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Marcus Didius Falco #7
Time to Depart
Balbinus Pius, the most notorious gangster in Emperor Vespasian's Rome, has been convicted of a capital crime at last. A quirk of Roman law, however, allows citizens condemned to death "time to depart" and find exile outside the empire. Now as every hoodlum in Rome scrambles to take over Balbinus' operations, private eye Marcus Didius Falco has to deal with an unprecedented wave of crime--and the sneaking suspicion that Balbinus' exile may not really be so permanent after all.
396 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1995
162 people are currently reading
949 people want to read
About the author
Lindsey Davis
103 books1,492 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 149 reviews
April 8, 2019
Ancient Rome had a police force and fire brigade to do all the dirty work.
But when gangsters join them they all become "dirty".
Our hero Falco watches in horror as his present for Helena, his wife, is stolen along with many other valuable goods. Being an informer (the Roman version of detective) he follows a murky trail into brothels and horrible eating houses chasing the gangster boss.
Watch out for;
gangsters taking over Rome,
police corruption,
waterside fleecers,
pickpockets,
an adopted dog,
an abandoned baby,
a kidnapped niece,
and a wedding that literally brings the house down.
All mixed up with a delightful dose of humor.
Enjoy!
But when gangsters join them they all become "dirty".
Our hero Falco watches in horror as his present for Helena, his wife, is stolen along with many other valuable goods. Being an informer (the Roman version of detective) he follows a murky trail into brothels and horrible eating houses chasing the gangster boss.
Watch out for;
gangsters taking over Rome,
police corruption,
waterside fleecers,
pickpockets,
an adopted dog,
an abandoned baby,
a kidnapped niece,
and a wedding that literally brings the house down.
All mixed up with a delightful dose of humor.
Enjoy!
October 9, 2021
**Should Read as 4.5 Stars!**
Read this book in 2013, and its the 7th volume of the amazing Marcus Didius Falco mystery series.
With Falco back home, this tale is set in Rome in the year AD 72.
Falco and his best friend, the Aventine watch Captain, Petronius, are putting on board a ship in Ostia Rome's top criminal, and so sending this criminal, the evil Balbinus, into exile.
But when robberies and murders are committed within the territories that belonged to Balbinus, the question remains is is Balbinus somehow back or has another criminal gang taken over.
Falco and Petronius are summoned to investigate these new cases, and soon enough they will meet tough and deadly opponents in their investigation, an investigation in which they will have to use their wits and cunning to take them on and finally overcome their adversaries, and so bring them finally to justice.
Very much recommended, although this is a great book but not the very best, its still a very worthy addition to this magnificent series, and that's why I like to call this episode: "An Enthralling Departure"!
Read this book in 2013, and its the 7th volume of the amazing Marcus Didius Falco mystery series.
With Falco back home, this tale is set in Rome in the year AD 72.
Falco and his best friend, the Aventine watch Captain, Petronius, are putting on board a ship in Ostia Rome's top criminal, and so sending this criminal, the evil Balbinus, into exile.
But when robberies and murders are committed within the territories that belonged to Balbinus, the question remains is is Balbinus somehow back or has another criminal gang taken over.
Falco and Petronius are summoned to investigate these new cases, and soon enough they will meet tough and deadly opponents in their investigation, an investigation in which they will have to use their wits and cunning to take them on and finally overcome their adversaries, and so bring them finally to justice.
Very much recommended, although this is a great book but not the very best, its still a very worthy addition to this magnificent series, and that's why I like to call this episode: "An Enthralling Departure"!
September 18, 2009
The title is taken from the fact that in AD 72, a Roman citizen who received a death sentence was by law permitted "time to depart" - to accept exile from the empire, a fate worse than death, of course.
When Falco's old friend Petronius, a member of the Vigiles who patrol the streets of Rome, runs a crime boss out of town, he's not prepared to deal with the sudden increase in outrageous crime that immediately follows. Falco is called to use his informer's skills to help discover who's running the new racket. Meanwhile Falco has pressing domestic issues; in particular his ambition to buy his way into the middle rank so that he can marry Helena, the senator's daughter, has just become more urgent.
This is one of my favorites of the series so far. The author has perfected her signature writing style, which was perhaps slightly awkward in the early books. Her dramatic timing is great. The books are action-packed and quietly funny. The author deftly slips in historical details without disturbing the flow of the story; you never once feel as if you're reading a history lecture.
Falco and Helena do a lot of traveling, but I prefer the books that are set in the city of Rome itself. Not only is the scenery great (Falco walks all over the city) but I like the interaction with his friends and family and his encounters with the emperor Vespasian and his sons.
When Falco's old friend Petronius, a member of the Vigiles who patrol the streets of Rome, runs a crime boss out of town, he's not prepared to deal with the sudden increase in outrageous crime that immediately follows. Falco is called to use his informer's skills to help discover who's running the new racket. Meanwhile Falco has pressing domestic issues; in particular his ambition to buy his way into the middle rank so that he can marry Helena, the senator's daughter, has just become more urgent.
This is one of my favorites of the series so far. The author has perfected her signature writing style, which was perhaps slightly awkward in the early books. Her dramatic timing is great. The books are action-packed and quietly funny. The author deftly slips in historical details without disturbing the flow of the story; you never once feel as if you're reading a history lecture.
Falco and Helena do a lot of traveling, but I prefer the books that are set in the city of Rome itself. Not only is the scenery great (Falco walks all over the city) but I like the interaction with his friends and family and his encounters with the emperor Vespasian and his sons.
October 13, 2013
3 1/2 stars rounded out to 4 stars.
This one is almost a closed room mystery (if you can call a district of Rome a closed room) set in a very define area of Rome. It's the first tale where we learn and see what Petronius does and why he and Marcus are best friend, partners in crime and justice. The plot is intricate and there are a lot of strings tangling but ultimately Marcus, Petro and Helena put it all together.
There are also a very good plot B that involves Marcus' and Helena's families reactions and relationships. That plot is not new and its the very solid ground Davis has built that makes these not just cozy mysteries set in Imperial Rome but slices of life novels with a side of mysteries set in Imperial Rome at the time where Rome was the center of the world. The reader learns how every day life probably was. Children, marriage, law and corruption, family and commerce. Davis wraps her knowledge of Imperial Roman life in a very pretty, easy cozy mystery that are not only fun but educational in a non boring way.
This one is almost a closed room mystery (if you can call a district of Rome a closed room) set in a very define area of Rome. It's the first tale where we learn and see what Petronius does and why he and Marcus are best friend, partners in crime and justice. The plot is intricate and there are a lot of strings tangling but ultimately Marcus, Petro and Helena put it all together.
There are also a very good plot B that involves Marcus' and Helena's families reactions and relationships. That plot is not new and its the very solid ground Davis has built that makes these not just cozy mysteries set in Imperial Rome but slices of life novels with a side of mysteries set in Imperial Rome at the time where Rome was the center of the world. The reader learns how every day life probably was. Children, marriage, law and corruption, family and commerce. Davis wraps her knowledge of Imperial Roman life in a very pretty, easy cozy mystery that are not only fun but educational in a non boring way.
August 29, 2011
It is with some relief that I am able to report that "Last Act in Palmyra" was only a temporary low watermark for Lindsey Davis. "Time To Depart" takes place shortly after Marcus' return to Rome. It doesn't take long before he's mixed up into the events caused by a sudden vaccum in Rome's organized crime, a vaccum that was created by no other that Marcus' best friend Petronius. Story develops in very clever and logical manner and introduces some rather memorable characters along the way. What's even more important, the writing style of Davis is back on par. Very enjoyable read.
December 27, 2016
When Roman courts hand down the sentence of 'Time to Depart' they are in deadly earnest. The sentence is only given to wealthy Romans who have committed crimes so awful either against the State or citizens that if they were not rich and connected they would have been sentenced to strangulation. As it is, if such people ever return and are recognized, it means immediate death.
Balbinus Pius is the undisputed crime boss of Rome. No matter what class of dirty business - pickpockets to burglary to prostitution to kidnapping to murder - Balbinus got his cut. Either he had an investment in the business or he provided men to help do the work or he fenced the stolen goods. Every honest policeman wanted his hide nailed to a wall! So, finally, when he slipped up and he was convicted of a murder because of a snitch's testimony, Marcus Didius Falco's best friend, Petronius Longus, public officer of the Fourth Cohort, was given the honor to force him on a ship heading out of town, since it was due to Petronius' investigation and hard work Balbinus was convicted. That expulsion is a done deed by the end of chapter one in this seventh book in the Falco detective series, witnessed by Falco, so troubles in Rome should have gone away for awhile, too, right?
No, not! A big warehouse is broken into and half of the goods are taken! Amongst the stored goods, are the exotic wares Falco and Helena Justina had brought back with them from their assignment in Syria. Falco's father, an auctioneer, had asked them to buy up household glass and artworks, along with furniture and other products from the Middle East, after they had completed the job the Emperor had had them do (previous book). Now, the things they had bought are gone, and the two lovers had not yet been reimbursed by Falco's slow-paying slightly crooked dad!
When Rome is still reeling from this unusually large burglary, the next night the gold jewelry merchants are robbed! Falco and Petronius are given an imperial commission to find the criminals behind the spree and are awarded the title of special inquiry officers. They know this 'honor' is a two-edged sword, one that will quickly have them disgraced if they do not succeed finding the goods and criminals. Is there a new crime boss?
Making things more interesting, Helena is sick every morning since they arrived back in Rome. Could that one time they skipped the birth control that lovely Syrian night after drinking a lot of wine....nonononono!
This novel in the series is extremely fun, full of laugh-out-loud moments and silliness, while yet including lots of life-threatening drama!
I recommend reading this series in order. Start with
.
Balbinus Pius is the undisputed crime boss of Rome. No matter what class of dirty business - pickpockets to burglary to prostitution to kidnapping to murder - Balbinus got his cut. Either he had an investment in the business or he provided men to help do the work or he fenced the stolen goods. Every honest policeman wanted his hide nailed to a wall! So, finally, when he slipped up and he was convicted of a murder because of a snitch's testimony, Marcus Didius Falco's best friend, Petronius Longus, public officer of the Fourth Cohort, was given the honor to force him on a ship heading out of town, since it was due to Petronius' investigation and hard work Balbinus was convicted. That expulsion is a done deed by the end of chapter one in this seventh book in the Falco detective series, witnessed by Falco, so troubles in Rome should have gone away for awhile, too, right?
No, not! A big warehouse is broken into and half of the goods are taken! Amongst the stored goods, are the exotic wares Falco and Helena Justina had brought back with them from their assignment in Syria. Falco's father, an auctioneer, had asked them to buy up household glass and artworks, along with furniture and other products from the Middle East, after they had completed the job the Emperor had had them do (previous book). Now, the things they had bought are gone, and the two lovers had not yet been reimbursed by Falco's slow-paying slightly crooked dad!
When Rome is still reeling from this unusually large burglary, the next night the gold jewelry merchants are robbed! Falco and Petronius are given an imperial commission to find the criminals behind the spree and are awarded the title of special inquiry officers. They know this 'honor' is a two-edged sword, one that will quickly have them disgraced if they do not succeed finding the goods and criminals. Is there a new crime boss?
Making things more interesting, Helena is sick every morning since they arrived back in Rome. Could that one time they skipped the birth control that lovely Syrian night after drinking a lot of wine....nonononono!
This novel in the series is extremely fun, full of laugh-out-loud moments and silliness, while yet including lots of life-threatening drama!
I recommend reading this series in order. Start with
.August 29, 2024
I love this series and you read each new instalment hoping this is the one where Falco will attain her s advancement and be able.to.Marry Helena Justina but so far no luck. In this book though I went through a bit of an about turn. Helena is a Senator's daughter and as such is used to the very best, Falco though a free Roman citizen is in the lowest level of Roman society and that is never more apparent than in this book. The worst dregs of Roman life are detailed in the books all the ways a petty criminal finds of making it through the day and it's grim reading. That Falco is happy for Helena to live this way strikes a sour note ........ Especially as she has her own fortune............ So often Helena is left alone at Falco's flat on the Aventine and there's usually some ruffians out to get Falco, Helena is extremely vulnerable. It's not struck me before as their relationship is one of such equals but she has to walk those streets ....often alone......With no protection, it's a miracle she's not been robbed, kidnapped or even worse. Anyway just hit me in the book as it is concerned with organised crime and the efforts of Petronious ((Falco's friend) the watch commander to clamp down on the worst offenders and see them banished from Rome. Falco ends up conscripted by Vespasian (the emperor) to check that the watch is not corrupt and that it's members, including his friend Petronious are not accepting bribes.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 15, 2019
The Didius Falco mysteries are amusing entertainments, and though I'm more than two decades behind their publication dates at this point, is a series I expect to read to completion. The first book, Silver Pigs, is a comic classic.
This volume feels closer to the tone of the first volume than had been true in the previous couple of volumes, with more humorous moments sprinkled in among the ghastly crimes. Falco is back in Rome, and his old legionary friend Petronius Longus is leading an investigation for the vigiles. He has finally gotten a conviction against one of the major criminal figures in the city, and that will lead to a shakeup of the criminal underworld, once that man is exiled.
More important, though, is that Falco needs to find a better apartment. And better relatives. And, maybe, to convince Vespasian to actually pay him.
And yes, I've already got ten more volumes on my unread shelf, so I will be reading on. (Despite, it must be deplored, the three grimaces.)
This volume feels closer to the tone of the first volume than had been true in the previous couple of volumes, with more humorous moments sprinkled in among the ghastly crimes. Falco is back in Rome, and his old legionary friend Petronius Longus is leading an investigation for the vigiles. He has finally gotten a conviction against one of the major criminal figures in the city, and that will lead to a shakeup of the criminal underworld, once that man is exiled.
More important, though, is that Falco needs to find a better apartment. And better relatives. And, maybe, to convince Vespasian to actually pay him.
And yes, I've already got ten more volumes on my unread shelf, so I will be reading on. (Despite, it must be deplored, the three grimaces.)
February 27, 2017
A reread of an old favourite, trying times have had me revisiting comforting (eg this) and or engrossing reads (eg Wolf Hall). I do like this series, the early Falcon novels are light and entertaining reads although the latter ones are darker. So this one has our hero in and out of Roman brothels trying to solve murders linked to a new crime lord. Meanwhile Helena is pregnant, he needs the money to be an equestrian, he has to attend his landlords wedding and act as the priest and find a home for a deaf baby. So as you can imagine it moves quickly whilst casting light on all sorts of aspects of Roman life
December 12, 2017
Time to Depart sees Falco back in Rome, dealing with the dregs of society - from brothels to the upper crust of gang leaders.
Expect a novel that deals with the criminal element in Imperial Rome, with the usual twists and turns as Davis gets in stride. In addition, Falco personal life with Helena and his friend Petronius gets more exposure throughout.
Be aware that while it's not necessary to read the books in order, it certainly helps - certainly so far into the series.
--
Assaph Mehr, author of Murder In Absentia: A story of Togas, Daggers, and Magic - for lovers of Ancient Rome, Murder Mysteries, and Urban Fantasy.
Expect a novel that deals with the criminal element in Imperial Rome, with the usual twists and turns as Davis gets in stride. In addition, Falco personal life with Helena and his friend Petronius gets more exposure throughout.
Be aware that while it's not necessary to read the books in order, it certainly helps - certainly so far into the series.
--
Assaph Mehr, author of Murder In Absentia: A story of Togas, Daggers, and Magic - for lovers of Ancient Rome, Murder Mysteries, and Urban Fantasy.
April 25, 2017
As ever, highly enjoyable private-eye dish, with a nice side order of police-procedural, served up with extra relish of the customary fascinating information of life in ancient Rome. What more can you ask!
July 24, 2017
I much prefer this stories set in Rome with his family and friends helping and hindering the hero
April 29, 2022
3.5 stars
It took way too long for Falco to give in to that dog. All in all it was a fairly enjoyable Falco romp though.
It took way too long for Falco to give in to that dog. All in all it was a fairly enjoyable Falco romp though.
December 18, 2019
All the Falco books are fantastic
February 11, 2025
Il romanzo si apre con il ritorno dall'Oriente di Falco ed Elena - dopo le avventure del precedente episodio della serie - che devono scaricare un carico di vetri pregiati acquistati a Tiro per conto del padre di Marco, Gemino; vetri che per poco non vengono trafugati.
A Ostia, Falco va anche insieme al suo amico Petronio Longo, che sta accompagnando sulla nave che lo porterà in esilio Balbino, l'uomo che è a capo della criminalità organizzata romana.
Purtroppo, con l'uscita di scena di Balbino sembra che qualcun altro voglia prendere il suo posto a capo della malavita di Roma, cosicché si verificano una serie di furti e anche di omicidi. Tra una capatina in un bordello famoso, gestito da Lalage, una vecchissima conoscenza di Falco, visite alla moglie e alla figlia di Balbino, convocazioni da parte di Tito alla Domus Aurea per indagare sulla corruzione del corpo dei Vigiles - e persino sullo stesso Petronio - quest'indagine romana di Falco è davvero difficile, anche perché, nel frattempo, trova un neonato in un cassonetto, sua nipote Tertulla viene rapita ed Elena scopre di essere incinta, e chi più ne ha più ne metta... Tanta roba per questo settimo caso della serie che per me è il top della comfort zone.
A Ostia, Falco va anche insieme al suo amico Petronio Longo, che sta accompagnando sulla nave che lo porterà in esilio Balbino, l'uomo che è a capo della criminalità organizzata romana.
Purtroppo, con l'uscita di scena di Balbino sembra che qualcun altro voglia prendere il suo posto a capo della malavita di Roma, cosicché si verificano una serie di furti e anche di omicidi. Tra una capatina in un bordello famoso, gestito da Lalage, una vecchissima conoscenza di Falco, visite alla moglie e alla figlia di Balbino, convocazioni da parte di Tito alla Domus Aurea per indagare sulla corruzione del corpo dei Vigiles - e persino sullo stesso Petronio - quest'indagine romana di Falco è davvero difficile, anche perché, nel frattempo, trova un neonato in un cassonetto, sua nipote Tertulla viene rapita ed Elena scopre di essere incinta, e chi più ne ha più ne metta... Tanta roba per questo settimo caso della serie che per me è il top della comfort zone.
September 23, 2023
I really enjoyed this instalment - I’m still obsessed with this series! - but this being about an intricate organised crime network operating in Rome; there were a lot of names and victims flying about, and I’m afraid some of the reveals took a while to sink in while I had it re-explained to me who everyone was of the minor characters.
Still, a nice advancement in Marcus and Helena’s relationship especially. There was one line in there (when Falco returns from making enquiries at a brothel, and town gossip has got his whereabouts back to Helena - who is unfazed, trusting Marcus and his investigative process) he summarises them thus: “She set trust between us like a plank, and I just walked straight across.” Isn’t that STUNNING?!!!
Still, a nice advancement in Marcus and Helena’s relationship especially. There was one line in there (when Falco returns from making enquiries at a brothel, and town gossip has got his whereabouts back to Helena - who is unfazed, trusting Marcus and his investigative process) he summarises them thus: “She set trust between us like a plank, and I just walked straight across.” Isn’t that STUNNING?!!!
July 22, 2017
This is a pleasantly complex book. Many threads of plot intertwine as Marcus Didius sorts out his various problems. He has difficulties in his relationship with Helena Justina, but by now they are real issues and not just him being stupid. There is drama with various family members, and the broad cast of secondary characters from the previous 6 books in the series. His friendship with his friend Petronius is stretched to the breaking point. All the plot threads are resolved, loose ends are tied up. The beginning and ending of the book are perfect.
April 25, 2017
A great read, and if you like Roman history this one is for you. This book centers on a quirk of Roman law where every condemned to death citizen "time to depart", in other words he has a chance to skip town. The mystery begins when this "citizen" leaves town and the murders and mayhem begin.
December 9, 2019
Another solid entry into the Marcus Falco Roman mystery series. Its entertaining enough and filled with historical bits, and the mystery is fairly compelling. Its sort of a police procedural in the reign of Emperor Vespasian of Rome (AD 69-79), featuring a private investigator ("informer") working for the emperor along with what is basically the police/fire department to dig into organized crime.
The writing is well done, but flawed slightly by the heavy use of British slang and idiom, which I guess fits along with how all the Romans in movies have British accents, but takes me as a reader out of the time and immersion.
And Falco is a bit slow on the uptake, not seeing the kind of obvious until most of the way through the book.
But at least his live-in Senator's daughter lover Helena is less of an obnoxious, antagonistic, and unpleasant sort in this book. She genuinely seems to actually like Falco finally. Hint to female authors: likable guys won't stick around with someone who constantly treats them with rejection, spite, and sneering contempt.
The writing is well done, but flawed slightly by the heavy use of British slang and idiom, which I guess fits along with how all the Romans in movies have British accents, but takes me as a reader out of the time and immersion.
And Falco is a bit slow on the uptake, not seeing the kind of obvious until most of the way through the book.
But at least his live-in Senator's daughter lover Helena is less of an obnoxious, antagonistic, and unpleasant sort in this book. She genuinely seems to actually like Falco finally. Hint to female authors: likable guys won't stick around with someone who constantly treats them with rejection, spite, and sneering contempt.
June 25, 2024
Séptimo libro de la serie: he estado tentada de ponerle 4 estrellas, pero el final es tan abrupto (rozando lo absurdo) que finalmente me he decidido por solo 3 - interprétese como un 3'5. En este libro nos quedamos en Roma y nos adentramos en el mundo del crimen organizado, con un robo en el Emporium y un oficial de incógnito asesinado. Lo he disfrutado bastante, aunque me ha parecido que había un exceso de personajes y no era fácil a veces saber quién era quién.
Me ha parecido que la relación entre Falco y Helena es más verosímil, en comparación a libros anteriores. Yo he disfrutado mucho con la lectura, en la que se combinan un par de misterios y mucho humor en las calles de la Antigua Roma. No es una lectura muy profunda, pero siempre aprendo alguna cosa más sobre esta época, y me encanta. Lo he comentado en reseñas anteriores: las portadas de esta serie son tremendas y creo que no consiguen transmitir el carácter de los libros, por lo que es necesario ver más allá de las apariencias y darles una oportunidad.
Me ha parecido que la relación entre Falco y Helena es más verosímil, en comparación a libros anteriores. Yo he disfrutado mucho con la lectura, en la que se combinan un par de misterios y mucho humor en las calles de la Antigua Roma. No es una lectura muy profunda, pero siempre aprendo alguna cosa más sobre esta época, y me encanta. Lo he comentado en reseñas anteriores: las portadas de esta serie son tremendas y creo que no consiguen transmitir el carácter de los libros, por lo que es necesario ver más allá de las apariencias y darles una oportunidad.
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May 23, 2025How? Another Marcus Didius Falco mystery -- and my library/their vendor has suddenly pulled the next one from the catalog? Wah!
What? Marcus helps his friend Petro to see off the head of organized crime; then he gets pulled into investigating corruption in the vigiles (police force); then there's a crime wave that ties back to both. And also Helena is pregnant, and not everyone in her patrician family is happy about that.
Yeah, so? Enjoyable! We're not, like, breaking new ground in historical and mystery novels, but let's not underestimate the skill and creativity in creating book #7, juggling a bunch of characters, keeping a few plot lines going, and making it all enjoyable.
I'm not sure what books should take the place of this series in my audiobook/pre-sleep listening...
What? Marcus helps his friend Petro to see off the head of organized crime; then he gets pulled into investigating corruption in the vigiles (police force); then there's a crime wave that ties back to both. And also Helena is pregnant, and not everyone in her patrician family is happy about that.
Yeah, so? Enjoyable! We're not, like, breaking new ground in historical and mystery novels, but let's not underestimate the skill and creativity in creating book #7, juggling a bunch of characters, keeping a few plot lines going, and making it all enjoyable.
I'm not sure what books should take the place of this series in my audiobook/pre-sleep listening...
October 25, 2020
Tumulto y caos en Roma, ¡para variar! Acompañamos a Marco en otro caso, esta vez sobre un fugitivo criminal y un importante robo en el Emporio. Caso muy centrado en las organizaciones criminales. Petronio se lleva mis respetos, fiel amigo de Marco, han mostrado mucho sobre su amistad. Helena como siempre mi admiración, que mujer.
Estos libros, con su tono de humor y misterio van ideales para ir leyendo entre otras lecturas.
Estos libros, con su tono de humor y misterio van ideales para ir leyendo entre otras lecturas.
June 16, 2020
I throughly enjoyed this book. The crime aspect is full of excitement and twists. While we know the criminal about half way through, it’s fun to see Falco figure out how to capture the culprit.
What really makes the book, though, is Falco’s personal life. If you’ve been following the series, you don’t want to miss all that happens. There’s a kidnapped child, a found child, a new dog, a change of residence, a friendship challenged, a wedding, drama with both Falco’s and Helene’s families and a major change to their relationship.
What really makes the book, though, is Falco’s personal life. If you’ve been following the series, you don’t want to miss all that happens. There’s a kidnapped child, a found child, a new dog, a change of residence, a friendship challenged, a wedding, drama with both Falco’s and Helene’s families and a major change to their relationship.
December 31, 2024
Another engrossing and enjoyable entry in the Falco canon and really the start of what is a series within the series of the Pius/Florius criminal gang. Some interesting sub plots and progression of key relationships alongside a good tale albeit I found the end a little contrived. Still 4 solid stars!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 20, 2022
Ellis Peters apparently said of Lindsey David: she brings Imperial Rome to life. I have to agree - Rome fizzes in this book. Highly recommended.
March 2, 2025
This series just keeps giving. Set in Ancient Rome.
April 24, 2020
This is the best one in Falco series thus far.
Review to come
Review to come
March 21, 2021
2.5 stars. One of my least favorite of her series.
March 8, 2019
A very ambitious book but Davis manages to bring all the threads together. Having helped his long-time friend, Petronius, see notorious criminal, Balbinus Pius, shipped out of Rome and presumably, out of the Roman Empire, they think the greatest danger is behind them. Then the Emperor Vespasian puts Falco in a difficult position: find the traitor in Petronius's Fourth Cohorts without Petronius knowing it. The next day, there is a riot and one of the famous markets is robbed. Among the victims is Falco's father. Falco has him holding some of the goods Falco and Helena Justina brought back from Palmyra. Helena's birthday present is one of the items missing. Falco's young niece has been kidnapped. Yes, Helena is pregnant and Falco is trying to secure better housing for them so she won't have to climb up to their 6th floor flat.
They correctly surmise that Balbinus Pius is back in Rome and is the cause of the current crime wave -- but where is he?
Also, Falco is to read the sheep entrails at the wedding of Falco's landlord, Smarticus, and his neighbor, Lenia.
They correctly surmise that Balbinus Pius is back in Rome and is the cause of the current crime wave -- but where is he?
Also, Falco is to read the sheep entrails at the wedding of Falco's landlord, Smarticus, and his neighbor, Lenia.
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