Book Description
It's 76 A.D. during the reign of Vespasian and the Roman holiday of Saturnalia has begun. The days are short; the nights are for wild parties. But not for Marcus Didius Falco. Falco is an informer by trade - his job is to uncover unwelcome truths and deal with sensitive situations, frequently at the behest of the imperial government. And just such a case has arisen. A general has captured a famous enemy of Rome, and brings her home to adorn his eventual Triumph as a ritual sacrifice. But everything goes wrong from there - first she acquires a mysterious illness, then a young man is horrendously murdered and she escapes from house arrest.
Marcus Didius Falco, hired to find her and return her to custody before Saturnalia is over, is pitted against his old rival, the Chief Spy Anacrites. The two of them are in a race against time to find the fugitive before the public learns of the situation, making the government look stupid. Falco, however, has other priorities. Helena’s brother Justinus has also vanished, perhaps fatally involved once more with the great lost love of his youth.
Against the riotous backdrop of the season of misrule, the search seems impossible and only Falco seems to notice that some dark agency is bringing death to the city streets…
Book Description
'Saylor evokes the ancient world more convincingly than any other writer of his generation.' -The Sunday Times (London) on The Judgment of Caesar Steven Saylor's Roma Sub Rosa series of novels, set in the later Roman Republic and featuring Gordianus the Finder, has garnered unusual acclaim from readers and reviewers alike, establishing him as one of the pre-eminent historical mystery writers. In A Gladiator Dies Only Once, the second collection of his award-winning Gordianus stories, Saylor more than meets the high standards of his previous work. Set mainly in the seventeen years between the events of his first novel, Roman Blood, and his third, Catilina's Riddle, these tales will delight his many fans while relating previously untold adventures of Gordianus' early career.
Customer Reviews:
A light, entertaining read.......2007-02-21
What is so refreshing about Saylor's writing is that it is so accessible. Instead of having to wade through convoluted politics and the dense historical matter of Rome, he has simply portrayed the daily life of it's citizens in a refreshing and interesting way. Reading his books is relaxing rather than challenging, and a nice way to learn more about a fascinating period of history.
Scrupulously Accurate Historical Details and Fun Stories.......2007-01-09
In 'A Gladiator Only Dies Once', Steven Saylor collects nine Gordianus the Finder tales he has written over the years. These stories are nice straightforward detective investigations with Gordianus as the upstanding honest gumshoe (gum-sandal?). His clients tend to be drawn from the patrician class of late Republican Rome - the supposed cream of society, but some of this cream has definitely spoiled.
Saylor is scrupulously accurate with historical details as he takes the reader to Sicily where he encounters Cicero and the secret of Archimedes' Tomb or to the luxuriant gardens and cherry orchards of the epicurean Lucullus. These are just two of the many historical characters in Saylor's stories. The resolution to Saylor's puzzles often lies not so much in the 'who did it', which is sometimes fairly obvious, as in 'why did they do it', generally a more interesting inquiry.
An appendix explains the provenance of each story and its connection to Roman history. A timeline of Gordianus' life will be a handy reference for fans of the Roma Sub Rosa series.
Highly recommended.
9 Stories about the Finder.......2006-10-03
Saylor has pleased me again with a fairly good portrayal of the Roman world and the limits of investigations into mysteries and crimes. I was slightly disappointed to not see Tiro mentioned more often given the number of guest appearances Cicero made -- the letters of Cicero to his secretary slave and freedman suggest they were rarely apart save when the orator and politican was in political disfavor or danger and none of these stories take place then. But these are short stories and need to be more focused on the immediate mystery at hand unlike a novel which can dive into the personal relationships and culture in greater degree.
Interesting collection, but sometimes simple.......2006-08-11
This collection of short stories contains many great little stories which take place during the late republic. Though many of the mysteries are very thinly veiled, most of the stories provide a interesting insight into to the daily life in the Roman republic.
I especially enjoyed the Cherries of Lucullus. It seemed especially sad and vivid.
It seems that the author did get carried away in Death by Eros. The story is written as if it is exceedingly unnatural for a man not to be gay in Naples during the late republic. True, the story takes place in a Greek society where homosexual love was accepted, but I doubt that every man in ancient Greek society was spending all their time thinking tenderly of man-on-man action.
Not at the same level as the rest of the series.......2006-08-05
I have to admit that i was dissappointed by Saylor in this book.One of the greatest assets of the "Roma sub Rosa" series is the masterful recreation of Roman society during Caesar's time.But when from the very first chapter, you see Lucius Claudius reading the "Daily" and talking about the "Reds" giving the "Whites" a run for their money in tomorrow's races... well, you get the idea of how these stories are written.You have this mottif of "americanising" the Romans through out the entire book.
The storylines and the characters also come off a bit shallow, but i guess that's to be expected from short stories..
All in all, Saylor's prose and writing remain excellent and the book makes a pleasant read.Just don't set your expectations too high...
Average customer rating:
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Gender, Domesticity, and the Age of Augustus: Inventing Private Life (Oxford Studies in Classical Literature and Gender Theory)
Kristina Milnor
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA
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ASIN: 0199280827 |
Book Description
The age of Augustus has long been recognized as a time when the Roman state put a new emphasis on `traditional' feminine domestic ideals, yet at the same time gave real public prominence to certain women in their roles as wives, mothers, sisters, and daughters. Kristina Milnor takes up a series of texts and their contexts in order to explore this paradox. Through an examination of authors such as Vitruvius, Livy, Valerius Maximus, Seneca the Elder, and Columella, she argues that female domesticity was both a principle and a problem for early imperial writers, as they sought to construct a new definition of who and what constituted Roman public life.
Average customer rating:
- Falco The Poet
- A Bit of a Disappointment...
- Falco's Literary Adventure
- Falco at home
- This Series is Seriously Slipping
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Ode to a Banker
Lindsey Davis
Manufacturer: Mysterious Press
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Similar Items:
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One Virgin Too Many
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Three Hands in the Fountain (Marcus Didius Falco Mysteries)
ASIN: 0892967404 |
Amazon.com
Marcus Didius Falco, Lindsey Davis's clever private informer, passes a hot Roman summer tracking down the killer of a Greek banker and publisher. Was the killer one of Aurelius Chrysippus's stable of writers, dissatisfied with the patron's lack of enthusiasm for his latest opus or resentful about the humiliating terms of his contract? Or was Chrysippus's bloody death connected to financial shenanigans at the Aurelian Bank? Commissioned to investigate the murder by his friend Petronius Longus, Falco finds himself in the middle of a case with clues that may lie in the fragments of a manuscript found at the murder scene--or maybe in the banking records someone seems willing to kill to keep secret. At the same time, Falco's sorting out a thorny family matter concerning his mother and his sister, both of whom seem inordinately fond of an imperial spy Falco has good reason to distrust. And if that's not enough, he's also being taken to the cleaners by the contractors his wife Helena Justina has engaged to renovate their new home.
As usual, Davis brings first century Rome to glorious life, and subtly drives home the striking parallels between ancient and contemporary business, politics, and family life. In the 12th book of in this increasingly popular series, she makes the most of every opportunity for satire and spins a lively yarn guaranteed to make the reader laugh out loud and clamor for more. Fortunately, there's a solid backlist to entertain readers encountering Falco for the first time (One Virgin Too Many, Two for the Lions). --Jane Adams
Book Description
Marcus Didius Falco, Lindsey Davis's clever private informer, passes a hot Roman summer tracking down the killer of a Greek banker andpublisher. Was the killer one of Aurelius Chrysippus's stable of writers, dissatisfied with the patron's lack of enthusiasm for his latest opus or resentful about the humiliating terms of his contract? Or was Chrysippus's bloody death connected to financial shenanigans at the Aurelian Bank? Commissioned to investigate the murder by his friend Petronius Longus, Falco finds himself in the middle of a case with clues that may lie in the fragments of a manuscript found at the murder scene--or maybe in the banking records someone seems willing to kill to keep secret. At the same time, Falco's sorting out a thorny family matter concerning his mother and his sister, both of whom seem inordinately fond of an imperial spy Falco has good reason to distrust. And if that's not enough, he's also being taken to the cleaners by the contractors his wife Helena Justina has engaged to renovate their new home. As usual, Davis brings first century Rome to glorious life, and subtly drives home the striking parallels between ancient and contemporary business, politics, and family life. In the 12th book of in this increasingly popular series, she makes the most of every opportunity for satire and spins a lively yarn guaranteed to make the reader laugh out loud and clamor for more. Fortunately, there's a solid backlist to entertain readers encountering Falco for the first time (One Virgin Too Many, Two for the Lions). --Jane Adams
Customer Reviews:
Falco The Poet.......2006-10-04
This is the twelfth novel in the mystery series featuring Marcus Didius Falco, an informer and sleuth in Rome at the time of Vespasian. A series of books that have become hugely popular, so much so that the author is now at the forefront of historical mystery writers. It was probably a stroke of genius on her part to have novels that are extremely well researched and contain all the elements that would be and should be found in the Roman world of circa AD70, but to have a lead character who has the vocabulary of a present day New York cop.
This book sees Falco delving into the world of literary jealousies and everything that goes with them. Writers block, jealousy and fraud is just scratching the surface. He discovers that there are a series of puzzling links to the Aurelian Bank and finds out the business is owned by Chrysippus.
Chrysippus is a man that Falco knows only too well, because a little private recital of Falco's poetry had recently been gate crashed by Aurelius Chrysippus, a scriptorium owner and some of his literary friends and the following day Chrysippus offers to publish Falco's poems.
When the body of the scriptorium owner is found Petro, long time friend of Falco and the Vigil's enquiry officer, commissions Falco to investigate the murder, while at the same time trying not to pull his leg too hard regarding his poetic prowess.
A Bit of a Disappointment..........2004-06-28
I remember when I first discovered this series. I couldn't get enough of Falco! This was about two years ago. I bought this book and it has sat on my shelf for quite awhile; getting lost in the mounds of books I need to read. This weekend I decided to pull it out and re-visit ancient Rome. This book was a bit of a disappointment. I began to get bored at some point and question why I had liked this series. The plot just meandered around. It seemed unreal to me that Falco just "forgot" to check up on some basic facts and alibis. Falco and Lindsey Davis both seemed really tired. I am not giving up on the series...I hope to read more...I just hope that they are a little livelier. Hopefully this will be the only Dud in the bunch. I gave this three stars because I do love Falco and the gang so much, and hope does spring eternal...
Falco's Literary Adventure.......2004-04-21
Ode to a Banker begins with Falco reading his poetry at a public reading. He's flattered when Chrysippus, a wealthy banker and scriptorium owner, offers him the chance to publish, but outright refuses when he learns he would have to pay Chrysippus for it. He's commissioned for the investigation when Chrysippus turns up murdered in the library. There is an abundance of suspects-lots of people thought Chrysippus was as creepy as Falco did, including a bunch of bitter authors and a twisted family, all with motives of course. There is a twist when someone else turns up dead, but the plot of the actual mystery unfolds pretty slowly until the end when Falco gathers all the suspects and interrogates them. Until then the plot is driven mainly by Falco's crazy extended family and their bizarre relationships and escapades.
This book explores the Roman world of the scriptorium and the Greek banking industry. The characters are interesting, and there are certainly a lot of them. The mystery develops slowly, or perhaps minimally until the end, but the story is enjoyable throughout the book. Overall, an enjoyable read but a slow plot.
Falco at home.......2004-03-06
The series of Falco books is constructed from three parts. Ostensibly exotic and intricate mystery stories-murders investigated by Falco, an imperial freelance agent of Vespasian's early Roman empire (AD 69-79)-they also serve as tours of the various (mostly western) provinces, and as "behind the scene" introductions and evocations of Roman versions of things such as: mining (SILVER), travel, art business, retail, city policing, the games and animal hunts (LIONS), stagecraft (PALMYRA), construction, apartment and family life, the status of women, water supply (FOUNTAINS), and now publishing and banking (but neither politics nor the army). Unlike the Ciceronian books of the Late Republic written by Steven Saylor, Davis' stories don't seem to hew close to actual ancient Roman law cases, but formulate what might have been typical middle class crimes that seem of reasonable cause to a modern reader. The dialogue can be English slangy modern without a tang of old Latin, but there's no need for footnotes or glossary either. (If you miss them then you can find a lot of pertinant background information in the glossaries of Colleen McCullough's Caesar books.) Davis seems to capture the roistering, tireless, scheming, and fouled essence of ancient Roman city life.
The wise-cracking, sceptical Falco and his so smart Helena are Davis's own splendid "modern" creations. Their repartee is usually spritely and intelligent-not because Davis is being politically correct but because they are partners in an alliance of man and woman unusual for Rome, yet serving to move the plot forward when a case is at impass. Davis (and Falco) are cynics in all things, but classically so, entertaining rather than mean. No one ages fast in this series; for example, this 12th book covers only one month in summer, AD 74, and Falco is only a prime 33 despite his many adventures.
Although I've said the Falco stories that stay close to Rome are the best ones, this sticks TOO close to downtown. ODE features a tight coterie of bankers, publishers, and authors (including Falco as a poet!). The claustrophobic atmosphere, the innumerable puzzling suspects, the dogged police interrogations, and the climactic confrontation in the concluding chapters a la Poirot reminds me strongly of an inelegant Agatha Christie closed-room mystery, not at all my favorite sort. Each recent volume includes more and more of Falco's domestic relations, disputes, and family love interests-a theme that almost eclipses the mystery here and is continued in the next volume, A BODY IN THE BATHHOUSE.
This Series is Seriously Slipping.......2004-01-26
When the Marcus Didius Falco series began, over a decade and eleven books ago, I was immediately hooked. The combination of detail about the Roman Empire, combined with the wisecracks of the much put upon informer (detective) hero enthralled me-for a while. After five or six books I discovered Steven Saylor's Roman mystery series, and the charm of Davis's potboiler plots and tongue-in-cheek jokes wore thin. I thought I'd pick this latest offering up to see if my taste for them had changed, and the unequivocal answer is no.
Falco is much the same as I last saw him, still married to the luminous and whip smart Helena, still bedeviled by an outrageous extended family, still cronies with his old army buddy Petronious, and still warily jousting with the imperial spymaster Anacrities. For the plot Davis relies upon that most tired of devices, a story linked to the world of publishing-complete with anachronistic satirization of subsidy publishing, ghostwriting, and the like. Ah yes, the publishing insider jokes just keep coming when Greek publisher and banker Aurelius Chrysippus is murdered and Petronious enlists Falco to unmask the killer.
The story is much more constrained than most of the series, with Davis creating an atmosphere that's part a game of Clue and part Ms. Marple cozy. The action never leaves Rome, and kicks off with Chrysippus found dead in the library with a scroll shoved up his nose (no sign of Col. Mustard though). As with any good little village or country house murder tale, there are a bevy of suspects for Falco to work though: new young wife, ex-wife, son, various writers, bank customers-each with their own possible reason for disliking the dead man. It's a very rote affair, with Falco plodding after each lead, checking each alibi, etc.
Oh wait, no he doesn't... A fact that leaps out at even the most casual reader, virtually placing a neon sign over the killer's head. Yes, Falco's got a lot of personal issues on his plate, but then again, he always does, so that hardly seems like a good reason for him to botch the basics of Detecting 101. So, while Falco creates the classic scene of bringing all the suspects together for a grand denouement, calling in surprise witnesses, and employing trickery to force a wholly unlikely confession, it all seems kind of pointless to the reader who saw the writing on the wall halfway through. The book has a few good scenes here and there (including one very good fight scene), but there's certainly not a lot of creativity in evidence, and the attempts at satire fall flat. It pains me to say so, but like so many series that start strong, Davis seems to be floundering and may need to think about starting something new.
Book Description
Decius Caecilius Metellus is moving up in the world. Hes won some money and glory fighting pirates in the Mediterranean and expects a speedy election to the office of Praetor. But, that all changes when a man hes never seen before publicly accuses him of corruption. Decius and his powerful family of Romes leading politicians scramble to prepare a defense. However, the day of the trial they are greeted with a strange surprise on the steps of the courthouse: The corpse of the man who made the accusation. Now Decius is up against a much more serious charge of murder. It may cost him his chance to run for office, but not if he can help it. Roberts once again masterfully sets Decius and his adventures against the background of this famed and crumbling Republic, enriching his story with historical detail and the immortal personalities of the day.
Customer Reviews:
Law & Order -- year 703 of the Republic.......2007-08-21
Overall:
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SPQR X follows well with the other 9 books in the series in terms of tone, pacing, detail and historical elements. The story is a court room drama done Roman style -- evidence is really secondary to how you work the crowd. Our juror system is not that much different when you come down to it; one would hope that the carefully gathered evidence and logic would top emotional manipulation to decide guilt or innocence.
The story moves very quickly with a dizzy amount of family lineage, Roman law subtle that is obsurce at best and baffling at best.
The character development is slight given the 5 day time frame for the events in the book. However, Julia gets a nice bit of development and does some more affection and compliments toward Decius.
Details:
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The compressed timeline of the events made for less investigation and more side characters giving obviously clues to Decius. The obviousness of the clues was a bit of a drawback to the book. The use of a cypher and a female code breaker was a nice touch. It added a nice element to the conspiracy part of the story.
The book seems to be setting up the next book with the transition of Caeser to Dictator...Emperor. There is a clear transition from the old Republic to the declining Empire. It seems that Decius is going to be up for some very interesting times in the near future.
The level of detail on the Roman legal system is quite impressive. However, it seems that the author is trying to impress you with the finer points of something that you have no idea how it works. There is something lost in the translation of the obviously impressive research done by John Maddox Roberts. The legal system/issues sometimes seems to impead the flow of the story / events.
The actual trial is very well written. Decius pulls a rabbit-out-of-the-hat once more.
Summary:
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Characters: 4 out of 5
Action: 2 out of 5 -- action is not really part of this story
Plot: 4 out of 5 -- it is hard to following the various machinations in the book. It would have been helpful to make the book a bit longer with some transitionary scenes / explaination scenes.
Overall: 4 out of 5
Realistic detail pulls the reader in.......2007-08-08
This is the tenth is the series, begun in 1990.
We follow the career of Decius Caecilius Metellus the Younger, who has returned from capturing pirates in Cyprus and is flush with money from captured loot. He pays off debts, gives some to the treasury, and runs for judicial office, praetor. Campaigning seems to be going well when a complete stranger, Marcus Fulvius, accuses him of corruption and plundering during his campaign in Cyprus.
This is during the last days of the Republic, when Pompey and Julius Caesar are vying for power. The family of Decius has not taken sides in the power struggle yet, though Decius is married to Caesar's niece, Julia. When they show up for the trial the next morning, Marcus Fulvius is found dead on the steps of the basilica (court building), and Decius finds himself suddenly accused of murder by a Tribune of the People, Publius Manilius. Hermes and Decius are free to investigate, and they find out a lot in the few days they have before the murder trial.
There is a lot of enjoyment here--housebreaking and leaping from balconies; a wine-tasting clue; a very unusual gold ring with a carved sapphire and scrolls in cipher. And there is an exotic and beautiful visiting Egyptian philosopher and mathematician, Callista, to help decode them. The climactic trial, while not the sort we are used to, is riveting.
Roberts is the author of many science fiction and fantasy books as well as this acclaimed series. His glossary and explanation of Roman names and characters helps a great deal in understanding this complicated political thriller. The city and the people are realistically portrayed and the detail is just enough to flesh out the story.
This is the first I have read in the series, and I am going back to read the earlier books.
Armchair Interview agrees.
great series!.......2007-04-03
I am soooo looking forward to SPQR X! I loved all of Roberts' books, they are as good as the Davis' Falco series and WAY better than Saylor's Gordianus the Finder, or the Caesar series by Iggulden. The only serious competition for SPQR would be Simon Scarrow's Macro and Falco, but since they are soldiers, and Decius Caecilius Metellus is a Senator... it's as different as James Bond and Rambo. I can't wait to read SPQR X and I'm VERY excited to read Davis' Saturnalia! This whole week of true ancient Roman enjoyment could only be beaten by an afternoon in Maecenas' garden, or Caracalla's baths ;)Or perhaps a good fight in Vespasian's theater... Don't we ALL like the Colosseum?
Readable but "Energy" of Book Seemed "Curtailed".......2007-01-11
Happy I read it but something was missing as contrasted with other works by the author. The book is 235 pages and that restricts development of both plot and character(s), each of which seemed hurried and abbreviated.
I enjoyed this book........2006-12-21
I have read the entire series and every book is entertaining and fun. Mr. Roberts is a great storyteller who writes a book that is hard to put down. I highly recommend this book as well as the whole series. You won't be disappointed.
Average customer rating:
- Back to Britannia
- The Old Gray Mare Ainýt What She Used to Be.
- Thoroughly enjoyable
- Superior detail--funny and rich
- If Philip Marlowe Had A Lot of Relatives...
|
A Body in the Bathhouse
Lindsey Davis
Manufacturer: Mysterious Press
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Similar Items:
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Three Hands in the Fountain (Marcus Didius Falco Mysteries)
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Ode to a Banker (Davis, Lindsey. Falco Series.)
ASIN: 0892967714 |
Amazon.com
With his entire family in tow, including wife, two children, and a sister whose spurned lover's plans for revenge have put her life in danger, Marcus Didius Falco, the Roman Emperor Vespasian's smart-aleck PI, follows two unsavory building contractors suspected of murder to a barbarous, uncivilized outpost of the Empire--the south coast of Britain, where its Great King, his royal architect, and an officious project manager are building a magnificent palace. Since Vespasian is paying for it, he's charged Falco with making sure Rome's money isn't being wasted, as well as with tracking down the suspects--two jobs that morph into one as the body count keeps rising. Falco is a lively protagonist who can't stay out of trouble but always comes out of it with the mystery solved and his sense of humor intact in this consistently fine series of historical thrillers. --Jane Adams
Book Description
The thirteenth whodunnit featuring Marcus Didius Falco – ancient Rome’s Philip Marlowe – set against the very real backdrop of the Roman Palace at Fishbourne in Britain.
Falco and Helena have escaped Helena’s expensive mistake on the Janiculan Hill and house-swapped with Falco’s father. But they’ve left behind a nasty surprise. There’s a corpse in the newly completed bathhouse and the contractors, Gloccus and Cotta, have fled to Britain. As it happens, Britain is currently Falco’s best employment opportunity. Frontinus, Governor of the Isle, wants Falco to sort out some problems he has with a huge Imperial building project on the south coast. Is it there that Gloccus and Cotta have fled? With his burgeoning family in tow, Falco sets out to the land he swore he would never visit again, not knowing that a string of murders and building site politics await him.
Customer Reviews:
Back to Britannia.......2003-12-31
Falco revisits old haunts here, returning to Britain "five years" after the start of this series. In the interim he's had many far-flung adventures in increasingly domesticated situations.
The setting provides numerous opportunities for Davis to take jabs at her fellow Britons, while developing Falco's sleuthing after misbegotten building contractors-as if the caustic author were revenging herself on a bad personal experience. The first two-thirds of the story is more scornful witticisms than it is mysterious. Oh, right, there are some bodies falling from the scaffolding but what can you expect on an imperial construction site in barbarian Britannia? Falco has it easy for over 200 pages of banter with hardly a hint of suspense among the evident corruption. Davis is true to the modern archaeological finds at Fishbourne in that the construction of the royal palace hardly rises above its foundations. The story is more fun for its incidents and argot than plot and action. Falco's final apprehension of the miscreants makes little sense because it's so accidental. The slow pace of the first two-thirds of the story corroborates my previous suggestion that Davis, and Falco, are best when they stay close to Rome rather than gallivanting about the Empire into some provincial backwater like Palmyra, Corduba, or Britannia. This volume is not one of my favorites in the series.
This book should be read after Ode To A Banker because some issues and nefarious characters there continue here, along with Falco and his now familiar menagerie. Actually, this volume is the middle of a trilogy that concludes in The Jupiter Myth (still in hardback at this writing). The cover art on my pb copy (with the new circular mosaic theme) differs from that shown on Amazon.
The Old Gray Mare Ainýt What She Used to Be........2003-11-01
As a Ivy League trained classicist and fan of Lindsey Davis from the time of her very first Falco novel, "Silver Pigs," it's hard for me to say this: frankly and colloquially put, "A Body in the Bathhouse" really stinks. I had begun to sense a growing problem in her last few books- the plots had become thinner, the dialogue more contrived, even the characters seemed to be growing tired of themselves. I had hoped in this book the process would have been reversed, but "A Body in the Bathhouse" only completes the cycle of decline. You get the sense reading her pages that Ms. Davis merely threw together a number of unrelated, superficial characters and plots simply to meet a publisher's deadline. And speaking of the publisher: is anyone editing her series these days? According to the cover, Ms. Davis is an author of "internationally bestselling novels." So why does her editor allow all these supposedly Roman characters to speak in a low-end Birmingham argot that is almost unintelligible to the average American reader? (And I would guess, to quite a few Brits as well, not to mention the Aussies and all other English speakers around the globe.) Enough already! A bit of the King's English, please! And finally, while Ms. Davis' anti-gay bias has been hinted at almost from the beginning of this series, her increasing use of gay stereotypes to portray effeminate and evil men simply smacks of uniformed heterosexual bias. All in all, my recommendation is to wait for this one to come out in paperback, expect little when (and if) you read it, and simply hope for a sea change in future volumes.
Thoroughly enjoyable.......2003-06-20
Lovely job. This one was just plain fun once it got started. It reads well. I don't think Ms. Davis' strength has ever been the puzzle. No one would mistake her for Agatha Christie. On the other hand, she's a lot more enjoyable to read. Yes, one could wish the mystery were tidied up better, but then the whole thing might not be so nicely spiced. As it is, I enjoyed myself hugely. (Note the wonderful "Briton" playright who gets by without royalties by being popular with the general public and hence sharing in the ticket sales. Several rather delicious references to a Vespasian-era Shakespeare. We were amused.)
Superior detail--funny and rich.......2002-12-07
It's been a tough time for Roman informant Falco. First he and his father discover a decomposing body buried under the tiles of his bathhouse. Second, his chief rival begins stalking his sister. Third, Emperor Vespasian wants him to go to Britain to sort out a building project gone bad. Finally, Falco's been asked to find work for his wife's overly energetic but highly impractical brothers. When the chief murder suspects turn up missing, Falco decides to go where the biggest building project is located--Britain--even though he hates that dreary island.
Britain is every bit as dreary as Falco remembers from his days in the military, and it's still a sleepy province far from the civilization of Rome. But Vespasian wants to build a fancy palace for one of the few local kings who supported Rome during a recent rebellion--and he doesn't want to have to pay too much. Falco finds the building crews at war with one another, and nasty hints that the corruption goes even deeper than is usual. Unfortunately, those who benefit from the graft want to keep things just the way they are. It's up to Falco to sort out the problems without creating a diplomatic crisis for his Emperor. Fortunately, Falco's brothers-in-law turn out to be hard-working, if impractical, and his wife, Helena remains a pillar of strength. Which is lucky when the body count really starts to mount.
Author Lindsey Davis delivers an exciting and amusing tale of mystery and history. Falco is a richly detailed character with a lot going on in his life and a lot of constraints that keep him from just throwing out all the scoundrels and starting over. Davis weaves together the multiple mysteries in the novel into a complete whole, gives an intriguing glimpse into what Rome and its provinces might have been like when Rome really did rule the world, and does it with a light tough that keeps the pages turning.
A BODY IN THE BATHHOUSE is a fine and rewarding mystery.
If Philip Marlowe Had A Lot of Relatives..........2002-11-19
The thing about most detectives is that they're loners. But...sometimes down these mean streets a man must walk...around the corner to his mom's house. And so what? I always wondered what would happen if the great detectives had families; if Philip Marlowe had had an annoying brother in law, or a cousin with gender-identity issues, etc. Most people do have families, and one of the things I like best about Falco is that his involvement with his family, as well as being typically Roman, makes him both more believable and more interesting.
Yes, sometimes the details do get muddled up, and the publishers should [bump] their proofreader on the back of the head, but this book is very well worth reading; the tidal wave of archaeological and historical detail is refreshing, and Davis manages to concoct yet another end-of-the-book welter of chaos and carnage that manages to be different from the previous rucks.
Fun to read, sharp and intelligent...except for Barbara Hambly's Benjamin January books, I haven't enjoyed historical fiction , or believed in its re-created worlds, this much since Mary Renault died.
Book Description
When a sacret woman's rite in the ancient city of Rome is infiltrated by a corrupt patrician dressed in female garb, it falls to Senator Decuis Caecilius Metellus the Younger, whose investigative skills have proven indispensable in the past, to unmask the perpetrators. When four brutal slayings follow, Decius enlists the help a notorious and dangerous criminal. Together, they establish a connection between the sacrilege and the murders, and track the offenders from the lowest dregs of society to the prominent elite of the upper class, finding corruption and violence where Decius least expects it.
Customer Reviews:
Number Three in a Terrific Series.......2007-02-23
John Maddox Roberts is the pseudonym of Mark Ramsay, author of numerous works of science fiction and fantasy, in addition to his successful historical SPQR mystery series. He lives in New Mexico with his wife.
There are more secret societies and strange rites than you can shake a stick at in the Ancient city of Rome, most of them admittedly for the male section of the population, but as in any other period of history the female of the species hates to be left out and so they have their own secret rites and woe betide any man seen taking an interest in these events.
Naturally when one of the women's sacred meeting is infiltrated by a corrupt patrician dressed in female attire, Decius Caecilius Metellus the Younger is brought in to unmask the suspects. When four brutal killings occur it becomes obvious that the infiltrators are not just peeping toms and Decius enlists the help of a notorious criminal.
Between them the pair establish a link between the infiltration of the women's sacred rites and the murders and this leads Decius from the long rung of the ladder of society up to the heights of the upper class, finding violence and corruption along the way . . .
The Sacrilege (SPQR III).......2007-01-12
In this third detective adventure of Decius, a little-known scion of the famous Caecilii Metelli, we again see many of our favorite characters including the devious Clodia, the clever Greek physician Asklepiodes, and Decius's irrascible father. This is a very interesting retelling and interpretion of the historical scandal of the sacrilege of the Festival of the Bona Dea by Publius Clodius Pulcher who entered the house of the Pontifex Maximus dressed as a woman. We also meet Hermes, Decius's wily slave boy who will continue to be his Watson as the series continues. Less didactic than the first two books, and very entertaining.
Caesar's Spouse and a Suspicious Sacrilege.......2004-07-31
When I was a young assistant state attorney, a wise old lawyer told me that a prosecutor had to be like Caesar's wife--above suspicion. Good advice, but where did the aphorism come from? "SPQR III" gives a humorous answer to that question, and also gives us a rolicking good story of love, murder, and political intrigue.
One engaging aspect of the SPQR series is the ensemble of remarkable characters who reappear book after book. Quintus Caecilius Metellus the Elder, a battle scarred, no-nonsense soldier and politician who is both proud of and embarrassed by his eccentric son. Metellus Creticus, a dour man who happens to be one of the most powerful soldier-politicians in Rome. Titus Milo, a handsome, muscular organized crime boss who doesn't need weapons to defend himself. Asclepiodes, a talented physician who specializes in stitching up gladiators and performing autopsies. Fausta and Clodia, two women who are as heartless as they are beautiful. Publius Clodius, a reprobate who has only two ambitions--to become the most powerful man in Rome and to kill Decius Metellus the Younger.
In this book Roberts makes two exemplary additions to the ensemble: Julia, niece of Julius Caesar, love of Decius' life, and no mean detective in her own right. And finally, Hermes, a lazy, hungry, insolent slave whose cupidity sometimes interferes with his loyalty to Decius his master.
"SPQR III" follows the same plot as the first two offerings in this series. Decius investigates a sacrilege, becomes embroiled in a series of murders, uncovers a plot which threatens the very existence of Rome, dodges repeated attempts on his life as he pulls off a caper which saves the Republic, and flees Rome pursued by assassins. The mystery is not so much "whodunnit" as "how's Decius going to keep from getting himself killed?" It's all good fun.
Good, but one major inaccuracy.......2002-07-27
Good plot, as usual, except Caesar did not have a wife named Pompeia.
Best so far.......2002-05-09
This one is the best so far of the series. Apart from the author's familarity with his main character, Decius, the supporting ensemble are all finely meshed and their personalities are comfortable to the reader. The continuing feud between Clodius and Decius makes for fine entertainment. The introduction of the slave Hermes is with a mildly irritating character, but, given he is in the fourth installment it is interesting to see how he will develop. JMR gives us a more stable influence on Decius' live with the daughter of Lucius Julius Caesar 'joining' forces but being tee-d up to be Decius' betrothal.
The plot centers around Clodius' infamous disruption of the Bona Dea rites in 62BC, and this time knowledge of the period doesn't impact on figuring out the murders. In all actuality, the murders are irrelevant and JMR hardly bothers to clear them up, Decius just mentally confirming his own theory as the facts. It spirals off into an interesting and, perhaps, not unbelievable, early view on the coming triumvirate. All the time JMR is quick to downplay and perhaps poke fun at the staid glorification of ancient Roman legends such as Caesar. For example Decius' hilarity at Caesar's famous remark about his wife Pompeia's non-complicity. It tends to humanise these historical figures.
JMR's novels are 'published' as Roman murder mysteries but they are so much more than that. A satirical look at a fascinating period of history (much echoed by Steven Saylor), his astute (and, in this installment, being given license for hubris) hero bounces through ancient Rome in a delightfully irreverent manner in his quest to know the facts about murders and the general shadowy political dealings of Republican Rome.
Book Description
As I walked back through the City, my mood was moderately elevated. This appointment did not displease me nearly as much as I pretended. Like most Romans I abhorred the very thought of sea duty, but this was one of the rare occasions when I was looking forward to getting away from Rome....... For years I had complained of the disorder of the City, and now that it was gone, I found that I missed it. All the peace and quiet seemed unnatural. I did not expect it to last. Decius Caecilius Metellus the Younger in SPQR IX: The Princess and the PiratesHis two years of aedileship over, Decius is ready for his next adventure. He would rather do anything than join the war with Caesar in the dismal forests of Gaul, so he and his slave/proteacute;geacute; Hermes find themselves on a mission to rid the Mediterranean of pirates. They set off with shoddy ships and sailors to the island of Cyprus, where a young Cleopatra is staying. Between her impressive crew and the ex-pirate Ariston providing insider knowledge of that cutthroat occupation, Decius thinks he stands a good chance of bringing himself some glory. That would be too simple, though. The ruler of the island, Silvanus, is murdered in a most peculiar fashion and Decius, as a guest in his home, has a sacred duty to find and punish the guilty party. Because world relations are already strained, he would rather not suspect Cleopatra, heir to the Egyptian throne. But she has plenty of reasons to hate Rome and murder runs in her family. Another guest and suspect is Gabinius, who is in exile and could have easily given up loyalty toward his friend if it meant a quicker return to Rome. In the meantime, Decius is being humiliated in his pirate hunt, and as if this weren't enough, Aphrodite herself seeks Decius's help by appearing to him in a dream vision. As Decius investigates world trade, the island history, and the new kind of piracy plaguing the waters, he is finding connections more menacing than he had ever imagined possible. In this ninth book in the series, Roberts crafts another skillful mystery, this time fervently pulsing with the collision of Roman, Greek, and Egyptian interests.
Customer Reviews:
Another enjoyable SPQR episode.......2007-08-09
Overall: This is another highly enjoyable, quick read in the SPQR series by John Maddox Roberts.
Detailed: The title is a bit misleading which actually helps sets up the rest of the story. The pirate part of the book is more part of the historical back drop for the murder than a key plot element. As per the other SPQR books, this is a murder mystery using famous historic personages and repeeating characters from the other books.
The main character development is of Cleopatra instead of the major characters. There is clear foreshadowed of Cleopatra's role in upcoming books / future events which is done very well. Hermes is freed in act of kindness caused by the realization of how short life is by Decius. It is nicely done.
The religous elements of the story are interesting especially regarding the cult of Aphrodite. There is a clear implication that Decius and Julia will be parents in the next novel. It should be a very interesting twist to see Decius as a father.
Summary:
--------
Plot: 4 of 5 stars
Characters: 3 of 5 stars
Action: 3 of 5 stars
Ninth in the SPQR Series.......2007-03-01
John Maddox Roberts is the pseudonym of Mark Ramsay, author of numerous works of science fiction and fantasy, in addition to his successful historical SPQR mystery series. He lives in New Mexico with his wife.
Anyone who is a fan of Lindsey Davis, Steven Saylor or David Wishart will love the SPQR series of books by the author. Once again we have an addition to the ever growing number of amateur detectives patrolling the streets of ancient Rome, solving mysteries and crimes. Not all at the same time, I may add, in fact not even in the same centuries. Decius Caecilius Metellus the Younger, a high-born bad boy, is the offering of the author and he is just as interesting, likeable and believable as the leading characters from the author's contemporaries.
Decius has managed to travel the length and breadth of the empire, mostly trying to escape from people who would like to beat his brains out or worse. Along the way he has had several adventures and been involved in solving more than one mystery.
Now he is newly elected to the prestigious, but lowly office of aedile, probably the lowest rung on the ladder of political ambition and what does he have to do? Seek out the corruption that is threatening to strangle Rome. Decius must put his fertile brain to work to clean up the streets of his beloved Rome before hidden powers destroy everything within the gates of is beautiful city.
Another gem from JMR.......2006-11-10
John Maddox Roberts is the underrated, best writer of the Roman detective mystery genre. Flawless historicity is combined with excellent writing, humor, and interesting characters, who actually develop and mature as the series progresses. The Princess and the Pirates is one of his best, as our Decius finds himself in a perilous situation on Cyprus, and surprised to be helped by young Cleopatra. As Rome had just taken Cyprus from Egypt, her presence is not as surprising as it might seem. She is but one character to show maturation through this series, including Decius himself, his assistant/bodyguard Hermes, the former street gang leader Milo and his enemy Clodius's sister Clodia.
One nice thing about the SPQR series: despite taking place in the heavily left-right politicized times of Cicero and Julius Caesar, these books adhere to a mildly cynical view of both the aristocratic party and the so-called democratic(demogogic?) one. Decius has ties to leaders of both. Stephen Saylor and a few others imbue their books with first century B.C. leftist manifestos. I can't vote for consul, so leave the heavy-handed good side, bad side politics out. Just give me fun ancient Roman mysteries like the SPQR series.
The series just gets better.......2005-12-30
SPQR IX commences just after Decius Caecilius Metellus the Younger's aedile adventures with dodgy tradesmen with our senatorial sleuth setting off for Cyprus under a commission from the Senate to mop up an irritating case of piracy with minimal resources. With a growing air of authority our purple striper boards ship for the Mediterranean island with the grown up and ever faithful Hermes at his side and wife, Julia, making a more sedate journey with Titus Annius Milo a few weeks behind.
Freed from marital constraints, Decius makes the most of this change of scenery by arriving and, in true Julian style, swiftly commandeers three water laden hulks and a motley crew of ex-pirates and legionaries to sail his flotilla. After recruiting the fearsome Ariston to aid him in his chase he also deals with the governor, Silvanus, who eventually ends up murdered by being forced to choke to death on incense. There is also the exiled Gabinius whose imperium is non-existent but personal authority is immense. In addition to these two senior Roman officials, we are introduced to a supporting list of suspects with the poet Alpheus and the four representatives of the powerful equites factions, Marcus Junius Brutus of the Wine Merchants, Mamercus Sulpicius Naso of the Grain Exporters, Decimus Antonius of the Metal Brokers, and Malachi Josepides of the Textile Importers. Prominently in the cast is Sergilius Nobilior, chief of the Banker's Association and his voluptuous and somewhat promiscuous wife, Flavia.
However, the real task for Decius is to hunt down the pirate Spurius and he is given some unwanted assistance by the teenage Cleopatra who happens to be visiting Cyprus. Her political astuteness and immense resources coupled with girlish enthusiasm prove boon and bane to our hero as he finds himself on the receiving end of caulking sabotage, night espionage trips, attempted assassinations and insistent women before Julia and Milo turn up in good time to lend a much needed hand as he finally discovers who is behind the piracy, Silvanus' murder and a vast trading conspiracy.
Decius steps out of his trip to Cyprus with his auctoritas improved. He is no Julius Caesar (in fact he's delighted to make the acquaintance of an Ethiopian prince who's never heard of the great man) but his cogitative sleuthing makes him stand out amongst the senatorial crowd. Geniunely likable, always affable, hard but fair his results speak for themselves.
JMR's creation continues to improve and the SPQR series is vastly superior to the somewhat pulpy Children of Rome novels. Decius Caecilius Metellus the Younger ranks right up there with Gordianus the Finder, Marcus Didius Falco and Marcus Valerius Corvinus and JMR should continue to write about him for as long as he can.
Buy it.
excellent read.......2005-09-06
The author is excellent, the book is very easy to read and flows from the first to the last page. I couldn't put it down.
Book Description
The spirit of adventure calls Marcus Didius Falco on a new spying mission for the Emperor Vespasian, to the untamed East.
Customer Reviews:
About Amazon.......2005-08-29
I have not recieved this book and have ordered it twice. My review is that Amazon should not sell things they do not have and cannot get. I have been trying to read the series in order of printing.
Last Act, but not for Falco, I Hope.......2004-11-14
Quite a number of authors have jumped on the sleuth in Ancient Rome bandwagon, but Lindsey Davis is probably the best of the lot. Her leading character Marcus Didius Falco has been sent out of Rome on a dangerous mission to spy out the Lands of the East. An Imperial order sends him and his girlfriend Helena Justina, the daughter of a Senator to the rose red city of Petra. There they discover a murdered playwright.
Falco feels obliged to investigate the murder and soon becomes embroiled in more murder and mayhem, making him wish he had not left his beloved Rome. All the author's books have been entertaining and of a very high standard, this one is no different.
A low point in an otherwise enjoyable series.......2004-02-14
I have been happily ploughing through the Falco series over the past few months. This entry was most disappointing. It has Falco traipsing all over the far eastern reaches of the empire through town after town. Nothing much happens as Falco searches for a murderer in his midst and inevitably finds him. I found the travel to be repitious and I was bored by several pointless side plots.
Also, is it just me or is this book particularly crass with language and blantant profanity? I'm not adverse to "realism" in my reading, but the tone of the books seem to have changed for the worse with this entry.
I have the next in the series, Time to Depart, and am hoping for a return to form.
Wonderful Rollicking Fun!.......2003-01-06
I don't care what everyone else had to say about this book. I really enjoyed it. It was rollicking good fun. Didio and his beautiful Helena are on the road again, this time in Syria, and they join up with a travelling group of performers. The antics and adventures that they get into during the book are hilarious. The actual catching of the killer is done in the most unique way (as part of a performance). Falco gets better with each outing. Ms. Davis' writing is sparkling with wit, and her characters breathe! This book is back to a real whodunit format, and that was fun as well. Bring on the rest!
If You Enjoy Theatre, You'll Love This Book.......2000-11-30
This was one of the more enjoyable Falco mysteries. I'm a great fan of Shakespeare, and Lindsey Davis's many references to the bard are hilarious. The way she portrays theatre life and it's stereotypical components are very amusing, and the ending left me rolling on the floor with laughter.
Book Description
Rome. AD 71. Marcus Didius Falco, now Imperial Agent to Emperor Vespasian, is keeping busy tidying up corpses, kicking over the traces of a failed coup, making a bit on the side in stolen lead ingots. But a new plot to usurp the purple robes of power puts Falco on the back of a mule with a one-way ticket down the Appian Way - bumping into trouble, treason and Helena Justina, a senator's daughter he's trying hard to forget.
Customer Reviews:
Reading it was a Rare Pleasure.......2006-09-24
This is the second novel in the mystery series featuring Marcus Didius Falco, an informer and sleuth. A series of books that have become hugely popular, so much so that the author is now at the forefront of historical mystery writers. It was probably a stroke of genius on her part to have novels that are extremely well researched and contain all the elements that would be and should be found in Rome in AD70, but to have a lead character who has the vocabulary of a present day New York cop.
In this novel the hero Marcus Didius Falco has returned from the remote island of Britannia, a god forsaken place whose people are morose and surly and the weather, well the weather is best left to its own devices. Marcus has lost his heart to senator's daughter Helena but is not sure that the passion he feels is reciprocated. Why is that women he is not interested in, fall over themselves to get to him, but the one that he has lost his heart to, treats him with a cool disdain?
He has not long returned to the welcoming arms of Rome before a series of fatal accidents and things that go bump in the night convince Falco and the Emperor that there are traitors still conspiring and they must be brought to book. Falco is not happy, it seems he must leave his beloved Rome yet again, but the conspirators are serious about their plans and will not let anyone stand in their way. Will Falco ever return . . .
More Great Falco!.......2004-03-04
The second in the M. Didius Falco series, Shadows in Bronze, finds Marcus taking a "holiday" to Pompeii and the surrounded areas in search of a murderer who is also in search of him. With typical Falco bad luck following him every step of the way, he feels his way through the investigation and bumbles his relationship with Helena. The funny part of it is, you can't help but root for him while in the same breath you curse his pride and downright blindness. Davis' trademark lively narrative, witty dialog, and historical details makes for another great Falco adventure through Ancient Rome.
I'm re-reading the M. Didius Falco books as my husband reads them for the first time, and he is just as fond of Falco as I am. I can't recommend this series enough to those who like comedy, mystery and history. Just be sure to start with the first one in the series, though. These are not books to get out of order.
A good sequel to "Silver Pigs".......2003-07-31
More a continuation of the plot from the first Falco novel "Silver Pigs" than a brand new sotry, "Shadows in Bronze" takes Falco to the countryside of Roman Italy, including Pompeii, to follow more patrician scheming related to the conclusion of "Silver Pigs." The burgeoning relationship between the plebian Falco and senator's daughter Helena Justina is masterfully developed by Davis's subtle and evocative prose. The rich details of the ancient Roman setting provide a fascinating backdrop to the round characters with complex motivation and the gritty, sarcastic mood. Davis's skillful writing triumphs again.
Not My Usual Fare.......2002-06-13
I quite enjoyed Silver Pigs (the first book in the series), and expected to enjoy this one, but I was disappointed. Yes, I read the book, but it's not a mystery in the true sense of the word. The villain was apparent all the way through. The book is more like a Romantic history than a mystery, and that's not my cup of tea. I was recommended this author by Amazon as well, and thought I had a winner of a series after I read Silver Pigs, but I'm not so sure now. I find the reading a bit difficult since Falco is almost "too precious" for words. He appears to take nothing seriously (except his ladylove Helena, and even that is touch and go). I did enjoy the history, and the travel log of the countyrside in Ancient Rome. I will try one more in the series to see if the fun of Silver Pigs is recaptured.
Must be a page turner,.......2002-02-24
'cause I turned all the pages and read most of the words on them, but _Shadows in Bronze_ is a poor whodunit, because the reader knows before that befope the halfway mark and the whys soon thereafter.
Amazon recommended this book to me because I have exhausted all the Stephen Saylor Roma Sub Rosa series and Michael Dibdin's modern Italian detective novels. The action scenes in Saylor's recent books are far superior to Davis's and both Saylor and Dibdin draw more interesting character than Davis.
Davis tosses in many characters -- it takes two pages to list the cast of characters. "Informer" Didius Falco is very similar to 20th-century detectives, badly bad and badly used by those who hire him. His primary employer is the new Emperor Vespasian, who is an interesting character (as is Falco) who speaks freely to his lowborn employee. Falco's nephew Larius has some charm, too, but I don't buy the patrician lady Helena Justina and her bumpy romance with Didius Falco.
There are interesting details about life across Italy in AD 71, and the book provides some entertainment -- but not enough for detective fiction.
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