What do you think?
Flavia Albia #14
Murder in Purple and Gold
When Flavia Albia stumbles upon the murdered corpse of a young man near Rome's famous Circus Maximus, she is about to embark on one of her most dangerous and complicated cases.
Rome and the Romans are obsessed with chariot racing. Lepo was the rising star of the Purples, a new team created by the psychotic Emperor Domitian with big money backing. Suspicion immediately falls on Lepo's greatest rival, Agathon, a young man emerging from a rival team, the Golds. Convinced of his guilt, a lynch mob is hunting him.
The Golds faction hire Flavia to clear their man's name. He appears to have an alibi for the night of the murder but, as Flavia soon finds out, nothing is as it seems in the dangerous and glamorous world of the charioteers in which fortunes can be won or lost in seconds and violent death in the arena is always just one race away.
Rome and the Romans are obsessed with chariot racing. Lepo was the rising star of the Purples, a new team created by the psychotic Emperor Domitian with big money backing. Suspicion immediately falls on Lepo's greatest rival, Agathon, a young man emerging from a rival team, the Golds. Convinced of his guilt, a lynch mob is hunting him.
The Golds faction hire Flavia to clear their man's name. He appears to have an alibi for the night of the murder but, as Flavia soon finds out, nothing is as it seems in the dangerous and glamorous world of the charioteers in which fortunes can be won or lost in seconds and violent death in the arena is always just one race away.
352 pages, Hardcover
Published July 7, 2026
About the author
Lindsey Davis
87 books1,539 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.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
April 6, 2026
I love this author and series generally, but this one got a bit bogged down in the technical details of chariot racing and had too many secondary characters for my liking.
April 11, 2026
Always fun. I love F1 so the racing parody was very enjoyable.
April 6, 2026
Always a great pleasure to pick up a Lindsey Davis book.
While I do like Flavia Albia and her husband Tiberius I love the books in which her parents Falco and Helena Justina take centre stage. So I love when they make appearances in these books, you get a different perspective on characters you thought you knew well, it's very cleverly done. Albia and Tiberius are finally back from the coast where Tiberius had spent months working on construction job for his uncle. The family return to find their doorman Rodan missing, he had been left behind to look after the house. There also appears to be a lot of household goods missing............including grandma's brass bucket............ Wanting away from all the stress Albia goes for a walk taking Barley the dog with her, while passing by the circus maximus Barley spots something. Flavia regets looking, it's the body of a boy, maybe fourteen, well dressed and with a knife sticking out of his throat. Albia tempted to just walk away in the end does her civic duty she tells the Vigilles and is done with it...........or so she thinks....... Next morning there is a delegation from the Greens (one of the horse racing factions) asking her to identify the murderer of a Purples driver killed last night, yes the body Albia found. Albia knows nothing about the chariot races but she is about to get a quick lesson from everyone she meets the races and the drivers are all anyone is interested.........so this case should be easily solved .....well you would think so....
While I do like Flavia Albia and her husband Tiberius I love the books in which her parents Falco and Helena Justina take centre stage. So I love when they make appearances in these books, you get a different perspective on characters you thought you knew well, it's very cleverly done. Albia and Tiberius are finally back from the coast where Tiberius had spent months working on construction job for his uncle. The family return to find their doorman Rodan missing, he had been left behind to look after the house. There also appears to be a lot of household goods missing............including grandma's brass bucket............ Wanting away from all the stress Albia goes for a walk taking Barley the dog with her, while passing by the circus maximus Barley spots something. Flavia regets looking, it's the body of a boy, maybe fourteen, well dressed and with a knife sticking out of his throat. Albia tempted to just walk away in the end does her civic duty she tells the Vigilles and is done with it...........or so she thinks....... Next morning there is a delegation from the Greens (one of the horse racing factions) asking her to identify the murderer of a Purples driver killed last night, yes the body Albia found. Albia knows nothing about the chariot races but she is about to get a quick lesson from everyone she meets the races and the drivers are all anyone is interested.........so this case should be easily solved .....well you would think so....
July 12, 2026
Charm, humour & a real understanding of the human condition has made Lindsey Davis' books a must-read. But this latest offering fails to hit the mark. It's as though she got so wrapped up in her research, that she forgot there was a story there desperate to get out. There is still much to like but compared to her best books...
The structure & plot are weak.
The dialogue doesn't ring true.
New characters are relentlessly quirky.
The use of gossipsheets as a device to move the plot forward doesn't work.
And the racing commentary was tedious.
I read the last sentence of the tale and was baffled. The ending was perfunctory.
I hope the next instalment will see a return to form.
The structure & plot are weak.
The dialogue doesn't ring true.
New characters are relentlessly quirky.
The use of gossipsheets as a device to move the plot forward doesn't work.
And the racing commentary was tedious.
I read the last sentence of the tale and was baffled. The ending was perfunctory.
I hope the next instalment will see a return to form.
June 10, 2026
I feel a bit mean giving this one 3 stars - If you're a Lindsey Davis fan you're not going to be able to put this one down any more than any of her previous novels. Her evocation of 1st century Rome from a female POV is second to none - you feel like you're there. I also love the way that each of her books covers a different aspect of the Roman world - this one focusing on chariot racing.
The chariot racing stuff is really exciting! I learned a lot and loved the exciting race commentary as we really live the final race at the end. I loved the set up of a murdered racing driver which gives us entry into this world.
If you're a Flavia fan we get family drama too as she begins to realise she might be pregnant. We get a scam with useless porter Rodan as a secondary plot. Falco makes a brief appearance and all the usual daily life stuff is here as usual. The bits where Flavia pretends to be Anina Perpeua (or her agent) are an absolute delight.
However the crime plot itself starts strong and then just fizzles, overshadowed by the charioteering world and family drama. As a crime novel, this absolutely sucks! I also found the vast cast-list a bit confusing, especially at the end having two suspects with similar-ish sounding names; Paternas and Pedianius - we do have a cast list at the front, but usually once i get into the novel I don't have to keep referring to it.
My other niggle is intrusive narrator and modernisms - at one point Flavia seems to be talking directly to the reader, and some of her sarcastic questions and viewpoints feel far more like the author talking than the character. While it is a great evocation of 1st century Rome, some of the modern expressions and opinions do feel too modern. The chariot racing world here feels like a cross between modern Football and Formula One - with its scams, sponsors, sabotage and switching players.
Overall, I devoured it like all of Davis' other books, but its not one of her best, particularly from a murder-mystery perspective. Still fun though.
The chariot racing stuff is really exciting! I learned a lot and loved the exciting race commentary as we really live the final race at the end. I loved the set up of a murdered racing driver which gives us entry into this world.
If you're a Flavia fan we get family drama too as she begins to realise she might be pregnant. We get a scam with useless porter Rodan as a secondary plot. Falco makes a brief appearance and all the usual daily life stuff is here as usual. The bits where Flavia pretends to be Anina Perpeua (or her agent) are an absolute delight.
However the crime plot itself starts strong and then just fizzles, overshadowed by the charioteering world and family drama. As a crime novel, this absolutely sucks! I also found the vast cast-list a bit confusing, especially at the end having two suspects with similar-ish sounding names; Paternas and Pedianius - we do have a cast list at the front, but usually once i get into the novel I don't have to keep referring to it.
My other niggle is intrusive narrator and modernisms - at one point Flavia seems to be talking directly to the reader, and some of her sarcastic questions and viewpoints feel far more like the author talking than the character. While it is a great evocation of 1st century Rome, some of the modern expressions and opinions do feel too modern. The chariot racing world here feels like a cross between modern Football and Formula One - with its scams, sponsors, sabotage and switching players.
Overall, I devoured it like all of Davis' other books, but its not one of her best, particularly from a murder-mystery perspective. Still fun though.
September 21, 2026
Indomitable Roman lady detective triumphs again
Floralia (April) 90 CE. Roman lady detective Flavia Albia stumbles upon a corpse near the Circus Maximus and enters the glamorous and competitive world of chariot-racing.
The victim is Lepo, young star charioteer of the Purples, and suspicion falls upon his rival on the Golds, Agathon. The two have raced against each other 32 times, and their feud is legendary. The Golds hire Albia to clear their man’s name.
The emperor funds both teams, and Domitian sees any trouble in the racing world as beiing directed at him. Rivalry between the six factions (including Red, Blue, Green, White) permeates every corner of the city. Big prize money is won in the races, and big gambling money is riding on them, too.
Various members of Albia’s extended family and informants help her with clues, plus staff of the chariot teams and stables. Both Lepo and his elder brother Alceius had trained with their father Pedanius. At the Robigalia games, there was a false start, leading to a disqualification of the Blue team. Could be sabotage? Like all murder mysteries, she finds out things in bars. It climaxes, excitingly, with a chariot race.
Albia is the narrator; her Voice is colloquial, and it is quite humorous. I especially loved the little comments, both funny and revealing, on people’s character. Eg ‘I was now certain that Licinius Ierenus beat his slaves… carefully, so no marks showed.’
I love that besides her career as a detective, Albia is a Domina with two small children (adopted), a husband, and a household of servants to berate. There have been umpteen books in the series, and backstory is handled charmingly, as if allowing readers intimacies. The writing is full of great phrases (e.g. ‘Porcius flung his hair around in another negative’). It’s full of energy and delicious cultural detail.
This review first appeared in Historical Novels Review.
Floralia (April) 90 CE. Roman lady detective Flavia Albia stumbles upon a corpse near the Circus Maximus and enters the glamorous and competitive world of chariot-racing.
The victim is Lepo, young star charioteer of the Purples, and suspicion falls upon his rival on the Golds, Agathon. The two have raced against each other 32 times, and their feud is legendary. The Golds hire Albia to clear their man’s name.
The emperor funds both teams, and Domitian sees any trouble in the racing world as beiing directed at him. Rivalry between the six factions (including Red, Blue, Green, White) permeates every corner of the city. Big prize money is won in the races, and big gambling money is riding on them, too.
Various members of Albia’s extended family and informants help her with clues, plus staff of the chariot teams and stables. Both Lepo and his elder brother Alceius had trained with their father Pedanius. At the Robigalia games, there was a false start, leading to a disqualification of the Blue team. Could be sabotage? Like all murder mysteries, she finds out things in bars. It climaxes, excitingly, with a chariot race.
Albia is the narrator; her Voice is colloquial, and it is quite humorous. I especially loved the little comments, both funny and revealing, on people’s character. Eg ‘I was now certain that Licinius Ierenus beat his slaves… carefully, so no marks showed.’
I love that besides her career as a detective, Albia is a Domina with two small children (adopted), a husband, and a household of servants to berate. There have been umpteen books in the series, and backstory is handled charmingly, as if allowing readers intimacies. The writing is full of great phrases (e.g. ‘Porcius flung his hair around in another negative’). It’s full of energy and delicious cultural detail.
This review first appeared in Historical Novels Review.
June 14, 2026
In this outing, Albia and family have returned from remodeling a house in the Bay of Naples. While taking the dog for a walk near the Circus Maximus late at night, she makes a grisly discovery -- a murdered man. She finds that he is Lepo, an up and coming chariot driver for the Purple faction. Everyone assumes that Agathon, his close rival and driver for the Gold faction is guilty.
Albia is drawn into the center of the chariot racing milieu, full of intrigue, shady characters, avid fans (both male and female), accusations of witchcraft, and more. Was the murder premeditated, was it an irate bettor avenging a loss, or was poor Lepo an unfortunate target to send a message or settle an old score between factions?
Things become even stickier when Domitian, who is keenly interested in the sport, sends an investigator to find out what Albia knows.
I have been reading Lindsey Davis for years, and really look forward to them each year. Once a month, she reads a chapter from one of her books on Zoom, and last year while working on this one, she asked her listeners to help her with the set piece chariot racing scene by adding a random element. Each listener selected a lane number (1-18) and she drew a charioteer's name for that lane. My husband and I were quite excited to get Vibia Nunnia, the only female driver in the race and have eagerly awaited the release so that we could find out how our driver fared.
Albia is drawn into the center of the chariot racing milieu, full of intrigue, shady characters, avid fans (both male and female), accusations of witchcraft, and more. Was the murder premeditated, was it an irate bettor avenging a loss, or was poor Lepo an unfortunate target to send a message or settle an old score between factions?
Things become even stickier when Domitian, who is keenly interested in the sport, sends an investigator to find out what Albia knows.
I have been reading Lindsey Davis for years, and really look forward to them each year. Once a month, she reads a chapter from one of her books on Zoom, and last year while working on this one, she asked her listeners to help her with the set piece chariot racing scene by adding a random element. Each listener selected a lane number (1-18) and she drew a charioteer's name for that lane. My husband and I were quite excited to get Vibia Nunnia, the only female driver in the race and have eagerly awaited the release so that we could find out how our driver fared.
April 16, 2026
3.75
The weakest in a while. I’ve no interest in sports, so this was never going to be a favorite, but the Falco series made even boring (to me) subjects such as wild arena beasts and the ancient Olympic Games interesting. This one did not.
The mystery was…meh? I’m still not even sure exactly why it happened and I definitely don’t give a damn.
There was too little of Albia’s life and what there was seemed perfunctory. Yeah, she’s but we more or less knew that since the ending of the last book and there’s basically no movement here. Even when Falco was onscreen, it all felt very surface.
At least Rodin finally - though not before stealing everything that wasn’t nailed down. The fact that I found it harder to forgive his treatment of Falco than Falco ever did, plus his utter lack of either brains or charm, meant he was never a favorite, so good riddance.
Overall, this was just okay; compared to earlier entries like “Pandora’s Boy”, it was disappointing.
The weakest in a while. I’ve no interest in sports, so this was never going to be a favorite, but the Falco series made even boring (to me) subjects such as wild arena beasts and the ancient Olympic Games interesting. This one did not.
The mystery was…meh? I’m still not even sure exactly why it happened and I definitely don’t give a damn.
There was too little of Albia’s life and what there was seemed perfunctory. Yeah, she’s but we more or less knew that since the ending of the last book and there’s basically no movement here. Even when Falco was onscreen, it all felt very surface.
At least Rodin finally - though not before stealing everything that wasn’t nailed down. The fact that I found it harder to forgive his treatment of Falco than Falco ever did, plus his utter lack of either brains or charm, meant he was never a favorite, so good riddance.
Overall, this was just okay; compared to earlier entries like “Pandora’s Boy”, it was disappointing.
July 9, 2026
This one had some snarky reviews on Amazon, but it met the bar in my opinion! I appreciated another look into life in ancient Rome, this time with chariot racing! It was especially fun to read during the World Cup as fevered fans cheer faithfully for their team, as we have been doing for thousands of year, apparently.
There were some nice interactions among our regulars. I'm not sure why Davis is being so coy about Flavia Albia maybe? probably? being pregnant. Hedging her bets for Book 15? Only time will tell...
This is a fun series, but if it sounds interesting, Davis's first series staring Flavia's adopted father Marcus Didius Falco is the real winner. It also mostly takes place in the reign of Vespasian and Titus, two of the more tolerable of the Roman emperors, and features lots of history and much more intricate mystery plots.
There were some nice interactions among our regulars. I'm not sure why Davis is being so coy about Flavia Albia maybe? probably? being pregnant. Hedging her bets for Book 15? Only time will tell...
This is a fun series, but if it sounds interesting, Davis's first series staring Flavia's adopted father Marcus Didius Falco is the real winner. It also mostly takes place in the reign of Vespasian and Titus, two of the more tolerable of the Roman emperors, and features lots of history and much more intricate mystery plots.
July 13, 2026
The return to Rome by Flavia Albia and company brought an adventure that not only provided an escape from potential family upset (Pregnant? Me?) ... (Where's our stuff? And where is Rhodan?) and added an unexpected investigation into the murder of a driver from the Circus Maximus.
I have to admit I really enjoyed this installment. The many layers provided necessary relief while the mystery was mostly confusing until the later chapters when clarity arrived.
Recently I watched some tours of the Circus Maximus in Rome which were useful reading this adventure.
Davis does an interesting job stringing story arcs across several books. She also does an admirable job tying things and people back to earlier books both in the Flavia Albia series but the Marcus Didius Falco series.
Long time fans of the series should enjoy this one.
I have to admit I really enjoyed this installment. The many layers provided necessary relief while the mystery was mostly confusing until the later chapters when clarity arrived.
Recently I watched some tours of the Circus Maximus in Rome which were useful reading this adventure.
Davis does an interesting job stringing story arcs across several books. She also does an admirable job tying things and people back to earlier books both in the Flavia Albia series but the Marcus Didius Falco series.
Long time fans of the series should enjoy this one.
April 6, 2026
HERE THERE BE DASTARDS IN PLENTY, BUT FLAVIA WILL FIND THEM
All books by Lindsey Davis will entrance readers. Characters are excellently drawn and we would recognise them anywhere. Some will soon realise that the dastardly criminal is just in front of them and get the police or tribune to take the culprit away. Anyone who studied Ancient History knows what happens next.
I have read all of her books , I reread them weeks later. Looking for a truly good read? Do yourself a favour to fill quiet hours. Readers are friends , even if we have never met one another.
Pernickety P who is also Reading Addict and also Bushwacker.
All books by Lindsey Davis will entrance readers. Characters are excellently drawn and we would recognise them anywhere. Some will soon realise that the dastardly criminal is just in front of them and get the police or tribune to take the culprit away. Anyone who studied Ancient History knows what happens next.
I have read all of her books , I reread them weeks later. Looking for a truly good read? Do yourself a favour to fill quiet hours. Readers are friends , even if we have never met one another.
Pernickety P who is also Reading Addict and also Bushwacker.
September 10, 2026
Lindsey Davis delivers again. Murder in Purple is a brilliant dive into the cutthroat world of chariot racing during Domitian’s reign. I have loved nearly all her Falco and Flavia books, and this one is no exception. Having Flavia’s female perspective adds a wonderfully cynical and genuinely funny edge to the narrative; I found myself laughing out loud on multiple occasions. Crafting a completely immersive Roman world takes serious skill, but Davis makes it look effortless. A superb addition to a consistently brilliant series.
July 15, 2026
Always great to revisit Davis' Rome and its population of familiar characters and this is no exception, but I did feel the mystery in this one wasn't quite up to the usual standard - the solution seemed to come out of nowhere, with no clear explanation of Albia's reasoning. I'm not alone in thinking this, as I read the book aloud to my husband and he had the same opinion - perhaps we both missed something?
August 31, 2026
Neither the female sleuth nor the author have lost their edge in this 14th installment of the Flavia Albia mysteries by the prolific author Lindsey Davis. The dialog is crisp and the characters cheeky. A mystery regarding the murder of a chariot racer, this tale takes you into the world of chariot racing in the Circus Maximus in Imperial Rome. A nicely-paced, well-told yarn. Keep 'em coming, Lindsey!
May 8, 2026
One for the chariot racing fans
Flavia Albia and her household in good form. Lots of background on chariot racing and an exciting race result. Personally I found the racing less engaging than some of the other books in the series, since there were so many suspects, but I remain a devoted fan looking forward to the next instalment.
Flavia Albia and her household in good form. Lots of background on chariot racing and an exciting race result. Personally I found the racing less engaging than some of the other books in the series, since there were so many suspects, but I remain a devoted fan looking forward to the next instalment.
April 9, 2026
As always, a brilliant written murder mystery with the added bonus of Ancient Rome 😀 Flavia Alba is asked to prove a young charioteers innocence after a rival's death. What follows is a treasure trove of twists and subplots until the end that keeps the reader splendidly entertained x
May 2, 2026
This is the 14th book, and we're basically only 7 months into their marriage??
That said, there was far too much about chariot racing in this really, far too many extraneous characters, and to try being a bit vague and non-spoilery, the murder really wasn't to do with any of them...
That said, there was far too much about chariot racing in this really, far too many extraneous characters, and to try being a bit vague and non-spoilery, the murder really wasn't to do with any of them...
May 21, 2026
Loved it! Great detail of everyday Roman life. A mystery that wasn't solved until the end - that wasn't telegraphed 15 chapters ahead. Great interaction between Albia and Manlius. Each book leaves me wanting the next!
August 13, 2026
Purple and gold. I was sure this was a mystery about the Emperor. And yet its not, but about horseracing instead. (I've given away nothing.) As usual a well written book, a really good plot. I didn't know who did it until the author told us in the last pages.
August 20, 2026
Murder in any colour!!
What a great story!.
Lindsey Davis at her best. Lots of action..and not all of it on the track at the Circus Maximus. Colorful characters, lots of light, funny moments. More please!
What a great story!.
Lindsey Davis at her best. Lots of action..and not all of it on the track at the Circus Maximus. Colorful characters, lots of light, funny moments. More please!
September 9, 2026
too long and too many speedy horsecarts. sorry.
i do continue to enjoy Davis's amusing parallels between roman life and modern life. the ancient roman sports pages brought this up to a second star for me, even though staying interested was a struggle.
i do continue to enjoy Davis's amusing parallels between roman life and modern life. the ancient roman sports pages brought this up to a second star for me, even though staying interested was a struggle.
September 13, 2026
the world of chariot races under Emperor Domitian
Flavia Alba is commissioned to find who murdered a 16 year old charioteer who was destined for glory. Davis reveals the underbelly an honor of the dangerous racing world. Fabulous.
Flavia Alba is commissioned to find who murdered a 16 year old charioteer who was destined for glory. Davis reveals the underbelly an honor of the dangerous racing world. Fabulous.
September 18, 2026
Love the characters of Flavia Albia and her husband Tiberius but I get lost with all of the many characters in this book. There is also a bit much detail around the races and the different factions for me.
September 27, 2026
Flavia Albia Book 14
Lindsey Davis is as quick-witted and brilliantly detailed as always, and as drop-dead funny as always — a wonderful series and perfect sequel to the Marcus Didiis Falco books.
Lindsey Davis is as quick-witted and brilliantly detailed as always, and as drop-dead funny as always — a wonderful series and perfect sequel to the Marcus Didiis Falco books.
June 20, 2026
I love this author but the subject is far too reminiscent of the sorry state of our current society and its weird hyperdulia fixation with vapid sports teams and personalities.
June 26, 2026
Not the best in the series. There's so much horse race jargon and blow-by-blow narrative of horses that it's just on the edge of boring for a non-sport fan.
July 23, 2026
Not her best work.
August 24, 2026
Scattered writing. Dragged out. I quit reading….
Did Not Finish
September 1, 2026Just can't get into this. Might return later, but moving on for now.
August 11, 2026
Another great mystery
Love these clean fun romps through ancient Rome. This is number 14 and always a surprise. And its so fun to match with documentaries of ancient rome.
If you enjoy mysteries with red herrings and history you will love this series and this author.
Love these clean fun romps through ancient Rome. This is number 14 and always a surprise. And its so fun to match with documentaries of ancient rome.
If you enjoy mysteries with red herrings and history you will love this series and this author.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews