Picture a storyteller who swapped courtrooms for the Colosseum, crafting mysteries that pulse with the life of Ancient Rome—meet Alan Scribner! A Yale Law School graduate turned historical fiction maestro, Scribner’s Judge Marcus Flavius Severus Mystery series whisks readers to the 2nd-century Roman Empire, blending razor-sharp legal drama with vivid historical tapestries. His knack for weaving intricate whodunits with meticulous research has earned him a loyal following among history buffs and mystery lovers alike.
The Making of Alan Scribner
Born with a curiosity for the past, Alan Scribner carved a distinguished path before picking up the pen. A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and Yale Law School, he served as an Assistant District Attorney in New York County under Frank S. Hogan and later thrived as a criminal defense attorney. This legal prowess, paired with a passion for Ancient Rome, sparked his second act as an author. An independent scholar of Roman history, Scribner co-authored Anni Ultimi: A Roman Stoic Guide to Retirement, Old Age and Death, showcasing his deep dive into classical studies that would shape his fiction.
Alan Scribner’s Unforgettable Stories
Scribner’s Judge Marcus Flavius Severus Mystery series, set during the reign of Marcus Aurelius, is his crowning achievement. The series kicks off with Mars the Avenger (2012), where Judge Severus untangles a murder in Rome’s bustling streets, introducing readers to a Stoic sleuth navigating a corrupt empire. The Cyclops Case (2013) follows, plunging Severus into the decadent Bay of Naples to solve the ‘Odysseus Murders,’ a web of political intrigue and counterfeiting. Marcus Aurelius Betrayed (2014) takes Severus to Alexandria, unraveling a poisoning plot amid the Great Library’s wonders. Later works like The Return of Spartacus (2016) and A Shipwreck Conspiracy (2020) delve into gladiatorial schools and maritime heists, each novel brimming with historical accuracy and Sherlockian deduction.
Scribner’s style is a masterclass in balance: his prose is crisp yet evocative, painting Rome’s sights, sounds, and smells without bogging down the pace. His legal background shines through in courtroom scenes, where Roman law—complete with judicial torture and rescripts—feels authentic. Fans compare his work to a Roman Law & Order, blending procedural grit with cultural immersion. While some critique his dialogue as stilted or note occasional typos, his plots keep readers guessing until the final page.
Why Alan Scribner Matters
Alan Scribner’s impact lies in making Ancient Rome accessible and thrilling. His novels double as time machines, offering a front-row seat to the Flavian Amphitheater or Alexandria’s Pharos Lighthouse. For educators, his historical fidelity makes the series a stealthy teaching tool—students devour his books while absorbing Roman law and culture. Scribner’s ability to merge scholarly rigor with page-turning mysteries has carved a niche in historical fiction, inspiring readers to explore the past with fresh eyes.
- Key Works: Mars the Avenger, The Cyclops Case, Marcus Aurelius Betrayed, A Shipwreck Conspiracy
- Education: University of Pennsylvania, Yale Law School
- Notable Fact: Former Assistant District Attorney in New York County
Now retired in New Hampshire, Scribner continues to captivate with new Severus adventures. Snag Mars the Avenger and dive into Alan Scribner’s spellbinding blend of mystery and history!