Book description
'There's nothing wrong with Britain . that is if you leave out the
mammoth travelling distance from one's dear Roman heritage!'
AD 75. As a passion for home improvement sweeps through the Roman
Empire, Falco struggles to deal with a pair of terrible bath-house
contractors who have been causing him misery for months. Far away in
Britain, King Togidubnus of the Atrebates tribe is planning his own
makeover. His huge new residence (known to us as Fishbourne Palace)
will be spectacular - but the sensational refurbishment is beset by
'accidents'. The frugal Emperor Vespasian is paying for all this; he
wants someone to investigate.
Falco has a new baby, a new house, and he hates Britain. But his
feud with Anacrites the Chief Spy has now reached a dangerous level,
so with his own pressing reasons to leave Rome in a hurry, he accepts
the task. A thousand miles from home, he starts restoring order to the
chaotic building site and realises that someone with murderous
intentions is now after him.
Lindsey Davis has written over twenty historical novels, beginning
with
The Course of Honour
. Her bestselling mystery series features laid-back First Century
detective Marcus Didius Falco and his partner Helena Justina, plus
friends, relations, pets and bitter enemy the Chief Spy. After an
English degree at Oxford University Lindsey joined the Civil Service,
but became a professional author in 1989. Her books are translated into
many languages and have been dramatized on BBC Radio 4. Her many prizes
include the Premio Colosseo, awarded by the Mayor of Rome 'for enhancing
the image of Rome', the Sherlock award for Falco as Best Comic Detective
and the Crimewriters' Association Cartier Diamond Dagger for lifetime
achievement. She was born in Birmingham but now lives in Greenwich,
London.
