Rome

The Open Gate on the Appia

Special case · ~70 min

The Via Appia Antica at dawn, between cypresses and Roman tombs. The cook arrives at a walled villa and finds the iron gate wide open, the two guard dogs asleep on the gravel, and the owner's bed empty. His glasses are on the floor and his shoes by the bed. Nobody walks out onto the Appia barefoot and blind.

The Galba Aureus

Heist · ~70 min

The Roman Forum by night, lit for a handful of donors. On a velvet tray, a gold coin struck for an emperor who ruled for seven months, found in the mud a week ago. At the end of the evening the register says it went back into the safe. In the morning the safe is closed, untouched, and empty.

Last Swim at Ferragosto

Murder · ~80 min

Ferragosto in Rome, a rooftop pool above the Spanish Steps. At dawn the man who owned half the hotel is floating face down. Too much grappa, says everyone. Too convenient, says the coroner.