Book Review: Scandal Takes A Holiday

Reviewed By: Luke Croll - RAM

Scandal Takes A Holiday     Amazon US HC Amazon Canada HC
Lindsey Davis
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Historical   Private Investigator
Series: Falco # 16
Mysterious Press, 2004, 332 pages

In Davis' latest novel, informer Marcus Didius Falco finds himself in another intriguing case. This time, he's gone to the seaside town of Ostia to investigate the disappearance of the gossip columnist of Rome's 'Daily Gazette'. Of course, life can never be easy for Falco and he soon finds himself in serious danger.

Once again, Lindsey Davis has written a fun novel and succeeds in adding more and more to the Falco story. Here, our knowledge of Falco's family is increased through the appearance of Uncle Fulvius, the real black sheep of the family. Davis has also engaged in a lot of research for her new subject matter and she explains everything well to an audience who may know nothing of it.

Falco's wit is just as sharp as ever and his wry comments will always raise a smile. Davis also includes the omnipresent Petro, Falco's wife and children and some of his other relatives. It seems as though no-one wants to miss the opportunity for a trip to the seaside.

The plot itself is very intelligent, with enough clues and false trails to keep even established readers of the series confused. Davis' customary cast of characters will enable new readers to pick up the book without feeling lost and fans of the series will be able to fall straight back into Roman times to read about the exploits of Falco.

Luke Croll - RAM

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Luke Croll - RAM

Luke Croll - Conference interpreter and translator
http://lukecroll.translatorscafe.com