I have read a fair few books about the history of the Roman Empire but this book provides a fair few new perspectives. The book is set after the crucification of Jesus Christ. A Roman senator, Vivius Marcianus is the main character. He is sent on a secret mission to Jerusalem by Emperor Tiberius. He needs to investigate Pontus Pilate's actions which sets up some nice action for the remainder of the book. ~ A.J. McMahon (Reviewer), NetGalley

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars. This book is set in the time frame right after the crucifixion. The job of Senator Vivius Marcianus is to investigate the corrupt Pontius Pilate, plunging him right into the middle of a world of political rivalries, intrigue, and vindictive use of violence and punishment to quell one’s perceived enemies. Vivius encounters it all, but managers to find allies, who help him to bring out the truth and ultimately lead to justice, despite stonewalling and attempts to undermine his job. Back in Rome, Vivius’s bride-to-be, Aurelia, finds herself in a similar world of corruption and deceit, but also manages to work through it all, proving her usefulness as a partner for Vivius. What they, in particular Vivius, find will have definite repercussions throughout the Roman Empire. This was a well written, interesting book. I found the many names, as unfamiliar as they are to today, to be a bit confusing at times, but that did not distract from the story. The story is a definite winner, as it sheds light on a time and characters most of us never really give much thought to, with a to-die-for plot. The plot was well thought-out and researched, filled with intrigue and excitement throughout. The settings were also spot-on, as I felt I was right there in the middle of the Roman Empire of the time. This book brings out another side of the life and times we often do not understand well or think much about, except in history classes or when a historian, or if one is a “student of history”. I think anyone who is interested in history, especially of that era, or who enjoys historical novels/romances will find this an interesting read. ~ Kathy Talley (Reviewer), NetGalley

I wont go into detail about the story as i dont want to spoil the book, but i will say that I wouldn't normally read this kind of book but I fancied a change of genre and i can honastly say this surprised me. I enjoyed the story and i felt connected with the characters. Pleaseantly surprised and brilliantly written, a must read for sure. ~ Stephen Walker, NetGalley

It's one thing to be given a mission from Tiberius himself, it's quite another when that mission is to find proof of treason on none other than Aelius Sejanus. The protagonist in this lively tale, Senator Vivius Marcianus, intelligent, thoughtful, resourceful - all qualities he needs to survive the shrewd, calculating Pilate and his equally conniving wife while in Palestine, and the ensnaring tentacles of Sejanus while in Rome. This particular rendition of Sejanus, his unfettered lust for power, is worthy of Sir Patrick Stewart's portrayal in I, Claudius. The environs of Rome and various Palestine locations, ripe with the smells, discordant with the noise, pulsing with intrigue, provide a perfect backdrop to the events, and activities Vivius endures in an ever deepening, and dangerous mission. A splendid, entertaining tale - another glimpse into the Tiberius/Sejanus relationship. ~ Paul Bennet, Historical Fiction Reviews

I hope this is just the beginning of intrigue, betrayal and politics with Senator Vivius Marcianus. It’s not like the Roman Empire doesn’t offer up plenty of room for future plots. Hopefully Histon will give readers further opportunities to engage with Vivius. It’s an interesting combination of historical fiction with elements of politics, mystery and crime. Full review at https://cherylmmbookblog.blogspot.com/p/reviewspolicy.html ~ Cheryl M-M, Cheryl M-M's book blog

This book is set In A.D. 31 when the main character Senator Vivius Marcianus is sent to investigate the the corrupt practices of Pontius Pilate in the Near East. The plot switches between his activities and his future wife’s situation back in Rome. This was well researched and detailed, you could almost smell the food cooking. The characters were intriguing and varied in role and style. I enjoyed this very much and would recommend to any historical fiction fan. ~ Rebecca B, NetGalley

A very interesting and different read. Well researched it is an excellent read for lovers of historical fiction ~ Greta Halliday, NetGalley

A thriller set in a tense period of Roman history, the year after the crucifixion of Christ. October 27, 2018 Format : Paperback Senator Vivius Marcianus is sent to Jerusalem by Rome’s aging and failing Caesar, on a vague mission to check out some rumours about the activities of Pontious Pilot. As this well constructed plot unfolds, you will find yourself cast back in time with the sights and sounds of Jerusalem brought alive through the clever descriptive writing. As the book’s hero Vivius discovers more than he bargained for, he faces a race back to Rome to report back to Caesar, with Pilot’s men hot on his trail. His enemy will stop at nothing to prevent his activities being reported back to Rome. This is a story of political intrigue, plots, and physical and emotional endurance to ensure the truth is told. An excellent read! View this book’s reviews on Amazon ~ Crofts, Amazon customer

This book is fascinating and a bit weird at the same time. It's well researched, well written, full of interesting facts. The plot will keep you hooked till the end. Recommended to people who love historical fiction. ~ Anna Maria Giacomasso , NetGalley

I really enjoyed reading this novel. I thought the storyline was well thought out and written. I loved how descriptive the settings were. It makes you feel as if you have been transported back in time. Well worth a read for fans of the genre. ~ Sue Blanchard, NetGalley

If you know anything about this turbulent period of Roman history then the names Pontius Pilate, Sejanus and Emperor Tiberius will give you a clue that anyone getting involved with them is probably entering dangerous waters (and I don’t mean the ones across to the Isle of Capri). So it turns out for Senator Vivius Marcianus – and those close to him – when he’s tasked with an assignment notable for the vagueness of its instructions and the fact it will take him to a hotbed of civil and political unrest – Roman occupied Jerusalem. The author does a great job of conjuring up the sights, sounds and smells of Jerusalem’s teeming streets and market places. Our hero, Vivius, is plunged into a world awash with personal and political rivalries, intrigue, corruption, the casual use of violence and cruel punishments. Furthermore, the sectarian infighting is not confined to the upper reaches of the Roman Empire but is evident in Jerusalem as well with religious sects such as the Zealots and the Nazarenes pursuing competing strategies. (Those familiar with the film ‘The Life of Brian’ may find their thoughts straying to the scenes featuring the People’s Front of Judea and the Judean People’s Front.) Meanwhile back in Rome, Vivius’s bride-to-be, Aurelia, finds herself drawn into similarly dangerous political intrigues and shows herself to be a suitably courageous and intrepid partner. As Vivius attempts to carry out his assignment, he encounters threats, stonewalling and distraction techniques of a more subtle nature designed to undermine his investigation. However, on the principle that ‘my enemy’s enemy is my friend’, Vivius finds unlikely allies as he seeks to reveal the truth and bring the guilty parties to justice. I was definitely rooting for him and his companions by this point. What Vivius uncovers will have repercussions at the highest level of the Roman Empire. The Senator’s Assignment is a really enjoyable historical mystery set in a period of Roman history rife with political intrigue that makes the perfect backdrop for its clever, well-constructed plot. I received an advance review copy courtesy of publishers, Top Hat Books, and Random Things Tours. https://whatcathyreadnext.wordpress.com/2018/10/25/blog-tour-book-review-the-senators-assignment-by-joan-e-histon/ ~ Cathy Johnson, What Cathy Read Next

Joan Histon has written an engrossing and well-informed novel that grips from the very first page. These are real people engaged in a real struggle, the work of a fine story-teller. ~ Adrian Plass, bestselling author

Joan is an innovative writer and moving story-teller. Over 250 writers and published authors have been part of the Lakes Writers' Retreat and Joan's writing always enamours the other writers, as she draws in readers to carefully crafted scenes with believable characters and intriguing plots. ~ Mark Finnie, Director at Biblica

A pacey, intelligent plot will delight lovers of Roman history. ~ Richard Tearle, Discovering Diamonds Reviewer