From the Bookshelf of Reading the Detectives…

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

Lindsey Davis

Start date: May 15, 2023

Finish date: June 7, 2023

Discussion: Buddy reads

Why we're reading this: Next in this popular series.
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What Members Thought

Aug 25, 2017 John Frankham rated it it was amazing

Shelves: crime-detective

The best in this series, so far. The key thing in this series is that, alongside the witty, humane and exciting historical whodunnit framework, plus a convincing range of civil, political, and family characters, Lindsey Davis writes well, and educates entertainingly about the nature and events of the Roman Empire in the AD 70s. In this case our hero, Didius Falco, in sent by Vespasian on a mission along the Rhine up to the Rhine delta in Germany, outside the comfortable control of the legions, a ...more

3 likes · Like · see review

May 20, 2023 Susan rated it really liked it · review of another edition

The fourth in the Falco series starts with our hero feeling a little unsettled. There are rumours that the Emperor Vespasian has plans to send him off on a mission, while the Emperor's son, Titus Caesar, is showing an interest in Helena. Falco is more than aware that his claim on the beautiful senator's daughter is precarious enough as it is, should her family become aware of a possible marriage then she will be whisked away before he can voice an argument. Especially, as it appears, he is being ...more

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Apr 23, 2023 Susan in NC rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: tbr-with-gr-groups, library-book, audiobook

4-1/2 stars, for #4 in what is becoming a favorite historical mystery series. Marcus Didius Falco tries to avoid this latest deadly mission from emperor Vespasian, rightfully suspecting it’s partially to get him out of the way so Titus Caesar (emperor’s son and heir), can woo and wed Falco’s high-born lady love Helena Justina.

To wed a senator’s daughter, Falco has to earn enough to buy his way into the upper ranks. So, he takes on the dangerous undercover mission, ostensibly transporting a gift ...more

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May 02, 2023 Jill rated it it was ok

Shelves: lindsey-davis

In this book Falco is sent on an undercover mission by Vespasian, who wants to make a present of an iron hand to show friendship to a legion in neighbouring Germany. However Falco sees it as a way to make Helena Justina available for Titus Caesar to woo her. When Falco reaches his destination, he finds that the person he has come to see, has disappeared. His time therefore is taken up with the finding of this missing man, leading him into very dangerous parts of the country.

To be honest I strug ...more

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