book data
459 ratings,
3.93
average rating, 79 reviews
(more data...)
edit
published
October 3rd 2006
(first published 1989)
by St. Martin's Minotaur
binding
Mass Market Paperback, 352 pages
isbn
031235777X
(isbn13: 9780312357771)
description
When Marcus Didius Falco, a Roman “informer” who has a nose for trouble that’s sharper than most, encounters Sosia Camillina in the Forum, he senses i...more
Sign in to Goodreads to see your friends' reviews of this book.
| topics | posts | views | last activity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicks On Lit: what are you reading. | 1286 | 1722 | 2 hours, 58 min ago | |
| Chicks On Lit: What did you just finish | 1023 | 1357 | 4 hours, 51 min ago | |
| Historical Fictio...: Currently Reading | 142 | 221 | 5 days ago, 03:30PM | |
| The Complete Idio...: Silver PIgs by Lindsey Davis | 1 | 6 | 6 days ago, 01:59PM |
friend reviews
To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up.
other reviews (showing 1-20 of 635)
All ratings
|
5 stars (119)
|
4 stars (213)
|
3 stars (104)
|
2 stars (19)
|
1 star (3)
|
avg 3.93
editions: all | this edition
editions: all | this edition
Read in April, 2009
Wow, I really liked this! It's very accessible; you can enjoy it even if you don't know a thing about the history of Ancient Rome. The author supplies historical details smoothly without lecturing the reader.
The mystery itself wasn't especially gripping, but the story was fast-paced, with truly likeable characters and great dialogue. I started snickering at the dramatis personae and continued to be amused all the way through the book.
There are frequent, oddly placed parag...more
The mystery itself wasn't especially gripping, but the story was fast-paced, with truly likeable characters and great dialogue. I started snickering at the dramatis personae and continued to be amused all the way through the book.
There are frequent, oddly placed parag...more
Like this review?
yes
(4 people liked it)
1 comment
When a Philip-Marlowe like character becomes the narrator of events that take place in Ancient Rome, you get Lindsey Davis! The research is excellent, the stories are fascinating, the historical truth is respected and… a sort of hard boiled detective investigates. Probably one of the best historical novels, along with Sharan Newman, on the market.
Like this review?
yes
(2 people liked it)
add a comment
The first book in a fine, fine series, and I am not a fan of the mystery genre. Unforgettable characters.
Like this review?
yes
(2 people liked it)
add a comment
Read in January, 2005
Oh - where do I start? A private eye series set in ancient Rome. This is the first one - I won't add all the books individually, there are (I think) 18 by now, but it's set in Rome in 70AD, the hero is Marcus Didius Falco, a Roman 'informer'.... and his friends, and his over the top family, and his lady, Helena Justina, the senator's daughter, way out of his league but that doesn't stop them, lol, and HER family... They are my favourite ancient Roman couple Evah. There is adventure all over the ...more
Like this review?
yes
(1 person liked it)
add a comment
Read in February, 2007
LJ user cafiorello had recommended the Marcus Didius Falco series to me some time ago, but I only just recently got around to buying the first book--because it only just recently got re-released in a new edition. On the strength of her recommendation, for lo Cathy is cool, I happily picked it up and have finally read it. Short form, Marcus Didius Falco is an "informer" in ancient Rome, circa AD 70, in the reign of the Emperor Vespasian. In this first book he is pulled into what proves ...more
Like this review?
yes
add a comment
The first Marcus Didius Falco mystery, set in ancient Rome. Somehow, the author takes a sort of wisecracking, hard-boiled private eye character in Falco and makes it work in an historically accurate and very entertaining story.
Further books in this series are also very recommended; they explore the characters introduced in the first few novels in much greater detail, and eventually, the series becomes more about them than about any mystery, per se.
Further books in this series are also very recommended; they explore the characters introduced in the first few novels in much greater detail, and eventually, the series becomes more about them than about any mystery, per se.
Like this review?
yes
(1 person liked it)
add a comment
Read in February, 2009
This is the first in the Marcus Didius Falco series. Falco is a hard boiled detective (called an "informer"), a wisecracking cynic with a heart of gold beneath that rollicking rowdy exterior--and he lives in a carefully researched Rome of 70 AD. Even better, the author Lindsey Davis is obviously having fun telling the story, and her jolly attitude is a bit infectious--so this is, in sum, a well written historical novel mystery series in which you come to care about the characters and...more
Like this review?
yes
add a comment
A hardboiled detective novel (a la Dashiell Hammett) set in Ancient Rome. Falco is a private informer, occassionally employed by the new emperor Vespasian. An army veteran (his unit had the unfortunate distinction of NOT responding to the Boudican rebellion!) Falco revisits Britian to solve a mystery, and escort a senator's daughter back to Rome.
Romance, humour, mystery and Ancient History in a well-written package. What more could a reader want?
Romance, humour, mystery and Ancient History in a well-written package. What more could a reader want?
Like this review?
yes
(1 person liked it)
add a comment
Great mysteries set in Imperial Rome. The whole series (18+?)is worth reading, with some books better than others. The Roman Empire provides a great setting, with adventures ranging from Spain to Syria and North Africa to Britian, with the capitol of it all - Rome, as a center piece. The characters, especially Falco's families, provide great comic relief in these light readers.
Like this review?
yes
(1 person liked it)
add a comment
I discovered this one while I was in college. The idea of a private eye mystery set in Ancient Rome intrigued me and continued to do so long after the book was finished. There's several others in this series -- some good, some so-so -- but don't miss this one. This is Marcus Didius Falco, private informer, at his best.
Like this review?
yes
(1 person liked it)
add a comment
Read in January, 2002
I am a history buff, so if you want Rome in the time of Vespatian, this is your series. Marcus' brother was killed in the siege of Jerusalem...very unfortunate. I love his domestic life and his friends. Very cool plots. Am in the midst of Saturnalia as a write this review. I have enjoyed the series.
Like this review?
yes
(1 person liked it)
add a comment
Read in January, 2000
recommends it for:
history mystery lovers
Run don't walk to your local bookseller and start this fantastic series of first century Rome detective Marcus Falco. He will win your heart and his nutty family and associats will continue to delight through many adventures.
Like this review?
yes
(1 person liked it)
add a comment
Read in June, 2007
recommended to Jessica by:
I didrecommends it for: everyone
Falco the first. Marcus Didius Falco goes undercover as a slave in a silver mine. There's a nailbiting last-second rescue and a pile of snappy patter.
Like this review?
yes
(1 person liked it)
add a comment
Read in March, 2002
First in the series. Rollicking fun with Rome's Sam Spade and his lady love. Darned good history too. Ms. Davis does her homework. Really brings ancient Rome, and other parts of the empire, to life--this one takes us to dank, dark, cold, dreary Britain. Decent mysteries too, but the focus here is more on life in Rome and our man, Marcus Didius Falco's cynical but honorable, wisecracking personality. This series is enormous fun! The books should be read in order, though, as Falco's family life ev...more
Like this review?
yes
add a comment
I don't usually read mysteries, but occasionally I'll give a historical mystery series a try. Since I loved HBO's Rome and it got me interested in reading fiction set in Rome I tried the first in this series. I was surprised that it was such a quick read (sometimes I love short chapters, especially for bus reading). Davis's protagonist is a self-deprecating, wannabe ladies man with an overbearing mother and a dodgey living situation. He's an everyman kind of character who really grows on you...more
Like this review?
yes
add a comment
Probably my second favorite mystery series after the Amelia Peabody series. (It only beats out Laurie R. King's Holmes/Russell series because there are more entries to love. Volume earns you points in my world.) Set in ancient Rome, but with a modern, hilarious, Phillip Marlowe patina. If noir and hilarious weren't diametric opposites. Anyhoo, Falco rocks, is all I'm saying.
Like this review?
yes
add a comment
Read in May, 2009
All the foibles of a modern PI with a family along for the ride. :>) I liked the touches that confirmed the setting but could have occurred presently as well. For example, the scene with the Prince and Falco discussing what their barbers are saying.
Overall, I thought the story well written and reasonably paced. I thought the trip back to Rome a bit drawn out but you end up needing the length for the plot.
Overall, I thought the story well written and reasonably paced. I thought the trip back to Rome a bit drawn out but you end up needing the length for the plot.
Like this review?
yes
3 comments
Read in February, 2009
What a refreshing change to have a 'detective' book with a new slant. Before I even finished this I had ordered the following instalment. Not only do you find yourself turning the pages to see if you can solve the crime before Falco, but you also want to know what will happen in his private life.
Really looking forward to the next book.
Really looking forward to the next book.
Like this review?
yes
add a comment
Read in June, 2009
I'm a big fan of historical fiction, and was presented with this detective tale set in 70AD Rome by a friend. I took to it quickly, in the main due to the engaging characters and my love of the locations and era. While the mystery was a little thin I will certainly read more in this series, and would recommend this to others.
Like this review?
yes
add a comment
This is very enjoyable historical fiction set in Ancient Rome. I like it, but it's not for everyone, I know. I also read the sequel Shadows in Bronze, and there are many more in the series. If you like ancient history, then you will enjoy this.
Like this review?
yes
add a comment
groups with this book
