesus Made a Place in Caesar's Empire by Douglas Boin (nonfiction 2015)

So good, so necessary.  Those interested in the Empire and in the early Christians have all heard the accepted narrative, and all need to read this book.  Boin's fresh perspective is backed up by a deep understanding of archaeology.

Inheritance of Power: The House of Medici by Edward Charles (historical fiction 2013)

Oh, well.  I tried four or five times.  It was just too silly to read through.

Esther, Royal Beauty by Angela Hunt (historical fiction 2015)

I was wary, given the silly claptrap that "Biblical" historical fiction can be.  But this book was surprisingly good, with an effective structure that alternated chapters and characters' voices.

The Fateful Day by Rosemary Rowe (historical mystery 2014)

I really like this series even for mystery lovers who aren't into the Roman world.  It's fast-paced, funny and full of great details about life.