The Silver Pigs (Marco Didius Falco, #1)

Rate this book

Clear rating

1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

The Silver Pigs (Marcus Didius Falco #1)

3.96 of 5 stars 3.96 · rating details · 4,050 ratings · 310 reviews

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 immediately all is not right with the pretty girl. She confesses to him that she is fleeing for her life, and Falco makes the rash decision to rescue her--a decision he will come to regret. For Sosia bears a heavy burden: as

...more

ebook, 352 pages

Published October 3rd 2006 by Minotaur Books (first published 1989)

more details... edit details

Get a copy:

More…

Friend Reviews

To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up.

Lists with This Book

Crocodile on the Sandbank by Elizabeth Peters

The Beekeeper's Apprentice by Laurie R. King

The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley

Mistress of the Art of Death by Ariana Franklin

Favorite Historical Mystery Series

42nd out of 419 books — 405 voters

More lists with this book...

Community Reviews

(showing 1-30 of 3,000)

filter | sort: default (?) | rating details

Apr 25, 2009 Jamie rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-mystery, ancient-rome, historical-fiction

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 paragraph breaks, which make...more

7 likes · like · see review

Aug 30, 2007 Delphine rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

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.

4 likes · like · see review

Aug 14, 2007 Eileen Charbonneau rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition 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.

2 likes · like · see review

Aug 26, 2007 Catherine rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The first book in a fine, fine series, and I am not a fan of the mystery genre. Unforgettable characters.

2 likes · like · see review

Jul 26, 2012 Jim rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I first encountered Marcus Didius Falco in a short story in Classical Whodunits, many years ago. At the time I was more interested in the late Roman Republic, so I was more drawn to the Steven Saylor mysteries featuring Gordianus the Finder, contemporary of Cicero and Julius Caesar and the significant events of that era. I later rediscovered Falco through audiobook versions of "A Body in the Bath House" and "The Jupiter Myth," which occur much later in the series. "The Silver Pigs" is the debut...more I first encountered Marcus Didius Falco in a short story in Classical Whodunits, many years ago. At the time I was more interested in the late Roman Republic, so I was more drawn to the Steven Saylor mysteries featuring Gordianus the Finder, contemporary of Cicero and Julius Caesar and the significant events of that era. I later rediscovered Falco through audiobook versions of "A Body in the Bath House" and "The Jupiter Myth," which occur much later in the series. "The Silver Pigs" is the debut novel introducing Falco and the other characters that dominate the series.

Falco's period is also fascinating: after the Year of the Four Emperors, just as Vespasian is beginning his rule. In this inaugural book, Falco - a bawdy, cantankerous "informer" (private investigator) of little means - struggles with a dysfunctional family, a landlord with limited patience for late payments, and not nearly enough work...when a Senator's young niece runs into him (literally) and changes the trajectory of his life. The case, which begins with a maiden with "far too many clothes" fleeing from a band of bully boys, leads Falco through palaces, sewers, and the silver mines of a Britain the former soldier hoped never to see again. Along the way he loves, loses, and loves again (vague enough?) and begins a relationship not just with a Senator's family, but with the new Emperor's as well.

The dialog is first person, and reads a bit like Sam Spade in the Subura. You are never left wondering what Falco's opinion is, on any subject or person. As this is the first of many Falco novels, paying attention here is worth it; Davis seems unwilling to let any juicy bits stay on the floor, and applies the Five Second Rule to rescue them for later enjoyment.

I can't call Falco lovable, but he's got a gruff charm that - try as he might - he can't hide completely. Along the way, Rome - all of it, not just the polished marble and chalk-white togas, but the stink of the slums, the chaos of the hearth, the perils of travel whether across town or across the continent, the struggle to earn a daily denarius, and the surprisingly but authentically modern-seeming conveniences and complaints of urban life - is itself a vibrant, slightly dangerous but romantic (cough) character.

As for Britain: Falco never quite escapes it, and Davis will never be invited to join the Londinium board of tourism. But it too wheezes with what passes for life.

Highly recommended.(less)

1 like · like · see review

Jul 10, 2012 Melissa Proffitt rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: mystery, own, detective-stories, historical-fiction, romance

The re-release of this book has to have been edited, because when I read it the first time (in the first American edition) I was put off by the numerous syntax errors and confusing transitions that seem to have vanished. But even then, there was something charming about it, probably the things Davis refers to in the introduction to this edition: Falco would be a hardboiled detective in the Sam Spade tradition if not for his numerous relatives and what in this volume is the beginning of a long-te...more

1 like · like · see review

Dec 09, 2007 Kei rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historical, thriller

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

4 likes · like · see review

Dec 21, 2008 Angela rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: mystery, recommended

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 to be the...more

like · see review

Feb 26, 2013 Cheryl A rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-mystery

According to the book jacket blurb, Marcus Didius Falco is the Roman Empire's Philip Marlowe. Although I would not go that far, this debut novel by Lindsey Davis does give us a likeable private informer - streetwise, anti-establishment, wicked sense of humor. I would more likely compare Falco with Rockford myself.

The novel opens with a beautiful young girl literally running into our hero on the steps of the Forum. Sosia Camillina, the niece of a respected senator, is being chased by two hoodlums...more

1 like · like · see review

Jul 03, 2012 Debbie_e rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I’ve read this book several times and it is one of the ones that will never fall foul to a clear out. This book is a comfortable old friend so I will try not to be bias. There are some things about the main character that reminded me a little bit of Sam Vimes before he became His Grace etc. etc. There’s the same appeal of an honestly decent person trying to make the world a safer place and ensure that the bad guys get caught, even when the bad guys have more money, power, and more rich and power...more I’ve read this book several times and it is one of the ones that will never fall foul to a clear out. This book is a comfortable old friend so I will try not to be bias. There are some things about the main character that reminded me a little bit of Sam Vimes before he became His Grace etc. etc. There’s the same appeal of an honestly decent person trying to make the world a safer place and ensure that the bad guys get caught, even when the bad guys have more money, power, and more rich and powerful friends than him. This then is a story of the sometimes disheartened under dog valiantly battling the odds. Before that begins to sound too dreary however, Falco is full of amusement and a great observer of Ancient Rome from the sixth floor of an Aventine high rise. He also spends a lot of time hiding from both his land lord, the memory of his heroic brother and, a far more scary prospect, his dear old ma. We also get an insight to the world of Vespasian’s Palatine, priceless given that it is through the eyes of a sworn republican, and a cold gods’ forsaken island called Britannia. Salt is rubbed in the wound by the fact that Falco was there during the Boudiccan revolts and had sworn never to return there again – Davis has a talent for deciding exactly what her protagonist will hate most and then making him do it. Something that always makes compelling reading and gets the most out of a character.

Falco’s quest for justice is prompted by the tasty young patrician damsel, Sosia. It is, however, Sosia’s older and more world weary cousin, Helena Justina that ends up accompanying him on his adventures. I’m not going to write too much on her, except to say that I haven’t created a list on my profile yet and getting to this point in my review has made me decide to start one entitled books with my favourite female characters. I found her a wonderfully interesting character to get to know, and even though we always see her through Falco’s eyes her actions and behaviours are still portrayed in a way that can be related to, even though he, at times, finds her perplexing and irritating. I wouldn’t call her feisty at all as that implies something that feels out of kilter with her character. She is a woman who knows her own mind and heart, and is not afraid to take action based on them.

The secondary characters are also a pleasure to meet. I’d keep a particular eye out for Falco’s army friend, Petro. When he ambles along I sort of wished that the book would turn into some form of buddy cop story. The dialogue between them is amusing and quickly delivered. You can tell that, despite Ma, Petro is the one that knows Falco best. I won’t say too much about the others as that may lead to spoilers, but they are a great cast to watch. It can be odd have historical characters appear on the page too but Vespasian is refreshingly well rounded and sane for a Caesar (it’s the sister marrying, orgiastic ones that normally get written about). He is a Caesar though and you get so used to the ‘jovial old cove’ that it can take you by surprise when he gets Imperial.

Despite being relatively short the book has three distinct sections. The first in Rome, then Britain, then back to Rome for the climax. Despite this the plot is spared the majority of the dull travelling and it doesn’t feel like an effort to be transported such huge distances as it would in something longer and a bit more epic. If any of you have read Rebels and Traitors there are bits in that which can be exhausting, but given the subject matter and the point of view there is none of that here so don’t let that put you off trying this. This is a very slick and fast paced book that is not wall to wall action (the moonlit chases and fist fights in the Forum occasionally need a respite for some romance to develop) there is always something important happening. And you do need to keep your eye on which cup the ball is under as Falco is following a trail of bread crumbs that leads him round and round, ever closer to the elusive man what did it. If I did have one criticism it would be that I did get a bit lost along the trail of clues and didn’t catch up until I’d finished the last page. There is a bad guy hierarchy acting behind the scenes to foil Falco and I couldn’t quite understand the leap to the top and even after that was a little bit confused by the convenience of the clue which betrayed the involvement of the head baddie. It seemed illogical that someone hadn’t been to clear it up almost immediately. I didn’t, however, find that so strange that it spoiled the rest of the book for me though as I was shamelessly in it for Helena and Falco and the evolution of their relationship is definitely worth it.

I must admit that I haven’t read the whole of this series, as inevitably I didn’t find them as satisfying as the original, although I did enjoy seeing Falco and his relationships with the other characters develop. This book is definitely worth a read though, even though it’s knocking on in years. It’s a really enjoyable jaunt through the Ancient Roman world with good company.
(less)

like · see review

Aug 23, 2012 Terence rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Historical fiction & mystery fans

Recommended to Terence by: Impulse checkout @ library

Shelves: historical-fiction, mysteries

The Silver Pigs is fun to read. And if you're looking to read to relax, there's no better praise.

As I mentioned in my comment, the voice and tone reminded me of Glen Cook's Garrett, P.I. series sans the fantasy element. Even more strongly, I'm reminded of a Roman Rockford Files, which may be brilliantly illuminative to those of a certain age or who have a taste for '70s detective shows. For the rest, you can wiki it and then hunt down copies of the episodes (which stream on Netflix).

But I'm digr...more

7 likes · like · see review

Feb 26, 2011 Rosanne Lortz rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I like mysteries, I love historical fiction, and it’s always an added bonus to read a book that’s part of a series — if it tickles your fancy, you know that there’s more just like it.

The Silver Pigs, by Lindsey Davis, is the first book in the Marcus Didius Falco canon, a series of detective novels set in ancient Rome. Marcus, an Imperial informer (translation: private detective) trying to scrape together a living, narrates the story with a breezy, humorous style making this romp through Flavian...more I like mysteries, I love historical fiction, and it’s always an added bonus to read a book that’s part of a series — if it tickles your fancy, you know that there’s more just like it.

The Silver Pigs, by Lindsey Davis, is the first book in the Marcus Didius Falco canon, a series of detective novels set in ancient Rome. Marcus, an Imperial informer (translation: private detective) trying to scrape together a living, narrates the story with a breezy, humorous style making this romp through Flavian Rome a real treat for the reader.

When Sosia Camilla, a beautiful, young golden-haired girl, meets a tragic end in an old warehouse, Marcus determines that he will stop at nothing to find the killer. Just prior to her death, Sosia had accidentally become involved in an investigation of silver smuggling. Unmelted ore from Britain (here’s where the name Silver Pigs starts to make sense), earmarked for Emperor Vespasian, has gone missing, and Marcus has an unsettling suspicion that Vespasian’s son Domitian might be involved–and that the ore might be payment for a coup to unseat the emperor.

Forced to travel to Britain to see the mines for himself, Marcus meets up with Sosia’s cousin Helena, a divorced woman deeply hurt by her ex-husband’s indifference. They travel together back to Rome and in the midst of their Beatrice-Benedick banter learn to like each other a great deal more than either will let on. Marcus succeeds in coming up with a list of all the conspirators save one, and it takes a life and death struggle to learn the missing name that innocent Sosia was too ashamed to speak.

I enjoyed this book so much that I took a holiday from cooking and housecleaning to read it all in one afternoon. Fortunately, the twins cooperated by taking a very long afternoon nap. I’m pleased to learn that there’s twenty novels in the series, and with the library’s kind cooperation, I’ll be spending a few more afternoons with Marcus Didius Falco in the forseeable future.(less)

like · see review

Feb 25, 2009 Scot rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

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 learn about...more

like · see review

Jun 14, 2007 Annie rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: comfort-reads, crime-adventure, historical, own-it

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?

1 like · like · see review

Feb 08, 2013 A rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: history-mystery

I learned a lot about what culture was like in ancient Rome from reading this book. Never knew that women dyed their hair, or that Romans used boards coated with wax to write everyday notes. I did know most of the other things shared in the book and found it to be very historically accurate and detailed in its descriptions of Roman life and culture.

However, I was often not able to follow the main character's musings about things that the author assumed we would be able to follow. A lot of knowle...more

like · see review

May 30, 2011 Ann rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Kay Beardsley lent me this very enjoyable and witty mystery in the Marco Didius Falco series by British author Lindsey Davis. This particular book was an American reprinting of the first book in the series which now includes over 15 other books. Lindsey Davis wrote in her introduction for this book that this book is now apparently assigned in college curricula, presumably as an insight into day-to-day Roman life. Davis has done extensive research into the period (during the reign of Vespasian, t...more

like · see review

Aug 28, 2011 Marcus rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This book is the first in a series about Marcus Didius Falco, an informant in city of Rome during the reign of Vespasian. I must admit that when I started to read this book, I didn't really know what to expect from it, except for some sort of detective story placed in Imperial Rome. And of course it is a detective story and a very good one at that. So if that's what you're looking for, it is a fascinating read based solely on its plot.Thing that made this book one of my new favourites is howeve...more

like · see review

Apr 26, 2011 stormhawk rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Recommended to stormhawk by: found on the mailroom table in my apartment building

It's a detective novel, set in AD 70(ish), Rome.

It's got all the hallmarks of the hardboiled detective novel … snappy patter, shady histories, and smart, attractive dames.

It's got all the hallmarks of Ancient Rome … togas, plots, and reeking vats of urine.

Unfortunately, the two don't work as well together, at least in this first of the Marcus Didius Falco mysteries. I've read other mysteries in olden times sorts of books, but there's something that's not ringing quite right for me … the sense...more

like · see review

Jun 10, 2013 Ben Babcock rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2013-read, ancient-rome, historical-fiction, mystery, own

I read some series like River Song travels with the Doctor: out of order. I’ve dipped and dallied with various books in the Falco series, but most recently I read Venus in Copper before going back to the source, Falco #1: The Silver Pigs. Here we meet Lindsey Davis’ private eye: Marcus Didius Falco, an informer in the first-century Roman empire. Falco is constantly on the hunt for new clients and new income, lest his greedy landlord send some gladiators around to bust his kneecaps (and other, m...more

1 like · like · see review

Jul 29, 2011 Kate rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This is an absolutely outstanding work on many levels. To begin with, Lindsey Davis brings to life a world which existed 2000 years ago. She details daily life, from Falco's apartment to upper class living, and even the politics of the time, allowing you to experience the Roman empire hands on. But there is much more to this book than just Davis' ability to let you experience a new world - there is the amazing fact that this all really happened. There is evidence that Falco existed, that he fell...more

like · see review

Feb 19, 2008 Damien rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

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.

1 like · like · see review

Apr 09, 2013 Dyana rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This was a fun book. It was part detective novel, part romantic comedy, and all historical adventure set in ancient Rome in A.D. 70. Marcus Didius Falco is a private informer (investigator) who is crusty, "slightly" lecherous, poor, sarcastic, and mostly honest. He is eventually funded by the Emperor of Rome, Vaspasian, to uncover a scheme involving missing lead ingots filled with silver ("silver pigs") that have been mined in Britain, have been smuggled to Rome, and are now missing. These ingot...more

like · see review

Oct 13, 2011 Caroline rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-mystery, ancient-rome-or-greece, 1st-in-a-series, historical-fiction

I really wanted to love the Silver Pigs by Lindsay Davis. It is a historical mystery, set in Ancient Rome. Marcus Didius Falco is a poverty-stricken, irreverent, wisecracking “informer” (some kind of private detective?) whose quips mask a painful past and a strong moral sense. He is an exceedingly engaging character and I would not mind reading about him again.

One day he runs into a beautiful teenaged girl, Sosia, fleeing from her abductors. By rescuing her he gets himself involved in the thwart...more

1 like · like · see review

Dec 21, 2009 Marilag rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: mystery, historical

Learning about the past was never my strong point. Years of labour in history classes did nothing to inspire me. Perhaps it was my strong dislike for repetitive topics covered for years on end, or the manner teachers conveyed the subject matter; regardless, I was never a fan of history, and I never thought I could be. When I came across Lindsey Davis’s novels, they immediately grabbed my attention and sparked something in me that I believed I would never feel involving anything historical: inter...more Learning about the past was never my strong point. Years of labour in history classes did nothing to inspire me. Perhaps it was my strong dislike for repetitive topics covered for years on end, or the manner teachers conveyed the subject matter; regardless, I was never a fan of history, and I never thought I could be. When I came across Lindsey Davis’s novels, they immediately grabbed my attention and sparked something in me that I believed I would never feel involving anything historical: interest.

The Silver Pigs is an anachronistic, yet believable tale of an “informer”—a detective in the ancient Roman era—living in the Aventine sector during the time of Vespasian Augustus’ reign (70 C.E.). The book is the first of the Marcus Didius Falco series created by Lindsey Davis, a popular author of historical whodunnits.

Unlike the well-known detectives portrayed by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Agatha Christie, and Carolyn Keene, Davis’s protagonist, Falco, is nothing short of a poor, crude, and rather sarcastic Roman citizen with an eye for beautiful women. Falco is dashing even with a rough edge to him, and he certainly knows how to please his “prey”.

Although a sub-par informer, Falco becomes entangled with the dark secrets of the Camillus family after encountering the graceful and evanescent Sosia Camillina (who becomes his new “client”). From Sosia, he discovers that rich senators are concealing the smuggling of “silver pigs”—ingots of pure silver worth millions in the market—from Britain. Possessing these ingots is conspiratorial, since they can be used in an attempt to dethrone the current emperor. After the discovery of the “pigs”, a series of events unfold, leading to the untimely death of one of Falco’s loved ones. Instead of quitting as advised by his closest friend, Falco pushes onwards and into Britain, in search of the truth behind these silver pigs, as well as a dish far more delectable: revenge.

The different characters interact believably and animatedly with each other in Falco’s narration. Falco’s mind is not a blank slate—though he describes his surroundings and records his observations of other characters, he is still capable of conveying his own opinions regarding each matter. Davis’ forte is that she depicts a man who can be a romantic at times and a hardened soldier at others. The readers do not forget that Falco has survived a war and has lost a loved one; the scars he attained on a cold winter in Britain and the loss of his brother are repeated themes in the book.

A second strong point Pigs contains is the creation of various female characters that have entered Falco’s life. There are “Aglaia” (the women subjects of his poetry); his loving but highly suspicious mother; Lenia, the curvaceous and doting washing woman; and beautiful Sosia with her young naïveté. One cannot forget Helena Justina, the 23-year-old divorcee, with a mind to match Falco’s own, a sharp tongue, and a sense of justice so high it impresses even Falco, who finds deceit a common trait in women. The interactions between Falco and Helena are some of the most meaningful displays of dialogue, as both characters go from a hateful relationship to at least a tolerable one.

With a mix of the history behind the time period and politics playing out in the background, readers will find that the characters of Pigs are part of a much bigger plot in the Roman Empire. However, they will discover that even Falco, the poor informer of the Aventine sector, has ways of affecting political results.

Overall, The Silver Pigs is a highly recommended read; the writing style is an entertaining combination of antiquity and modernity, infusing Ancient Rome with contemporary allusions, evident throughout Falco’s narration. If you pick it up, you might even be willing enough to read the next book of the series, Shadows in Bronze!(less)

like · see review

Apr 10, 2008 Srochat rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

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.

1 like · like · see review

Jan 04, 2013 Michelle rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Good things:
- Witty narration. There were a number of great lines that had me chuckling.
- Overall, a good mystery.
- Eventually, I got to where I really liked Falco and Helena.

Not-so-good things:
- Overuse of exclamation marks. This is likely a personal preference, but when everybody! Talks! Like! This!, it gets a little grating.
- The fight scenes (admittedly few) were pathetic. They actually made me groan.
- So much description. Soooooooo much. I appreciate that Davis knows her history, but...more

like · see review

Mar 21, 2011 Lollyletsgo rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The Silver Pigs are about silver ingots from Britain. Let’s just get that out of the way. At first, I felt like I was trudging through all of the -ius and -iums (& I even took Latin in HS!), but once accustomed to it, the story flew. It was enjoyable to get everything from the protagonist's POV, even if it was wrong or misogynistic at times- just showed how flawed the character was.

Falco, the main character, is a pretty affable guy; you know that the first few pages, but Lindsey Davis has h...more

like · see review

Mar 11, 2008 Paul rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: mysteries

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.

1 like · like · see review

May 24, 2013 Jocelyn Harvey rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

For years I've noticed writers raving about the Msrcus Didius Falco books by Lindsey Davis. I finally got around to reading the first (of 20!), The Silver Pigs. It's every bit as delightful as I've heard. Falco is a private "informer" (detective) in 70 A.D. Rome - a luckless, laid-back, inept strategist, with a conniving and somehow loving, honest heart, surrounded by a cast of intriguing characters (many of whom reappear in later books, I understand) including his family, friends, enemies, and...more

like · see review

Jul 12, 2012 Francisco rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Not bad, but it has some flaws. The book has a good pace and several charismatic characters. Plus the emperor and caesars have an original (but don't know if realistic) psychological portrait.
The bad part, for me, has to do with the writing. I cannot say that Davis can't write, but she has problems with the order of exposition (she puts the horse before the cart, making you think you've lost something you can't find running through previous pages, just to let you discover that it's the conclusi...more

1 like · like · see review

« previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 … 99 100 next »

new topic
Discuss This Book

There are no discussion topics on this book yet. Be the first to start one »

Recommend it | Stats | Recent status updates

combine
Other Editions (37)

More editions...

Genres

Mystery

277 users

Historical Fiction

225 users

Mystery > Crime

60 users

Mystery > Historical Mystery

56 users

Mystery > Detective

16 users

Roman

13 users

Cultural > Italy

10 users

Literature > Ancient

9 users

Thriller

8 users

Romance

6 users

See top shelves...

Readers also enjoyed similar books

About Lindsey Davis

Lindsey 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 romanti...more

More about Lindsey Davis...

Books by Lindsey Davis

The Iron Hand of Mars (Marcus Didius Falco, #4)

Shadows in Bronze (Marcus Didius Falco, #2)

Venus in Copper (Marcus Didius Falco, #3)

Poseidon's Gold (Marcus Didius Falco, #5)

Last Act in Palmyra (Marcus Didius Falco, #6)

More…

Share This Book

Facebook Twitter Your website

Trivia About The Silver Pigs

1 trivia question

More quizzes & trivia...

title link	preview: The Silver Pigs
avg rating	preview: The Silver Pigs Goodreads rating: 3.96 (4050 ratings)
small image	preview: click here [close]
med image	preview: click here [close]
BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9309080-the-silver-pigs?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1316139721l/9309080.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9309080-the-silver-pigs?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]The Silver Pigs by Lindsey Davis[/url]

The Silver Pigs (Marcus Didius Falco #1)

Friend Reviews

Community Reviews

Share This Book

Share This Book on Your Website