Venus in Copper : A Marcus Didius Falco Mystery

Rome, AD 71. Marcus Didius Falco is deperate to leave the notorious Lautumiae prison - though being bailed out by his mother is a slight indignity...

Things go from bad to worse though when a group of nouveau riche ex-slaves hire him to outwit a fortune-hunting redhead, whose husbands have a habit of dying accidently, leaving him up against a female contortionist, her extra-friendly snake, indigestible cakes and rent racketeers. And, all the while, trying to lure Helena Justina to live with him, a dangerous proposition given the notorius instability of Roman real estate. In a case of murder as complicated as he ever faced, this Lindsey Davis' classic tale Venus in Copper shows Falco at his very finest.

“Period details, humor and Falco's modern sensibility add up to another sterling performance from Davis.” —Publishers Weekly

“Falco's good-humored but intelligent narration provides a fascinating and authentic re-creation of a Rome bustling with activity... A wonderful escape.” —Library Journal

“Intriguing characters abound in this skillfully written, Chandleresque mystery that gives readers a peek at the seamy side of life in first-century Rome.” —School Library Journal