Book Review: The Accusers

Reviewed By: Cheryl - RAM

The Accusers     Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
Lindsey Davis
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Historical   Private Investigator
Series: Falco # 15
Mysterious, Apr 2004

Falco and his family have arrived back in Rome following their most recent investigation in Britain. As usual, the pay wasn't quite as large or as prompt as Falco would have liked, so he needs to re -establish himself as an informer in Rome as soon as possible. He decides to begin by taking on a minor job involving collecting an affidavit for Silius Italicus. Silius is a very powerful lawyer/informer, one who hires investigators and assistants rather than doing the dirty work himself. He investigates senatorial corruption, rather than checking out unsuitable potential plebeian or equestrian spouses. Since Roman law allows such prosecutors - the 'accusers' of the title - a sizable percentage of the assets of their opponent should they manage to achieve a conviction, this is obviously a very lucrative field of work. It is also very dangerous. Should the accuser's target be found innocent, the accuser himself may be ruined.

The legal system that enables Silius and his colleagues to make a very good living is explained through the complicated series of related cases that Falco and Associates become embroiled in, beginning with the simple document pick-up job. Explaining the law and the cases could result in a very didactic and boring book, but Davis provides all the information needed to follow the story without distracting the reader from the story. As with the earlier Falco novels, the characters are realistic and modern - even today, many a modern Silius' efforts to uncover corruption seem to provide him with fame and fortune.

'The Accusers' will surely please all Lindsey Davis' fans, and anyone unfamiliar with her work and looking for an entertaining, fast-moving story should also enjoy it.

Cheryl - RAM

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