Description The third installment in Caroline Lawrence's internationally bestselling The Roman Mysteries series which once again combines with great ease, historical rigor and the adventures of its young protagonists. In addition to enjoying fun detective stories, children will learn what life was like in ancient Rome. Set in the terrifying aftermath of the eruption of Mount Vesuvius, the third book in this highly praised mystery series takes young sleuth Flavia Gemina and her friends in search of pirates and slave dealers. The eruption of Mount Vesuvius has left a bleak picture. Ash covers the land, the sea turns blood red, and the waves expel the victims' bodies onto the beaches. And when some children begin to disappear from a camp that hosts hundreds of refugees, Flavia Gemina and her friends Jonathan, Nubia, and Lupo jump into action. Their investigations lead them to El Patron, a charismatic and powerful character, and after following a dangerous clue, the gang reaches the caves of Sorrento, where they will face pirates and slave traders and for the first time will feel what it is to be in danger of death. A terrifically exciting story packed with superb historical detail.