Anthony R. Licata, a prominent Illinois attorney, is multi-talented. He, along with his also talented daughter, do restaurant reviews and serve as food critics. Tony is the managing partner of the Chicago office of the nationally prominent firm of Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP. Now we learn that he is also quite accomplished as an author of fiction. I recently read his book, Hannibal’s Niece: A Tale of Love, Murder and Deceit in Ancient Rome.

For any lover of fictional mysteries, history or interest in Italiana, this is a must-read. The book is a riveting tale of war, romance and political intrigue on a grand scale. Set during the time of Rome’s second war against Carthage, the figures of the great Roman general Scipio and the brilliant Carthaginian Hannibal loom large over a landscape that sweeps from Spain to Rome to Africa, and back. Licata’s skillful narration thoroughly engages the reader from the beginning prologue—providing the necessary historical context for the period 200BC—through the twists and turns of a complex and deeply emotional storyline rich with fascinating detail. Licata displays a commanding knowledge of this period of history, carefully and masterfully bringing to life the characters and life in Ancient Rome. Mr. Licata takes clever liberties with the past and with many real-life historical figures, but the reader actually feels transported to this period of history, becoming emotionally invested in the lives of his characters. Anthony R. Licata’s Hannibal’s Niece is a powerhouse accomplishment that is an eye-opening, entertaining, and memorable epic literary feat. 