Ten years after the crucifixion of Jesus, Rome awakes to the threat of Christianity and appoints Marc Procus, a renowned Vigilis, to investigate the new movement and to quiz anyone remotely connected to it, including Pontius Pilate.

Hauled from examining the cold case of Julius Caesar, Marc Procus has been summoned and tasked with tracking down the leading elements of the new Christian movement, which has been spreading its tentacles across the known world.

Procus embarks on a series of perilous sea journeys throughout the Mediterranean - an area known to the Romans as Mare Nostrum. Our sea.

On the Greek island of Crete, he encounters his first Christian family and is humbled by their simple way of life. His next port of call brings him into conflict with Pontius Pilate, the stubborn ex-governor of Judea responsible for the death of Jesus Christ.

His travels then take him to Jerusalem, where once again he finds himself humbled by the new religion. As the story develops, Procus finds himself on the verge of betraying Rome.

Meanwhile, in Rome, plots are afoot to dispose of the emperor and establish a new rule. Alerted by the betrayal of Procus, the life of his wife and children becomes precarious, and suddenly they are in danger.

Can Procus get back to Italy in time to save his family?

From the author of The Scribe, Paddy, The Soaring Spirit, amongst others.