Historical Mystery Lovers discussion

A terrific series featuring an "investigator" (private eye) in first-century Rome, although a few titles are set elsewhere in the Empire: Spain, Egypt, etc. Many folks in the group are likely familiar with these books, but wanted to post a thread as I finished rereading them recently. Audio are well-done, although the two narrators used have different styles. I skipped the first book The Silver Pigs, feeling it'd be too grim. Events are referenced well enough that I don't feel I missed enough not to appreciate the series.

I was introduced to this series as a grad student by a fellow grad student in History! They are really fun, and I think it's time I reread them as well. What I remember about The Silver Pigs is not so much the grimness--there is quite a bit of dry humor--but the soap opera conflict between Marcus and another character. I personally find that sort of thing tedious and was glad when the soap opera aspect gave way to private eye excitement and domestic humor in subsequent books.

I love this series and was recently ruminating on whether to start a reread.

Rather than start a new thread, chiming in to add that I'm currently rereading the first book in Davis' "sequel" series featuring Falco's (adopted) daughter, Flavia Albia: The Ides of April.

I will be starting that this weekend too!

As I said in another post, I am (reluctantly) finishing the Falco series and will try the Flavia Albia series. I have greatly enjoyed spending time with Falco and his family. I also have a short story squirrelled away on my kindle.

Many have complained about the “anachronistic language” in this series but I don’t mind it as I’m sure the Romans had similar snarky comebacks and terms that Davis is only “translating” for modern readers.

Phair wrote: "Many have complained about the “anachronistic language” in this series but I don’t mind it as I’m sure the Romans had similar snarky comebacks and terms that Davis is only “translating” for modern ..."

I think that the author's idea to combine the typical crime story language of - what? - the 60ies? - with the antique setting is a particularly felicitous device. Far from an unintentional anachronism, it is a disruption which I find amusing as long as I can stand the hard boiled detective lingo (not very long, ... which is why I can read the series only with long breaks in between the books)