John Maddox Roberts is a celebrated American author, renowned for his historical fiction and science fiction works. Born in 1947, he is best known for his SPQR series, a collection of historical mystery novels set in ancient Rome, featuring the detective Decius Metellus. Roberts has a knack for weaving historical accuracy with gripping narratives, captivating readers with his vivid portrayal of the ancient world. In addition to his historical novels, Roberts has also penned science fiction works, and worked on media tie-in novels. His storytelling prowess and imaginative worlds have earned him a dedicated following among diverse literary genres.