Book Review: The Jupiter Myth

Reviewed By: Luke Croll - RAM

The Jupiter Myth     Amazon US PB Amazon UK PB Amazon UK HC Amazon Canada PB
Lindsey Davis
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Historical   Private Investigator
Series: Falco # 14
2003, Mysterious Press, 336 pages

Marcus Didius Falco attempts to relax whilst visiting his wife's relatives in Britain, but his plans are spoilt when a murder is discovered. It is not just any murder, but an official of one of the region's kings. The town has become full of criminals and Falco, with his partner Petronius, must hunt down the gangsters behind it all. Will they be able to survive?

This was the first novel by Davis that I had read and it was a pleasant experience. Davis did an excellent job of creating a suitable atmosphere for Roman-day London, or Londinium, making it appear threatening and chaotic, as we imagine that provinces at the time would be. She also succeeds with dialogue. Rather than using the speech patterns of the time, she uses those of the modern day, which makes the book move more easily.

Her characters are well-drawn and she ensures that each of them has their own personality, from Falco's wife Helena through to his sister, Maia. In addition, the novel is a first-person narrative and at times, the wry humour of Falco will raise a smile with the reader, even when the heroes have found themselves in danger. Davis also includes some exciting scenes, such as a major battle in the arena and she neatly leaves the novel open to continue the series.

On the whole, 'The Jupiter Myth' fits neatly into the modern tradition of gangster movies and novels, with all the requisite elements and Davis succeeds in transporting them to Londinium and making an authentic and enjoyable mystery novel.

Luke Croll - RAM

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

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