Synopses & Reviews
THE HANDWRITING ON THE WALL MAY PROVE DEADLY'As an "informer"--a private detective--Marcus Didius Falco has an insider's knowledge of the Empire's less than glorious side. He's also been in the middle of its most dangerous secrets more than once. So when he's hired to find notorious gossip "scribe" Infamia, Marcus figures the missing muckraker is either taking advantage of a vacation bribe from some wealthy wife--or resting up from injuries inflicted by some senator's henchmen. But instead of earning an easy fee, Marcus soon finds himself at odds against a sinister ring of pirates preying on the wealthy; a ruthlessly-vulgar construction magnate...and several of his own less-than-reputable family members. And what he uncovers will lead him through the dark byways and underground of the Empire's busiest seaport'where a cold-blooded killer with nothing to lose waits to bury one cynical informer for good...
"One of the best historical series...wisecracking humor, scathing social commentary, and rollicking adventure."
--Detroit Free Press
"The Rome of Davis' imagination is licentious and entertaining."
--San Jose Mercury News
Review
"An excellent series."-
Library Journal"Witty and always enjoyable mysteries."--Washington Post Book World
"Davis' excellent and funny series [is] a cross between I, CLAUDIUS and MYSTERY!"
--Rocky Mountain News
"A pure delight, with Davis's unique blend of wit and humor brilliantly immersing us in the marvels of ancient Roman life."--Good Book Guide on The Accusers
"Cheerful and informal cynicism in a solemnly detailed classical setting."
--Times Literary Supplement on The Accusers
"An irresistible package of history, mystery, and fast-moving action, all punctuated by a sense of humor that few writers can match."--Cleveland Plain Dealer on Venus in Copper
"Davis is both a deft storyteller and a scholar...a top drawer series."--Newsday on The Iron hand of Mars
"Roman history and culture are nice accessories for the more durable tool that Davis employs--hilariously good writing."--Washington Post Book World on Last Act in Palmyra
"Davis's vision of everyday life in the Roman Empire is superb. I haven't read historical fiction this good since I, Claudius by Robert Graves and The Persian Boy by Mary Renault--and this is a lot funnier."--Detroit Free Press on Shadows in Bronze
"Lindsey Davis doesn't just bring Rome to life--she brings life to Rome better than anyone else ever has."--Detroit Free Press on The Iron Hand of Mars
Synopsis
THE HANDWRITING ON THE WALL MAY PROVE DEADLY...As an "informer"--a private detective--Marcus Didius Falco has an insider's knowledge of the Empire's less than glorious side. He's also been in the middle of its most dangerous secrets more than once. So when he's hired to find notorious gossip "scribe" Infamia, Marcus figures the missing muckraker is either taking advantage of a vacation bribe from some wealthy wife--or resting up from injuries inflicted by some senator's henchmen. But instead of earning an easy fee, Marcus soon finds himself at odds against a sinister ring of pirates preying on the wealthy; a ruthlessly-vulgar construction magnate...and several of his own less-than-reputable family members. And what he uncovers will lead him through the dark byways and underground of the Empire's busiest seaport...where a cold-blooded killer with nothing to lose waits to bury one cynical informer for good...
"One of the best historical series...wisecracking humor, scathing social commentary, and rollicking adventure."
--Detroit Free Press
"The Rome of Davis' imagination is licentious and entertaining."
--San Jose Mercury News
About the Author
Lindsey Davis was born and raised in Birmingham, England. After taking an English degree at Oxford and working for the civil service for thirteen years, she “ran away to be a writer.” Her internationally bestselling novels featuring ancient Roman detective Marcus Didius Falco include Venus in Copper, The Iron Hand of Mars, Nemesis and Alexandria. She is also the author of Rebels and Traitors, set during the English Civil War. Davis is the recipient of the Crime Writers Association Cartier Diamond Dagger Award, the highest accolade for crime writers, as well as the Ellis Peters Historical Dagger Award and the Authors' Club Best First Novel award.