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Flavia Albia #12
Death on the Tiber
Rome is in chaos. The empire of a mobster chief is falling apart following his death. Rivals, fearsome relatives and associates are taking up position to vie for the spoils.
With hideous murders in the streets of Rome, a lone female traveller arrives with an agenda of her own. But when her corpse is dragged out of the river bearing signs of foul play, Flavia Albia is drawn in, concerned about her fellow Briton's fate.
Albia's quest to find the killer becomes deeply personal when she discovers a man at the centre of the plot is an old adversary of hers. Will she be obsessed by revenge? Can she let the past go, or will it consume her?
With hideous murders in the streets of Rome, a lone female traveller arrives with an agenda of her own. But when her corpse is dragged out of the river bearing signs of foul play, Flavia Albia is drawn in, concerned about her fellow Briton's fate.
Albia's quest to find the killer becomes deeply personal when she discovers a man at the centre of the plot is an old adversary of hers. Will she be obsessed by revenge? Can she let the past go, or will it consume her?
369 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 23, 2024
179 people are currently reading
4131 people want to read
About the author
Lindsey Davis
77 books1,493 followersLindsey Davis, historical novelist, was born in Birmingham, England in 1949. Having taken a degree in English literature at Oxford University (Lady Margaret Hall), she became a civil servant. She left the civil service after 13 years, and when a romantic novel she had written was runner up for the 1985 Georgette Heyer Historical Novel Prize, she decided to become a writer, writing at first romantic serials for the UK women's magazine Woman's Realm.
Her interest in history and archaeology led to her writing a historical novel about Vespasian and his lover Antonia Caenis (The Course of Honour), for which she couldn't find a publisher. She tried again, and her first novel featuring the Roman "detective", Marcus Didius Falco, The Silver Pigs, set in the same time period and published in 1989, was the start of her runaway success as a writer of historical whodunnits. A further nineteen Falco novels and Falco: The Official Companion have followed, as well as The Course of Honour, which was finally published in 1998. Rebels and Traitors, set in the period of the English Civil War, was published in September 2009. Davis has won many literary awards, and was honorary president of the Classical Association from 1997 to 1998.
Her interest in history and archaeology led to her writing a historical novel about Vespasian and his lover Antonia Caenis (The Course of Honour), for which she couldn't find a publisher. She tried again, and her first novel featuring the Roman "detective", Marcus Didius Falco, The Silver Pigs, set in the same time period and published in 1989, was the start of her runaway success as a writer of historical whodunnits. A further nineteen Falco novels and Falco: The Official Companion have followed, as well as The Course of Honour, which was finally published in 1998. Rebels and Traitors, set in the period of the English Civil War, was published in September 2009. Davis has won many literary awards, and was honorary president of the Classical Association from 1997 to 1998.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
October 22, 2025
First of all I would like to mention about this historical mystery is that its the 12th volume of the delightful "Flavia Albia" series.
Secondly, at the beginning of the book you'll find a map of Rome, with its districts and Vigiles Cohorts, followed by a list of Colourful Characters.
This story is set in Rome in February AD90, and its about the local gangs warfare, and with it the usual brutality and murder, but first its the death of a lonely woman from Britannia called, Claudia Deiana, who has followed her supposedly husband, Florius Oppicus, to Rome, while his Roman wife, Balbina Milvia is still waiting for him at home, and Claudia's killing will set a total local gangs warfare into motion.
Florius Oppicus is a notoriously tax-evader, who's being hunted down by the Roman authorities, and in an attempt to evade justice he's hiding from the authorities, while behind Florius's back his Roman wife and female gangster companion, Balbina Milvia is trying to get control of her criminal empire and hopefully that of others too.
This gangster feud and warfare will eventually cost several lives between different factions, and in this turmoil Florius Oppicus is trying to flee from Rome from his pursuers, including Falco and Petro as avenging guests, while Balbina Milvia is getting the attention that she deserves in the end from some formidable Didius women.
What is follow as a whole is an exciting historical mystery, where our protagonist, Flavia Albia, is on her sleuthing best behaviour in finding Florius, and with the help from family and friends will come into her own when confronted with her demons from the past, and all this is brought to us with a lot of wit and humour by the author.
Highly recommended, for this is another excellent addition to this remarkable series, and that's why I like to call this latest episode: "Its All In The Gangsters Family"!
Secondly, at the beginning of the book you'll find a map of Rome, with its districts and Vigiles Cohorts, followed by a list of Colourful Characters.
This story is set in Rome in February AD90, and its about the local gangs warfare, and with it the usual brutality and murder, but first its the death of a lonely woman from Britannia called, Claudia Deiana, who has followed her supposedly husband, Florius Oppicus, to Rome, while his Roman wife, Balbina Milvia is still waiting for him at home, and Claudia's killing will set a total local gangs warfare into motion.
Florius Oppicus is a notoriously tax-evader, who's being hunted down by the Roman authorities, and in an attempt to evade justice he's hiding from the authorities, while behind Florius's back his Roman wife and female gangster companion, Balbina Milvia is trying to get control of her criminal empire and hopefully that of others too.
This gangster feud and warfare will eventually cost several lives between different factions, and in this turmoil Florius Oppicus is trying to flee from Rome from his pursuers, including Falco and Petro as avenging guests, while Balbina Milvia is getting the attention that she deserves in the end from some formidable Didius women.
What is follow as a whole is an exciting historical mystery, where our protagonist, Flavia Albia, is on her sleuthing best behaviour in finding Florius, and with the help from family and friends will come into her own when confronted with her demons from the past, and all this is brought to us with a lot of wit and humour by the author.
Highly recommended, for this is another excellent addition to this remarkable series, and that's why I like to call this latest episode: "Its All In The Gangsters Family"!
July 25, 2024
Brilliant series. I haven't read all the books in it but each book works as a standalone. Great historical fiction mysteru. Very well written and highly entertaining!
August 25, 2024
Another excellent entry in this long-running series set in ancient Rome.
Our heroine, Flavia Albia, gets herself caught up in the latest round of gang warfare in Rome. She takes a personal interest in the murder of Claudia Deiana, a woman from Britain, who had ties to a really nasty character from Albia's childhood. The nasty character has returned to Rome from exile in Britain, with plans to renew his leadership of his criminal businesses, having left his wife running said enterprises while he was 'away'.
The plot gets convoluted, what with the various goings on, feuds, and deaths among the various gangster families. The body count is high; the various vigile companies would rather squabble about who should be investigating the crimes than do any actual police work.
Albia's adoptive father, Marcus Didius Falco, and his crony L Petronius Longus (fondly known by Albia as Uncle Petro), having long-standing grievances with Mr. Nasty, also get involved in the investigation. (It was nice to see them in action again).
Albia's snarky comments are always a treat, and there is enough humor to lighten the tone whenever the action gets too grim and dark.
I hope there will be more books to come. I'll be there for the next one.
Our heroine, Flavia Albia, gets herself caught up in the latest round of gang warfare in Rome. She takes a personal interest in the murder of Claudia Deiana, a woman from Britain, who had ties to a really nasty character from Albia's childhood. The nasty character has returned to Rome from exile in Britain, with plans to renew his leadership of his criminal businesses, having left his wife running said enterprises while he was 'away'.
The plot gets convoluted, what with the various goings on, feuds, and deaths among the various gangster families. The body count is high; the various vigile companies would rather squabble about who should be investigating the crimes than do any actual police work.
Albia's adoptive father, Marcus Didius Falco, and his crony L Petronius Longus (fondly known by Albia as Uncle Petro), having long-standing grievances with Mr. Nasty, also get involved in the investigation. (It was nice to see them in action again).
Albia's snarky comments are always a treat, and there is enough humor to lighten the tone whenever the action gets too grim and dark.
I hope there will be more books to come. I'll be there for the next one.
April 17, 2024
You will never guess the ending.
A woman has been pulled out of the Tiber, she was obviously murdered having her arms tied it's hoped she was dead before being thrown in the River but it's more likely she was drowned. Flavia Albia, along with her husband Tiberius happens to be there when her body is being removed she is immediately captivated, the woman was well dressed with expensive jewellery still on her person, one identifying garment is her cloak, it's style marks her as being from Britain. Flavia has no client and no one willing to hire her, there are always bills to be paid in her ever expanding and eclectic household so she has no justifiable reason for investigating this woman's murder, yet something within will not let her out it behind her.................... Then the woman is identified along with her husband, a man Flavia unfortunately knows well from her time in Britian. Florious, the crime boss who when she was still.but a child tricked her into thinking he cared that she was a street urchin with no home or protector only to then abducted her, taking Flavia to a brothel where he violently raped her. It was Falco who rescued Flavia but unfortunately not before she was assaulted. With the help of Helena Justina, Falco's wife Flavia was able.to.put what happened behind her, even marrying twice. But she has never forgotten and if Florious is in Rome she is.going to.find him and see justice done for herself and the.poor dead woman.,,,........................ As usual we have an extremely complex mystery set in Ancient Rome with lots of dry wit and humor. We also get quite a bit of Falco and Petronious which is an absolute pleasure........
A woman has been pulled out of the Tiber, she was obviously murdered having her arms tied it's hoped she was dead before being thrown in the River but it's more likely she was drowned. Flavia Albia, along with her husband Tiberius happens to be there when her body is being removed she is immediately captivated, the woman was well dressed with expensive jewellery still on her person, one identifying garment is her cloak, it's style marks her as being from Britain. Flavia has no client and no one willing to hire her, there are always bills to be paid in her ever expanding and eclectic household so she has no justifiable reason for investigating this woman's murder, yet something within will not let her out it behind her.................... Then the woman is identified along with her husband, a man Flavia unfortunately knows well from her time in Britian. Florious, the crime boss who when she was still.but a child tricked her into thinking he cared that she was a street urchin with no home or protector only to then abducted her, taking Flavia to a brothel where he violently raped her. It was Falco who rescued Flavia but unfortunately not before she was assaulted. With the help of Helena Justina, Falco's wife Flavia was able.to.put what happened behind her, even marrying twice. But she has never forgotten and if Florious is in Rome she is.going to.find him and see justice done for herself and the.poor dead woman.,,,........................ As usual we have an extremely complex mystery set in Ancient Rome with lots of dry wit and humor. We also get quite a bit of Falco and Petronious which is an absolute pleasure........
April 9, 2024
It feels almost as if the author has been resisting making references to the Falco series for the past eleven books, and then finally said “What the hell!” I am so glad she did. This is the most enjoyable in this series so far, because it’s most like the best books in the previous series: action-packed, with family dramas and liberal doses of humour. Brava!
September 15, 2024
I read the entirety of Lindsey Davis’ Marcus Didius Falco series and adored all 20 books. Long ago, I bought the debut novel in a spin-off series featuring Falco’s adopted daughter, a Britannia-born orphan named Flavia Albia. But I never read that Audible book. What a fool!
So I started the series with No. 12, Death on the Tiber. I know I would have enjoyed this book even more if I’d started at the beginning, but I was able to keep up and, as the novel is a five-star read anyway, I guess it doesn’t make a difference in the rating. Like her father, Flavia Albia works as an informer in Rome, year A.D. 90. A wisecracking, clever, cynical woman, she finagles an assignment to investigate the death of a fellow Briton woman who turns up death in the Tiber River while pursuing her deported husband. The assignment turns out to involve lots of twists and shocking surprises, some unsavory Roman gangsters and the usual lazy Roman authorities — just part of the fun. I can’t wait to go back and read the entire series, beginning with No. 1, The Ides of April.
In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press and Minotaur Books in exchange for an honest review.
So I started the series with No. 12, Death on the Tiber. I know I would have enjoyed this book even more if I’d started at the beginning, but I was able to keep up and, as the novel is a five-star read anyway, I guess it doesn’t make a difference in the rating. Like her father, Flavia Albia works as an informer in Rome, year A.D. 90. A wisecracking, clever, cynical woman, she finagles an assignment to investigate the death of a fellow Briton woman who turns up death in the Tiber River while pursuing her deported husband. The assignment turns out to involve lots of twists and shocking surprises, some unsavory Roman gangsters and the usual lazy Roman authorities — just part of the fun. I can’t wait to go back and read the entire series, beginning with No. 1, The Ides of April.
In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press and Minotaur Books in exchange for an honest review.
July 1, 2024
I get a kick out of this series, but I definitely have to have my dictionary handy. I'm so glad I read this on my Kindle and I was able to look up words. I do have an interest in history, so this was a good story with a built in history lesson. Flavia is a great detective main character. I love her sense of humor, justice and intelligence. The end was a bit draggy, but overall I enjoyed it.
Reviewed for Affaire de Coeur Magazine. http://affairedecoeur.com
Advanced Review Copy provided by Netgalley courtesy of St. Martin's Press
Reviewed for Affaire de Coeur Magazine. http://affairedecoeur.com
Advanced Review Copy provided by Netgalley courtesy of St. Martin's Press
July 23, 2024
Loves Her, Didn’t Kill Her — Doesn’t Love Her, Kills Her
Ten years earlier, Florius Oppicus left Rome to escape trial and banishment, leaving his wife to run his criminal gang. He builds another criminal empire in Britannica, living with Claudia Deiana and having four children with her. After a decade, he is arrested and sent back to Rome to face tax evasion charges. On a February day, Tiberius Manlius and Flavia Albia are walking near the wharf. Tiberius is searching for a marble column to restore the Temple to Hercules. They stumble upon a large dredger berthed at an ordinarily busy wharf. Next to the dredger is a flat-bottomed hopper barge used to collect the silt, which now contains the body of a woman. The vigiles are there, so Tiberius must investigate. From this discovery, another investigation by Albia begins.
This novel has one primary thread. It is mainly narrated by Albia, who had a previous unpleasant experience with Florius in Britannia. The story is set in a time of turmoil within the gangs of Rome. Old Rabirius, the criminal king of kings, had recently died. His son, who had been in self-exile, has returned. All the gangs were going to meet around Old Rabirius’s funeral to settle on new territorial boundaries among the gangs. While Albia believes Florius killed Deianna, she must untangle the gang relationships to find Florius. Another thorn hindering Albia’s investigation is Julius Karus, a favorite of Emperor Domitian, Karus’s undercover agent, Nicon, and Karus’s Varduloran Calvery. As Albia works to find Florius, she must interact with some of the worst of Rome and some powerful and dangerous matrons running their gangs for years. There are numerous twists and turns as Albia learns more. It is an easy and quick read for me. As with all her novels, my interest was locked quickly.
This novel provides some detailed information about Albia. Her character was introduced in the 2002 novel The Jupiter Myth. I only have a vague memory of that novel. There is much detail on Florius’s interaction with Albia in Britannia. The previous efforts of Falco and Petronius to bring Florius to justice are presented. I read The Jupiter Myth over twenty years ago, so I do not remember much, but I enjoyed the deep dive into that aspect of the novel and how it is used to introduce some plot twists. As with all the Falco and Albia series, a rich underlying family story runs through this novel as it does through all the novels.
Most anyone can read this novel. This is set in ancient Rome, and some morals are different. There are no intimate scenes, but some references are present. This novel is very clean of vulgar and rude words. There is some violence, but compared to the usual violence in police procedures, it is tame. I read this novel on my e-reader. The author uses many British terms, many words no longer in regular use, and some Roman terms to give the feel of being in ancient Rome. I had to use the Internet access regularly while reading. I have read the entire Falco and Flavia Albia series. There are references to earlier novels. Anything that affects this novel was adequately filled. Again, you can start with this novel as the first novel by Lindsey Davis.
The aspect of this novel that may cause some readers distress is the large cast of characters. I used the Colorful Characters sections quite often. I like that Falco has his first significant role since the start of the Albia series. I was surprised by the ending but came around to like it. I have read 34 of her books. She is at the top of my list of Must-Read authors. If an ancient Roman gumshoe novel interests you, this novel is an excellent choice to read. I rate this novel with five stars.
I received this novel's free prepublication e-book version through NetGalley from Minotaur Press. My review is based solely on my own reading experience of this book. Thank you, Minotaur Press, for the opportunity to read and review this novel early.
Ten years earlier, Florius Oppicus left Rome to escape trial and banishment, leaving his wife to run his criminal gang. He builds another criminal empire in Britannica, living with Claudia Deiana and having four children with her. After a decade, he is arrested and sent back to Rome to face tax evasion charges. On a February day, Tiberius Manlius and Flavia Albia are walking near the wharf. Tiberius is searching for a marble column to restore the Temple to Hercules. They stumble upon a large dredger berthed at an ordinarily busy wharf. Next to the dredger is a flat-bottomed hopper barge used to collect the silt, which now contains the body of a woman. The vigiles are there, so Tiberius must investigate. From this discovery, another investigation by Albia begins.
This novel has one primary thread. It is mainly narrated by Albia, who had a previous unpleasant experience with Florius in Britannia. The story is set in a time of turmoil within the gangs of Rome. Old Rabirius, the criminal king of kings, had recently died. His son, who had been in self-exile, has returned. All the gangs were going to meet around Old Rabirius’s funeral to settle on new territorial boundaries among the gangs. While Albia believes Florius killed Deianna, she must untangle the gang relationships to find Florius. Another thorn hindering Albia’s investigation is Julius Karus, a favorite of Emperor Domitian, Karus’s undercover agent, Nicon, and Karus’s Varduloran Calvery. As Albia works to find Florius, she must interact with some of the worst of Rome and some powerful and dangerous matrons running their gangs for years. There are numerous twists and turns as Albia learns more. It is an easy and quick read for me. As with all her novels, my interest was locked quickly.
This novel provides some detailed information about Albia. Her character was introduced in the 2002 novel The Jupiter Myth. I only have a vague memory of that novel. There is much detail on Florius’s interaction with Albia in Britannia. The previous efforts of Falco and Petronius to bring Florius to justice are presented. I read The Jupiter Myth over twenty years ago, so I do not remember much, but I enjoyed the deep dive into that aspect of the novel and how it is used to introduce some plot twists. As with all the Falco and Albia series, a rich underlying family story runs through this novel as it does through all the novels.
Most anyone can read this novel. This is set in ancient Rome, and some morals are different. There are no intimate scenes, but some references are present. This novel is very clean of vulgar and rude words. There is some violence, but compared to the usual violence in police procedures, it is tame. I read this novel on my e-reader. The author uses many British terms, many words no longer in regular use, and some Roman terms to give the feel of being in ancient Rome. I had to use the Internet access regularly while reading. I have read the entire Falco and Flavia Albia series. There are references to earlier novels. Anything that affects this novel was adequately filled. Again, you can start with this novel as the first novel by Lindsey Davis.
The aspect of this novel that may cause some readers distress is the large cast of characters. I used the Colorful Characters sections quite often. I like that Falco has his first significant role since the start of the Albia series. I was surprised by the ending but came around to like it. I have read 34 of her books. She is at the top of my list of Must-Read authors. If an ancient Roman gumshoe novel interests you, this novel is an excellent choice to read. I rate this novel with five stars.
I received this novel's free prepublication e-book version through NetGalley from Minotaur Press. My review is based solely on my own reading experience of this book. Thank you, Minotaur Press, for the opportunity to read and review this novel early.
September 30, 2024
I feel this series is becoming a victim of its own extensive 35 years of history. Rome used to feel like a character in these books, but now it's just window dressing used to pad out paper-thin plots. Each character felt like their own fully-realised individual, but now even the main characters are one-dimensional versions of their former selves.
On the plot, there's about 3 paragraphs worth of plot which has been massively inflated by scenes and subplots that go nowhere. I used to be enthralled by the mysteries woven in this series, but now I struggle to follow all the similarly-named characters and dead-end plots.
At this point I feel I'm the victim of the sunk cost fallacy by continuing to read this series.
On the plot, there's about 3 paragraphs worth of plot which has been massively inflated by scenes and subplots that go nowhere. I used to be enthralled by the mysteries woven in this series, but now I struggle to follow all the similarly-named characters and dead-end plots.
At this point I feel I'm the victim of the sunk cost fallacy by continuing to read this series.
March 21, 2024
It’s been a while since I’ve read a Flavia Alba story and I was worried about reading this out of order, having paused at book 8. I needn’t have worried: it was easy enough to pick up and absorb the overall arc of Flavia Alba’s family development. This story interested me because it picked up on parts of Flavian’s backstory from way back when in the Falco stories. It also involved gang warfare in Rome. I enjoyed the flashes of Falco and Helena’s involvement in the family without them actually making an appearance. Many thanks to Netgalley for an arc of this book.
September 5, 2024
Lindsey Davis's books always make me smile. She has such fascinating knowledge of ancient Rome that there is always a little nugget of enjoyment on every page. This is not one of my favorites, but it was still a pleasant read. Problem here was there were too many characters to keep track of, but maybe this just proves that I am getting older. Flavia Albia is still a delight, and it is good to have old characters like Falco and Petrus still showing up. A good but not great mystery.
October 4, 2024
First off, this is NOT, as some reviewers have said, the last book in this series. Number 13 is on its way in 2025. And I spent some time over the last few months re-reading the ENTIRE Falco series and then the ENTIRE Albia series, and if you haven't done so you should read them all. They are worth it.
At the very least you should read Falco #7, Time to Depart before reading this. This book is stuffed with references to that book, starting with "Auntie Itia," and Falco and Petro get a chance to set involved here, despite being in their late 40s, and by Roman standards, elderly!
I was reading this, loving all the references, and ready to give this one 5 stars, when I came to the final chapter and an unexpected twist that bothered me.Oh, it's not the first time one of these books ended weirdly (her See Delphi and Die and especially Nemesis come to mind),but it bothered me to see two characters we've come to know and love doing something so shocking and cold blooded.
I know that it is Lindsey Davis showing us that though her Romans can feel very much like the people of our time, 2000 years later, they don't always think or act as we would. That last chapter makes perfect sense from that point of view.
But I'm still bothered by it, for which reason this stays at 4 stars.
At the very least you should read Falco #7, Time to Depart before reading this. This book is stuffed with references to that book, starting with "Auntie Itia," and Falco and Petro get a chance to set involved here, despite being in their late 40s, and by Roman standards, elderly!
I was reading this, loving all the references, and ready to give this one 5 stars, when I came to the final chapter and an unexpected twist that bothered me.Oh, it's not the first time one of these books ended weirdly (her See Delphi and Die and especially Nemesis come to mind),but it bothered me to see two characters we've come to know and love doing something so shocking and cold blooded.
I know that it is Lindsey Davis showing us that though her Romans can feel very much like the people of our time, 2000 years later, they don't always think or act as we would. That last chapter makes perfect sense from that point of view.
But I'm still bothered by it, for which reason this stays at 4 stars.
November 24, 2024
Good read, although I still think the Falco series was better. Good twist at the end too! Look forward to the next book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 15, 2025
Absolutely cackling at the last chapter of this book. I love Flavia Albia and her family.
June 23, 2025
Another interesting read. The book moved along at a very fast pace, amidst rival gangs attempting to take up positions of power in an already corrupt Rome.
March 22, 2025
I received a copy of Death on the Tiber from Hachette Australia to review.
Rating of 4.75.
Those in the mood for a clever murder mystery in ancient Rome look no further than the 2024 entry in the long-running Flavia Albia series with Death on the Tiber by Lindsey Davis.
I am a huge fan of historical fiction, and one of my favourite ongoing historical series is the outstanding Flavia Albia books by veteran author Lindsey Davis. The Flavia Albia books, which are a sequel series to the author’s long-running Falco series, follow a determined private investigator in ancient Rome who takes on a range of complex cases and murder investigations, often encountering many of the city’s over-the-top inhabitants. I have had an amazing time reading this series over the years, including (cut and paste books). As such, I try to read every new Flavia Albia book that comes out, and after accidently avoiding it for much of 2024, I recently finished off the 12th book in the series, Death on the Tiber.
Death on the Tiber was a great addition to the Flavia Albia series that features its own distinctive crimes, while also cleverly tying into several of the author’s previous Falco and Flavia Albia books.
The plot of Death on the Tiber is very compelling, as the protagonist, Flavia Albia, finds herself drawn into the investigation of a murdered tourist pulled out of the Tiber. However, the case becomes personal for Albia when she discovers the victim’s connection to the gangster Florius, an old foe of her fathers, who years before committed unspeakable evils against Albia and who may have finally returned to Rome. Determined to finally hunt down Florius and make him pay for his crimes, Albia begins her investigation and soon finds herself embroiled in a deadly gang war that could tip the balance of Rome’s underworld. Forced to compete with a range of interested parties, including her own vengeful father and uncle, the Roman military and several gangsters and their families who Flavia has previously encountered through her work, the protagonist slowly begins to piece together the events that lead to the victim’s death and the connection to her quarry’s current location.
This proved to be a highly personal and complex entry in the series, and one that I felt served as a love letter to the author’s prior works. A huge range of characters from previous Flavia Albia novels, as well as major figures from the preceding Falco books, are featured throughout Death on the Tiber as the author takes the opportunity to tie together a range of ongoing storylines related to a major antagonist of the Falco books. This allows for quite a fascinating read, especially for those readers familiar with the previous works, and it was awesome to see Davis bring together a compelling cast of returning figures.
The plot moves in some interesting directions as the book nears the end, and Davis adds in a range of compelling layers to the case, including disgruntled mobster wives, a big gang war for the control of Rome, and alternating bands of Roman officials seeking to disrupt events. The conclusion for the book proves to be very emotionally charged, especially as the protagonist comes face to face with her biggest monster and finally gets some closure. The main mystery of Death on the Tiber is also extremely well written and utilised, and Davis does an excellent job tying in a lot of the novel’s leads and investigative plots into the main hunt for the returning Florius. While the reveal of the ultimate culprit behind the killing isn’t especially surprising, the way in which Davis addresses their fate is particularly impressive, and it leads to a very fun final moment in the book. I loved this last little twist, which I honestly think tied the book together very nicely, and it certainly was one of the moments that has stuck with me since finishing Death on the Tiber off.
This ended up being another strong Flavia Albia book as Davis continues to utilise her trademark style in Death on the Tiber. Focused primarily through the sarcastic and cynical Flavia, Death in the Tiber evolves into a twisty hunt for answers, that brings together mystery, criminal intrigue, and the protagonist’s various personal connections. Davis has a very compelling way of writing her stories, and her examinations of Rome through the protagonist’s eyes are often light-hearted, sarcastic, and applying modern mentalities to the ancient society. This results in an impressive read, especially as Davis lays down an exceptional combination mystery and revenge-focussed narrative. While I really enjoyed how well Davis revisited multiple previous books from both the Falco and Flavia Albia series, it does mean that readers do need a bit of pre-knowledge of these earlier works to fully appreciate Death on the Tiber’s plot. Davis does provide some much-needed context at times, which will allow some new or forgetful readers to enjoy this book, but I personally think that people should have at least read the last few Flavia Albia books before Death on the Tiber to really get this book.
Despite the series’ general comedic vibe, Death on the Tiber gets very dark at times, especially as the protagonist is forced to revisit her traumatic history. The author does an excellent job of diving into Flavia’s trauma and pain on the subject, and it was nice for this compelling protagonist to finally get some closure. Davis nicely balances some of these darker moments by including an extensive cast of eccentric characters, many of whom are continuing their storylines from both the Falco and Flavia Albia series, and there are some very fun moments scattered throughout Death on the Tiber as a result. This includes a fun competitiveness with Flavia’s father, Falco, a dive into some other important parental figures in her life, as well as her very strong relationship with her supportive and relentless husband. I personally loved the return of all the various major gangsters Flavia has dealt with over the years, and it was fun to see her try to investigate them after prior experiences. However, two of Flavia’s female relatives end up stealing the show in Death on the Tiber, especially at the end where they showed an ironic sense of justice. An overall great extended cast that served to connect this book to the larger series in some outstanding ways.
With Lindsey Davis’s typical impressive writing and a cool plot laden with mystery and criminal intrigue, Death on the Tiber was an amazing entry in one of my favourite historical fiction series. Entertaining, addictive and very moving, Death on the Tiber had me hooked from the very beginning, and I wish I’d read it sooner. I look forward to continuing the Flavia Albia series this year, especially as Davis has a cool book coming out in April set around the ruins of Pompei with There Will Be Bodies.
For other exciting reviews and content, check out my blog at:
https://unseenlibrary.com/
Rating of 4.75.
Those in the mood for a clever murder mystery in ancient Rome look no further than the 2024 entry in the long-running Flavia Albia series with Death on the Tiber by Lindsey Davis.
I am a huge fan of historical fiction, and one of my favourite ongoing historical series is the outstanding Flavia Albia books by veteran author Lindsey Davis. The Flavia Albia books, which are a sequel series to the author’s long-running Falco series, follow a determined private investigator in ancient Rome who takes on a range of complex cases and murder investigations, often encountering many of the city’s over-the-top inhabitants. I have had an amazing time reading this series over the years, including (cut and paste books). As such, I try to read every new Flavia Albia book that comes out, and after accidently avoiding it for much of 2024, I recently finished off the 12th book in the series, Death on the Tiber.
Death on the Tiber was a great addition to the Flavia Albia series that features its own distinctive crimes, while also cleverly tying into several of the author’s previous Falco and Flavia Albia books.
The plot of Death on the Tiber is very compelling, as the protagonist, Flavia Albia, finds herself drawn into the investigation of a murdered tourist pulled out of the Tiber. However, the case becomes personal for Albia when she discovers the victim’s connection to the gangster Florius, an old foe of her fathers, who years before committed unspeakable evils against Albia and who may have finally returned to Rome. Determined to finally hunt down Florius and make him pay for his crimes, Albia begins her investigation and soon finds herself embroiled in a deadly gang war that could tip the balance of Rome’s underworld. Forced to compete with a range of interested parties, including her own vengeful father and uncle, the Roman military and several gangsters and their families who Flavia has previously encountered through her work, the protagonist slowly begins to piece together the events that lead to the victim’s death and the connection to her quarry’s current location.
This proved to be a highly personal and complex entry in the series, and one that I felt served as a love letter to the author’s prior works. A huge range of characters from previous Flavia Albia novels, as well as major figures from the preceding Falco books, are featured throughout Death on the Tiber as the author takes the opportunity to tie together a range of ongoing storylines related to a major antagonist of the Falco books. This allows for quite a fascinating read, especially for those readers familiar with the previous works, and it was awesome to see Davis bring together a compelling cast of returning figures.
The plot moves in some interesting directions as the book nears the end, and Davis adds in a range of compelling layers to the case, including disgruntled mobster wives, a big gang war for the control of Rome, and alternating bands of Roman officials seeking to disrupt events. The conclusion for the book proves to be very emotionally charged, especially as the protagonist comes face to face with her biggest monster and finally gets some closure. The main mystery of Death on the Tiber is also extremely well written and utilised, and Davis does an excellent job tying in a lot of the novel’s leads and investigative plots into the main hunt for the returning Florius. While the reveal of the ultimate culprit behind the killing isn’t especially surprising, the way in which Davis addresses their fate is particularly impressive, and it leads to a very fun final moment in the book. I loved this last little twist, which I honestly think tied the book together very nicely, and it certainly was one of the moments that has stuck with me since finishing Death on the Tiber off.
This ended up being another strong Flavia Albia book as Davis continues to utilise her trademark style in Death on the Tiber. Focused primarily through the sarcastic and cynical Flavia, Death in the Tiber evolves into a twisty hunt for answers, that brings together mystery, criminal intrigue, and the protagonist’s various personal connections. Davis has a very compelling way of writing her stories, and her examinations of Rome through the protagonist’s eyes are often light-hearted, sarcastic, and applying modern mentalities to the ancient society. This results in an impressive read, especially as Davis lays down an exceptional combination mystery and revenge-focussed narrative. While I really enjoyed how well Davis revisited multiple previous books from both the Falco and Flavia Albia series, it does mean that readers do need a bit of pre-knowledge of these earlier works to fully appreciate Death on the Tiber’s plot. Davis does provide some much-needed context at times, which will allow some new or forgetful readers to enjoy this book, but I personally think that people should have at least read the last few Flavia Albia books before Death on the Tiber to really get this book.
Despite the series’ general comedic vibe, Death on the Tiber gets very dark at times, especially as the protagonist is forced to revisit her traumatic history. The author does an excellent job of diving into Flavia’s trauma and pain on the subject, and it was nice for this compelling protagonist to finally get some closure. Davis nicely balances some of these darker moments by including an extensive cast of eccentric characters, many of whom are continuing their storylines from both the Falco and Flavia Albia series, and there are some very fun moments scattered throughout Death on the Tiber as a result. This includes a fun competitiveness with Flavia’s father, Falco, a dive into some other important parental figures in her life, as well as her very strong relationship with her supportive and relentless husband. I personally loved the return of all the various major gangsters Flavia has dealt with over the years, and it was fun to see her try to investigate them after prior experiences. However, two of Flavia’s female relatives end up stealing the show in Death on the Tiber, especially at the end where they showed an ironic sense of justice. An overall great extended cast that served to connect this book to the larger series in some outstanding ways.
With Lindsey Davis’s typical impressive writing and a cool plot laden with mystery and criminal intrigue, Death on the Tiber was an amazing entry in one of my favourite historical fiction series. Entertaining, addictive and very moving, Death on the Tiber had me hooked from the very beginning, and I wish I’d read it sooner. I look forward to continuing the Flavia Albia series this year, especially as Davis has a cool book coming out in April set around the ruins of Pompei with There Will Be Bodies.
For other exciting reviews and content, check out my blog at:
https://unseenlibrary.com/
July 31, 2024
I always look forward to the latest Flavia Albia mystery. In the course of her investigations, she often introduces to an aspect of Roman life that are familiar to us, such as foodies and celebrity chefs. I sort of doubt that 1st Century Rome was quite as obsessed with the restaurant scene as we might be today, but certainly it was entertaining. Albia and Falco, her father, have dealt with mobsters before this , but the sole focus of Death on the Tiber is a full scale turf war between rival mobs. It is sort of like The Godfather transformed to Rome. Even the name of one of gang’s assassin, Turco, seems familiar—Don Corleone’s was The Turk, as I remember. However, I think mobsters throughout history have operated about the same. However, this story is too long and boring. In all these books we seem to give us a walking tour through Rome, but far too much ink is spilled describing Albia’s meanderings. The conclusion is too drawn out and ultimately unsatisfactory—at least to me. I’ll still look forward to next year’s effort and hope we get more about Albia’s personal life with her stalwart husband Manlius.
August 13, 2024
First I think this might be the last Flavia Albia. And it is NOT an easy read. Not at all a fly through and easily cognition prone scamper as most of the others. Much more difficult than a Falco to follow as well. So please take that in mind. You will need twice as much time to read #12 than most, if not all, of the former Flavia Albia escapades.
Because it is time of change in Rome. Gangs and their minions clashing over aged heads or young tyrants leaving, dying, confronting for power. It is far more a bigger picture than the usual Aventine crime or squabble. Here we also have numbers of characters that are bridging 100 in count. I am not kidding. Each gang and each of the Cohorts (there are mercenaries from Spain too in the "good guys" mix- and these lads have slingshots)- have hierarchies. Long listings occur at the beginning of the publication. She has had these before but never so numerous and detailed.
A lady from Brittania (Albia's birth place) is the victim- drowned. And she will find out why and by whom. But that is only one of at least 3 other plots. Others surround a neighborhood and building that house numerous mysterious or clandestine activities. Also Fountain Court is being demolished and you get the "last" view of that Falco youth digs as well.
It is an enthralling read but there were times I had to take great pauses to ponder and a few times reread. Too many moving pieces to really understand some of these inquiry wanderings. And outcomes of them.
But you have Falco, Petro and the former generation too all in the mix. With active parts yet. And her home place and Tiberius are in nearly every angle full blown. But the result is that there is TOO MUCH. Too long and very difficult context complexities to comprehend. Because so many issues (betrayals, crimes of the past especially) come home to roost. And the ending! Let's just say the 30 or 40 year old "girls" (all Albia relatives) get their action in too. Not minding children or spinning or directing home skills' staff either.
This is surely the last Albia as so much of conclusions line up in summation/ completion by the end. Her life trauma is resolved in a way that is best for her, her family, Rome. Tiberius staunchly there and coupled to it. New pets and old, and a Petro grandson called "the Bug" feature well. Of course the constant humor and double sword pushed comparisons, similes, metaphors etc. which herald this series DO go over the top. They were too deep at times for descriptions or for context. Both.
Lindsay Davis must have been quite ill or knows she is coming to the end of her publishing is my guess by the intro. If another Albia occurs it will surprise me. Even the aunts got their 10 or 20 year old revenge against the hussy completed.
My own opinion, but I doubt if any person could begin to understand the nuance or core of this one without reading the earlier Albia's. Especially the ones when she was still the adopted daughter in Falco and Helena's digs.
Because it is time of change in Rome. Gangs and their minions clashing over aged heads or young tyrants leaving, dying, confronting for power. It is far more a bigger picture than the usual Aventine crime or squabble. Here we also have numbers of characters that are bridging 100 in count. I am not kidding. Each gang and each of the Cohorts (there are mercenaries from Spain too in the "good guys" mix- and these lads have slingshots)- have hierarchies. Long listings occur at the beginning of the publication. She has had these before but never so numerous and detailed.
A lady from Brittania (Albia's birth place) is the victim- drowned. And she will find out why and by whom. But that is only one of at least 3 other plots. Others surround a neighborhood and building that house numerous mysterious or clandestine activities. Also Fountain Court is being demolished and you get the "last" view of that Falco youth digs as well.
It is an enthralling read but there were times I had to take great pauses to ponder and a few times reread. Too many moving pieces to really understand some of these inquiry wanderings. And outcomes of them.
But you have Falco, Petro and the former generation too all in the mix. With active parts yet. And her home place and Tiberius are in nearly every angle full blown. But the result is that there is TOO MUCH. Too long and very difficult context complexities to comprehend. Because so many issues (betrayals, crimes of the past especially) come home to roost. And the ending! Let's just say the 30 or 40 year old "girls" (all Albia relatives) get their action in too. Not minding children or spinning or directing home skills' staff either.
This is surely the last Albia as so much of conclusions line up in summation/ completion by the end. Her life trauma is resolved in a way that is best for her, her family, Rome. Tiberius staunchly there and coupled to it. New pets and old, and a Petro grandson called "the Bug" feature well. Of course the constant humor and double sword pushed comparisons, similes, metaphors etc. which herald this series DO go over the top. They were too deep at times for descriptions or for context. Both.
Lindsay Davis must have been quite ill or knows she is coming to the end of her publishing is my guess by the intro. If another Albia occurs it will surprise me. Even the aunts got their 10 or 20 year old revenge against the hussy completed.
My own opinion, but I doubt if any person could begin to understand the nuance or core of this one without reading the earlier Albia's. Especially the ones when she was still the adopted daughter in Falco and Helena's digs.
August 23, 2024
This is an excellent addition to the Flavia Albia mystery series. I bought it when it came out, but saved it as an anniversary gift to my husband and I, who enjoy Davis' work tremendously.
Albia is accompanying her husband to a marble yard, where he is searching for a column to complete a construction job he is working on. They are distracted by a recently recovered body of a woman pulled from the Tiber. When Albia learns she is a fellow Britain in Rome to find her lover, she begins to investigate. But the links to her own past are also buried in this mystery, when she finds that the woman's lover is Florius, a criminal she had encountered during her own youth in Britain.
We learn that Florius had assaulted Albia, before she escaped his clutches and was picked up by Didius and Helena. She had long ago come to terms with that experience, but his presence in Rome brings that old wound to the surface, and she is determined to locate him and bring him to justice, no small feat in the midst of an internecine gang war precipitated by the death of one of the gang's leaders. The funeral scene for the dead gang leader is very vivid.
Organized crime, and the toll it takes on society has long been a thread in Davis' long running series of books and there are links to many events in previous books. Falco and his chum Petronius once knew Florius when he was the son in law of a local mobster in 'Time to Depart'. They encounter him again in Britain in a later Falco novel, where he had fled to make a new start in organized crime, and where he almost kills Petronius. Feeling like they want to close out this old case, Falco and Petronius take a lead in trying to solve it, or as Albia believes, interfering in her investigation.
At the end, she finds a resolution that she can live with and move forward in her life, which is to me the most important thing.
I was very interested to know that rape was considered a capital crime in ancient Rome, punishable by death. However, there were disturbing carveouts in the criminal code, that it only applied to rape of a citizen and a virgin, and not an enslaved person. And we all know that like today, the enforcement of any penalty was unlikely.
I did find this quote from a discussion between Petronius, Falco and Albia describing the mobster Florius extremely apropos.
Albia is accompanying her husband to a marble yard, where he is searching for a column to complete a construction job he is working on. They are distracted by a recently recovered body of a woman pulled from the Tiber. When Albia learns she is a fellow Britain in Rome to find her lover, she begins to investigate. But the links to her own past are also buried in this mystery, when she finds that the woman's lover is Florius, a criminal she had encountered during her own youth in Britain.
We learn that Florius had assaulted Albia, before she escaped his clutches and was picked up by Didius and Helena. She had long ago come to terms with that experience, but his presence in Rome brings that old wound to the surface, and she is determined to locate him and bring him to justice, no small feat in the midst of an internecine gang war precipitated by the death of one of the gang's leaders. The funeral scene for the dead gang leader is very vivid.
Organized crime, and the toll it takes on society has long been a thread in Davis' long running series of books and there are links to many events in previous books. Falco and his chum Petronius once knew Florius when he was the son in law of a local mobster in 'Time to Depart'. They encounter him again in Britain in a later Falco novel, where he had fled to make a new start in organized crime, and where he almost kills Petronius. Feeling like they want to close out this old case, Falco and Petronius take a lead in trying to solve it, or as Albia believes, interfering in her investigation.
At the end, she finds a resolution that she can live with and move forward in her life, which is to me the most important thing.
I was very interested to know that rape was considered a capital crime in ancient Rome, punishable by death. However, there were disturbing carveouts in the criminal code, that it only applied to rape of a citizen and a virgin, and not an enslaved person. And we all know that like today, the enforcement of any penalty was unlikely.
I did find this quote from a discussion between Petronius, Falco and Albia describing the mobster Florius extremely apropos.
"When did he ever lack followers?" Petronius argued. "We saw it in Britain. He could shunt together half an army when he wanted, whether they came from loyalty or fear, or they were simply following the money. He still has plenty of cash to buy in heavies. And we know he's a monster."
My father disagreed. "No, what he does is monstrous. As a man, he will be the same as always: a streak of flab with the moral incisiveness of jelly. Challenge him, he turns into a writhing worm. The first one of us who reaches him will be able to put a spade right through him."
July 25, 2024
First Thought: OMG!
Second Thought: The Didius Boys Strike Again. Actually the entire family.
I awaited the release of this book with a bit of trepidation. Having read the entire Falco and Albia series, I knew Albia's backstory and her propensity for...strong reaction and response. I've seen her tempered as a result of her relationship with Manlius Faustus but there has always been an undercurrent of the fiery temper we knew from her days in Britain when Falco & Helena rescued her.
After the last couple of books where Faustus and the rest of the household were barely in evidence, it was nice to have them all back, front and center. Having more of the extended family just made everything better.
One of the more interesting aspects of this series is the way Lindsey Davis has pulled threads from earlier books (from both series) and brought them forward. Folks were wanting more after Pandora's Boy and they got their wish. To be honest, I almost was another character list/spreadsheet to keep all the folks straight.
Florius' return to Rome after decades away has upended the delicate balance of the various crime families in the city. Everyone is jockeying for control, if not just more opportunity to make more money as a result of their various illegal endeavors.
What starts out as an innocent trip to the riverbank turns into Albia's next case when a body is pulled from the river. It is clear from the very beginning that lots of things just don't add up. Unraveling the mystery strikes the match that starts on her quest to find (and kill?) Florius.
Family is the overarching theme of this book. Who is, or is not, part of the family? For Albia, the folks who make up her family have a history with many of the other characters we encounter, some going back years.
For Florius, the relationships he has developed over the years create quite a complicated, if not dangerous, web that could get him killed way before Albia finds him.
The original question is Who killed the lady pulled from the river? Early on I found myself thinking it would be the person it ended up being but there was a lot (!!!!) that surprised me.
If you have read Nemesis (Falco #20) you know that solution. If you have read both series you already know what the Didius family are made of. The solution to the original question in this book brought us to a resolution that surprised me...until I thought about what I knew about everyone involved.
Buckle up! It is going to be an interesting read!
Second Thought: The Didius Boys Strike Again. Actually the entire family.
I awaited the release of this book with a bit of trepidation. Having read the entire Falco and Albia series, I knew Albia's backstory and her propensity for...strong reaction and response. I've seen her tempered as a result of her relationship with Manlius Faustus but there has always been an undercurrent of the fiery temper we knew from her days in Britain when Falco & Helena rescued her.
After the last couple of books where Faustus and the rest of the household were barely in evidence, it was nice to have them all back, front and center. Having more of the extended family just made everything better.
One of the more interesting aspects of this series is the way Lindsey Davis has pulled threads from earlier books (from both series) and brought them forward. Folks were wanting more after Pandora's Boy and they got their wish. To be honest, I almost was another character list/spreadsheet to keep all the folks straight.
Florius' return to Rome after decades away has upended the delicate balance of the various crime families in the city. Everyone is jockeying for control, if not just more opportunity to make more money as a result of their various illegal endeavors.
What starts out as an innocent trip to the riverbank turns into Albia's next case when a body is pulled from the river. It is clear from the very beginning that lots of things just don't add up. Unraveling the mystery strikes the match that starts on her quest to find (and kill?) Florius.
Family is the overarching theme of this book. Who is, or is not, part of the family? For Albia, the folks who make up her family have a history with many of the other characters we encounter, some going back years.
For Florius, the relationships he has developed over the years create quite a complicated, if not dangerous, web that could get him killed way before Albia finds him.
The original question is Who killed the lady pulled from the river? Early on I found myself thinking it would be the person it ended up being but there was a lot (!!!!) that surprised me.
If you have read Nemesis (Falco #20) you know that solution. If you have read both series you already know what the Didius family are made of. The solution to the original question in this book brought us to a resolution that surprised me...until I thought about what I knew about everyone involved.
Buckle up! It is going to be an interesting read!
March 20, 2024
This is the latest in Lindsey Davis's historical mystery series, set in AD 90 in Rome, featuring the feisty Private Informer, Flavia Albia, happily married to Tiberius, living in a raather over crowded chaortic home, including the bringing of 2 young orphans. This is the most personal of Flavia's case with the return of the brutal Florius from Britain, responsible for the most traumatic of her memories, wanting revenge, but will she be able to rise above this desire? It all begins with the discovery of a murdered woman in the Tiber, a river with a long association with death and killing. The woman turns out to be Claudia Deiana, who has followed Florius from Britain, having lived with him and had children with him.
In a action packed narrative, a grandiose, a over indulgent funeral with outrageous levels of fawning has been organised for the violent mobster, Old Rabirius, attended by Flavia in the hope of spotting Florius, who she believes might possibly be residing with his wife, Balbina Milva, whose been running the criminal empire in his long absence, hiding from arrest for tax evasion. After the funeral, a crime warlord's conclave is meant to result in a period of quiet as demarcation, leadership, and territorial disputes are settled, with the gang's regrouped to continue their nefarious activities, oiled by corrupt public officials. However, this does not pan out with bitter rivalries played out amidst vicious internal feuds and battles.
You might think this is a male only affair, but you would be wrong, there are strong criminal women, and other independent women like Flavia flourish, whose husband sighs but does not prevent her presence at dangerous scenarios, and relatives, such as Maia and Marcia, show bold, strong women proliferate in the family. Amidst the bleak darkness of numerous deaths, including by ostrich, Flavia seeks Florius and the truth of what happened to Claudia. The gripping storytelling is alleviated with the trademark humour and comic touches, making the protagonist and this series such an irresistible read. Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC.
In a action packed narrative, a grandiose, a over indulgent funeral with outrageous levels of fawning has been organised for the violent mobster, Old Rabirius, attended by Flavia in the hope of spotting Florius, who she believes might possibly be residing with his wife, Balbina Milva, whose been running the criminal empire in his long absence, hiding from arrest for tax evasion. After the funeral, a crime warlord's conclave is meant to result in a period of quiet as demarcation, leadership, and territorial disputes are settled, with the gang's regrouped to continue their nefarious activities, oiled by corrupt public officials. However, this does not pan out with bitter rivalries played out amidst vicious internal feuds and battles.
You might think this is a male only affair, but you would be wrong, there are strong criminal women, and other independent women like Flavia flourish, whose husband sighs but does not prevent her presence at dangerous scenarios, and relatives, such as Maia and Marcia, show bold, strong women proliferate in the family. Amidst the bleak darkness of numerous deaths, including by ostrich, Flavia seeks Florius and the truth of what happened to Claudia. The gripping storytelling is alleviated with the trademark humour and comic touches, making the protagonist and this series such an irresistible read. Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC.
July 11, 2024
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Lindsey Davis for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for Death on the Tiber coming out July 23, 2024. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.
First century Rome is plagued by all the evils the have beset major cities since time immemorial: crime, corruption, squalor, and worst of all, tourists. When a barge full of those entitled creatures arrives in Rome, they hit all the touristy hot-spots (the Amphitheatre, the Capitol, the dodgy bars with dubious entertainments) before departing for the next destination – leaving behind one of their party, dead and floating in the Tiber. While the authorities first try to pass her death off as a suicide, it’s quickly proved that the victim strangled to death and her body dumped. When Flavia Albia, a private informer, learns that the victim was in Rome searching for the man who abandoned her, Florius, Albia’s vicious nemesis, Albia is determined to find out the truth behind the murder and finally have her revenge.
Florius is the husband of the leader of the Balbinus, one of Rome’s most vicious criminal gangs, giving him even more reason to have murdered his former mistress. Currently engaged in a brutal turf war, with bodies dropping everywhere, Florius is fighting for his very survival and has little interest in one dead body. Now Albia must risk everything, including the life she has carefully built, if she is finally to bring Florius to justice. If justice is even possible.
To be honest, I just wanted to read this book because of the Ancient Rome murder mystery plot. I have not read the other books in the series, so I definitely need to go back and read those. I had the opportunity to visit Rome and the Tiber River, so I’m definitely obsessed with Rome. I thought this book was really well written. I loved all of the suspense and mystery. I think Flavia is a strong and smart character. I’m sure by now she’s been solving a lot of cases. It felt like a cozy mystery with historical facts. So I think this book had a lot to offer to people with an interest in history.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys books about Ancient Rome!
First century Rome is plagued by all the evils the have beset major cities since time immemorial: crime, corruption, squalor, and worst of all, tourists. When a barge full of those entitled creatures arrives in Rome, they hit all the touristy hot-spots (the Amphitheatre, the Capitol, the dodgy bars with dubious entertainments) before departing for the next destination – leaving behind one of their party, dead and floating in the Tiber. While the authorities first try to pass her death off as a suicide, it’s quickly proved that the victim strangled to death and her body dumped. When Flavia Albia, a private informer, learns that the victim was in Rome searching for the man who abandoned her, Florius, Albia’s vicious nemesis, Albia is determined to find out the truth behind the murder and finally have her revenge.
Florius is the husband of the leader of the Balbinus, one of Rome’s most vicious criminal gangs, giving him even more reason to have murdered his former mistress. Currently engaged in a brutal turf war, with bodies dropping everywhere, Florius is fighting for his very survival and has little interest in one dead body. Now Albia must risk everything, including the life she has carefully built, if she is finally to bring Florius to justice. If justice is even possible.
To be honest, I just wanted to read this book because of the Ancient Rome murder mystery plot. I have not read the other books in the series, so I definitely need to go back and read those. I had the opportunity to visit Rome and the Tiber River, so I’m definitely obsessed with Rome. I thought this book was really well written. I loved all of the suspense and mystery. I think Flavia is a strong and smart character. I’m sure by now she’s been solving a lot of cases. It felt like a cozy mystery with historical facts. So I think this book had a lot to offer to people with an interest in history.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys books about Ancient Rome!
March 29, 2024
I would like to thank Netgalley and Hodder and Stoughton for an advance copy of Death on the Tiber, the twelfth novel to feature Roman informer Flavia Albia, set in AD 90.
The threat of gang warfare hangs over Rome after the death of an old chief with rivals vying for territory and position. At the same time a woman arrives in Rome, only to be murdered and thrown in the Tiber. When Albia realises that the woman was British and had links to an old enemy of hers the search for the truth about the woman becomes personal.
I enjoyed Death on the Tiber, but it’s not an easy read as it is long and has many characters to keep track of. In that respect I felt that I did a good job as every character has its place and the author is good at gently reminding the reader of that place.
The plot is quite complicated with tit for tat killings and questions about who orchestrated what added to Albia’s quest for justice for both the dead woman and her own past mistreatment. Of course, the usual Roman politics and jockeying for position come into play as well. It is a long, meaty read, if a bit slow, with plenty to occupy the reader that offers a comprehensive overview of events. It is told from Albia’s point of view in the first person and as she has a sharp, sarcastic voice there are a few laughs to be had.
I like this series because it brings Ancient Rome to life. The historical and social detail are portrayed as facts of life to be embraced or overcome in the course of living and investigating. The characters are recognisably people with day to day worries and no different from you or me. This depiction brings the novel and the era to life.
Death on the Tiber is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
The threat of gang warfare hangs over Rome after the death of an old chief with rivals vying for territory and position. At the same time a woman arrives in Rome, only to be murdered and thrown in the Tiber. When Albia realises that the woman was British and had links to an old enemy of hers the search for the truth about the woman becomes personal.
I enjoyed Death on the Tiber, but it’s not an easy read as it is long and has many characters to keep track of. In that respect I felt that I did a good job as every character has its place and the author is good at gently reminding the reader of that place.
The plot is quite complicated with tit for tat killings and questions about who orchestrated what added to Albia’s quest for justice for both the dead woman and her own past mistreatment. Of course, the usual Roman politics and jockeying for position come into play as well. It is a long, meaty read, if a bit slow, with plenty to occupy the reader that offers a comprehensive overview of events. It is told from Albia’s point of view in the first person and as she has a sharp, sarcastic voice there are a few laughs to be had.
I like this series because it brings Ancient Rome to life. The historical and social detail are portrayed as facts of life to be embraced or overcome in the course of living and investigating. The characters are recognisably people with day to day worries and no different from you or me. This depiction brings the novel and the era to life.
Death on the Tiber is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
August 17, 2024
Informer Falco may have retired, but his adopted daughter Flavia Albia has followed in his footsteps. After a troubled childhood in Britain where she was seduced by Florius and put to work in his bordello, she was rescued by Falco. She is now married to Tiberius, a former official, and has become a well known informer. On an outing with Tiberius they discover that a body has been found floating in the river. It was a tourist from Britain who had been searching for her husband, a Roman businessman who had returned to Rome, abandoning her and their two children. With her hands bound, it is no question that it was murder. Flavia may have no client, but she is determined to investigate. She discovers that the husband is Florius, her nemesis, who is married into a criminal family. The death of a leading gangster leads to a power struggle with Florius in the middle. Flavia puts herself and her family in danger as she works to bring Florius down.
Lindsey Davis is always a delight to read. Her opening description of tourist season in early Rome could still be applied to the influx of tourists at present sites and had me laughing. While her story contains humor, it also portrays the limitations put on women and how little the life of a slave was valued. Flavia Albia is a strong character who has the support of her husband as she takes on investigations. There are a number of characters who will be familiar to readers of this series, including Falco and his family. Davis moves this mystery at a steady pace and includes a number of surprises along the way. This will leave you hoping that Lindsey Davis will soon return with the next Flavia Albia mystery. I would like to thank NetGalley and St. Martin’s/Minotaur for providing this book.
Lindsey Davis is always a delight to read. Her opening description of tourist season in early Rome could still be applied to the influx of tourists at present sites and had me laughing. While her story contains humor, it also portrays the limitations put on women and how little the life of a slave was valued. Flavia Albia is a strong character who has the support of her husband as she takes on investigations. There are a number of characters who will be familiar to readers of this series, including Falco and his family. Davis moves this mystery at a steady pace and includes a number of surprises along the way. This will leave you hoping that Lindsey Davis will soon return with the next Flavia Albia mystery. I would like to thank NetGalley and St. Martin’s/Minotaur for providing this book.
May 11, 2025
Lindsey Davis has been doing these novels since the 90s, originally with a male character, Falco, as her protagonist, and now we're down to his adopted daughter Flavia. All of the entries into the series are readable, and some are also quite funny. In this tale Flavia--with occasional cameos from her father and his old bud, Petronius--is chasing down a mobster on the run whom she knew (in a bad way) back in Britain. I won't give away the ending, but the story contains much interesting information about the law-enforcing elements in Rome during the age of Domitian.
Flavia has a firmly-established family life, and her husband Tiberius puts in a few appearances, mainly to ask, "What in name of the gods is going on here---" But it is mainly Flavia's show. During the tale, along with the actions of Flavia herself, Davis also meditates on the power of the women in the crime families--and the power those women wield is also frequently substantial.
When I first started reading this series--also in the 90s--I complained to my friend who had given me the book that the language spoken by the characters seemed too modern, but now I've come around completely 180 degrees. I realized that the Romans and Greeks must have spoken with the same slang and idioms that we use today. They talked about sex, how the good at the place down the street sucked, and so forth. They didn't use stilted Shakespearean phrases and pronouns. So from that perspective, the jokes and remarks of all these characters seem perfectly composed. Let them be real people.
This addition to the series may not equal the best of the Falco books, but it is still fun and easily readable. For sure bring to the beach or sitting on the deck with summer breakfast material.
Enjoy.
Flavia has a firmly-established family life, and her husband Tiberius puts in a few appearances, mainly to ask, "What in name of the gods is going on here---" But it is mainly Flavia's show. During the tale, along with the actions of Flavia herself, Davis also meditates on the power of the women in the crime families--and the power those women wield is also frequently substantial.
When I first started reading this series--also in the 90s--I complained to my friend who had given me the book that the language spoken by the characters seemed too modern, but now I've come around completely 180 degrees. I realized that the Romans and Greeks must have spoken with the same slang and idioms that we use today. They talked about sex, how the good at the place down the street sucked, and so forth. They didn't use stilted Shakespearean phrases and pronouns. So from that perspective, the jokes and remarks of all these characters seem perfectly composed. Let them be real people.
This addition to the series may not equal the best of the Falco books, but it is still fun and easily readable. For sure bring to the beach or sitting on the deck with summer breakfast material.
Enjoy.
June 17, 2024
It was okay.
My first foray into this author and the series of Flavia Albia, it can be a stand alone novel as the author gently reminds you of what has happened in the past with light introductions to the characters, also part of Flavia's family line. A historical thriller with violence, conniving characters and betrayals it all seems to sum up the seedy upper crust side of Ancient Rome. The book really picked up 2/3 of the way in, the whom killed whom did get a bit confusing with the names. The author flips between using formal v informal naming of characters and a few get nicknames as well. There are a bunch of characters with a guide in the beginning of the book as a who is who but might be more useful to have read the prior books to get a sense of all these characters at play.
The tone of the book was a bit all over, very contemporary at parts others are riddled with latin words and eloquent vocabulary words that require a pause to ensure you have the scene set. Would a woman be allowed this much power in her time? Questionable. The snarky comments against the servants and the borderline neglectful parenting of her own children don't make Flavia a particularly tasteful main character. The scenes of the streets aren't set too easily, locations and distances are nonexistent and time shifts in the story are only delineated by a short phrase.
I did enjoy the unusual setting, strong female lead and the curious crime of the drowned woman which isn't as simple at it looked and allowed for a preview into the mob life of Ancient Rome.
Thank you NetGalley and Minotaur Books for the eBook!
My first foray into this author and the series of Flavia Albia, it can be a stand alone novel as the author gently reminds you of what has happened in the past with light introductions to the characters, also part of Flavia's family line. A historical thriller with violence, conniving characters and betrayals it all seems to sum up the seedy upper crust side of Ancient Rome. The book really picked up 2/3 of the way in, the whom killed whom did get a bit confusing with the names. The author flips between using formal v informal naming of characters and a few get nicknames as well. There are a bunch of characters with a guide in the beginning of the book as a who is who but might be more useful to have read the prior books to get a sense of all these characters at play.
The tone of the book was a bit all over, very contemporary at parts others are riddled with latin words and eloquent vocabulary words that require a pause to ensure you have the scene set. Would a woman be allowed this much power in her time? Questionable. The snarky comments against the servants and the borderline neglectful parenting of her own children don't make Flavia a particularly tasteful main character. The scenes of the streets aren't set too easily, locations and distances are nonexistent and time shifts in the story are only delineated by a short phrase.
I did enjoy the unusual setting, strong female lead and the curious crime of the drowned woman which isn't as simple at it looked and allowed for a preview into the mob life of Ancient Rome.
Thank you NetGalley and Minotaur Books for the eBook!
July 19, 2024
Flavia Albia can be just as snarky as Falco
Sometimes I feel as if I’ve been hitting life’s milestones right along with Lindsey Davis’ original “informer”, Marcus Didius Falco, who seemed to be about the same age as I was when I first started reading that series. And now Falco has a daughter, Flavia Albia, who has grown up and launched, with her own series – on roughly on the same timeline as my own son. Who does not, however, have his own series! But it all still feels quite familiar: the snarkiness of the youngsters about the oldsters (“’Face it’, said Father, like the realist he had never been.”), the toddlers (“We had a small crisis when Gaius claimed that Lucius had swallowed the slingshot.”), the excellent communications between husband and wife (Flavia Albia’s list of “Points the most excellent Tiberius Manlius Faustus has unaccountably missed”)…
So reading the latest Flavia Albia mystery, Death on the Tiber, was quite comfortable in many ways: a suitably puzzling plot; snapshots of life in ancient Rome; moments of snorting laughter; and cameos by Falco, Helena Justina, Petro, and others. Yet it was also challenging in other (good) ways. Flavia Albia has more of a connection to the victim than usual, and her growth throughout the book as she deals with this, especially during the denouement, was rewarding to watch. (Apologies for the opacity – I’m trying to avoid a big spoiler…) And finally, Davis’ writing is as sharp as ever. So all-in-all, Death in the Tiber is another entry in the series that is well worth reading.
And my thanks to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for the review copy.
Sometimes I feel as if I’ve been hitting life’s milestones right along with Lindsey Davis’ original “informer”, Marcus Didius Falco, who seemed to be about the same age as I was when I first started reading that series. And now Falco has a daughter, Flavia Albia, who has grown up and launched, with her own series – on roughly on the same timeline as my own son. Who does not, however, have his own series! But it all still feels quite familiar: the snarkiness of the youngsters about the oldsters (“’Face it’, said Father, like the realist he had never been.”), the toddlers (“We had a small crisis when Gaius claimed that Lucius had swallowed the slingshot.”), the excellent communications between husband and wife (Flavia Albia’s list of “Points the most excellent Tiberius Manlius Faustus has unaccountably missed”)…
So reading the latest Flavia Albia mystery, Death on the Tiber, was quite comfortable in many ways: a suitably puzzling plot; snapshots of life in ancient Rome; moments of snorting laughter; and cameos by Falco, Helena Justina, Petro, and others. Yet it was also challenging in other (good) ways. Flavia Albia has more of a connection to the victim than usual, and her growth throughout the book as she deals with this, especially during the denouement, was rewarding to watch. (Apologies for the opacity – I’m trying to avoid a big spoiler…) And finally, Davis’ writing is as sharp as ever. So all-in-all, Death in the Tiber is another entry in the series that is well worth reading.
And my thanks to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for the review copy.
March 29, 2024
*Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for providing an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review*
This is yet another great entry in the Flavia Albia series. This book is also one of the few where Albia not only has a personal stake in what she's investigating, but also focuses alot on her personally. In most of the series, Albia is a steady investigator, she's methodical and logical and tries to not get too emotionally involved. This isn't always the case, but this all amounts to the fact that we do not get a lot of prolonged musing on Albia's character and backstory. This entry changes that, bringing back Florius, a gangster and all around bad guy who was involved in Albia's past and has been hinted at returning in previous books. While Albia's focus remains on the death of the woman found in the Tiber in the opening of the book, there are a lot of interconnected threads that are skillfully woven together. There's also a fun amount of cameo from Albia's father and uncle, the main duo from Davis' first Falco series, who are more involved in this book than they have been in previous books in Albia's series. As always, the characters are fun and engaging, Albia is a strong main character and stands above the rest despite the amount of other strong characters thrown in here. This ended up being one of my favorite entries, since it gives us a more in-depth character arc for Albia that ties up a lot of her backstory and sets her up for being able to move on in the future.
This is yet another great entry in the Flavia Albia series. This book is also one of the few where Albia not only has a personal stake in what she's investigating, but also focuses alot on her personally. In most of the series, Albia is a steady investigator, she's methodical and logical and tries to not get too emotionally involved. This isn't always the case, but this all amounts to the fact that we do not get a lot of prolonged musing on Albia's character and backstory. This entry changes that, bringing back Florius, a gangster and all around bad guy who was involved in Albia's past and has been hinted at returning in previous books. While Albia's focus remains on the death of the woman found in the Tiber in the opening of the book, there are a lot of interconnected threads that are skillfully woven together. There's also a fun amount of cameo from Albia's father and uncle, the main duo from Davis' first Falco series, who are more involved in this book than they have been in previous books in Albia's series. As always, the characters are fun and engaging, Albia is a strong main character and stands above the rest despite the amount of other strong characters thrown in here. This ended up being one of my favorite entries, since it gives us a more in-depth character arc for Albia that ties up a lot of her backstory and sets her up for being able to move on in the future.
June 26, 2024
This was an action-packed historical mystery. It is the 14th in the Flavia Albia series and I do recommend reading others in the series before reading it. This doesn't make a great standalone- I hadn't read others and struggled a bit. However, I do want to go back and read the others after the taste of this.
A body is found in the Tiber. The authorities are willing to overlook it, but not Flavia Albia. As she looks into the woman's death she finds connections to crime in her own first-century Rome. We learn about her past and she must confront a lot while entangling with gangsters as the body count rises and the authorities continue to ignore it all....
It's an interesting book because the previous books set up a network of help for her and we see that at work. Her husband and father make for involved and interesting characters, both allowing her much freedom within the time as a woman. This book also explores a lot of her past which will be a lot of intrigue for current readers of the series.
I loved the writing style of this. There's a lot of action, rich detail, bustling streets and characters that engage the reader. It all adds up to bring a story to life. I was impressed the author was still doing this well at book 14. I haven't read the others in the series, but this made me want to go back and start at book one.
Thank-you so much to both Minotaur Booksand Lindsey Davis for my advanced copy. My review is unbiased and opinions my own. There's still time for you to catch up on the series! This book will release July 23rd, but the rest are out.
A body is found in the Tiber. The authorities are willing to overlook it, but not Flavia Albia. As she looks into the woman's death she finds connections to crime in her own first-century Rome. We learn about her past and she must confront a lot while entangling with gangsters as the body count rises and the authorities continue to ignore it all....
It's an interesting book because the previous books set up a network of help for her and we see that at work. Her husband and father make for involved and interesting characters, both allowing her much freedom within the time as a woman. This book also explores a lot of her past which will be a lot of intrigue for current readers of the series.
I loved the writing style of this. There's a lot of action, rich detail, bustling streets and characters that engage the reader. It all adds up to bring a story to life. I was impressed the author was still doing this well at book 14. I haven't read the others in the series, but this made me want to go back and start at book one.
Thank-you so much to both Minotaur Booksand Lindsey Davis for my advanced copy. My review is unbiased and opinions my own. There's still time for you to catch up on the series! This book will release July 23rd, but the rest are out.
April 4, 2024
Flavia Albion is back and this time she investigates the murder of a Roman mobster, which in its turn brings back unhappy memories from her past. Now happily married to Tiberius Faustus, she already has her hands full with a large household and life as an important man’s wife. But her nature just won’t let her sit back at home when she could be out investigating.
This author has done such research and written many books set in this era, that it does feel real and authentic. The descriptions depict day to day life so vividly you could imagine you were there. It’s nice to see that Flavias’ father, Falco still plays a part, even if not as the main character any more, with his wife Helena Justina barely mentioned. However Flavia and Tiberius are both really good characters too. I did find this book a bit confusing at times, mainly as there are so many characters to sort out, but fortunately there’s a handy guide of who’s who at the front, even down to Piddle and Willikins, the chickens. An interesting read, although not quite the ending I was expecting.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this book.
This author has done such research and written many books set in this era, that it does feel real and authentic. The descriptions depict day to day life so vividly you could imagine you were there. It’s nice to see that Flavias’ father, Falco still plays a part, even if not as the main character any more, with his wife Helena Justina barely mentioned. However Flavia and Tiberius are both really good characters too. I did find this book a bit confusing at times, mainly as there are so many characters to sort out, but fortunately there’s a handy guide of who’s who at the front, even down to Piddle and Willikins, the chickens. An interesting read, although not quite the ending I was expecting.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this book.
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