Promotional Information

One of the Roman novels from the bestselling historical fiction Falco series

About the Author

Lindsey Davis has written over twenty historical novels, beginning with The Course of Honour. Her bestselling mystery series features laid-back First Century detective Marcus Didius Falco and his partner Helena Justina, plus friends, relations, pets and bitter enemy the Chief Spy. After an English degree at Oxford University Lindsey joined the Civil Service, but became a professional author in 1989. Her books are translated into many languages and have been dramatized on BBC Radio 4. Her many prizes include the Premio Colosseo, awarded by the Mayor of Rome 'for enhancing the image of Rome', the Sherlock award for Falco as Best Comic Detective and the Crimewriters' Association Cartier Diamond Dagger for lifetime achievement. For more information, please visit www.lindseydavis.co.uk.

Reviews

Every book in this series is a delight … fans will snap it up, highly recommended
Library Journal
*Library Journal*

Davis is a prolific and popular writer … Her research has been assiduous and detailed, her commitment to the subject is impressive, and the background detail is often eye-opening
*Observer*

One of the best of the current writers in this field
*The Times*

Surely the best historical detective in the business
*Daily Telegraph*

The whole thing is splendid. It has everything: mystery, pace wit, fascinating scholarship … she brings imperial Rome to life
*Ellis Peters*

Every book in this series is a delight ... fans will snap it up, highly recommended
Library Journal

* Library Journal *
Davis is a prolific and popular writer ... Her research has been assiduous and detailed, her commitment to the subject is impressive, and the background detail is often eye-opening -- Hilary Mantel * Observer *
One of the best of the current writers in this field -- Donna Leon * The Times *
Surely the best historical detective in the business -- Mike Ripley * Daily Telegraph *
The whole thing is splendid. It has everything: mystery, pace wit, fascinating scholarship ... she brings imperial Rome to life -- Ellis Peters

Describe a detective in seedy surroundings, an impulsive young woman, intrigue in high places, and the plot sounds all too familiar. But, name the detective Marcus Didius Falco, place him in first-century Rome, and an entertaining newcomer to fictional detectives is introduced. In 70 A.D., Falco is a cynical observer of himself and society under the new emperor, Vespasian. An encounter with a senator's niece precipitates a sequence of events including murder, plots within the ruling family, and a trip to Britain to uncover thefts in the Roman silver mines. Woven into Falco's adventures are humor, romance, suspense, and clues for the discerning reader. The maps are helpful and even the ``Dramatis Personae'' is entertaining. Highly recommended for mystery or historical fiction collections.-- Ellen Kaye Stoppel, Drake Univ. Law Lib., Des Moines