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Marcus Didius Falco #4
The Iron Hand of Mars
"A seamless blending of humor, history, and adventure." Publishers Weekly
A detective novel of ancient Rome.
When wild Germanic troops rebel and a Roman general disappears, Emperor Vespasian turns to the one man he can Marcus Didius Falco, Imperial Rome's answer to Columbo. Slipping undercover into Germania, Falco meets with disarray, torture, and murder in his quest to find a Druid priestess who alone can persuade the barbarians to embrace peace.
A detective novel of ancient Rome.
When wild Germanic troops rebel and a Roman general disappears, Emperor Vespasian turns to the one man he can Marcus Didius Falco, Imperial Rome's answer to Columbo. Slipping undercover into Germania, Falco meets with disarray, torture, and murder in his quest to find a Druid priestess who alone can persuade the barbarians to embrace peace.
294 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1992
138 people are currently reading
1278 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 226 reviews
November 9, 2020
Creo que este ha sido el libro que más he disfrutado hasta la fecha de Marco Didio Falco. Nos traslada a Germania para entregar un extraño obsequio de parte del emperador a una de las legiones más reconocidas. Una vez allí se dará cuenta que uno de los mandos de la Legión ha desaparecido y deberá entablar una búsqueda que lo llevará a lo más profundo de las tierras de los "salvajes". Muy entretenido y bastante divertido.
October 8, 2021
**Should Read as 4.5 Stars!**
Read this book in 2012, and its the 4th part of the amazing Marcus Didius Falco series.
In this mystery a Roman General disappears in Germania, Emperor Vespasian turns to the one man he can trust and can afford to pay, the lowly informer Marcus Didius Falco.
During this undercover investigation Falco will meet many obstacles in the way of disarray, torture and murder.
The only helpful person who could be helpful to Falco is a Germanic powerful Druid priestess, if only she can be persuaded to be willing to cease her hostilities towards Rome, and help him in this case of murder.
Eventually he will be able, after some twists and turns, and after an eventful plot to reveal the culprit(s) of these murderous activities, and when he comes home after having solved this case he will find another troublesome high and mighty person who goes by the name of, Titus Caesar, who's after his girlfriend, Helena Justina, but that are problems that will solve Falco in his own unique way.
Very much recommended, although this one is not as great as the first three books, its still a superb addition to this marvellous series, and that's why I like to call this episode: "A Very Exciting Iron Hand"!
Read this book in 2012, and its the 4th part of the amazing Marcus Didius Falco series.
In this mystery a Roman General disappears in Germania, Emperor Vespasian turns to the one man he can trust and can afford to pay, the lowly informer Marcus Didius Falco.
During this undercover investigation Falco will meet many obstacles in the way of disarray, torture and murder.
The only helpful person who could be helpful to Falco is a Germanic powerful Druid priestess, if only she can be persuaded to be willing to cease her hostilities towards Rome, and help him in this case of murder.
Eventually he will be able, after some twists and turns, and after an eventful plot to reveal the culprit(s) of these murderous activities, and when he comes home after having solved this case he will find another troublesome high and mighty person who goes by the name of, Titus Caesar, who's after his girlfriend, Helena Justina, but that are problems that will solve Falco in his own unique way.
Very much recommended, although this one is not as great as the first three books, its still a superb addition to this marvellous series, and that's why I like to call this episode: "A Very Exciting Iron Hand"!
December 10, 2017
The Iron Hand of Mars is actually the first book I've read of the Falco series. I randomly picked up a battered copy at a used books stall in some weekend market, as the premise of a Roman-era detective was too good to pass on.
Nor was I disappointed. It took me a while to get the rest of the books, but I went back and read the series in order.
This novel tells of Falco on a secret mission to Germania. Exepct the usual noir-style mystery, tempered with the hazards of travel to a barbarian land. Add some spice with his love interest (whose brother was conveniently stationed there), some unplanned beast hunts, and the unavoidable references to the Empires most notorious betrayal in the Teutoburg forest - and you have a recipe for captivating Romanophiles and hard-boiled detective lovers.
Be aware that while it's not necessary to read the books in order, it certainly helps.
--
Assaph Mehr, author of Murder In Absentia: A story of Togas, Daggers, and Magic - for lovers of Ancient Rome, Murder Mysteries, and Urban Fantasy.
Nor was I disappointed. It took me a while to get the rest of the books, but I went back and read the series in order.
This novel tells of Falco on a secret mission to Germania. Exepct the usual noir-style mystery, tempered with the hazards of travel to a barbarian land. Add some spice with his love interest (whose brother was conveniently stationed there), some unplanned beast hunts, and the unavoidable references to the Empires most notorious betrayal in the Teutoburg forest - and you have a recipe for captivating Romanophiles and hard-boiled detective lovers.
Be aware that while it's not necessary to read the books in order, it certainly helps.
--
Assaph Mehr, author of Murder In Absentia: A story of Togas, Daggers, and Magic - for lovers of Ancient Rome, Murder Mysteries, and Urban Fantasy.
December 10, 2022
A brilliant series.
Falco is just an ordinary man trying to earn a living in a very difficult time. Vespasian has just taken on the role of Emperor after the years of the four Emperors so Rome is finally enjoying a period of stability. Falco comes to.Vespasian 's attention as a man who can get difficult jobs done discreetly and for a low price. Meaning Vespasian often forgets to pay him. The love of his life is a Senator's daughter Helena but their romance (so far) seems doomed as their places in Roman society are so far apart. Falco lives in a one room hovel six floors up on one of the most dangerous streets in Rome, Helena lives in her father's mansion. Falco's hope is that one day he may provide a service for the Emperor which will see him rewarded in such a way that he can be worthy of Helena. Each book stands alone as an individual mystery the on going story is the relationships between the characters. The books are historically accurate and written with a strong vein of humour throughout. Extremely enjoyable.
,
Falco is just an ordinary man trying to earn a living in a very difficult time. Vespasian has just taken on the role of Emperor after the years of the four Emperors so Rome is finally enjoying a period of stability. Falco comes to.Vespasian 's attention as a man who can get difficult jobs done discreetly and for a low price. Meaning Vespasian often forgets to pay him. The love of his life is a Senator's daughter Helena but their romance (so far) seems doomed as their places in Roman society are so far apart. Falco lives in a one room hovel six floors up on one of the most dangerous streets in Rome, Helena lives in her father's mansion. Falco's hope is that one day he may provide a service for the Emperor which will see him rewarded in such a way that he can be worthy of Helena. Each book stands alone as an individual mystery the on going story is the relationships between the characters. The books are historically accurate and written with a strong vein of humour throughout. Extremely enjoyable.
,
October 11, 2016
I like it as much as ever - this reading was at least the third time through. I always enjoy the Varus and the Lost Legions subplot as well as the Heart of Darkness/Apocalypse Now journey that Falco and his Roman recruits take into Free Germany. Set in the second year of Vespasian's reign.
January 14, 2022
3.5 stars. The plot was good but lacked the level of action and suspense found in the other books so far.
February 26, 2024
This is the fourth in the series featuring Marcus Didius Falco, a private detective in the days of the Roman Empire during the reign of Vespasian. Although Falco is but a freedman which is one step above a slave, he and a senator's daughter are in a romantic relationship. In this novel, Emperor Vespasian sends Falco on an extremely dangerous mission that takes him outside the boundaries of the Roman Empire, i.e., Germany east of the Rhenus River (Latin for Rhine River). Davis's description of the people, places and events is unmatched. As you read, you feel you are in the midst of the activities narrated. This is my second reading of this novel and it is even better than the first. I strongly recommend this book.
May 26, 2009
Not my favorite of the series, but still a decent read. Falco's journey through Gaul and Germania and his mission to find a missing legate seemed a bit dull to me. I continue to enjoy the characters, particularly Helena's brother, who was introduced in this book. Falco is still dead broke and he and Helena Justina are still squabbling like teenagers; after four books I'm ready for them to advance to the next stage.
August 25, 2017
The best in this series, so far. The key thing in this series is that, alongside the witty, humane and exciting historical whodunnit framework, plus a convincing range of civil, political, and family characters, Lindsey Davis writes well, and educates entertainingly about the nature and events of the Roman Empire in the AD 70s. In this case our hero, Didius Falco, in sent by Vespasian on a mission along the Rhine up to the Rhine delta in Germany, outside the comfortable control of the legions, and where one of Rome's greatest defeats, of Varius's four legions, had occurred.
GR's blurb:
Imperial Rome's answer to Columbo stars in his fourth adventure in this series of detective thrillers set in ancient Rome. Falco is sent on an undercover mission to Roman Germany to locate a high-ranking Roman officer, who was sent as a "present" to a sinister tribal prophetess.
GR's blurb:
Imperial Rome's answer to Columbo stars in his fourth adventure in this series of detective thrillers set in ancient Rome. Falco is sent on an undercover mission to Roman Germany to locate a high-ranking Roman officer, who was sent as a "present" to a sinister tribal prophetess.
January 5, 2015
Of all of the Falco novels, this one turned out to be one of my favorites, probably because it included more military adventures than other Falco books and swordplay.
This tale of intrigue is set in Germania where Falco, Vespasian's agent, is tasked with attempting to derail a rebellion led by the Batavian leader Civilis and win over a mysterious prophetess. Since most of my study of Rome has concentrated on the late Republican period, I was not familiar with this major insurgency that arose during the reign of Vespasian. So, I did a little research.
Gaius Julius Civilis was the leader of the Batavian rebellion against the Romans in 69 AD. Although his name indicates he was Romanized by Augustus or one of the other Julian emperors, Civilis was twice imprisoned on a charge of rebellion, and narrowly escaped execution. During the tumult that followed the death of the emperor, Nero, Civilis took up arms under the pretense of siding with the Flavian emperor, Vespasian, and induced the inhabitants of his native country to rebel.
The Batavians, who had rendered valuable aid under the early emperors, had been well treated by subsequent emperors. They were exempt from tribute, but were obliged to supply a large number of men for the army. This conscription and the oppression of provincial governors, however, ultimately led to revolt. The Batavians were immediately joined by several neighboring German tribes, the most important of whom were the Frisii.
The Roman garrisons near the Rhine were driven out, and twenty-four ships captured. Two legions under Mummius Lupercus were defeated at Castra Vetera (near modern Xanten) and surrounded. Eight cohorts of Batavian veterans joined their countrymen, and the troops sent by Vespasian to the relief of Vetera threw in their lot with them as well.
The result of these accessions to the forces of Civilis was another uprising in Gaul. There, the Roman commander, Hordeonius Flaccus, was murdered by his troops and the remaining Roman forces were induced by two commanders of the Gallic auxiliaries--Julius Classicus and Julius Tutor--to revolt from Rome and join Civilis in a new independent kingdom of Gaul.
The prophetess Veleda predicted the complete success of Civilis and the fall of the Roman Empire. Veleda was a virginal holy woman of the Germanic tribe of the Bructeri.
"The ancient Germanic peoples discerned a divinity of prophecy in women and regarded prophetesses as true and living goddesses. In the latter half of the 1st century CE Veleda was regarded as a deity by most of the tribes in central Germany and enjoyed wide influence. She lived in a tower near the Lippe River, a tributary of the Rhine. The inhabitants of the Roman settlement of Colonia Claudia Ara Agrippinensium (now Cologne) accepted her arbitration in a conflict with the Tencteri, an unfederated tribe of Germany." - Wikipedia
Like the pythia of ancient Greece, envoys were not admitted to her presence; an interpreter conveyed their messages to her and reported her pronouncements. So, it is not known whether Veleda just prophesied the victory or actively incited the rebellion.
But, ultimately, tribal disputes ended any chance for success and Vespasian was able to put down the rebellion with the arrival of Quintus Potillius Cerealis and a strong force. Civilis, himself, was defeated at Augusta Treverorum (modern Trier) and Vetera, and forced to withdraw to the island of Batavia. It is thought Civilis negotiated an agreement with Cerialis whereby his countrymen obtained certain advantages, and resumed amicable relations with Rome, although Civilis disappears from the historical record at this point, an ominous sign. However, Cerialis, like Julius Caesar, was known for his clementia, so the outcome may not have been dire after all.
As for Veleda, she was either captured by Rutillius Gallicus or "offered asylum" in 77 CE. She is thought to have negotiated the acceptance of a pro-Roman king by her tribe, the Bructeri, in 83 or 84 CE.
Note: The chief authority for the history of the insurrection is Tacitus, Histories, iv and v, and Josephus, Bellum Judaicum, vii. 4.
So, there is quite an opportunity for Falco to strut his stuff on a scale far greater than his usual sleuthing in back alleys. I think that is why I was drawn into this story more than some of his other adventures. Although I knew Falco had once served in the legions, he was far more physical in this tale than the others and his sardonic personality was kept relatively in check because of the heightened danger of his circumstances. I highly recommend it!
This tale of intrigue is set in Germania where Falco, Vespasian's agent, is tasked with attempting to derail a rebellion led by the Batavian leader Civilis and win over a mysterious prophetess. Since most of my study of Rome has concentrated on the late Republican period, I was not familiar with this major insurgency that arose during the reign of Vespasian. So, I did a little research.
Gaius Julius Civilis was the leader of the Batavian rebellion against the Romans in 69 AD. Although his name indicates he was Romanized by Augustus or one of the other Julian emperors, Civilis was twice imprisoned on a charge of rebellion, and narrowly escaped execution. During the tumult that followed the death of the emperor, Nero, Civilis took up arms under the pretense of siding with the Flavian emperor, Vespasian, and induced the inhabitants of his native country to rebel.
The Batavians, who had rendered valuable aid under the early emperors, had been well treated by subsequent emperors. They were exempt from tribute, but were obliged to supply a large number of men for the army. This conscription and the oppression of provincial governors, however, ultimately led to revolt. The Batavians were immediately joined by several neighboring German tribes, the most important of whom were the Frisii.
The Roman garrisons near the Rhine were driven out, and twenty-four ships captured. Two legions under Mummius Lupercus were defeated at Castra Vetera (near modern Xanten) and surrounded. Eight cohorts of Batavian veterans joined their countrymen, and the troops sent by Vespasian to the relief of Vetera threw in their lot with them as well.
The result of these accessions to the forces of Civilis was another uprising in Gaul. There, the Roman commander, Hordeonius Flaccus, was murdered by his troops and the remaining Roman forces were induced by two commanders of the Gallic auxiliaries--Julius Classicus and Julius Tutor--to revolt from Rome and join Civilis in a new independent kingdom of Gaul.
The prophetess Veleda predicted the complete success of Civilis and the fall of the Roman Empire. Veleda was a virginal holy woman of the Germanic tribe of the Bructeri.
"The ancient Germanic peoples discerned a divinity of prophecy in women and regarded prophetesses as true and living goddesses. In the latter half of the 1st century CE Veleda was regarded as a deity by most of the tribes in central Germany and enjoyed wide influence. She lived in a tower near the Lippe River, a tributary of the Rhine. The inhabitants of the Roman settlement of Colonia Claudia Ara Agrippinensium (now Cologne) accepted her arbitration in a conflict with the Tencteri, an unfederated tribe of Germany." - Wikipedia
Like the pythia of ancient Greece, envoys were not admitted to her presence; an interpreter conveyed their messages to her and reported her pronouncements. So, it is not known whether Veleda just prophesied the victory or actively incited the rebellion.
But, ultimately, tribal disputes ended any chance for success and Vespasian was able to put down the rebellion with the arrival of Quintus Potillius Cerealis and a strong force. Civilis, himself, was defeated at Augusta Treverorum (modern Trier) and Vetera, and forced to withdraw to the island of Batavia. It is thought Civilis negotiated an agreement with Cerialis whereby his countrymen obtained certain advantages, and resumed amicable relations with Rome, although Civilis disappears from the historical record at this point, an ominous sign. However, Cerialis, like Julius Caesar, was known for his clementia, so the outcome may not have been dire after all.
As for Veleda, she was either captured by Rutillius Gallicus or "offered asylum" in 77 CE. She is thought to have negotiated the acceptance of a pro-Roman king by her tribe, the Bructeri, in 83 or 84 CE.
Note: The chief authority for the history of the insurrection is Tacitus, Histories, iv and v, and Josephus, Bellum Judaicum, vii. 4.
So, there is quite an opportunity for Falco to strut his stuff on a scale far greater than his usual sleuthing in back alleys. I think that is why I was drawn into this story more than some of his other adventures. Although I knew Falco had once served in the legions, he was far more physical in this tale than the others and his sardonic personality was kept relatively in check because of the heightened danger of his circumstances. I highly recommend it!
July 10, 2012
I didn't enjoy this one as much as the two previous Falco mysteries. Davis's depiction of the ancient world is superb as always, particularly the details of heading north out of (Roman) civilization and into the wilds of Germania. The mystery, on the other hand, was a little thin, often giving way to the details of Falco's Imperial task, in which he goes from being a detective to being a spy for Vespasian. It's interesting enough, but I felt that Falco's mission--to discover the fate of a Roman officer who was given as tribute to a Germanic priestess--ended with an anticlimax. Even the turning point Helena and Falco reach in their relationship isn't as intense as it could be. Overall, still good, if a little plodding.
August 18, 2024
Questa volta Marco Didio Falco viene mandato da Vespasiano presso la Quattordicesima Legione, di stanza nei pressi delle tribù germaniche libere, alla ricerca di un legato scomparso. Una missione pressoché impossibile: sembra che l'augusto Tito voglia toglierlo di mezzo per essere libero di corteggiare Elena Giustina. Elena che, dopo un diverbio, va via di casa. In realtà era il suo compleanno e Falco ha deciso di scegliere proprio quel giorno per recarsi per lavoro fuori Roma, lasciandola andare da sola - lui non è stato invitato, e comunque lei è con i genitori - a palazzo. A sua discolpa bisogna dire che Marco non conosceva affatto la data del genetliaco della sua amata, che fino a quel momento gliel'aveva tenuta nascosta.
Comunque, dopo aver trovato il fratello più piccolo di Elena, Quinto Camillo Giustino, che presta servizio come tribuno proprio in quell'area, anche lei fa la sua apparizione tra le pericolose foreste germaniche.
Dopo che una piccola spedizione di pace si avventura al di là del Reno alla ricerca della profetessa Velleda, l'avventura diventa sempre più una Mission Impossible...
Comunque, dopo aver trovato il fratello più piccolo di Elena, Quinto Camillo Giustino, che presta servizio come tribuno proprio in quell'area, anche lei fa la sua apparizione tra le pericolose foreste germaniche.
Dopo che una piccola spedizione di pace si avventura al di là del Reno alla ricerca della profetessa Velleda, l'avventura diventa sempre più una Mission Impossible...
July 20, 2016
I have enjoyed Steven Saylor’s Finder series as much as Davis’ Falco series, but for slightly different reasons. Both are set in the Roman Empire of 2000 years ago (but at slightly different periods). Both show that their authors did a goodly amount of research to bring those times to life. Saylor’s approach is a bit more sober and measured. Davis has a lot of fun with Falco who is “always outnumbered, always outgunned.”
I haven’t found a theme in the other Falco books, but the theme of this book seems to be “lost.” Several people are lost during the course of the plot and the underlying question posed is: “Who cares enough to try to find each of them?”
This is a particularly well-crafted tale that weaves Falco with ease through the milestones of history. Vespasian sends him on a mission north, across the Alps, to Germania and we learn all about the Empire's difficulties in dealing with barbarians. There are murders, spies, plots (both political and commercial), longing embraces and reversals of fortune. This is just the stuff to distract from the heat and humidity of the depths of summer.
I haven’t found a theme in the other Falco books, but the theme of this book seems to be “lost.” Several people are lost during the course of the plot and the underlying question posed is: “Who cares enough to try to find each of them?”
This is a particularly well-crafted tale that weaves Falco with ease through the milestones of history. Vespasian sends him on a mission north, across the Alps, to Germania and we learn all about the Empire's difficulties in dealing with barbarians. There are murders, spies, plots (both political and commercial), longing embraces and reversals of fortune. This is just the stuff to distract from the heat and humidity of the depths of summer.
March 21, 2017
I get why writers like to send their detectives out of their usual habitat; freshens things up, prevents it from getting too repetitive.
Problem is it often involves changing a lot of the dynamics, and sometimes the book dips as a result.
Personally that happened here. Falco traipsing around the Germanic forests with a bunch of legionaries who we never get to know properly isn't as much fun as Falco closing in on a mystery as he pounds around the streets of Rome, dealing with the same old stubborn faces. Its still fun, but I never had that compulsive page turning feeling that I get with the rest of the story.
Problem is it often involves changing a lot of the dynamics, and sometimes the book dips as a result.
Personally that happened here. Falco traipsing around the Germanic forests with a bunch of legionaries who we never get to know properly isn't as much fun as Falco closing in on a mystery as he pounds around the streets of Rome, dealing with the same old stubborn faces. Its still fun, but I never had that compulsive page turning feeling that I get with the rest of the story.
May 31, 2020
I've always enjoyed the Marcus Didius Falco detective stories set in Emperor Vespasian's ancient Rome. The combination of modern detective fiction with author Lindsey Davis's knowledge of ancient customs and manners is winning. This is one of my favorites with Falco being sent to Germany where we encounter the barbarians who have been violating the truce calling for them to stay on their own side of the Rhine river. Plus a murder investigation, natch.
August 17, 2020
8/10 en 2010.
Aunque sea el primero de la saga cayó en mis manos tras leer antes otros cuatro de nuestro detective romano Didio Falco. Pues bien, este y el de La Venus de Core son los que más me han gustado (pero en general todos me han gustado)
Humor fino, trama detectivesca y buena ambientación. Leedle, dadle una oportunidad y seguro que, como mínimo, os gusta este personaje.
Aunque sea el primero de la saga cayó en mis manos tras leer antes otros cuatro de nuestro detective romano Didio Falco. Pues bien, este y el de La Venus de Core son los que más me han gustado (pero en general todos me han gustado)
Humor fino, trama detectivesca y buena ambientación. Leedle, dadle una oportunidad y seguro que, como mínimo, os gusta este personaje.
August 28, 2011
"The Iron Hand of Mars" is probably the best of initial four books in the series about Marcus Didius Falco. Our protagonist is once again sent out of Rome on a very delicate mission, this time at the border between Gaul and Germany. The mission quickly becomes multi-faceted and dangerous in more ways than one for Falco and his somewhat odd companions. As usual, the characters and enviroments are flawless and there is a lot of humor. But at the same time "The Iron Hand of Mars" is a little different from its predecesors in its tone. It is a little darker and the dangers threatening our heroes are more sinister. Also, the part about resting place of Varrus' lost legions is very haunty and manages to reflect how Romans must have percieved this disaster.All that being said, it's another keeper from Lindsey Davis.
January 7, 2018
A fun read.
July 6, 2022
4 stars - English Ebook
In this 4th novel of the Marcus Didius Falco series, which takes place during the reign of Vespasian in Ancient Rome, Falco is being summoned by the emperor, but he’s avoiding the call, as he knows that the emperor wants to send him into Germany, which is extremely hostile territory. Titus, the emperor’s son, is making eyes at Falco’s girlfriend, Helena, the daughter of a prominent Roman Senator, and it’s bothering Falco tremendously.
Titus invites the Senator as well as Helena to a dinner party to which Falco is excluded and Falco is stricken with jealousy. He leaves that day to take on a case in order to raise some money, even though Helena had asked him not to go. When he returns to his apartment, Helena is gone and he finds that Helena never attended the dinner party and has left Rome to travel abroad. Even her family has no idea where she’s gone. Falco feels that she finally decided to leave him, and, so, he meets up with Vespasian who gives him an almost impossible assignment and one from which he most likely will not be returning from.
We are given a history of the wars between Rome and the northern tribes of Gaul and Germany. It’s complicated, story, but in the boik is a good explaination of the events. As to Falco’s mission, it has to do with men who were fighting under the Roman banner from those northern areas, who now were part of a rebellion.
The head of a legion, a legate, was said to have been captured by the northern tribes and taken as a sacrifice to a legendary priestess of that northern area. Falco was to bring back a report of what happened to the legate, and also bring back news of the man heading the rebellion.
There was also a matter of some bribery being conducted by certain Romans which was enriching them at the expense of the emperor.
Falco, forever making comments which reveal the comic side of whatever he’s going through, no matter how dire, now finds himself with a companion, Xanthus, who is a barber ex-slave and is willing to pay Falco to show him adventures in the north.
As a warning as to the dangers they will be facing, in the beginning of their travel, they come across two travelers who they realize have been murdered.
Falco comes across Helena’s brother, who is stationed in the north, and, luckily for Falco, is where Helena had also gone. But Falco must continue further north into enemy territory to complete his mission. Fortunately, he is accompanied by Helena’s brother, the young but capable Justinus. Falco and Justinus embark with about 20 inept troops, beyond the areas where Roman garrisons can afford them protection.
Danger is constantly facing them, as they encounter one force against them after another. After experiencing multiple perils, they end up being captured, and face either slavery or death by the hands of none other than the feared priestess. None of Falco’s attempts to make her fear the wrath of the Roman army seems to affect her and Falco’s group is herded into a pen, where they await their deaths.
Historical mystery with humor and adventure. I love the sarcasm of Falco.
In this 4th novel of the Marcus Didius Falco series, which takes place during the reign of Vespasian in Ancient Rome, Falco is being summoned by the emperor, but he’s avoiding the call, as he knows that the emperor wants to send him into Germany, which is extremely hostile territory. Titus, the emperor’s son, is making eyes at Falco’s girlfriend, Helena, the daughter of a prominent Roman Senator, and it’s bothering Falco tremendously.
Titus invites the Senator as well as Helena to a dinner party to which Falco is excluded and Falco is stricken with jealousy. He leaves that day to take on a case in order to raise some money, even though Helena had asked him not to go. When he returns to his apartment, Helena is gone and he finds that Helena never attended the dinner party and has left Rome to travel abroad. Even her family has no idea where she’s gone. Falco feels that she finally decided to leave him, and, so, he meets up with Vespasian who gives him an almost impossible assignment and one from which he most likely will not be returning from.
We are given a history of the wars between Rome and the northern tribes of Gaul and Germany. It’s complicated, story, but in the boik is a good explaination of the events. As to Falco’s mission, it has to do with men who were fighting under the Roman banner from those northern areas, who now were part of a rebellion.
The head of a legion, a legate, was said to have been captured by the northern tribes and taken as a sacrifice to a legendary priestess of that northern area. Falco was to bring back a report of what happened to the legate, and also bring back news of the man heading the rebellion.
There was also a matter of some bribery being conducted by certain Romans which was enriching them at the expense of the emperor.
Falco, forever making comments which reveal the comic side of whatever he’s going through, no matter how dire, now finds himself with a companion, Xanthus, who is a barber ex-slave and is willing to pay Falco to show him adventures in the north.
As a warning as to the dangers they will be facing, in the beginning of their travel, they come across two travelers who they realize have been murdered.
Falco comes across Helena’s brother, who is stationed in the north, and, luckily for Falco, is where Helena had also gone. But Falco must continue further north into enemy territory to complete his mission. Fortunately, he is accompanied by Helena’s brother, the young but capable Justinus. Falco and Justinus embark with about 20 inept troops, beyond the areas where Roman garrisons can afford them protection.
Danger is constantly facing them, as they encounter one force against them after another. After experiencing multiple perils, they end up being captured, and face either slavery or death by the hands of none other than the feared priestess. None of Falco’s attempts to make her fear the wrath of the Roman army seems to affect her and Falco’s group is herded into a pen, where they await their deaths.
Historical mystery with humor and adventure. I love the sarcasm of Falco.
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April 7, 2025How? Book 4 in my Marcus Didius Falco listen, and the first book that isn't a relisten.
What? Marcus Didius Falco messes up with Helena, the senator's daughter that he loves and who loves him. Part of the problem is Marcus thinks caesar's son (and really co-caesar) Titus has marital intentions towards Helena, and maybe that would be best for the empire?
Marcus, to escape Rome, takes a job trying to trace a missing legate from Germany. Well, not missing exactly -- everyone knows the German tribes took him, but Rome needs to make sure that he's dead or not. (And also, Marcus has a job of trying to make peace with the free German tribes who keep harassing the Romanized German tribes. Honestly, this was the first book in the series where I wished for a map to keep clear where we were and who was rebelling.)
Marcus discovers a murder on the road, makes some enemies among the Roman legions, finds Helena, goes on an adventure with her younger brother into Germany, solves the problems.
Yeah, so? It's kind of what you want out of a Marcus Didius Falco mystery: a bunch of historical detail, some romance, some problems that seem to get out of hand but then are solved neatly.
So why am I not looking forward to the next book? (Might just be because I'm up at 2.
What? Marcus Didius Falco messes up with Helena, the senator's daughter that he loves and who loves him. Part of the problem is Marcus thinks caesar's son (and really co-caesar) Titus has marital intentions towards Helena, and maybe that would be best for the empire?
Marcus, to escape Rome, takes a job trying to trace a missing legate from Germany. Well, not missing exactly -- everyone knows the German tribes took him, but Rome needs to make sure that he's dead or not. (And also, Marcus has a job of trying to make peace with the free German tribes who keep harassing the Romanized German tribes. Honestly, this was the first book in the series where I wished for a map to keep clear where we were and who was rebelling.)
Marcus discovers a murder on the road, makes some enemies among the Roman legions, finds Helena, goes on an adventure with her younger brother into Germany, solves the problems.
Yeah, so? It's kind of what you want out of a Marcus Didius Falco mystery: a bunch of historical detail, some romance, some problems that seem to get out of hand but then are solved neatly.
So why am I not looking forward to the next book? (Might just be because I'm up at 2.
September 9, 2024
Poor Marcus Didius Falco. He may have his girlfriend, Helena Justina, but Cesar's son, Titus, wants her and he can give her everything, whereas Falco, a poor humble private investigator, can't.
And then he appears to lose the girl; Falco leaves her the one evening she begs him not too, for an investigation. Its only afterwards he finds out that it was her birthday.
So Falco agrees to an investigation for the Emperor in far off Germania, the outskirts where Rome wasn't able to conquer. It just might lead him to Helena but it definitely leads into a whole lot of trouble —surly natives, a rebel chieftain and the 14th Gemina legion, who is currently missing.
Before he's finished, he finds himself in enemy territory with Helena's brother, an aging centurian and 20 raw recruits.
And as usual, there's loads of action, lots of comedy and a thrill a minute until the final twist in the tale. There's plenty of things to recommend this story with a charming rogue, his very smart girlfriends who loves him despite everything. But there is also the smart writing that blends a good mystery and a good historical tale. Lindsey Davis always creates a wonderful reading experience and its always loads of fun.
And then he appears to lose the girl; Falco leaves her the one evening she begs him not too, for an investigation. Its only afterwards he finds out that it was her birthday.
So Falco agrees to an investigation for the Emperor in far off Germania, the outskirts where Rome wasn't able to conquer. It just might lead him to Helena but it definitely leads into a whole lot of trouble —surly natives, a rebel chieftain and the 14th Gemina legion, who is currently missing.
Before he's finished, he finds himself in enemy territory with Helena's brother, an aging centurian and 20 raw recruits.
And as usual, there's loads of action, lots of comedy and a thrill a minute until the final twist in the tale. There's plenty of things to recommend this story with a charming rogue, his very smart girlfriends who loves him despite everything. But there is also the smart writing that blends a good mystery and a good historical tale. Lindsey Davis always creates a wonderful reading experience and its always loads of fun.
September 7, 2023
Again - not the unabridged audio, but rather the BBC radio play which I am absolutely *gobbling up* (and now I’ve only got one more adapted play left!)
I love that this series is also giving me a history lesson - in this 4th book about Rome’s conquering and legion work, not to mention ‘Free Germany’ — it’s not a history lesson per-se, but it is history and it’s fascinating.
I also took a sneak-peak to make sure that Falco & Helena remain HEA (they do) and I’ve seen a few very minor spoilers of their life together deep into the series - so I’m really appreciating how we’re seeing an evolution of their romance and relationship. In that sense, it’s very Jamie & Claire from Gabaldon’s OUTLANDER.
I love that this series is also giving me a history lesson - in this 4th book about Rome’s conquering and legion work, not to mention ‘Free Germany’ — it’s not a history lesson per-se, but it is history and it’s fascinating.
I also took a sneak-peak to make sure that Falco & Helena remain HEA (they do) and I’ve seen a few very minor spoilers of their life together deep into the series - so I’m really appreciating how we’re seeing an evolution of their romance and relationship. In that sense, it’s very Jamie & Claire from Gabaldon’s OUTLANDER.
April 17, 2025
Maybe it was reading that Mary Beard likes to read these books, or maybe it was realizing that this one is chock full of references I don't get unless I look them up, or maybe the pacing just picked up better in the second half once they got into Germania, but I enjoyed this one a lot better than the first.
June 25, 2025
Much like its forebears, the real charm of this book was its wit. The plot was a tad complex with Falco having a large number of missions to complete that were a bit tricky to retain in your head, but it was still enjoyable and not obvious in its direction. Made me laugh but not as much as some in the series. Still a good read though and maybe my fave ongoing series that I'm doing rn
October 11, 2017
Marcus Didius Falco goes into Germany on a task for Emperor Vespasian. His lovely lady and girlfriend follows to find him The son of the Emperor, Titus, is making overtures to her to become his wife, and Falco thinks she would do more good to the Empire to do so. Will he sacrifice love for duty?
April 19, 2021
After reading several weighty tomes on various parts of history I really enjoyed the light relief of reading another adventure of Falco. This time he was lugging an iron hand around Gaul and Germania on behalf of the emperor Vesparian. Needless to say he had other, more difficult, commissions to carry out too. The events that follow are quite over the top, often humorous and, of course, enable Falco to round off all his commissions and solve several mysteries. Lindsey Davis might not write weighty tomes but her research is sound and she spins a good yarn.
March 27, 2024
Heart of Darkness/Apocalypse Now set on the border between Ancient Rome and Germania.
Soundtrack:
Fortvnate Son
Rvn Through the Jvngle
Soundtrack:
Fortvnate Son
Rvn Through the Jvngle
December 24, 2016
'The Iron Hand of Mars' is #4 in the Marcus Didius Falco detective series, although he is not entirely a detective in the sense we moderns understand. Falco in a freelance "informer" in 71AD Rome. Several books ago, he began doing odd jobs for the Emperor Vespasian, and he also met a Senator's daughter, Helena Justina, who is WAY out of his class. In Rome, one pays for the privilege of changing rank upwards by literally buying it, like getting a license to drive, apparently. Falco is extremely poor, an ex-soldier and lower working class. He lives in a slum. However, his mother keeps him honest, and he has five married sisters. His brother Festus died as a war hero, which gives his family some social capital.
The kind of work he normally does is following married wives or husbands in order to catch them having affairs. But since he met Vespasian on a case, occasionally the Emperor sends him on delicate secret assignments. I do think these books should be read in order, beginning with:
.
In this story, Vespasian is sending him to the wild northern lands of the Germanic tribes. Disturbing hints that things are not right with the officers or the legions stationed in these far north Roman forts have been filtering out to the ears of Vespasian. Ostensibly, Falco is delivering a ceremonial sculpture of a hand as a token of esteem for the Fourteenth Legion's good behavior on controlling the Bavarians (who switch sides a lot) as well as fighting off the strange wild Germans when required. Falco also has been directed by Vespasian to try to contact a Druid priestess, Vetera, to learn what she had done with an important captured Centurion, Lupercus, taken a decade ago in a battle. And as usual, Falco is not entirely certain who he can trust, since family members, competing businessmen and corrupt officers make his search for answers particularly dangerous.
This particular book in the series has a strong military flavor overall. The author, Lindsay Davis, includes a lot of actual ancient Roman political and military history regarding these Germanic battles because Falco's current adventure involves meeting some of the people still living who had participated in these skirmishes and wars. It is a very informative 'mystery', but I thought the military history of Rome is the main scaffold and focus for the plot, with Falco's romance with Helena coming in as a continuing thread in the background. The tragic adventure with the wild tribes eventually enters the stage near the end of the novel, but in my opinion, mystery is not really the point of the book.
The kind of work he normally does is following married wives or husbands in order to catch them having affairs. But since he met Vespasian on a case, occasionally the Emperor sends him on delicate secret assignments. I do think these books should be read in order, beginning with:
.In this story, Vespasian is sending him to the wild northern lands of the Germanic tribes. Disturbing hints that things are not right with the officers or the legions stationed in these far north Roman forts have been filtering out to the ears of Vespasian. Ostensibly, Falco is delivering a ceremonial sculpture of a hand as a token of esteem for the Fourteenth Legion's good behavior on controlling the Bavarians (who switch sides a lot) as well as fighting off the strange wild Germans when required. Falco also has been directed by Vespasian to try to contact a Druid priestess, Vetera, to learn what she had done with an important captured Centurion, Lupercus, taken a decade ago in a battle. And as usual, Falco is not entirely certain who he can trust, since family members, competing businessmen and corrupt officers make his search for answers particularly dangerous.
This particular book in the series has a strong military flavor overall. The author, Lindsay Davis, includes a lot of actual ancient Roman political and military history regarding these Germanic battles because Falco's current adventure involves meeting some of the people still living who had participated in these skirmishes and wars. It is a very informative 'mystery', but I thought the military history of Rome is the main scaffold and focus for the plot, with Falco's romance with Helena coming in as a continuing thread in the background. The tragic adventure with the wild tribes eventually enters the stage near the end of the novel, but in my opinion, mystery is not really the point of the book.
September 22, 2022
September 2022 update: Much, much better as a BBC radio play. Cuts out all the slog of the first 200+ pages that I had so much trouble with 8 years ago, keeps an even pace throughout the story, and has excellent actors. Always fun to see Anna Madeley show up in unexpected places, and she did a great Helena. What a shame the radio series stopped at book 5 (Poseidon's Gold).
What a slog of a book! This book took me six months of off-and-on reading to finally finish, and the first 200+ pages were a struggle to push through. So much provincial Roman history! So many people with similar-sounding names! So many minor characters to keep track of! So much flipping back to the cast of characters and map at the front of the book! And the HISTORY. I love the stuff, but this was a little too much for me. I couldn't keep each battle, event, rebellion, or whatnot straight in my mind, but maybe if you understand the time period, you'd enjoy this more?
The plot finally picked up when Falco, Helena's brother, and the band of soldiers trekked off to find the priestess--200 pages in! (And as with the other Lindsey Davis books, perhaps even more so, the "mystery" was convoluted.) The rest of the book was a fun read, even with the obvious ending to the Falco/Helena romance.
(I had to go back and check what I rated the other books in the series--I was a little surprised at how much I reportedly enjoyed them, since this book was a flop for me. Oh well--every book series is entitled to a few mistakes.)
What a slog of a book! This book took me six months of off-and-on reading to finally finish, and the first 200+ pages were a struggle to push through. So much provincial Roman history! So many people with similar-sounding names! So many minor characters to keep track of! So much flipping back to the cast of characters and map at the front of the book! And the HISTORY. I love the stuff, but this was a little too much for me. I couldn't keep each battle, event, rebellion, or whatnot straight in my mind, but maybe if you understand the time period, you'd enjoy this more?
The plot finally picked up when Falco, Helena's brother, and the band of soldiers trekked off to find the priestess--200 pages in! (And as with the other Lindsey Davis books, perhaps even more so, the "mystery" was convoluted.) The rest of the book was a fun read, even with the obvious ending to the Falco/Helena romance.
(I had to go back and check what I rated the other books in the series--I was a little surprised at how much I reportedly enjoyed them, since this book was a flop for me. Oh well--every book series is entitled to a few mistakes.)
May 21, 2015
(A lot of soldiers in this but no warfare.)
Poor Falco, sent off to do the emperor's dirty work yet again. He's carting a literal iron hand up into Germania where it is to be presented to the 14th Gemina legion, a legion ready to do violence to Falco for having been a member of the legion which failed to support them in battle. That was a long time ago in another place and Falco would rather not think about it. He knows the 14th will remember the details only too well and will not appreciate his poking about in their affairs as the emperor has ordered.
The best part of the narrative is following through the German forests, on the wrong side of the Rhine with twenty raw recruits, Helena's brother (now a tribune) and Nero's former barber, who wears pink boots. Now was that barber sent to spy on Didius Falco or does he really just want to see the world? The tension as the reach the site of that old battle where General Varus lost four legions is intense and made that ghastly event more vivid than any account I've read before. I also enjoyed the whole plot surrounding the pottery supply contracts. Davis made it ring so naturally like the contract squabbles we read about in the US. Great chunks of history phrased in most modern language that sounds appropriate to the nature of the characters.
Poor Falco, sent off to do the emperor's dirty work yet again. He's carting a literal iron hand up into Germania where it is to be presented to the 14th Gemina legion, a legion ready to do violence to Falco for having been a member of the legion which failed to support them in battle. That was a long time ago in another place and Falco would rather not think about it. He knows the 14th will remember the details only too well and will not appreciate his poking about in their affairs as the emperor has ordered.
The best part of the narrative is following through the German forests, on the wrong side of the Rhine with twenty raw recruits, Helena's brother (now a tribune) and Nero's former barber, who wears pink boots. Now was that barber sent to spy on Didius Falco or does he really just want to see the world? The tension as the reach the site of that old battle where General Varus lost four legions is intense and made that ghastly event more vivid than any account I've read before. I also enjoyed the whole plot surrounding the pottery supply contracts. Davis made it ring so naturally like the contract squabbles we read about in the US. Great chunks of history phrased in most modern language that sounds appropriate to the nature of the characters.
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