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Marcus Didius Falco #19
Alexandria
In first century A.D. Rome, during the reign of Vespasian, Marcus Didius Falco works as a private “informer,” often for the emperor, ferreting out hidden truths and bringing villains to ground. But even informers take vacations with their wives, so in A.D. 77, Falco and his wife, Helena Justina, with others in tow, travel to Alexandria, Egypt. But they aren’t there long before Falco finds himself in the midst of nefarious doings—when the Librarian of the great library is found dead, under suspicious circumstances. Falco quickly finds himself on the trail of dodgy doings, malfeasance, deadly professional rivalry, more bodies and the lowest of the low—book thieves! As the bodies pile up, it’s up to Falco to untangle this horrible mess and restore order to a disordered universe.
338 pages, Hardcover
First published February 5, 2009
87 people are currently reading
1140 people want to read
About the author
Lindsey Davis
78 books1,494 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 251 reviews
October 12, 2021
Read this book in 2014, and its the 19th volume of the glorious Marcus Didius Falco series.
Falco and Helena Justina on holiday in Alexandria, Egypt, where the lady wants to see the Lighthouse and the Pyramids, while Falco has his own mission in the Great Library.
When A mysterious death occurs at the Great Library Falco is determined to solve this case, although the Roam Prefect is somewhat reluctant thinking about murder, but Aulus, Falco's brother-in-law, is willing to act a spy within the academic world.
Soon there is another death at the royal zoo, and once again it is someone within the academic world.
Not to forget for obscure reasons in Alexandria there's Uncle Fulvius with his partner, Cassius, and they are also involved with the notorious dealings of a certain, Geminus, Falco's father, a man known for his disreputable business dealings.
All this factors combined Falco has to take into consideration, before finally with the help of Helena Justina and Aulus, he's able to untangle this web of secrecy and death, and catch the culprit of these crimes.
Very much recommended, for this is another outstanding addition to this marvellous series, and that's why I like to call this episode: "A Very Captivating Alexandria Trip"!
Falco and Helena Justina on holiday in Alexandria, Egypt, where the lady wants to see the Lighthouse and the Pyramids, while Falco has his own mission in the Great Library.
When A mysterious death occurs at the Great Library Falco is determined to solve this case, although the Roam Prefect is somewhat reluctant thinking about murder, but Aulus, Falco's brother-in-law, is willing to act a spy within the academic world.
Soon there is another death at the royal zoo, and once again it is someone within the academic world.
Not to forget for obscure reasons in Alexandria there's Uncle Fulvius with his partner, Cassius, and they are also involved with the notorious dealings of a certain, Geminus, Falco's father, a man known for his disreputable business dealings.
All this factors combined Falco has to take into consideration, before finally with the help of Helena Justina and Aulus, he's able to untangle this web of secrecy and death, and catch the culprit of these crimes.
Very much recommended, for this is another outstanding addition to this marvellous series, and that's why I like to call this episode: "A Very Captivating Alexandria Trip"!
December 2, 2020
5/10 en 202.
No me ha gustado demasiado, no. Me parece que le falta ritmo, no te llega a enganchar,a conseguir que tengas ganas de seguir leyendo. Por lo demás la trama bien llevada y con el buen hacer de la escritora...pero se lleva de las peores notas que le he puesto a ninguna de sus novelas.
No me ha gustado demasiado, no. Me parece que le falta ritmo, no te llega a enganchar,a conseguir que tengas ganas de seguir leyendo. Por lo demás la trama bien llevada y con el buen hacer de la escritora...pero se lleva de las peores notas que le he puesto a ninguna de sus novelas.
December 11, 2023
Another enjoyable read in the Marcus Didius Falco series--in this novel, he is working directly for Vespasian and the storyline centres around a trip he & his wife & family make to Egypt along with some serious murder intrigue and tidbits of Roman life in post-pharoah Egypt. This author has a wonderful imagination and makes the events and details so credible that the reader can only feel history come alive; I'm no expert in how the Romans took over and ruled this part of the world, and you really do wonder how much research has gone on behind the story to make it so believable, very enjoyable.
August 19, 2012
Lindsey Davis is well known for her Marcus Didius Falco historical mysteries and this one is number nineteen in the series. From the back cover:
"In A. D. 77 Marcus Didius Falco, private “informer” and stalwart Roman citizen, undertakes one of the most fearsome tasks known to man—he goes on vacation with his somewhat pregnant wife, Helena Justina, and their family. They travel to Alexandria, Egypt, and they aren’t there long before the Librarian of the great library is found dead under suspicious circumstances, in his office with the door locked from the inside. Falco quickly finds himself on the trail of dodgy doings, malfeasance, deadly professional rivalry, more bodies, and the lowest of the low—book thieves! As the bodies pile up, it’s up to Falco to untangle this horrible mess before the killer begins to strike closer to home."
This lighthearted description closely matches the tone of the book: modern attitudes and dialog set in ancient times. This book is funny. Yes, there are mysteries, bodies, and the occasional brush with death, but the reader knows (just as in their favorite Agatha Christie book or crime T.V. show) that the main characters will live to solve another mystery and crack another joke. It’s a formula that works, or this wouldn’t be the nineteenth in the series. Readers come back for the familiar characters, the well-researched history and the humorous writing. The humor, in this book, is based on the thesis that “human nature never changes”—the sneering society matron, the bored bureaucrat, the absent-minded professor, the perpetual student—are all familiar stereotypes and nothing in the story challenges our imagination about the past. The people are just like us with a bit of history and mystery thrown in. Here’s Falco’s assessment of his brother-in-law’s ambitions:
"Like all students, immediately his family thought he was finally settling down in a prestigious, extremely expensive university, he heard through some grapevine that there was better teaching at another one. Or better parties and the chance of a better love life, anyway…His father would pay for it. The senator, a diligent tolerant man, would just be thankful that Aulus had not—so far—expressed a wish to be a gladiator, a master forger or a writer of ten-scroll epic poetry."
Because the setting of the murder is the famous Library on the grounds of the Museum, the most celebrated learning center in ancient times, we even have the benefit of a CSI-like autopsy and specialists in poison and mechanics. Scholars at the Museum and Library are secretive with their research, jealous of each others’ favor and united only in their contempt for the Museum’s administration. One of my favorite scenes is a back-biting academic board meeting which could have taken place in my former place of employment.
And if the reader gets a dose of history, while enjoying the mystery? Great! Davis provides a wonderfully researched book with lots of details on food, clothing, geography, architecture, and the state of science. Because I’ve researched Alexandria for my books and blog posts, I had an eagle eye out for errors. I found nothing of any significance. So, if you’re interested in a fun read where you might inadvertently learn something, this book is for you. Don’t worry about it being part of a series; it stands on its own, just fine.
Please note: I purchased this book and the opinions are mine. This is an excerpt of a longer review posted on my blog.
"In A. D. 77 Marcus Didius Falco, private “informer” and stalwart Roman citizen, undertakes one of the most fearsome tasks known to man—he goes on vacation with his somewhat pregnant wife, Helena Justina, and their family. They travel to Alexandria, Egypt, and they aren’t there long before the Librarian of the great library is found dead under suspicious circumstances, in his office with the door locked from the inside. Falco quickly finds himself on the trail of dodgy doings, malfeasance, deadly professional rivalry, more bodies, and the lowest of the low—book thieves! As the bodies pile up, it’s up to Falco to untangle this horrible mess before the killer begins to strike closer to home."
This lighthearted description closely matches the tone of the book: modern attitudes and dialog set in ancient times. This book is funny. Yes, there are mysteries, bodies, and the occasional brush with death, but the reader knows (just as in their favorite Agatha Christie book or crime T.V. show) that the main characters will live to solve another mystery and crack another joke. It’s a formula that works, or this wouldn’t be the nineteenth in the series. Readers come back for the familiar characters, the well-researched history and the humorous writing. The humor, in this book, is based on the thesis that “human nature never changes”—the sneering society matron, the bored bureaucrat, the absent-minded professor, the perpetual student—are all familiar stereotypes and nothing in the story challenges our imagination about the past. The people are just like us with a bit of history and mystery thrown in. Here’s Falco’s assessment of his brother-in-law’s ambitions:
"Like all students, immediately his family thought he was finally settling down in a prestigious, extremely expensive university, he heard through some grapevine that there was better teaching at another one. Or better parties and the chance of a better love life, anyway…His father would pay for it. The senator, a diligent tolerant man, would just be thankful that Aulus had not—so far—expressed a wish to be a gladiator, a master forger or a writer of ten-scroll epic poetry."
Because the setting of the murder is the famous Library on the grounds of the Museum, the most celebrated learning center in ancient times, we even have the benefit of a CSI-like autopsy and specialists in poison and mechanics. Scholars at the Museum and Library are secretive with their research, jealous of each others’ favor and united only in their contempt for the Museum’s administration. One of my favorite scenes is a back-biting academic board meeting which could have taken place in my former place of employment.
And if the reader gets a dose of history, while enjoying the mystery? Great! Davis provides a wonderfully researched book with lots of details on food, clothing, geography, architecture, and the state of science. Because I’ve researched Alexandria for my books and blog posts, I had an eagle eye out for errors. I found nothing of any significance. So, if you’re interested in a fun read where you might inadvertently learn something, this book is for you. Don’t worry about it being part of a series; it stands on its own, just fine.
Please note: I purchased this book and the opinions are mine. This is an excerpt of a longer review posted on my blog.
December 21, 2017
On another family vacation, Falco visits the famous library.
Expect a humorous review of academic life amidst the usual murders and family complications.
Be aware that while it's not necessary to read the books in order, it certainly helps; Falco's family life has evolved throughout the series, and play a big part in describing daily lives and plot points.
--
Assaph Mehr, author of Murder In Absentia: A story of Togas, Daggers, and Magic - for lovers of Ancient Rome, Murder Mysteries, and Urban Fantasy.
Expect a humorous review of academic life amidst the usual murders and family complications.
Be aware that while it's not necessary to read the books in order, it certainly helps; Falco's family life has evolved throughout the series, and play a big part in describing daily lives and plot points.
--
Assaph Mehr, author of Murder In Absentia: A story of Togas, Daggers, and Magic - for lovers of Ancient Rome, Murder Mysteries, and Urban Fantasy.
February 26, 2019
Marcus Didius Falco is on a family holiday again; this time in Alexandria. I say holiday, but as usual, things don't go entirely to plan. It's not long before he gets involved in the murky world surrounding the famous library, and it's somewhat isolated and eccentric staff.
I will say straightaway, that the Falco books which are set away from Rome can be a little formulaic. It can seem that the author changes the location to show off her latest research about a place or event, and this has led on occasion to the story being something of an afterthought. The same criticism can be made of this book. The story is multi-layered and quite complex, as usual. There is also a lot of detail about the city, and especially the workings of the great library.
But all that detail gets in the way of Falco and his family, which, lets face it, is why we read the books in this series. In this volume, Falco is not quite his usual self. He seems to have lost much of his humour and light touch, and Helena plays a much smaller part than usual, which is a shame.
The cast of characters is as varied as usual, but a little less rounded. There are crimes, misdemeanours and murders aplenty. The tension between Roman authorities and the old order over which they are laid is dealt with well. Indeed the very reason why Falco is investigating events is that the local officials are more than happy to have an outsider causing potential ructions, while they themselves can get on doing as little as possible.
When Falco's father suddenly appears on the scene, events gradually move a little too close to home. Add to that the appearance of Thallia, an exotic snake dancer and purveyor of circus animals, who is an old acquaintance of Falco and Helena, things start to get a bit out of hand. And far more confusing.
It's an enjoyable read as usual, but - and I hesitate to say this - there is perhaps too much going on; too many unlikely occurrences. I know that the next volume will be the last in the Falco series, and I wonder if this book has become too much of a setup for the denouement to come.
I will say straightaway, that the Falco books which are set away from Rome can be a little formulaic. It can seem that the author changes the location to show off her latest research about a place or event, and this has led on occasion to the story being something of an afterthought. The same criticism can be made of this book. The story is multi-layered and quite complex, as usual. There is also a lot of detail about the city, and especially the workings of the great library.
But all that detail gets in the way of Falco and his family, which, lets face it, is why we read the books in this series. In this volume, Falco is not quite his usual self. He seems to have lost much of his humour and light touch, and Helena plays a much smaller part than usual, which is a shame.
The cast of characters is as varied as usual, but a little less rounded. There are crimes, misdemeanours and murders aplenty. The tension between Roman authorities and the old order over which they are laid is dealt with well. Indeed the very reason why Falco is investigating events is that the local officials are more than happy to have an outsider causing potential ructions, while they themselves can get on doing as little as possible.
When Falco's father suddenly appears on the scene, events gradually move a little too close to home. Add to that the appearance of Thallia, an exotic snake dancer and purveyor of circus animals, who is an old acquaintance of Falco and Helena, things start to get a bit out of hand. And far more confusing.
It's an enjoyable read as usual, but - and I hesitate to say this - there is perhaps too much going on; too many unlikely occurrences. I know that the next volume will be the last in the Falco series, and I wonder if this book has become too much of a setup for the denouement to come.
June 1, 2009
It is always a pleasure to go traipsing about the ancient Roman Empire with Marcus Didius Falco and his partner in life and detection, Helena Justina. This time, we're all in Alexandria because Helena Justina wants to see the Great Pyramid of Giza before she gives birth to their third child.
Of course, where Falco goes, mysterious deaths seem to follow and so it is in Alexandria, even in the halls of the Great Library. In fact, the first one to die is the librarian - but not the last. There seems a virtual epidemic of suspicious deaths in old Alexandria and Falco, as the emperor's agent, is expected to sort it all out - hopefully without creating or exposing a scandal.
In the midst of all this, Falco's detested Papa shows up to consult with Uncle Fulvius with whom Falco and his entourage are ensconced for their visit. Geminus' arrival confirms for Falco that something dodgy is afoot and it seems to involve the scrolls of the Great Library.
As the body count rises in truly horrible fashion, Falco sets about with his brother-in-law Aulus to solve the mysteries and stop the carnage and maybe to stop whatever illegal enterprise his father and uncle may be involved in. For the long-time reader of this series, there can be no doubt that in the end they will be successful.
Lindsey Davis is a highly talented writer whose books are impeccably researched and who manages to impart a lot of information about the Roman Empire in the course of entertaining us. Once you start reading one of her Falco books, it is very hard to put it down and yet you want to prolong the pleasure for as long as possible. It's always with a bittersweet regret that I turn that last page.
Of course, where Falco goes, mysterious deaths seem to follow and so it is in Alexandria, even in the halls of the Great Library. In fact, the first one to die is the librarian - but not the last. There seems a virtual epidemic of suspicious deaths in old Alexandria and Falco, as the emperor's agent, is expected to sort it all out - hopefully without creating or exposing a scandal.
In the midst of all this, Falco's detested Papa shows up to consult with Uncle Fulvius with whom Falco and his entourage are ensconced for their visit. Geminus' arrival confirms for Falco that something dodgy is afoot and it seems to involve the scrolls of the Great Library.
As the body count rises in truly horrible fashion, Falco sets about with his brother-in-law Aulus to solve the mysteries and stop the carnage and maybe to stop whatever illegal enterprise his father and uncle may be involved in. For the long-time reader of this series, there can be no doubt that in the end they will be successful.
Lindsey Davis is a highly talented writer whose books are impeccably researched and who manages to impart a lot of information about the Roman Empire in the course of entertaining us. Once you start reading one of her Falco books, it is very hard to put it down and yet you want to prolong the pleasure for as long as possible. It's always with a bittersweet regret that I turn that last page.
April 18, 2018
I am a big fan of Falco and Lindsey Davis' mystery novel set in Roman times. However, I do not think this was one of my favourite books of the series. It had such a promising premise - library, Alexandria, Egypt .. but the story seemed kind of flat at some point. Nevertheless, the characters make up for the story and I love the wit gently offered by Falco's wife Helena Justina. I also like her brother Aulus and Marcus' and Helena's adopted daughter - Albia, although I wish her character had a bigger part in the plot of the story. I particularly enjoyed the book with her being the main sleuth and taking over her father. As usual, I loved the way the author describes the setting and gives subtle information on the events surrounding the place. In this case, I truly enjoyed reading about how the Library of Alexandria functioned. All in all, it was quite an entertaining read and it was what I needed to save me from my reading slump.
April 7, 2020
Solange es noch möglich ist (Helena ist schwanger mit Kind Nr. 3), will Falco mit seiner Familie einen netten Urlaub in Ägypten verbringen, die Pyramiden und die Sphinx sehen und sich in Alexandria umschauen. Praktischerweise lebt dort sein Onkel, somit ist auch die Frage der Unterkunft geklärt.
Doch wie eigentlich immer, wenn Falco Pläne schmiedet, vor allem solche, die mit Erholung einhergehen, läuft das nicht ganz so, wie er es sich vorgestellt hat. Nach einem Abendessen im Haus des Onkels wird am nächsten Morgen Theon, einer der Gäste, tot in seinem Arbeitszimmer in der Bibliothek aufgefunden. Der leitende Bibliothekar ist in einem von außen verriegelten Raum gestorben - das weckt Zweifel an der offiziellen Version, dass Theon sich selbst getötet hat. Also streckt Falco mit freundlicher Unterstützung durch Helena und ihren Bruder Aulus die Fühler aus.
Hinter den Kulissen des Museion, des großen Zentrums der Wissenschaften, zu dem die Bibliothek gehört, brodelt es, die Herren in leitenden Funktionen sind sich teilweise spinnefeind, und so ziemlich jeder spekuliert auf den prestigeträchtigen Posten, der durch Theons Tod vakant geworden ist. Das ist aber nicht das einzige, was im Umfeld des Museions faul zu sein scheint ...
Was soll ich sagen, ich liebe Falco und seine Weggefährten ganz einfach, selbst in den Büchern mit den schwächeren Kriminalfällen genieße ich das Chaos, das ihm überallhin zu folgen scheint, seinen selbstironischen Erzähltonfall und ganz besonders die Momente, in denen Falco zugibt, dass er eigentlich ein ganz schöner Softie ist.
Dieser Band hat allerdings alles, was ein gelungener Krimi braucht: eine fesselnde Handlung, die immer wieder mit neuen Aspekten überrascht, jede Menge undurchsichtige Figuren, gefährliche Begegnungen und einen hochspannenden Showdown. Der faszinierende Schauplatz tut sein Übriges, die untergegangene Stadt Alexandria mit ihrer legendären Bibliothek und ihrem gewaltigen Leuchtturm (der eine kleine, aber wichtige Rolle im Buch spielt). Man bekommt richtiggehend Lust auf eine kleine Zeitreise.
Der (leider) vorletzte Teil der Serie darf sich also mit Fug und Recht unter meinen Lieblings-Falcos einreihen.
Doch wie eigentlich immer, wenn Falco Pläne schmiedet, vor allem solche, die mit Erholung einhergehen, läuft das nicht ganz so, wie er es sich vorgestellt hat. Nach einem Abendessen im Haus des Onkels wird am nächsten Morgen Theon, einer der Gäste, tot in seinem Arbeitszimmer in der Bibliothek aufgefunden. Der leitende Bibliothekar ist in einem von außen verriegelten Raum gestorben - das weckt Zweifel an der offiziellen Version, dass Theon sich selbst getötet hat. Also streckt Falco mit freundlicher Unterstützung durch Helena und ihren Bruder Aulus die Fühler aus.
Hinter den Kulissen des Museion, des großen Zentrums der Wissenschaften, zu dem die Bibliothek gehört, brodelt es, die Herren in leitenden Funktionen sind sich teilweise spinnefeind, und so ziemlich jeder spekuliert auf den prestigeträchtigen Posten, der durch Theons Tod vakant geworden ist. Das ist aber nicht das einzige, was im Umfeld des Museions faul zu sein scheint ...
Was soll ich sagen, ich liebe Falco und seine Weggefährten ganz einfach, selbst in den Büchern mit den schwächeren Kriminalfällen genieße ich das Chaos, das ihm überallhin zu folgen scheint, seinen selbstironischen Erzähltonfall und ganz besonders die Momente, in denen Falco zugibt, dass er eigentlich ein ganz schöner Softie ist.
Dieser Band hat allerdings alles, was ein gelungener Krimi braucht: eine fesselnde Handlung, die immer wieder mit neuen Aspekten überrascht, jede Menge undurchsichtige Figuren, gefährliche Begegnungen und einen hochspannenden Showdown. Der faszinierende Schauplatz tut sein Übriges, die untergegangene Stadt Alexandria mit ihrer legendären Bibliothek und ihrem gewaltigen Leuchtturm (der eine kleine, aber wichtige Rolle im Buch spielt). Man bekommt richtiggehend Lust auf eine kleine Zeitreise.
Der (leider) vorletzte Teil der Serie darf sich also mit Fug und Recht unter meinen Lieblings-Falcos einreihen.
May 17, 2024
The premise of this book could have worked if someone else had written it.
1) the narrative voice of the main character was unbearable and he was not a real, believable character;
2) too many writing and editing issues - a lot of "that that" and "had had", missing punctuation, etc.;
3) as flowery as the writing was in some parts and as intriguing as the plot was meant to be, most of the book was still somehow boring;
4) many unnecessary plot devices that made this book flow too much 'by the book' - many new and shocking events to spruce up the story when there was no need for it, constant introduction of murky characters, once again to needlessly keep the reader on their toes, and very convenient characters and events sprinkled throughout the story so that it all comes together in the end;
5) the language and concepts mentioned throughout the book were totally out of the time period it took place in, so it failed to portray the time and place of the story.
1) the narrative voice of the main character was unbearable and he was not a real, believable character;
2) too many writing and editing issues - a lot of "that that" and "had had", missing punctuation, etc.;
3) as flowery as the writing was in some parts and as intriguing as the plot was meant to be, most of the book was still somehow boring;
4) many unnecessary plot devices that made this book flow too much 'by the book' - many new and shocking events to spruce up the story when there was no need for it, constant introduction of murky characters, once again to needlessly keep the reader on their toes, and very convenient characters and events sprinkled throughout the story so that it all comes together in the end;
5) the language and concepts mentioned throughout the book were totally out of the time period it took place in, so it failed to portray the time and place of the story.
October 2, 2022
As always, following the adventures of Falco (and his family!) were a real joy. Lindsay Davis brings ancient Alexandria to life vividly, and I felt like I could picture all of the places she was writing about. She captures the sights and sounds well, all wrapped up in the drama of the mystery. I love these books!
March 24, 2019
I like historical fiction, and the Roman empire, but when this turned into a locked-room mystery I gave up. The significance between Roman vs Egyptian locks looked like it would take up too much page space.
March 16, 2022
Love me Lindsay Davis, and I consumed this one the same way as I did my first foray into the Falco series over ten years ago…at home sick in bed and it being read out loud as an audio book.
Loved Alexandria as a setting. It felt sufficiently different from Rome that it was a lot of fun. I also really appreciated the different economies and professions that were included in this one. As a good library boy, how could I also go past anything set in the most famous library of all.
And of course love all the characters. Only one book to go now, I might actually finish this series soon!?
Four and a half carts full of erotic scrolls out of five
Loved Alexandria as a setting. It felt sufficiently different from Rome that it was a lot of fun. I also really appreciated the different economies and professions that were included in this one. As a good library boy, how could I also go past anything set in the most famous library of all.
And of course love all the characters. Only one book to go now, I might actually finish this series soon!?
Four and a half carts full of erotic scrolls out of five
September 6, 2009
Something different. It has been awhile since I read a mystery, but I have always enjoyed them, working my way through Agatha Christie and Arthur Conan Doyle when I was still a child. I was lured to read the work of Lindsey Davis by a review at Barnes and Noble. Her work is set in ancient Rome, and well researched. I am always game for exotic locales and history. The gumshoe of her novels is Marcus Didius Falco, a Roman citizen and informer for the emperor. Set in A.D. 77 there are a few discrepancies, including the use of the curse «bloody» which I thought unlikely from a non-Christian of the age, as it is a abomination of By Our Lady; but since the detective spent time in Britain, maybe it had evolved.. At any rate the story was interesting, involving the famous library of Alexandria, already at this date on the wane. I thoroughly enjoyed the inclusion of a female hero, Helena (Falco’s wife), who aids him in his investigation. There are witty passages of familial complications, an ageless device, to break the plot. This is a book worth reading for setting alone, if you like that sort of thing.
June 13, 2009
Alexandria
by Lindsey Davis (Century)
Set in Roman times the story tells how Marcus Didius Falco, the Emperor’s fixer, and his wife Helena Justina, who is expecting their next child, visit Falco’s Uncle in Alexandria. Helena is anxious to see two of the Seven Wonders of the World. However, almost as soon as they arrive, there is a suspicious death in the Great Library and Falco is asked investigate. During the investigation another body is found.
I found this to be a very exciting ‘who dunnit’. Lindsey Davis enthralls the reader with her vivid descriptions of the Ancient city of Alexandria, as Falco seeks out the truth behind the sudden deaths in the Great Library. Falco is a believable character, not afraid to ask for help when he needs it. Aware of his wife’s subtle charm, he often calls upon her to accompany him when faced with hostility from the academics. This is a good read, with plenty of characters to keep the reader guessing right up until Falco brings the mystery to a dramatic conclusion.
by Lindsey Davis (Century)
Set in Roman times the story tells how Marcus Didius Falco, the Emperor’s fixer, and his wife Helena Justina, who is expecting their next child, visit Falco’s Uncle in Alexandria. Helena is anxious to see two of the Seven Wonders of the World. However, almost as soon as they arrive, there is a suspicious death in the Great Library and Falco is asked investigate. During the investigation another body is found.
I found this to be a very exciting ‘who dunnit’. Lindsey Davis enthralls the reader with her vivid descriptions of the Ancient city of Alexandria, as Falco seeks out the truth behind the sudden deaths in the Great Library. Falco is a believable character, not afraid to ask for help when he needs it. Aware of his wife’s subtle charm, he often calls upon her to accompany him when faced with hostility from the academics. This is a good read, with plenty of characters to keep the reader guessing right up until Falco brings the mystery to a dramatic conclusion.
June 16, 2009
Probably just me, but I found book 19 a trifle bit tired compared to earlier books in the series. Or maybe I'm ready, like Falco, to get back to Rome and the familiar faces there.
Still a great read, especially for those of us who work in libraries and can get vicarious laughs at the all too familiar trials and tribulations of librarians working at the Library of Alexandria. And yes, like one of the previous reviewers, I was definitely getting Hitchcockian vibes when Falco pursues one suspect to the top of the Lighthouse of Alexandria. Davis has a wonderful ability to convey the sense that she's done her research on Ancient Rome and its environs, while creating characters, institutions, and situations that are all too familiar to those of us living in the 21st century.
Still a great read, especially for those of us who work in libraries and can get vicarious laughs at the all too familiar trials and tribulations of librarians working at the Library of Alexandria. And yes, like one of the previous reviewers, I was definitely getting Hitchcockian vibes when Falco pursues one suspect to the top of the Lighthouse of Alexandria. Davis has a wonderful ability to convey the sense that she's done her research on Ancient Rome and its environs, while creating characters, institutions, and situations that are all too familiar to those of us living in the 21st century.
January 22, 2016
This is one Davis's better books in this series (Marcos Didius Falco). There is lots of action and humor and Marcos' wife contributes her brains and style to the investigations. This one is set in Alexandria, Egypt about 77CE with the action centering on the Museon, an institution of learning including the great library. Davis fills us in on the scene without being too obvious. The conflicts and jealousies of an institution of higher learning sound familiar to the 21st century minus the murders (hopefully).
September 17, 2009
Another great romp through ancient history with some of my favorite characters. Helena Justinia continues her travels to the Seven Wonders of the World while Falco stumbles into another murder investigation in the famous library. I anxiously await the birth of their new baby and have my fingers crossed for a son. The portrayal of their happy marriage and partnership always makes me smile.
April 24, 2018
I didn’t particularly enjoy this, but I think it was good? There were more characters than I was able to keep track of well, and I didn’t find them particularly compelling. It was an interesting plot in an interesting setting, but that wasn’t really enough for me. The narrative voice was a little too much.
May 4, 2018
Another well paced Falco mystery.
Falco and family are in Alexandria on holiday (Helena wants to see the pyramids and the sphinx). Nobody believes him, everybody assumes he is investigating corruption for Vespasian. So when a body turns up in the library, the Prefect assumes he can just use Falco to investigate.
I enjoyed it, but I don't think I'd re-read it, so only 3 stars.
Falco and family are in Alexandria on holiday (Helena wants to see the pyramids and the sphinx). Nobody believes him, everybody assumes he is investigating corruption for Vespasian. So when a body turns up in the library, the Prefect assumes he can just use Falco to investigate.
I enjoyed it, but I don't think I'd re-read it, so only 3 stars.
September 15, 2019
As is common in the latter books of Davis' Falco series, the initial mystery turns out not to be just the lead in to the real mystery. But the characters are complex, the action is fast paced, and all the loose ends are tied up. Helena Justina plays a significant and satisfying role, and the wrap-up of the main mystery involves several thrilling chases.
August 19, 2021
Fascinating information about Alexandria and the library there. Entertaining parallels with the management of libraries and universities now. Amusing characters and a plot that kept me reading although after a while I didn't really know who had done what. A riff on the idea of the locked room puzzle.
I think th acceptance of unpleasant male sexuality is not all in the Roman context.
I think th acceptance of unpleasant male sexuality is not all in the Roman context.
January 25, 2023
Another great story
October 15, 2021
I loved the weaving of historical fact into the setting and characters. However, I found the murder mystery itself to be quite boring.
August 29, 2020
This is the second of the Falco novels that I've read, the other being the first in the series, The Silver Pigs. Several years have obviously lapsed between the two books as Marcus and Helena have acquired two children and adopted a third, but it was perfectly possible to read Alexandria as a stand alone story, although it helped that I was familiar with some of the characters. I enjoyed it greatly - Lindsey Davis has a light, witty style which makes for easy reading, yet the plots are clever and there were some twists I didn't see coming. I also feel that they are well researched. Alexandria in AD77 really came alive with the sights, smells and sounds all vividly described and I liked the way Marcus compares it with life at home in Rome. Falco is supposedly on holiday with his family to take in the sights (the lighthouse at Alexandria and the pyramids at Giza - the destination of choice for the Roman tourist with not one but two wonders of the world!) but when the librarian of the Museion is found dead, Falco is put in charge of the investigation. I was reminded of The Name of the Rose, with a collection of ambitious men all vying for the vacant librarian's post, any of whom could have conviently poisoned him. I thought the author used the setting of Alexandria to great effect with an exciting chase finishing up at the famous lighthouse. Marcus and Helena have a lovely relationship and Helena is very much his intellectual equal, playing her part interrogating the suspects. And parts of the book are very funny. Marcus and Helena are staying with Uncle Fulvius and his partner Cassius, and when Marcus' disreputable father arrives, this trio of older men get involved in various dodgy schemes. They are the ones with the hangovers after a rather too liquid lunch and it's the younger family members that have to put them to bed. I liked this description of Cassius trying to organise the dinner for the librarian: "He had a cohort of puzzled staff working for him, or in some cases against him". I felt I learnt a lot too, about the period of history and Alexandria. What a centre of culture it was! There was an excellent scene when the director of the zoo performs a post mortem which reminded me of Dorothy Dunnett (although in this case it's an animal dissection). All in all an excellent read and I would happily read more of this series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 28, 2020
Have you got the scrolls? No, I always walk like this.
Stopping off at Alexandria to gawp at its legendary Lighthouse on their way to visiting the Great Pyramid of Giza our sightseeing Roman gum-sandaled protagonist Marcus Didius Falco, his pregnant wife and partner in crime-solving Helena Justina and their family are forced to delay their travel plans due to the suspicious death of the Chief Librarian at the Great Library. Drafted in by Egypt’s Prefect to solve the case (his reputation as Emperor Vespasian’s go-to Imperial Agent precedes him) Falco finds himself having to negotiate the unscrupulous machinations and internal politics of bureaucratic academia, where as a foreign outsider he is regarded with evasive wariness, that is until a second body is discovered. The portrayal of that most esteemed of learning institution’s scholars is highly entertaining with all their jealousies and back-biting coming to the fore as they compete to fill the position vacated by their deceased colleague. There are some marvellous scenes such as the illegal autopsy and the dance-of-death with a rather large crocodile, while the unexpected arrival of Falco’s rapscallion father accompanied by an impressive Amazonian snake dancer further complicates matters. Lindsey Davis’s historical research is again impressively accessible while her skills in conveying humour are axiomatic in this penultimate novel of a highly enjoyable series.
Stopping off at Alexandria to gawp at its legendary Lighthouse on their way to visiting the Great Pyramid of Giza our sightseeing Roman gum-sandaled protagonist Marcus Didius Falco, his pregnant wife and partner in crime-solving Helena Justina and their family are forced to delay their travel plans due to the suspicious death of the Chief Librarian at the Great Library. Drafted in by Egypt’s Prefect to solve the case (his reputation as Emperor Vespasian’s go-to Imperial Agent precedes him) Falco finds himself having to negotiate the unscrupulous machinations and internal politics of bureaucratic academia, where as a foreign outsider he is regarded with evasive wariness, that is until a second body is discovered. The portrayal of that most esteemed of learning institution’s scholars is highly entertaining with all their jealousies and back-biting coming to the fore as they compete to fill the position vacated by their deceased colleague. There are some marvellous scenes such as the illegal autopsy and the dance-of-death with a rather large crocodile, while the unexpected arrival of Falco’s rapscallion father accompanied by an impressive Amazonian snake dancer further complicates matters. Lindsey Davis’s historical research is again impressively accessible while her skills in conveying humour are axiomatic in this penultimate novel of a highly enjoyable series.
January 10, 2023
Falco travels to Egypt.
Falco has taken his family off to Egypt, Helena has an ambition to see all seven wonders of the world and they have a standing invitation from Falco's uncle Fulviou be issued a standing invitation to stay with him if they are ever in Alexandria. Before Falco even series his presence is noted and high officials are nervous as to why he has come to Alexandria, everyone is convinced he has a commission from Vespasian and all are appropriately fearful, the more Falconsays he's there for a family holiday the less he is believed. On his first day in town his uncle has invited Theon the chief librarian to dine with the family, the man is not good company he is morose and is very nervous of Falco but the night passes without incident. Next day there is news from the best library, Theon is dead and in very mysterious circumstances, he was found dead in his office with the door locked from the outside. The prefect of Alexandria knows how to cover himself so he sends for Falco and entrusts him with the onerous duty of finding out what happened to Theon, and worst of all there's no pay as the perfect thinks he's there on official business anyway. But we all know Falco by now he can't resist a mystery so he takes himself off and with the help.of Aulus (who is there studying law) will do his best to get to the bottom of things............... But then the bodies start piling up and everything gets a bit out of hand.........
Falco has taken his family off to Egypt, Helena has an ambition to see all seven wonders of the world and they have a standing invitation from Falco's uncle Fulviou be issued a standing invitation to stay with him if they are ever in Alexandria. Before Falco even series his presence is noted and high officials are nervous as to why he has come to Alexandria, everyone is convinced he has a commission from Vespasian and all are appropriately fearful, the more Falconsays he's there for a family holiday the less he is believed. On his first day in town his uncle has invited Theon the chief librarian to dine with the family, the man is not good company he is morose and is very nervous of Falco but the night passes without incident. Next day there is news from the best library, Theon is dead and in very mysterious circumstances, he was found dead in his office with the door locked from the outside. The prefect of Alexandria knows how to cover himself so he sends for Falco and entrusts him with the onerous duty of finding out what happened to Theon, and worst of all there's no pay as the perfect thinks he's there on official business anyway. But we all know Falco by now he can't resist a mystery so he takes himself off and with the help.of Aulus (who is there studying law) will do his best to get to the bottom of things............... But then the bodies start piling up and everything gets a bit out of hand.........
September 29, 2024
Marcus and Helena are in Alexandria (as you can guess from the title) along with their three girls, Helena is expecting again so this will be their last chance to travel for.a.long time as she is still keen to see.all.of the Seven Wonders. Luckily Marcus has an uncle.living in Alexandria he's the one the family don't talk about.Fulvious, who we met briefly in a previous book, Falco is immediately invited to the Prefects office. He's offered whatever help and support needed for him to carry out whatever task Vespasian has sent him to accomplish, he is surprised to learn they knew.of his.coming and even worse all Alexandria.is aware of his being in town. Difficult for an informed to work in secret when everyone knows he's around. The first night in town his uncle invites a dinner guest the Chief Librarian from Alexandria's famous library. Falco.is less than impressed with the mg and even worse is to.come when the man is found dead in very suspicious circumstances next day as Vespasian's investigator the Prefect decides Falco is the perfect man to look into the death............not exactly what Falco had in mind for his trip but he feels caught and the case has aroused his interest.............
December 7, 2023
This was suggested to me during a professional development chat when we got to talking about fictional depictions of libraries, and I was curious. I have never read anything in this series before, but saw that there was an audiobook version that would be easy for me to handle during my commute. The novel at first was slow going because I disliked the main character almost as much as I dislike the main character of Catcher in the Rye. There were also abrupt descriptive breaks in which I was given extremely detailed ancient place-making and historical infodumps that would have worked way better had the novel been written third-person. (It was neat info, but it could have been handled more deftly. To contrast, the MC's complaints about Vespasian felt very real in comparison, and I still got the relevant info.) Eventually, I started to realize that I was investing too much emotional energy into being frustrated by the main character's personality and that maybe giving him a bit of a break would be great practice for when irritating people come up in my life. So I calmed down and enjoyed the rest of the novel a lot. It's an interesting story with a lot of moving pieces.
June 10, 2023
DNF - page 82. I didn't finish this book, mainly because it wasn't what I expected it to be, which is my fault as a review on the back cover describes it as a "hilarious portrayal of academia." This novel is a lighthearted mystery with modern characters set in ancient Alexandria, whereas I was seeking a more serious mystery with characters whose traits reflected ancient Rome/Egypt. The book does a good job with the setting and provides interesting historical notes but the characters are essentially a modern family on vacation. If this combination sounds good to you, then you'll probably find this book both interesting and entertaining.
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