A holiday in Rome for Elliot and his friend Cameron appears to be the perfect antidote following the death of Shakespeare expert in Elliot's bookshop. However, the two intrepid travellers get more than they bargained for when they visit Italy's historic Roman capital. Once more the world of books is a gateway to a world of intrigue and deception. In Roman Holiday we meet again several of the endearing characters introduced in The Shakespeare Thief as well as a varied cast of new acquaintances.