This novel in the acclaimed Marcus Didius Falco series finds the first-century detective confronting Roman legal forces that may just destroy him--and his family.
Fresh from a trip to far-flung Londinium in Britain, Falco needs to reestablish his presence in Rome. A minor role in the trial of a senator entangles him in the machinations of two powerful lawyers. The senator is convicted but then dies, apparently by suicide. It may have been a legal move to protect his heirs; Falco is hired to prove it was murder.
As he shows off his talents in the role of advocate, Falco exposes himself to a tangle of upper-class secrets and powerful elements in Rome's legal hierarchy that may have unintended--if not fatal--consequences.
About the Author :
Lindsey Davis is an English novelist of historical fiction and best known for her award-winning historical crime stories set in ancient Rome and its empire, the acclaimed Marcus Didius Falco series and the Flavia Albia series. Her novels have won numerous awards, including the Crime Writers' Association Ellis Peters Historical Dagger Award and in 2011 the Cartier Diamond Dagger from the Crime Writers Association for lifetime achievement. Born and raised in Birmingham, England, she read English at Oxford and worked for the civil service for thirteen years before becoming a writer.
Simon Prebble, a British-born performer, is a stage and television actor and veteran narrator of some three hundred audiobooks. As one of AudioFile's Golden Voices, he has received thirty-seven Earphones Awards and won the prestigious Audie in 2010. He lives in New York.
Review :
"Cheerful and informal cynicism in a solemnly detailed classical setting."
-- "Times Literary Supplement (London)"
"Davis' sprightly narrative focuses on customs, history, and details of the Metellus and Falco households and takes its time unraveling the mystery"
-- "Kirkus Reviews"
"Davis' stellar historical, the fifteenth entry in this witty and learned series...gives Davis the opportunity to explore the vagaries of Roman law, which she approaches with her usual mix of respect and sarcasm...Wry, cynical, and principled, Falco makes the perfect guide to Davis' vividly realized ancient Rome."
-- "Publishers Weekly (starred review)"
"Falco is a personable hero, and the stories are always suspenseful and surprising. Also, Davis knows how to stage a mystery against a historical backdrop without overwhelming us with information...[and] continues to mix its history and its mystery in a pleasing blend."
-- "Booklist"
"Falco is back, cheeky as ever, this time matching his wits against two sleek lawyers...Of course, Falco uncovers the truth, though just barely; the ending is a surprise and surprisingly affecting...Top-notch work in a top-notch series."
-- "Library Journal"
"Imagine what would happen if Law & Order merged with a toga party in Animal House and you have Davis' latest. Her skill comes from a unique ability to merge history, mystery, and humor. She keeps you guessing, while you're laughing at the sharp dialogue in this entertaining detective story."
-- "RT Book Reviews (4 stars)"
