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Flavia Albia #10
Desperate Undertaking
In Lindsey Davis's next book in the beloved Flavia Albia Series, Desperate Undertaking, a mad killer (or killers!) is strewing bodies around in the most gruesome of manners and, true to form, it is up to Flavia Albia to determine what is really going on and stop this bacchanal of death.
In the first century, under Domitian's reign, strange and brutal goings on are nothing new in Rome. Flavia Albia, daughter of Marcus Didius Falco, has taken over her father's business as a private informer but she tries to shy away from the brutal, the complicated, and the political - because nothing good comes of any of them. Unfortunately, she's not very good at turning them down.
This time a commission shows up on her doorstep - someone is staging brutal murders in some of the most beautiful buildings in Rome, each staging different. So far, the only clue was the phrase that one survivor managed to croak, "The undertaker did it..." With little to go on and bodies starting to pile up, Albia has to unravel the strangest mystery of her career in short order if she's to stop this dismaying orgy of murder.
In the first century, under Domitian's reign, strange and brutal goings on are nothing new in Rome. Flavia Albia, daughter of Marcus Didius Falco, has taken over her father's business as a private informer but she tries to shy away from the brutal, the complicated, and the political - because nothing good comes of any of them. Unfortunately, she's not very good at turning them down.
This time a commission shows up on her doorstep - someone is staging brutal murders in some of the most beautiful buildings in Rome, each staging different. So far, the only clue was the phrase that one survivor managed to croak, "The undertaker did it..." With little to go on and bodies starting to pile up, Albia has to unravel the strangest mystery of her career in short order if she's to stop this dismaying orgy of murder.
352 pages, Hardcover
First published July 26, 2022
144 people are currently reading
3051 people want to read
About the author
Lindsey Davis
79 books1,498 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 135 reviews
March 22, 2022
We return to Ancient Rome in Lindsey Davis's latest addition to her Private Informer Flavia Albia series and it is a real humdinger. Flavia and her aedile husband, Tiberius, are at her father's auction house at Saeptia Julia, Falco and Helena are out of the city, when Davos, with his links to a acting theatre troupe, arrives asking for Falco's help. He reluctantly eventually accepts Flavia's services, she needs the money, as she takes on a nightmare investigation featuring a unhinged serial killer creating scenes from plays of macabre deaths on stage in theatre productions. Her morning turns out to be a traumatic affair as she first visits the scene of the crucification of Chremes, which is later followed by the horror of the blood sodden murder of his wife, Phrygia, gored by a dangerous bull whilst trapped in a fake cow, her final words make little sense as she points the finger to a undertaker as the killer. The couple ran a professional acting troupe that staged plays.
The killings suggest a personal hatred of Chremes and Phrygia, therefore it seems likely the killer is to be found within acting circles. This has Flavia looking into members of the theatre troupe itself and The Farcicals, a amateur group of actors that were going to perform with them, but were then pushed out by Phrygia. Flavia finds herself working with a reasonably competent vigilis, Mucius, although he is bound by politics and his incompetent boss, the tribune. With nothing in the way of any leads, it soon becomes clear that the killer is far from finished as further murders take place, including one after a funeral with dramatic performances. When a break in at the auction house suggests that Flavia herself is a target and in danger, Mucius acts to protect her by assigning her two bodyguards, men who just happen to be culturally knowledgeable.
This case proves to be one of the worse Flavia has ever undertaken, and it is to test her to the limits of her capabilities. Additionally, she does not take into account her changed family situation and her responsiblities to two anxious and traumatised children who do not take well to her absence from their home. Her husband, Tiberius is planning to move out of politics and give up his position as an aedile, with a view to working full time as a building contractor. This is a wonderful addition to a brilliant historical series, it has Davis's trademark comedic humour and great characterisations, particularly that of the villainous killer. Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC.
The killings suggest a personal hatred of Chremes and Phrygia, therefore it seems likely the killer is to be found within acting circles. This has Flavia looking into members of the theatre troupe itself and The Farcicals, a amateur group of actors that were going to perform with them, but were then pushed out by Phrygia. Flavia finds herself working with a reasonably competent vigilis, Mucius, although he is bound by politics and his incompetent boss, the tribune. With nothing in the way of any leads, it soon becomes clear that the killer is far from finished as further murders take place, including one after a funeral with dramatic performances. When a break in at the auction house suggests that Flavia herself is a target and in danger, Mucius acts to protect her by assigning her two bodyguards, men who just happen to be culturally knowledgeable.
This case proves to be one of the worse Flavia has ever undertaken, and it is to test her to the limits of her capabilities. Additionally, she does not take into account her changed family situation and her responsiblities to two anxious and traumatised children who do not take well to her absence from their home. Her husband, Tiberius is planning to move out of politics and give up his position as an aedile, with a view to working full time as a building contractor. This is a wonderful addition to a brilliant historical series, it has Davis's trademark comedic humour and great characterisations, particularly that of the villainous killer. Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC.
May 21, 2022
This excellent Roman mystery is the 10th volume of the "Flavia Albia" series, and in my opinion its one of the best so far.
At the beginning of the book you'll find a well-drawn map of the Campus Martius, AD 89, Rome, where most of the action will take place, and a wonderful Playlist with fascinating characters.
The historical details, people and places in Rome, and particularly in and around the Campus Martius, are splendidly worked out and pictured in a most wonderful fashion.
Storytelling is once again of a top-notch quality, all characters come vividly to life, with some people having had a shared past with Falco and Helena Justina in their mysterious adventures in Palmyra and Syria, as you will find out (and should know if you are a Falco fan), and this mystery as a whole is one of the best thus far.
This Roman mystery is set at the very end of the year AD89, during the reign of Emperor Domitian, and Flavia Albia will be investigating murders, murders that will have a connection with a certain actor group, this group very well known by Falco and Helena Justina, and that is lead by Chremes and Phrygia.
When all of a sudden another old acquaintance of Falco and Helena Justina, but from a different actor group, a man called Davos visits Flavia Albia he's asking for Falco to investigate a murder on his old friend Chremes, but with Falco and Helena Justina out of town, Flavia Albia will take on this murder case.
What is to follow is an intriguing and spellbound Roman mystery, where more murders will follow according to each new chapter which is dedicated to old Greek plays, and these murders will have a threatening affect on this actor group, and these same murders have everything to do with actions from the past that happened in Palmyra and Syria, and in this environment of Greek drama and death Flavia Albia needs all her wits and cunning to solve these connected cases, and after a superbly worked out plot which is followed by a thrilling exposure, she's finally able to identify this sinister culprit in the end.
Highly recommended, for this is one of the best episodes in this great series, and that's why I like to call this deadly mystery: "A Most Devious Daring Undertaker"!
At the beginning of the book you'll find a well-drawn map of the Campus Martius, AD 89, Rome, where most of the action will take place, and a wonderful Playlist with fascinating characters.
The historical details, people and places in Rome, and particularly in and around the Campus Martius, are splendidly worked out and pictured in a most wonderful fashion.
Storytelling is once again of a top-notch quality, all characters come vividly to life, with some people having had a shared past with Falco and Helena Justina in their mysterious adventures in Palmyra and Syria, as you will find out (and should know if you are a Falco fan), and this mystery as a whole is one of the best thus far.
This Roman mystery is set at the very end of the year AD89, during the reign of Emperor Domitian, and Flavia Albia will be investigating murders, murders that will have a connection with a certain actor group, this group very well known by Falco and Helena Justina, and that is lead by Chremes and Phrygia.
When all of a sudden another old acquaintance of Falco and Helena Justina, but from a different actor group, a man called Davos visits Flavia Albia he's asking for Falco to investigate a murder on his old friend Chremes, but with Falco and Helena Justina out of town, Flavia Albia will take on this murder case.
What is to follow is an intriguing and spellbound Roman mystery, where more murders will follow according to each new chapter which is dedicated to old Greek plays, and these murders will have a threatening affect on this actor group, and these same murders have everything to do with actions from the past that happened in Palmyra and Syria, and in this environment of Greek drama and death Flavia Albia needs all her wits and cunning to solve these connected cases, and after a superbly worked out plot which is followed by a thrilling exposure, she's finally able to identify this sinister culprit in the end.
Highly recommended, for this is one of the best episodes in this great series, and that's why I like to call this deadly mystery: "A Most Devious Daring Undertaker"!
October 4, 2022
The tenth in the historical mystery series featuring Flavia Albia, woman detective in 1st Century A.D. Rome. This one is about a hunt for a serial murderer in Rome. I enjoy reading about the details of daily life in the capital of the Roman Empire. But the story dragged somewhat in the middle and I found myself reading other things rather than picking up this book, surely a bad sign. It did take me longer than usual to finish the book's 335 pages.
I give this book 3.5 stars, generously rounding up to 4 stars.
I want to thank St. Martin's Publishing Corp. for the Advanced Reader's Copy (ARC).
I give this book 3.5 stars, generously rounding up to 4 stars.
I want to thank St. Martin's Publishing Corp. for the Advanced Reader's Copy (ARC).
August 24, 2022
Oh is this one a departure! Not much from the flip, tongue in cheek humor tone, but from substance.
A few have been dark but this one is History Channel Colosseum TV show dark. Brutal, nasty. Torture, mayhem, death as entertainment.
But that's not primarily why I gave it a 2. First ever 2 star that I ever awarded a Lindsey Davis. In fact, the last few Albia's were 4 star. Very good.
This one is overlong. And as crass and horror filled the crimes, the day to day is dozens of multi characters introduced back and forth going up the the hills or down the hills. In 90% blatant misinformation or nil interchanges for any progression. Tiberius was even boring. Way, way too much like real detective work. Not inspiring, not connected much etc. After 3 or 4 departures it was hard for me to return to this book after page 100. In fact, this is the ONLY Falco or Albia book I've ever read which I considered a DNF.
Well, this author can only go upwards from here. The laugh track on this book and with Albia generally is getting rancid. Not only not funny, but also almost interfering with the book flow entirely. This one needed a massive, massive edit. The bull was the best character in the book.
The bottom line human heart and ambition that was in the earlier Falco is entirely missing. Plus Albia personality seems set in concrete at the age of about 22, not in her 30's as supposed. Her heart especially seems to have gotten lost. Admiring her husband isn't the same as being a fully engaged partner etc. There is nearly nothing "there".
Oh well. I really liked the last one. Hopefully two duds in a row won't happen.
Lastly, the banter of ridicule, sarcasm etc.? It has gotten entirely over the top of too too here. And it ruined the dialogue. You couldn't even tell which of dozens of characters were saying which cut or quip of snark after 10 different interchanges of the same for each page. UGH! If she keeps that habit up, I am probably done with Albia. Or her minions.
A few have been dark but this one is History Channel Colosseum TV show dark. Brutal, nasty. Torture, mayhem, death as entertainment.
But that's not primarily why I gave it a 2. First ever 2 star that I ever awarded a Lindsey Davis. In fact, the last few Albia's were 4 star. Very good.
This one is overlong. And as crass and horror filled the crimes, the day to day is dozens of multi characters introduced back and forth going up the the hills or down the hills. In 90% blatant misinformation or nil interchanges for any progression. Tiberius was even boring. Way, way too much like real detective work. Not inspiring, not connected much etc. After 3 or 4 departures it was hard for me to return to this book after page 100. In fact, this is the ONLY Falco or Albia book I've ever read which I considered a DNF.
Well, this author can only go upwards from here. The laugh track on this book and with Albia generally is getting rancid. Not only not funny, but also almost interfering with the book flow entirely. This one needed a massive, massive edit. The bull was the best character in the book.
The bottom line human heart and ambition that was in the earlier Falco is entirely missing. Plus Albia personality seems set in concrete at the age of about 22, not in her 30's as supposed. Her heart especially seems to have gotten lost. Admiring her husband isn't the same as being a fully engaged partner etc. There is nearly nothing "there".
Oh well. I really liked the last one. Hopefully two duds in a row won't happen.
Lastly, the banter of ridicule, sarcasm etc.? It has gotten entirely over the top of too too here. And it ruined the dialogue. You couldn't even tell which of dozens of characters were saying which cut or quip of snark after 10 different interchanges of the same for each page. UGH! If she keeps that habit up, I am probably done with Albia. Or her minions.
August 25, 2022
I have never given one of the books in the Falco/Albia series less than 4 stars, I think, and it saddens me to do it to this one. Jeez, is Lindsey Davis suffering from pandemic depression?
First off, if you have never read a Falco or Albia book before, this is not the place to start. At the very least, go back to Last Act in Palmyra, so you'll understand the background.
Better still, go back to "The Silver Pigs" and keep reading. And then you'll also recognize the guy with the hemorrhoid lozenge who makes a late cameo appearance!
But allowing that you are a long term fan of this series, this book is just a total downer as Lindsey kills off characters from that book and does it in incredibly horrific ways that upset me deeply. Albia is largely cut off from friends and family--there is no classic Davis humor to balance the darkness.
I re-read and listen to the entire series, but I am not sure I want to ever read this one again.
First off, if you have never read a Falco or Albia book before, this is not the place to start. At the very least, go back to Last Act in Palmyra, so you'll understand the background.
Better still, go back to "The Silver Pigs" and keep reading. And then you'll also recognize the guy with the hemorrhoid lozenge who makes a late cameo appearance!
But allowing that you are a long term fan of this series, this book is just a total downer as Lindsey kills off characters from that book and does it in incredibly horrific ways that upset me deeply. Albia is largely cut off from friends and family--there is no classic Davis humor to balance the darkness.
I re-read and listen to the entire series, but I am not sure I want to ever read this one again.
August 9, 2022
Flavia takes up a challenging job with her parents out of town and her husband winding down his final days in service as aedile. Gruesome deaths by crucifixion call out to her sympathy and determination to find and stop the perpetrator. The experiences take the reader on a mythological journey through many dangers.
Flavia's usual sarcasm coupled with dogged determination lends hope that she will accomplish her goals.
Library Loan
Flavia's usual sarcasm coupled with dogged determination lends hope that she will accomplish her goals.
Library Loan
March 31, 2022
From the title on down, Desperate Undertaking wants to live on an airport serial-killer-thriller rack, and that’s probably a good thing. The Flavia Albia books have become progressively darker in recent outings — The Grove of the Caesars flirts with grotty true crime, and A Comedy of Terrors fits some properly grim killings into its Basically-Pagan-Christmas tableaux — but this is probably the first Flavia book whose theatrical touchstone is Grand Guignol and not Shakespeare gags.
Of course, this is still a unsolved-murders saga for the whole family, so most of the actual violence is left tastefully off stage in favour of grisly aftermaths, very much in the style of Greek tragedy. The book's copious theatrical bloodshed is similarly rooted in the actual Roman practice of (occasionally) using plays as public executions, and like the real spectacle the result is worryingly entertaining, even if the Saw-like tone is a bit of a departure from earlier, arguably more grounded Flavia books.
Even as it heads off in new directions, Desperate Undertaking is also more backward-looking than past Albia outings, with its plot connecting directly through to Falco’s farcical Syrian adventures in Last Act in Palmyra. For one of the weaker Falco books, Last Act has become curiously central to Davis’ later writing, and although she’s already revisited its strongest parts — Thalia's larger-than-life snake charmer, Falco’s faux-Hamlet play — there’s enough nostalgia value to justify going back one more time. Fortunately It’s not necessary to have read Palmyra to enjoy this outing, and it’s probably best if you don’t remember too many of the details lest the (admittedly thin) whodunit aspect of Desperate Undertaking unwind itself immediately.
Undertaking is a potboiler at heart anyways, and its main interest is less in careful deduction and much more in building a satisfying loop of stagily-planned murders, growing tension, and fast-paced chases through famous monuments. And in this respect it succeeds quite admirably: Davis has thriller mechanics down pat, kicking off the action right in the aftermath of the first killing and briskly moving from set piece to set piece with no more than the (admittedly substantial) exposition necessary for a series on its thirtieth installment. Despite that long history, Davis raises the stakes enough that a few encounters — an incident involving an aedile’s ring, an ominous showdown in the colonnades of the Saepta — made me wonder if she was going to take a knife to the real fabric of the series and not just the usual red shirts.
It's a relief that she ultimately stays her hand, but it's interesting to speculate where the series could possibly go from here, especially now that it has wandered so far from its lonely-informer roots: are we going even grimmer (is Romano-Scandi a thing?), back into the carnivalesque, to the light detective camp of many middle Falcos, politics, properly out of Rome, or into something else entirely? Hopefully somewhere equally entertaining at the very least..
Of course, this is still a unsolved-murders saga for the whole family, so most of the actual violence is left tastefully off stage in favour of grisly aftermaths, very much in the style of Greek tragedy. The book's copious theatrical bloodshed is similarly rooted in the actual Roman practice of (occasionally) using plays as public executions, and like the real spectacle the result is worryingly entertaining, even if the Saw-like tone is a bit of a departure from earlier, arguably more grounded Flavia books.
Even as it heads off in new directions, Desperate Undertaking is also more backward-looking than past Albia outings, with its plot connecting directly through to Falco’s farcical Syrian adventures in Last Act in Palmyra. For one of the weaker Falco books, Last Act has become curiously central to Davis’ later writing, and although she’s already revisited its strongest parts — Thalia's larger-than-life snake charmer, Falco’s faux-Hamlet play — there’s enough nostalgia value to justify going back one more time. Fortunately It’s not necessary to have read Palmyra to enjoy this outing, and it’s probably best if you don’t remember too many of the details lest the (admittedly thin) whodunit aspect of Desperate Undertaking unwind itself immediately.
Undertaking is a potboiler at heart anyways, and its main interest is less in careful deduction and much more in building a satisfying loop of stagily-planned murders, growing tension, and fast-paced chases through famous monuments. And in this respect it succeeds quite admirably: Davis has thriller mechanics down pat, kicking off the action right in the aftermath of the first killing and briskly moving from set piece to set piece with no more than the (admittedly substantial) exposition necessary for a series on its thirtieth installment. Despite that long history, Davis raises the stakes enough that a few encounters — an incident involving an aedile’s ring, an ominous showdown in the colonnades of the Saepta — made me wonder if she was going to take a knife to the real fabric of the series and not just the usual red shirts.
It's a relief that she ultimately stays her hand, but it's interesting to speculate where the series could possibly go from here, especially now that it has wandered so far from its lonely-informer roots: are we going even grimmer (is Romano-Scandi a thing?), back into the carnivalesque, to the light detective camp of many middle Falcos, politics, properly out of Rome, or into something else entirely? Hopefully somewhere equally entertaining at the very least..
May 1, 2022
I received a copy of Desperate Undertaking from Hachette Australia to review.
Buckle up for an intense, captivating and exceedingly memorable historical murder mystery as bestselling author Lindsey Davis unleashes the 10th entry in the deeply clever and compelling Flavia Albia series, Desperate Undertaking.
Rome, 89 AD. The year is coming towards an end and the city is ready to enter a sleepy holiday period. Unfortunately, murderers are notoriously bad at taking breaks, and Flavia Albia, paid informer, dogged investigator and daughter of notorious busybody Marcus Didius Falco, is about to get dropped into the most disturbing case of her life. With her parents away on holiday and her impromptu family preparing to settle in for the quiet period, Albia receives a job request she cannot refuse. An aged actor, part of a troupe her parents travelled with in their youth, has been killed, horribly crucified in a public place. Starting her investigation, Albia and her husband, Tiberius, are shocked to discover this is not the only murder confronting them as they suddenly discover the first victim’s widow was also murdered in terrible circumstances. Her last words to Albia: “The undertaker did it…”.
Determined to find the person responsible for the horrific murders of her parent’s friends, Albia begins her investigation, diving into Rome’s theatre scene. But when another actor associated with the troupe is killed in a cruelly inventive way, Albia begins to realise that these are no ordinary murders. A twisted and determined serial killer is on the loose, bearing a terrible grudge against the actors and anyone associated with them. Worse, their exceedingly public killings all bear striking similarities to some of the most brutal moments in classic plays, causing their victims to suffer in horrific ways.
With the bodies piling up and the city in an uproar, Albia must solve the most unusual and deadly case of her career before more of her parents' friends end up dead. But the closer she gets to the truth, the more she begins to realise that these murders bear a strong connection to one of her father’s past cases. Worst, Albia soon realises that her connection to the currently absent Falco has made herself and everyone she loves a target of a demented killer determined to get revenge.
Davis does it again with Desperate Undertaking, producing a wildly entertaining and exceedingly clever historical murder mystery that I had a brilliant time reading. Perfectly bringing together a disturbing mystery with an excellent historical setting, some great characters and the author’s trademark humour, Desperate Undertakings is an outstanding read and it ended up being yet another Flavia Albia book that gets a full five-star rating from me.
To see the full review, click on the link below:
https://unseenlibrary.com/2022/05/01/...
For other exciting reviews and content, check out my blog at:
https://unseenlibrary.com/
Buckle up for an intense, captivating and exceedingly memorable historical murder mystery as bestselling author Lindsey Davis unleashes the 10th entry in the deeply clever and compelling Flavia Albia series, Desperate Undertaking.
Rome, 89 AD. The year is coming towards an end and the city is ready to enter a sleepy holiday period. Unfortunately, murderers are notoriously bad at taking breaks, and Flavia Albia, paid informer, dogged investigator and daughter of notorious busybody Marcus Didius Falco, is about to get dropped into the most disturbing case of her life. With her parents away on holiday and her impromptu family preparing to settle in for the quiet period, Albia receives a job request she cannot refuse. An aged actor, part of a troupe her parents travelled with in their youth, has been killed, horribly crucified in a public place. Starting her investigation, Albia and her husband, Tiberius, are shocked to discover this is not the only murder confronting them as they suddenly discover the first victim’s widow was also murdered in terrible circumstances. Her last words to Albia: “The undertaker did it…”.
Determined to find the person responsible for the horrific murders of her parent’s friends, Albia begins her investigation, diving into Rome’s theatre scene. But when another actor associated with the troupe is killed in a cruelly inventive way, Albia begins to realise that these are no ordinary murders. A twisted and determined serial killer is on the loose, bearing a terrible grudge against the actors and anyone associated with them. Worse, their exceedingly public killings all bear striking similarities to some of the most brutal moments in classic plays, causing their victims to suffer in horrific ways.
With the bodies piling up and the city in an uproar, Albia must solve the most unusual and deadly case of her career before more of her parents' friends end up dead. But the closer she gets to the truth, the more she begins to realise that these murders bear a strong connection to one of her father’s past cases. Worst, Albia soon realises that her connection to the currently absent Falco has made herself and everyone she loves a target of a demented killer determined to get revenge.
Davis does it again with Desperate Undertaking, producing a wildly entertaining and exceedingly clever historical murder mystery that I had a brilliant time reading. Perfectly bringing together a disturbing mystery with an excellent historical setting, some great characters and the author’s trademark humour, Desperate Undertakings is an outstanding read and it ended up being yet another Flavia Albia book that gets a full five-star rating from me.
To see the full review, click on the link below:
https://unseenlibrary.com/2022/05/01/...
For other exciting reviews and content, check out my blog at:
https://unseenlibrary.com/
August 22, 2022
I, like many of you, get so much pleasure from reading, specifically getting to escape to a place or time that is truly foreign to me.
This is the tenth adventure for Flavia Albia, and it does not disappoint. In Desperate Undertaking, Lindsey Davis takes us to Rome, AD 89 where there are a series of murders that hit closer to home than is comfortable. The murders are brutal/gory and very theatrical - as they are staged in various theatres around the city. As the latest victim is found with their dying breath, they mention an undertaker... Flavia Albia gets a commission to find this deadly "undertaker" and solve the mystery. There is nothing in spoiling the mystery to say that some of these characters are just.... wow! And as I read through certain passages, the only thing I could think was "omg,... the smells that they must have had!" LOL!
I truly love this series, mostly because I think I've learned something after reading it. I had no idea about the number of theatres, you get a map at the beginning of the book where it reconstructs the area in question. But with all the theatres, wouldn't there be lots of actors? Apparently, actors were just a step above well, slaves in the strata of society, but they were also apparently on par with gladiators. You didn't invite them to dinner unless they became champions/famous. (So now you understand the character comment above.)
Also, in this book, we get to learn all about the process of burial/ funerary rites in Rome at this time. As I wrote earlier, I so enjoy learning and getting entertained at the same time.
[I did receive this arc via GoodReads and Minotaur Books for an honest review. Thank you.]
This is the tenth adventure for Flavia Albia, and it does not disappoint. In Desperate Undertaking, Lindsey Davis takes us to Rome, AD 89 where there are a series of murders that hit closer to home than is comfortable. The murders are brutal/gory and very theatrical - as they are staged in various theatres around the city. As the latest victim is found with their dying breath, they mention an undertaker... Flavia Albia gets a commission to find this deadly "undertaker" and solve the mystery. There is nothing in spoiling the mystery to say that some of these characters are just.... wow! And as I read through certain passages, the only thing I could think was "omg,... the smells that they must have had!" LOL!
I truly love this series, mostly because I think I've learned something after reading it. I had no idea about the number of theatres, you get a map at the beginning of the book where it reconstructs the area in question. But with all the theatres, wouldn't there be lots of actors? Apparently, actors were just a step above well, slaves in the strata of society, but they were also apparently on par with gladiators. You didn't invite them to dinner unless they became champions/famous. (So now you understand the character comment above.)
Also, in this book, we get to learn all about the process of burial/ funerary rites in Rome at this time. As I wrote earlier, I so enjoy learning and getting entertained at the same time.
[I did receive this arc via GoodReads and Minotaur Books for an honest review. Thank you.]
November 17, 2022
Review to follow
July 15, 2022
Nothing’s Worse Than Actors As Witnesses
The novel opens in a theater stage where a woman is being gored by a huge auroch. Before dying, she states that the undertaker did it. Outside the theater, someone has used a piece of charcoal to write an announcement of a play starting the victim. She and her husband manage a theatrical group that had put on a play during the recent Saturnalia. A theatrical friend of Falco arrives at the warehouse looking for Falco to look into a man who was crucified the night before on behalf of the man’s wife. He accepts Albia to look into the case. Soon after Albia learns that the man’s wife was the woman gored to death. This death scene also has an announcement of a play staring this victim written on the external wall. A very complicated and engrossing investigation starts.
There really is only one thread in this novel. It is the investigation and each chapter is in the voice of Flavia Albia. It is complex as all the victims except one all the major witnesses are in the actors or associated with the theatrical profession. Who is better to lie and mislead with a straight face than actors? Even back then, they often change names That makes the start complex. A nice aspect is that the action of this novel takes place in the Field of Mars that is new for Albia so there are new vigiles tribune, investigator and personnel. The main storyline was fresh to me, so my interest was captured. As events unfolded, the capture of my interest only strengthens.
To support the B-storyline there are two threads. One is continuing marriage to her aedile husband, and the other is her relationship with her parents and Falco’s auction business. Integrated well with the main storyline is her interactions with new vigiles personnel. She spends much time in thoughts about how to work with these new characters. Her interactions with another aedile also provide much insight into Albia’s character.
For the aspects of novels that can turn off some readers, there is not much to worry as for intimate scenes are a null. For profanity, it is mostly rude for a yellow-green flag with some British equivalents thrown in. Some of the violence is described in the more edgy as it occurs, but these focus on more on the actions of the witnesses than the victim. I give it a yellow flag. The biggest potential issue in this category is relance upon some of the story line in the sixth Falco novel, Last Act in Palmyra. I read this novel almost 20 years ago. I remember just the basic story. The author provides adequate background that I do not believe that you have missed something without reading it first. As usual, I did use my e-reader’s dictionary and Internet access to find the meaning of some British words and ancient Roman words. I recommend reading this novel on an e-reader with those capabilities.
The major issue that I feel that may be a disincentive is that all the characters with some with multiple names may cause the start of this novel not an easy read. If this is the first novel in this series and the Falco series, you may want to start with one of the other Flavia Albia novels. If you are an avid fan of these series, go for it. What I like are the new locations, different vigiles, and locations in this novel. I particularly like the great names of the bars patronized by the actors. The tension is maintained in that all the murders occur in a theatrical setting. Even Albia and her husband along with her parents appear to be potential victims.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel, but it is a little more complex than her previous novels in this series. The author did remain #1 in my Must-Read author rating. I am looking forward to reading her next novel in this series. I rate this novel with five stars.
I received a free e-book version of this novel through NetGalley from Minotaur Books. My review is based only by my own reading experience of this book. I wish to thank Minotaur Books for the opportunity to read and review this novel early.
The novel opens in a theater stage where a woman is being gored by a huge auroch. Before dying, she states that the undertaker did it. Outside the theater, someone has used a piece of charcoal to write an announcement of a play starting the victim. She and her husband manage a theatrical group that had put on a play during the recent Saturnalia. A theatrical friend of Falco arrives at the warehouse looking for Falco to look into a man who was crucified the night before on behalf of the man’s wife. He accepts Albia to look into the case. Soon after Albia learns that the man’s wife was the woman gored to death. This death scene also has an announcement of a play staring this victim written on the external wall. A very complicated and engrossing investigation starts.
There really is only one thread in this novel. It is the investigation and each chapter is in the voice of Flavia Albia. It is complex as all the victims except one all the major witnesses are in the actors or associated with the theatrical profession. Who is better to lie and mislead with a straight face than actors? Even back then, they often change names That makes the start complex. A nice aspect is that the action of this novel takes place in the Field of Mars that is new for Albia so there are new vigiles tribune, investigator and personnel. The main storyline was fresh to me, so my interest was captured. As events unfolded, the capture of my interest only strengthens.
To support the B-storyline there are two threads. One is continuing marriage to her aedile husband, and the other is her relationship with her parents and Falco’s auction business. Integrated well with the main storyline is her interactions with new vigiles personnel. She spends much time in thoughts about how to work with these new characters. Her interactions with another aedile also provide much insight into Albia’s character.
For the aspects of novels that can turn off some readers, there is not much to worry as for intimate scenes are a null. For profanity, it is mostly rude for a yellow-green flag with some British equivalents thrown in. Some of the violence is described in the more edgy as it occurs, but these focus on more on the actions of the witnesses than the victim. I give it a yellow flag. The biggest potential issue in this category is relance upon some of the story line in the sixth Falco novel, Last Act in Palmyra. I read this novel almost 20 years ago. I remember just the basic story. The author provides adequate background that I do not believe that you have missed something without reading it first. As usual, I did use my e-reader’s dictionary and Internet access to find the meaning of some British words and ancient Roman words. I recommend reading this novel on an e-reader with those capabilities.
The major issue that I feel that may be a disincentive is that all the characters with some with multiple names may cause the start of this novel not an easy read. If this is the first novel in this series and the Falco series, you may want to start with one of the other Flavia Albia novels. If you are an avid fan of these series, go for it. What I like are the new locations, different vigiles, and locations in this novel. I particularly like the great names of the bars patronized by the actors. The tension is maintained in that all the murders occur in a theatrical setting. Even Albia and her husband along with her parents appear to be potential victims.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel, but it is a little more complex than her previous novels in this series. The author did remain #1 in my Must-Read author rating. I am looking forward to reading her next novel in this series. I rate this novel with five stars.
I received a free e-book version of this novel through NetGalley from Minotaur Books. My review is based only by my own reading experience of this book. I wish to thank Minotaur Books for the opportunity to read and review this novel early.
July 26, 2022
Desperate Undertaking is the 10th book in the Flavia Albia Mystery historical series by Lindsey Davis. I started this series with....this one. Sigh. This series is the follow-up to her previous one, Marcus Didius Falco, which stars our current heroine's adoptive father. Nope, haven't read any of those books, either. I highly recommend starting this series from its beginning. I enjoyed this story, but it took me a while to get into its rhythm and learn about our star.
Flavia Albia, daughter of Marcus Didius Falco, has taken over her father's business as a private informer in Rome in the first century, under Domitian's reign. In her father's absence, Flavia is requested to investigate the brutal murders of Chremes and his wife, Phrygia, the leaders of an acting troupe. It appears that the murders are being based on plays which contain horrid murders. Flavia suspects that the killer (killers?) are either members of the acting troupe or from The Farcicals, an amateur group that was unhappy with Chremes and Phrygia. Before she died, Phrygia gasps to Flavia, "The undertaker did it," which just makes things more confusing. The death toll continues to climb; will Flavia be able to solve the oddest case of hers to date?
Since this was my first book in this series, it took me a while to wade through ancient Roman names, locations and positions such as vigilis, aedile, tribune and the like. I was so confused; I guess I didn't pay enough attention in school when learning about ancient Rome! Right off the bat, however, I liked Flavia Albia. She had a sense of humor and her snarky comments were very entertaining. She was a brave woman who sometimes ran toward trouble without thinking it through thoroughly at first. She was whip smart, too. Flavia had a softer side, as well. You could tell she absolutely adored her adoptive parents, her adeile husband Tiberius Manlius, their dog Barley and two children they fostered. It was the mystery, however, that really grabbed me. The murders were unique, to say the least. Crucifixion was horrid. We find out just how messy feeding bears can be. But death by bull? Well, let's not get into the particulars. Suffice it to say it was most...unpleasant. After taking a while to immerse myself in the story, it truly ended up being a captivating mystery. I'm just glad I have some of the previous books so I can bring myself up to speed!
I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Flavia Albia, daughter of Marcus Didius Falco, has taken over her father's business as a private informer in Rome in the first century, under Domitian's reign. In her father's absence, Flavia is requested to investigate the brutal murders of Chremes and his wife, Phrygia, the leaders of an acting troupe. It appears that the murders are being based on plays which contain horrid murders. Flavia suspects that the killer (killers?) are either members of the acting troupe or from The Farcicals, an amateur group that was unhappy with Chremes and Phrygia. Before she died, Phrygia gasps to Flavia, "The undertaker did it," which just makes things more confusing. The death toll continues to climb; will Flavia be able to solve the oddest case of hers to date?
Since this was my first book in this series, it took me a while to wade through ancient Roman names, locations and positions such as vigilis, aedile, tribune and the like. I was so confused; I guess I didn't pay enough attention in school when learning about ancient Rome! Right off the bat, however, I liked Flavia Albia. She had a sense of humor and her snarky comments were very entertaining. She was a brave woman who sometimes ran toward trouble without thinking it through thoroughly at first. She was whip smart, too. Flavia had a softer side, as well. You could tell she absolutely adored her adoptive parents, her adeile husband Tiberius Manlius, their dog Barley and two children they fostered. It was the mystery, however, that really grabbed me. The murders were unique, to say the least. Crucifixion was horrid. We find out just how messy feeding bears can be. But death by bull? Well, let's not get into the particulars. Suffice it to say it was most...unpleasant. After taking a while to immerse myself in the story, it truly ended up being a captivating mystery. I'm just glad I have some of the previous books so I can bring myself up to speed!
I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.
August 3, 2022
“Desperate Undertaking” sure shouldn’t be anyone’s introduction to Lindsey Davis’s lengthy and excellent catalog of mystery novels set in Flavian Rome. It’s the oddest tale of murder I’ve ever encountered in years.
Most of us read mysteries to figure out who did what to whom. Davis doesn’t work that way here. Instead, we’re offered a mythological arc that frames a series of sensationally staged crimes for Flavia Albia, her young investigator and narrator, to anticipate, untangle, and maybe prevent.
It is a slow read—mostly because the almost too-clever Albia wraps her every observation in sarcasm, irony, or humor aimed at suspects, colleagues, relatives, and even the occasional extinct species of cattle. (There’s an aurochs in the story.) Almost every other sentence is a punchline, if you look for it. And, if you find you can’t put the book down, it’s likely because you fear you’ll lose track of its cast of hundreds.
So “Desperate Undertaking” is probably not the best read at the airport. It’s also not for the squeamish: I’d probably be nervous if its author were my neighbor.
And yet I found the book oddly compelling, a bold exercise that challenges readers to keep up, something Caligula even more than Domitian might enjoy.
Most of us read mysteries to figure out who did what to whom. Davis doesn’t work that way here. Instead, we’re offered a mythological arc that frames a series of sensationally staged crimes for Flavia Albia, her young investigator and narrator, to anticipate, untangle, and maybe prevent.
It is a slow read—mostly because the almost too-clever Albia wraps her every observation in sarcasm, irony, or humor aimed at suspects, colleagues, relatives, and even the occasional extinct species of cattle. (There’s an aurochs in the story.) Almost every other sentence is a punchline, if you look for it. And, if you find you can’t put the book down, it’s likely because you fear you’ll lose track of its cast of hundreds.
So “Desperate Undertaking” is probably not the best read at the airport. It’s also not for the squeamish: I’d probably be nervous if its author were my neighbor.
And yet I found the book oddly compelling, a bold exercise that challenges readers to keep up, something Caligula even more than Domitian might enjoy.
April 4, 2022
Flavia Albia following in her father’s Falco footsteps in Ancient Rome investigates the most theatrical gruesome deaths imaginable. You are drawn into the world of Rome with its everyday life and social structure. A play within a play brings terror and revenge to touring theatre players back in Rome after many years.
An exciting story that keeps going at a breathtaking speed with a central character that will certainly hold your interest.
I was given an arc of this book by Netgalley and the publisher Hodder & Stoughton in exchange for an honest review.
An exciting story that keeps going at a breathtaking speed with a central character that will certainly hold your interest.
I was given an arc of this book by Netgalley and the publisher Hodder & Stoughton in exchange for an honest review.
July 30, 2022
2022 bk 217. Whenever a new Flavia Albia books appear, all other books get pushed aside. She never fails - in fact I think the author becomes stronger with each title. This book involves a full knowledge of ancient plays, so prepare yourself. There is a madman in Rome, a madman nursing a grudge from Syria - around 20 years prior - you remember, the time when Marcus and Helena toured the provinces? All of that cast of characters returns, only to be picked off in the week following Saturnalia. Albia, realizing that her parents may be a target, works with another cohert, her husband, and the friends of her parents to locate the murderer. Well done mystery!
April 24, 2022
Another amazing story in this series. I loved the gruesome, serial killer plot in this one, also the brilliant idea of deaths inspired by ancient plays *chef's kiss*. I was hooked from the start, Albia as always was her brilliant, sarcastic self. I loved all the references to Last Act in Palmyra.
September 2, 2022
I love Lindsey Davis and the entire Falco family. This is another grand addition to the tales of Flavia Albia. I realize that some people will not care for this. It does require a good background in Greek and Roman theater as well as life in ancient Rome overall. As a retired Latin teacher, I appreciated all the details. However, the final chapter gives me pause. Does this indicate that Flavia Albia is retiring from the informer business? I sincerely hope NOT!
April 30, 2022
I'm very sorry to say I will not be giving a full review on this title. I rated it three stars because I can see why this series is so popular. Good characters, interesting setting. It's just not for me; I've tried three times but the story fails to grab my attention.
July 22, 2023
Sadly I don’t find the Flavia Albia books anywhere near as compelling as the Falco series. There is something off about the balance of historical detail and plot and Falco was simply funnier and a more endearing character. It’s a shame.
April 17, 2025
I didn’t enjoy this book as much as some of the earlier Flavia Albia series. I seem to recall a similar Diduis Falco book, which also featured the world of professional entertainers/actors, set in Syria, which was also underwhelming. Nevertheless it is still my intention to read all of the Flavia Albia series this year!!
February 7, 2023
This has some of the.most gruesome deaths in the whole series, including the Falco books. What makes it worse is the victims are being murdered as acts in a play which apparently in this time were after out on stage for real, with the victims being played.by criminals sentenced to death, so these gruesome deaths were used as entertainment, (I'm sure the author must have researched this and would not have included the information otherwise) Flavia Albia.is called upon to investigate after the help of her Father Falco is requested but he's unavailable so she will have to do. The victims of the murders are not strangers to the reader, not if you're read Last Act to Palmyra, which explains why they asked for Falco, they're all friends of his which causes Flavia Albia some problems. She should tell her father, he would want to know, but if she tells him he will rush back to Rome and take over,........................ So she puts off a decision on her dad and gets stuck in to trying to solve these horrific crimes, she quickly focuses on on a group of people but has trouble getting further as everyone.keeps lying to her.............. Murderers lying, I know .... What is the world coming to...... But Flavia Albia just work quickly especiall.as it seems the killer has turned his attention her way.............
March 19, 2024
Meh. Too much Greek mythology theatre detail for me to follow. Still, good info about Roman daily life in AD 86 or so.
July 15, 2022
There’s a murderer on the loose in Rome but not just any old garden variety psycho, this guy themes his kills to a theatrical bent, bringing to reality some of the most gruesome Grecian tragedies. A connection to Flavia’s father asks her to investigate as Falco is conveniently out of town. I have to say is wasn’t blown away by this one, Davis is always solid but I didn’t find myself particularly gripped. Flavia is pretty isolated this go round, we didn’t get much of her household which I missed. Hardly any Dromo drama. The murders are very grim so this one was pretty dark and there wasn’t much witty bants to lighten it up. However average Davis is still a pretty high bar all over.
July 30, 2023
Flavia Albia is herself an established informer (detective) in the Rome of 89 A.D., following in the footsteps of her adopted father Falco. However, her parents are out of town when an old acquaintance comes seeking his help so Albia takes over the case. A series of gory and elaborately staged murders take place over the course of her investigation. Each murder is inspired by a play, either the Roman equivalent of a potboiler or some renowned classical work such as Oedipus Rex or Medea. Suspicion focuses on a touring company of professional actors as well as some local amateurs. Albia discovers a connection between these murders and one involving the actors that took place in Syria. That case was solved by Falco, and the present day murderer or murderers seem to be targeting people involved in the earlier case—including Falco and his daughter.
Every year I look forward to reading Albia’s latest adventure—written with wry humor. The author always manages a few more serious, heartfelt touches. Here, it is the epitaph for Falco’s dog, “Nux, best and happiest of dogs, run with joy through all Elysium, dear friend.” When her nephew says Nux was just a dog, Albia tells him, “No, Gaius. I won’t have you say that, darling. She was precious to her family. Nux was never just a dog.” (OK, I’m a dog lover, and a softie to boot.). As I wrote in reviews of earlier books, I like the look at the life of everyday Romans and enjoy the relationship between Albia and her new husband, Manlius Faustus. Hubby is featured less here. What I find less appealing are the long passages with Albia navigating through Ancient Rome and the detailed descriptions of the layouts of various temples and monuments. It just gets too involved sometimes and I get lost. For some reason, it bothered me in this book more than the earlier ones. All in all, however, this was another entertaining mystery with my favorite female Roman sleuth.
Every year I look forward to reading Albia’s latest adventure—written with wry humor. The author always manages a few more serious, heartfelt touches. Here, it is the epitaph for Falco’s dog, “Nux, best and happiest of dogs, run with joy through all Elysium, dear friend.” When her nephew says Nux was just a dog, Albia tells him, “No, Gaius. I won’t have you say that, darling. She was precious to her family. Nux was never just a dog.” (OK, I’m a dog lover, and a softie to boot.). As I wrote in reviews of earlier books, I like the look at the life of everyday Romans and enjoy the relationship between Albia and her new husband, Manlius Faustus. Hubby is featured less here. What I find less appealing are the long passages with Albia navigating through Ancient Rome and the detailed descriptions of the layouts of various temples and monuments. It just gets too involved sometimes and I get lost. For some reason, it bothered me in this book more than the earlier ones. All in all, however, this was another entertaining mystery with my favorite female Roman sleuth.
May 17, 2022
For Fans of Lindsey Davis this latest is a real treat because it openly references and links back to a previous Falco novel - Falco #6: Last Act in Palmyra (one of my old favourites) - but this time giving Albia a chance to enter the world of Roman Drama.
From a Classic student's POV this one is brilliant because it references a lot of drama and myth which will be very familiar - the murders are all tableaus from plays - so we get Medea and her slaughtered children, Pasiphae raped by the bull, Oedipus killing Laius, the fall of Icarus and even a crucifixion - The murders themselves are among Lindsey Davis' most memorable - and it's really nice to revert back to a classical whodunit.
However as with so many Lindsey Davis novels there is no real mystery - While the murders themselves are fantastic - the murder mystery plot is extremely weak - there are no surprises on who the killer is. This is certainly not a page turner because of plot or tension. What keeps you riveted is the excellent evocation of 1st century Rome and likeable characters and humour.
Being a life-long Davis fan I thoroughly enjoyed this one, but I've still not quite warmed to Albia as much as I did with Falco. Still there's lots here to enjoy, fans won't be too disappointed.
From a Classic student's POV this one is brilliant because it references a lot of drama and myth which will be very familiar - the murders are all tableaus from plays - so we get Medea and her slaughtered children, Pasiphae raped by the bull, Oedipus killing Laius, the fall of Icarus and even a crucifixion - The murders themselves are among Lindsey Davis' most memorable - and it's really nice to revert back to a classical whodunit.
However as with so many Lindsey Davis novels there is no real mystery - While the murders themselves are fantastic - the murder mystery plot is extremely weak - there are no surprises on who the killer is. This is certainly not a page turner because of plot or tension. What keeps you riveted is the excellent evocation of 1st century Rome and likeable characters and humour.
Being a life-long Davis fan I thoroughly enjoyed this one, but I've still not quite warmed to Albia as much as I did with Falco. Still there's lots here to enjoy, fans won't be too disappointed.
February 6, 2023
Flavia Albia is back. She is far more confidant in #10 than she was in the earlier novels. Her confidence presents her as arrogant, entitled, and unsympathetic. It is difficult to enjoy the novel, when the reader dissociates with the lead heroine. The murders are gruesome and spectacular. Davis clearly is going for shock value and originality. The best part of the novel was the detailed description of ancient Rome, not just the theaters and buildings, but daily life, struggles and hardships, life and death. Assuming it is all historically accurate, readers can learn far more about Romans just from reading this book than taking classes at the university.
A string of gruesome murders shakes up the neighborhood. In a civilization that bases entertainment on bloodbath spectacles and dramatic theater, a killer (or group of killers) combine these sanguine interests and murder people in the most terrible fashion from the most famous plays. The shock value is certainly there. Brilliant. Horrible. There is some vague connection to Albia's (don't call me Flavia) family, so she takes the case while her crime-solving parents are on vacation. By this point, she is a pro. Assisting Mucius, the no-nonsense leader of the district vigiles, she quickly tracks down fugitives and transient actors.
Albia is not just a strong-willed woman; but she comes off as down right condescending and mean. Davis has definitely changed the heroine from a sympathetic crime-solver into the crime-solver no one loves. I am thinking of turning Sherlock Holmes into Hercule Poirot. The genius is still there, along with her dry wit, but she seems to view everyone not in her social circle with contempt. Naturally, Albia finds herself in danger multiple times. I did not care.
The cleverness of the murders is the centerpiece of the story. Really, the second murder was so grotesque and horrible, it overwhelms everything else. In a very real sense, this book hops from one murder scene to the next. No one is actually following clues. Albia's husband was going to follow clues from the wooden constructs (similar to how authorities tracked the murder of the Lindbergh baby to Bruno Hauptmann); but this line just fizzled. Instead, the book focuses on a group of suspects and pursues them doggedly. Albia's wit is on display as she tracks the suspects; but all too often her own nastiness or snobbery distracts the user. Consider one scene near the end of the story: Albia is racing to the next murder scene along with her "police" escort. Time is of the essence. But, everyone is talking normally? Wouldn't they be winded? Oh, wait, Albia is carried in a litter, handled by aging (and struggling) bearers. Eventually, she gets out and runs toward their destination....[sigh].
The redeeming value of this book is the brilliant description of Rome - the people, the buildings, life, the government, social services, caste, everything. I do not know how accurate the picture is; but I do not find any obvious errors, so I trust Davis's description. Although visual description is not her strength, Davis does an amazing job at showing the contrast of Roman lives with those of modern audiences. I cannot "see" the city or the scene. But I can understand what is said. The government is not just the emperor and the Praetorians. There are many subtle layers of government, law enforcement, etc. As a study of Rome, this is a brilliant book.
Overall, this is more thriller than mystery. The conclusion was disappointing. The motives of the guilty parties are weak, almost to the point of disbelief. Staging murder scenes from famous plays requires a lot of work. The motives may support murder; but the shock value of the murder scenes requires far too much effort to justify such horror. Even the most classic clue of the novel, "the undertaker did it," is so misleading that Davis has to go to great lengths to explain it, and even then it does not make sense. In sum, I loved the description of Rome. I dislike the crime-solver Albia became. And I am dissatisfied with the mystery-outcome.
A string of gruesome murders shakes up the neighborhood. In a civilization that bases entertainment on bloodbath spectacles and dramatic theater, a killer (or group of killers) combine these sanguine interests and murder people in the most terrible fashion from the most famous plays. The shock value is certainly there. Brilliant. Horrible. There is some vague connection to Albia's (don't call me Flavia) family, so she takes the case while her crime-solving parents are on vacation. By this point, she is a pro. Assisting Mucius, the no-nonsense leader of the district vigiles, she quickly tracks down fugitives and transient actors.
Albia is not just a strong-willed woman; but she comes off as down right condescending and mean. Davis has definitely changed the heroine from a sympathetic crime-solver into the crime-solver no one loves. I am thinking of turning Sherlock Holmes into Hercule Poirot. The genius is still there, along with her dry wit, but she seems to view everyone not in her social circle with contempt. Naturally, Albia finds herself in danger multiple times. I did not care.
The cleverness of the murders is the centerpiece of the story. Really, the second murder was so grotesque and horrible, it overwhelms everything else. In a very real sense, this book hops from one murder scene to the next. No one is actually following clues. Albia's husband was going to follow clues from the wooden constructs (similar to how authorities tracked the murder of the Lindbergh baby to Bruno Hauptmann); but this line just fizzled. Instead, the book focuses on a group of suspects and pursues them doggedly. Albia's wit is on display as she tracks the suspects; but all too often her own nastiness or snobbery distracts the user. Consider one scene near the end of the story: Albia is racing to the next murder scene along with her "police" escort. Time is of the essence. But, everyone is talking normally? Wouldn't they be winded? Oh, wait, Albia is carried in a litter, handled by aging (and struggling) bearers. Eventually, she gets out and runs toward their destination....[sigh].
The redeeming value of this book is the brilliant description of Rome - the people, the buildings, life, the government, social services, caste, everything. I do not know how accurate the picture is; but I do not find any obvious errors, so I trust Davis's description. Although visual description is not her strength, Davis does an amazing job at showing the contrast of Roman lives with those of modern audiences. I cannot "see" the city or the scene. But I can understand what is said. The government is not just the emperor and the Praetorians. There are many subtle layers of government, law enforcement, etc. As a study of Rome, this is a brilliant book.
Overall, this is more thriller than mystery. The conclusion was disappointing. The motives of the guilty parties are weak, almost to the point of disbelief. Staging murder scenes from famous plays requires a lot of work. The motives may support murder; but the shock value of the murder scenes requires far too much effort to justify such horror. Even the most classic clue of the novel, "the undertaker did it," is so misleading that Davis has to go to great lengths to explain it, and even then it does not make sense. In sum, I loved the description of Rome. I dislike the crime-solver Albia became. And I am dissatisfied with the mystery-outcome.
April 9, 2022
A dying woman’s last words are that ‘the undertaker did it!’ Immediately Flavia Albia is intrigued and bemused. Is a Roman undertaker having to resort to murderous means to drum up trade? But Phrygia, the dying woman, is not the first gruesome and bloody death that Flavia has seen that morning. Chremes, Phrygia’s husband, has been found, crucified, in Domitian’s stadium. She went out to find him after he went missing. A fake play notice that mentioned his next performance had been seen and he was curious to find out more. It’s December in Rome and the annual feast of Saturnalia meant that the stadium doors were left unlocked. Phrygia was also lured to her monstrously cruel death.
An old acquaintance, Davos, eager to solve the brutal deaths, comes to find Falco but he and his wife Helena, are away from Rome on holiday. So, Flavia adroitly takes the case and begins her investigations. It’s soon apparent that the murderer has a grudge against actors and carefully plans his acts. Both victims were managers of a successful theatre company, and the murders are horrible re-enactments of brutal scenes in classic plays. There were meticulously planned and designed for maximum effect on the people who see them.
She begins to look into the theatre company and their hangers-on, the Farcicals. But, as more fake playbills appear announcing solo performances of selected scenes from other dramas and Flavia sees their bloody carnage, she becomes even more determined to find the murderer and stop them. And then they come closer to home……
Flavia knows that she is an outsider as well as being a woman in the misogynistic society of ancient Rome despite being married to a magistrate. However, it also protects her as she is ignored. Although she is recognised as Falco’s adopted daughter, she is also known as ‘the crazy British one, the bloody rude one.’
Although this is the first Flavia Albia novel that I’ve read, I felt immediately immersed in her world. The hierarchy of ancient Rome, its crowded jostling streets with everyone out to make a living or to rise higher. She has a sardonic wit and can comment drily on events and her world. She is also shrewd as she comments on Chremes and Phrygia’s landlord eyeing up their saddlebags of money and wanting to take his share and so realising that he could be helpful to her at a price.
I was gripped by the smells and sights of the city while bearing in mind Flavia’s comment that ‘Rome might be the hub of civilisation, but it had done this through butcher generals scrambling through blood.’ There was a lot of historical background, but it was done in a conversational way as if Flavia was taking the reader by the hand as she went about the streets on her daily routine, indicating places of interest as she asked questions. I liked her a lot.
There was quite a cast of characters with their different backgrounds and ambitions, but I could see that the author was in full control of them and I, as a newbie to Flavia’s world, soon worked out who was who. One of the most atmospheric scenes for me was the cremation and interment of Phrygia and Chremes at the roadside necropolis in cold, damp weather. The mourners gathered to pay their last respects little knowing what lay in store for one of them. And that they would soon be gathering there again.
Desperate Undertaking was an entertaining romp through ancient Rome in the company of a very strong and memorable character who knew it inside out.
An amended version of this review appeared on http://www.shotsmag.co.uk/
An old acquaintance, Davos, eager to solve the brutal deaths, comes to find Falco but he and his wife Helena, are away from Rome on holiday. So, Flavia adroitly takes the case and begins her investigations. It’s soon apparent that the murderer has a grudge against actors and carefully plans his acts. Both victims were managers of a successful theatre company, and the murders are horrible re-enactments of brutal scenes in classic plays. There were meticulously planned and designed for maximum effect on the people who see them.
She begins to look into the theatre company and their hangers-on, the Farcicals. But, as more fake playbills appear announcing solo performances of selected scenes from other dramas and Flavia sees their bloody carnage, she becomes even more determined to find the murderer and stop them. And then they come closer to home……
Flavia knows that she is an outsider as well as being a woman in the misogynistic society of ancient Rome despite being married to a magistrate. However, it also protects her as she is ignored. Although she is recognised as Falco’s adopted daughter, she is also known as ‘the crazy British one, the bloody rude one.’
Although this is the first Flavia Albia novel that I’ve read, I felt immediately immersed in her world. The hierarchy of ancient Rome, its crowded jostling streets with everyone out to make a living or to rise higher. She has a sardonic wit and can comment drily on events and her world. She is also shrewd as she comments on Chremes and Phrygia’s landlord eyeing up their saddlebags of money and wanting to take his share and so realising that he could be helpful to her at a price.
I was gripped by the smells and sights of the city while bearing in mind Flavia’s comment that ‘Rome might be the hub of civilisation, but it had done this through butcher generals scrambling through blood.’ There was a lot of historical background, but it was done in a conversational way as if Flavia was taking the reader by the hand as she went about the streets on her daily routine, indicating places of interest as she asked questions. I liked her a lot.
There was quite a cast of characters with their different backgrounds and ambitions, but I could see that the author was in full control of them and I, as a newbie to Flavia’s world, soon worked out who was who. One of the most atmospheric scenes for me was the cremation and interment of Phrygia and Chremes at the roadside necropolis in cold, damp weather. The mourners gathered to pay their last respects little knowing what lay in store for one of them. And that they would soon be gathering there again.
Desperate Undertaking was an entertaining romp through ancient Rome in the company of a very strong and memorable character who knew it inside out.
An amended version of this review appeared on http://www.shotsmag.co.uk/
August 1, 2022
I have a decided fondness for authors who can create, and sustain, a series with characters and locations that are compelling. In this case, two series.
For those of us Falco Fans, Albia comes face to face with people that Falco and Helena encountered 15 (20?) years prior. It wasn't a joyful situation.
This situation adds layers to the tapestry that Davis created when she developed both the Falco and Albia series. There is some cross-pollination simply because of the ebb and flow of people that come and go in our lives.
The killings are brutal. There is no doubt that whoever came up with the scenarios (yes, plural) is creative. The horror of discovery is matched by the desperate search to find and stop those responsible. Motive is a huge question - why were these people killed? The answers are chilling on several levels.
As I listened I found myself in awe of the creativity of the writer. While there is a lot of detail regarding a lot of things, thankfully there is not too much detail about certain things. If you have a fluid imagination be warned. On the other hand, the settings and background are beautifully rendered. I admit I would have liked to have a map but one really isn't needed.
The characters are beautifully rendered. As usual, there are new folks we haven't encountered in addition to those who came from prior books. The location is also brought to life. Rome in all its complicated majesty is almost a character in and of itself. Not surprising all things considered.
While I would strongly recommend this book to any Falco or Flavia reader, I do think that if you are new to the series you might be a bit lost in understanding the history of the people involved. But that is just me.
That being said, I am going to find the book that this particular work springs from and dive back in. As I recall from the last time I listened/read it, it was one of Falco & Helena's best adventures.
For those of us Falco Fans, Albia comes face to face with people that Falco and Helena encountered 15 (20?) years prior. It wasn't a joyful situation.
This situation adds layers to the tapestry that Davis created when she developed both the Falco and Albia series. There is some cross-pollination simply because of the ebb and flow of people that come and go in our lives.
The killings are brutal. There is no doubt that whoever came up with the scenarios (yes, plural) is creative. The horror of discovery is matched by the desperate search to find and stop those responsible. Motive is a huge question - why were these people killed? The answers are chilling on several levels.
As I listened I found myself in awe of the creativity of the writer. While there is a lot of detail regarding a lot of things, thankfully there is not too much detail about certain things. If you have a fluid imagination be warned. On the other hand, the settings and background are beautifully rendered. I admit I would have liked to have a map but one really isn't needed.
The characters are beautifully rendered. As usual, there are new folks we haven't encountered in addition to those who came from prior books. The location is also brought to life. Rome in all its complicated majesty is almost a character in and of itself. Not surprising all things considered.
While I would strongly recommend this book to any Falco or Flavia reader, I do think that if you are new to the series you might be a bit lost in understanding the history of the people involved. But that is just me.
That being said, I am going to find the book that this particular work springs from and dive back in. As I recall from the last time I listened/read it, it was one of Falco & Helena's best adventures.
August 25, 2022
A bit disappointing…
I have been a big fan of Lindsey Davis’ original Falco series and spin-off Flavia Albia books for years. I’ve enjoyed Falco’s snark, Helena Justina’s class, Falco and Helena Justina’s odd and happy partnership, Falco’s odder and somewhat hapless family, Helena Justina’s almost as hapless brothers, Flavia Albia’s own style of snark, etc. etc. etc. But unfortunately, I had a hard time enjoying the latest Flavia Albia book, A Desperate Undertaking.
Undertaking starts off as a fairly standard Flavia Albia case, albeit one that she has poached from her father while he and the rest of the family are off in Ostia. Rather quickly, however, we get hints that all is not what it seems, and that the past may be coming back to haunt her. But it seems to be Falco’s past, not hers...
A series of gruesome murders follows, all of which seem to be linked to various myths and dramas - Pasiphae, Oedipus Rex, Orpheus, Jason, and others. So Flavia Albia has to figure out what is going on, and how to stop the killings. All of which is well and good, but somehow this was all just a little too much: too many deaths, too many allusions to the past, and too much unpleasantness. We still have Flavia Albia’s trademark quick, sharp wit and investigative chops to enjoy - but they were hard to appreciate in the midst of everything else. I’ve never had problems finishing one of Davis’ books before, and in fact, have re-read most of them, but I had a hard time finishing this one.
In the end, I’m not going to give up on the series, and I very much hope that Davis reverts to form in Flavia Albia’s next outing. And, as mentioned above, there were enough familiar elements that I’m still glad I read Desperate Undertaking. But it was a close thing, and that means a rare three-star review from me.
And finally, my thanks to the appropriately named publisher, Minotaur Books, and to NetGalley for my review copy!
I have been a big fan of Lindsey Davis’ original Falco series and spin-off Flavia Albia books for years. I’ve enjoyed Falco’s snark, Helena Justina’s class, Falco and Helena Justina’s odd and happy partnership, Falco’s odder and somewhat hapless family, Helena Justina’s almost as hapless brothers, Flavia Albia’s own style of snark, etc. etc. etc. But unfortunately, I had a hard time enjoying the latest Flavia Albia book, A Desperate Undertaking.
Undertaking starts off as a fairly standard Flavia Albia case, albeit one that she has poached from her father while he and the rest of the family are off in Ostia. Rather quickly, however, we get hints that all is not what it seems, and that the past may be coming back to haunt her. But it seems to be Falco’s past, not hers...
A series of gruesome murders follows, all of which seem to be linked to various myths and dramas - Pasiphae, Oedipus Rex, Orpheus, Jason, and others. So Flavia Albia has to figure out what is going on, and how to stop the killings. All of which is well and good, but somehow this was all just a little too much: too many deaths, too many allusions to the past, and too much unpleasantness. We still have Flavia Albia’s trademark quick, sharp wit and investigative chops to enjoy - but they were hard to appreciate in the midst of everything else. I’ve never had problems finishing one of Davis’ books before, and in fact, have re-read most of them, but I had a hard time finishing this one.
In the end, I’m not going to give up on the series, and I very much hope that Davis reverts to form in Flavia Albia’s next outing. And, as mentioned above, there were enough familiar elements that I’m still glad I read Desperate Undertaking. But it was a close thing, and that means a rare three-star review from me.
And finally, my thanks to the appropriately named publisher, Minotaur Books, and to NetGalley for my review copy!
April 1, 2022
I would like to thank Netgalley and Hodder & Stoughton for an advance copy of Desperate Undertaking, the tenth novel to feature Flavia Albia, an informer in Ancient Rome.
An old friend of Falco comes looking for him to solve the gruesome murder of his friend, the actor Chremes, but Falco is out of town. Albia accepts the commission but has hardly started when she finds Chremes’s wife, Phrygia, near death after a brutal attack. Phrygia manages to identify her killer as “the undertaker” and so starts the hunt for a brutal serial killer with a grudge against the acting community.
I thoroughly enjoyed Desperate Undertaking, which is another fun adventure in Ancient Rome. The novel is told from Flavia Albia’s first person point of view, so it is coloured by her jaundiced and sardonic take on Rome and its citizens. She is not a woman who is inclined to see the best in people and is thus never disappointed. Nevertheless her voice makes me laugh and brings her milieu alive with her comments on her fellow Romans.
The plot is wild with its imaginative and extremely violent murders. I’m not going to say what they are because that would spoil the fun, but gobsmacking hardly covers them. My jaw dropped exponentially as the novel progressed. It also moves along at a fast pace with Albia, as she prefers to be called, trying to get information out of the notoriously tight lipped or outright lying central characters before more people are killed. It gives the novel a certain air of urgency but no tension, as there is never any doubt that she will prevail. It’s a fun romp.
I like the setting, as the author brings Ancient Rome to life, be it the geographical descriptions and potted history, the depiction of everyday life or the corrupt politics, so the novel teems with humanity and life.
Desperate Undertaking is a fun read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
An old friend of Falco comes looking for him to solve the gruesome murder of his friend, the actor Chremes, but Falco is out of town. Albia accepts the commission but has hardly started when she finds Chremes’s wife, Phrygia, near death after a brutal attack. Phrygia manages to identify her killer as “the undertaker” and so starts the hunt for a brutal serial killer with a grudge against the acting community.
I thoroughly enjoyed Desperate Undertaking, which is another fun adventure in Ancient Rome. The novel is told from Flavia Albia’s first person point of view, so it is coloured by her jaundiced and sardonic take on Rome and its citizens. She is not a woman who is inclined to see the best in people and is thus never disappointed. Nevertheless her voice makes me laugh and brings her milieu alive with her comments on her fellow Romans.
The plot is wild with its imaginative and extremely violent murders. I’m not going to say what they are because that would spoil the fun, but gobsmacking hardly covers them. My jaw dropped exponentially as the novel progressed. It also moves along at a fast pace with Albia, as she prefers to be called, trying to get information out of the notoriously tight lipped or outright lying central characters before more people are killed. It gives the novel a certain air of urgency but no tension, as there is never any doubt that she will prevail. It’s a fun romp.
I like the setting, as the author brings Ancient Rome to life, be it the geographical descriptions and potted history, the depiction of everyday life or the corrupt politics, so the novel teems with humanity and life.
Desperate Undertaking is a fun read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
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