About the book

Two women, two thousand years apart—one chance to uncover the truth.

Forensic anthropologist Tori Benino has landed her dream job: excavating an ancient Roman village buried by Vesuvius. When she uncovers the remains of a murder victim in a Roman latrine, Tori is on the brink of a career-defining discovery. But as the mystery deepens, her own life unravels. After a violent encounter with a powerful man, Tori’s career crumbles, and she ends up in war-torn Ukraine, where she finds herself drawn to Samir Al’Shani, a man with his own tragic past.

In Vespasian’s Rome, Thalia is forced into a loveless marriage to a wealthy senator. Isolated by her husband’s cruelty and trapped by his deceit she finds an unlikely ally in Artos, the Praetorian set to guard her. When betrayal strikes, fate offers a new life in a small seaside village in the shade of Mount Vesuvius—until the mountain wakes, and the past catches up to them.
As Tori fights to reclaim her career and bring justice to the victims she uncovers, she is faced with her own tragedy and a life-altering choice. Can she walk away from the past and build a new future? Or will the pull of ancient secrets and a chance at redemption in Rome be too strong to resist?

What Remains is a gripping, dual-timeline mystery that bridges two worlds and asks the question: what remains when everything is lost?

What They Say

“We’re hooked from the start with the unique story and point of view, but it’s the author’s dedication to the writing craft and the beautiful flow to the writing that really lures you in as a reader.”

Historical Fiction company

“As expertly as an archaeologist uncovering the pieces of a lost mosaic, Lee reveals the mystery of a 2,000 year old murder with vivid prose, blood pumping action, and convincing characters. What Remains is epic in scope yet creates intimate connections through a forensic archaeologist’s quest to decipher the secret behind the skeleton of a doomed Pompeian woman. I highly recommend this heartbreaking and heartwarming novel.”

Elisabeth Storrs, author of Tales of Rome trilogy

“In a story ranging from Ancient Rome to modern Ukraine, we are poignantly reminded that the dead deserve justice wherever and whenever they may be. Erryn has created a new Temperance Brennan, forensic anthropologist Victoria who confronts the tragedy and fights for justice.”

Fiona Forsyth, author of The Publius Ovidius Mysteries

“Lee’s prose is precise and stylish, in matters of the heart and in politics, science, and culture, but her emphasis on bones, fieldwork, and research is inspired.”

Publisher’s Weekly Review

“What Remains” is not the typical historical mystery. Its modern timeline could have been pulled from today’s headlines, while the ancient tale is well-researched and engaging. Peopled with characters from both history and imagination, this book grabs hold and refuses to let go. Erryn Lee has given us a window into the ancient Roman world that won’t easily be forgotten.”

Sharon Cathcart, author of Pompeii Fire

“Erryn Lee’s What Remains is a work that is both intellectually engaging and emotionally inspiring, showcasing her exceptional mastery of historical imagination and narrative craft. She establishes herself as a writer who is profoundly attuned to the interplay of the past and present through the creation of this novel, which seamlessly integrates two timelines into a resonant whole.”

The Book Review- 5 Stars

“This story is characterised by remarkable clarity and vividness, each word carefully chosen to paint striking images in the reader’s mind. The seamless flow of the narrative not only captivates the imagination but also engages the emotions, pulling readers deeper into the story. As a result, it becomes exceedingly difficult to tear oneself away from the pages, ensuring that the book remains a constant companion until the very last word is read.”

Mary Anne Yarde, Yarde Book Reviews – 5 stars

Erryn Lee has spent most of her life between the covers of books, her love for historical fiction drew her to a career as an English and History teacher, where she enjoys sharing her passion for both language and the past with young adults (at least until she needs to give it up to write full time).