Lindsey Davis. 20th January. Recommendation: originally from my Mum, but this is one of a sub-series of a series
This historical mystery novel is the second of the Flavia Alba mystery series which features the daughter of the informer/private detective Marcus Didius Falco who features in twenty books in another of Davis’s series. I’ve always been a fan of the Falco series and read the first of the Flavia Alba mysteries a few years ago. Both display Davis’ great ability to craft ingenious mystery fiction while depicting Ancient Rome in a colourful and sensory way that really brings it to life.
The highlight of the book has to be the main character and detective Flavia. She is head-strong, independent and intelligent, walking the streets of Rome often unaccompanied day and night, procuring jobs from the wealthy clients, and in this novel the local Aedile, a kind-of magistrate. Although I’m sure some people would argue this perhaps pushes the boundaries of historical accuracy (but then I do not know much about Ancient Roman society, and also in fiction, who really cares), this does not matter as the juxtaposition of a very modern female protagonist with her ancient city creates much humour. Flavia’s wry writ and her ability to outwit older male characters is amusing but also creates moments of deductive genius – the conclusion to this novel (without wanting to give away spoilers!) was as much as exciting because of how she discovered the thief and murderer then because of the actual moment of reveal.
I don’t normally read much detective fiction, but reading this book has made me realise how much I am missing out. However, I think I enjoy this series, and its forerunner, so much because Davis does not go into overly lurid, gory detail or make the crimes featured too disturbing. Perhaps the Ancient Roman setting also adds to this because I am able to feel a slight disconnect to the crime committed and so can enjoy the mystery unfolding more so than if I was reading a modern murder mystery.
Reading 2020 