The SPQR ones are also very light reading, but I like the hero a lot. I love the way his family frowns at his particular talents, but quickly recruit him when a problem arises. I also like his sarcastic take on people like Caesar. Very amusing books. :-)
I read them in German translation so I don't know if they are any good in the original. I once read a fantasy novel by Maddox Roberts and hated it. *shrug*

And serious fiction? Is no longer for me. I tried Gormenghast last night. Ick. Too wordy.
I tried Possession. Was bored to tears.

Will probably read an Alan Dean Foster novel instead. :-)