Best Historical Mysteries

Reading lists

25 of the best historical mysteries

Five full-cast dramatisations

Falco: The Complete BBC Radio collection

Adventures with the Roman detective, Marcus Didius Falco.

Full-cast BBC Radio 4 dramatisations of the first five Falco novels by Lindsey Davis, starring Anton Lesser as Marcus Didius Falco. 
 
The Silver Pigs: 
One fine day, A.D. 70, Sosia Camillina quite literally runs into Marcus Didius Falco on the steps of the Forum. It seems Sosia is on the run from a couple of street toughs, and after a quick and dirty rescue, P.I. Falco wants to know why. Hoping for future favors from Sosia's powerful uncle, Falco embarks on an intricate case of smuggling, murder, and treason that reaches into the palace itself. 
 
Shadows in Bronze: 
Rome, AD 71. Against his better judgement, Marcus Didius Falco secretly disposes of a decayed corpse for the Emperor Vespasian, then heads for the beautiful Bay of Naples with his friend Petronius. But this will be no holiday: they have been sent to investigate the murderous members of a failed coup, now sunning themselves in luxurious villas and on fancy yachts in Neapolis, Capreae, and Pompeii. 
 
Venus in Copper: 
A small accounting error has left Marcus Didius Falco sharing a cell with a large rat. But the Roman Empire's most hard-done-by investigator is finally bailed out, and promptly accepts a commission to help a family of freed slaves fend off a professional bribe.... 
 
The Iron Hand of Mars: 
Falco is dispatched to one of the most hostile parts of the Empire to deliver a new standard, an iron hand, to one of the legions. Germania is cold, wet, dismal, and full of dark forests inhabited by bloodthirsty barbarians, but Falco has an even bigger problem to worry about: he has forgotten Helena Justina's birthday, and she is being pursued by the Emperor's son Titus Caesar. 
 
Poseidon’s Gold: 
Returning to Rome after his mission to Germania, Falco finds that his mother is being harassed by a centurion named Censorinus, who says he is chasing a debt owed to him by Falco's late brother Festus. When Falco refuses to cough up the money, he and Censorinus end up fighting... and later, the centurion turns up dead. Under suspicion of murder, Falco must confront his past and uncover his brother's secrets before he can clear his name and solve the mystery. 
 
These funny and fast-moving adaptations are a treat for all Falco fans. 
 
Cast: 
Falco… Anton Lesser 
Helena… Fritha Goodey/Anna Madeley 
Petronius…Ben Crowe 
Ma…Frances Jeater 
Pa…Trevor Peacock 
Vespasian …Michael Tudor Barnes 
Titus …Jonathan Keeble 
 
Dramatised by Mary Cutler 
Directed by Peter Leslie Wild 
 
Sound quality varies due to the age of these recordings.

Marco Didius Falco: Book XIII

A Body In The Bath House

Laid-back Roman detective Marcus Didius Falco investigates crimes in the dangerous world of first century Rome, a place of political intrigue, corruption and murder.

One of the Roman novels from the bestselling historical fiction Falco series

Fans of S. J. Parris, Donna Leon, Steven Saylor, C. J. Sansom will absolutely love this gripping page-turner of a historical mystery from multi-million copy bestselling author Lindsey Davis. Full of twists, turns and tension - you'll be hooked from page one... 
 
'Surely the best historical detective in the business' -- Daily Telegraph 
'If only all bestsellers were this satisfying' -- Time Out 
'Davis's writing zings with fun' -- Daily Mail 
'Lindsey Davis does it again - another cracking read' -- ***** Reader review 
'Addictive' -- ***** Reader review 
'Difficult to put down' -- ***** Reader review 
'Gripping and entertaining' -- ***** Reader review 
 
*********************************************************************************************************** 
 
CONTRACTORS ON SCHEDULE FOR CORPSES IN BRITANNIA 
 
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...

Queen of the humorous crime romp is Lindsey Davis... the adventures of the likable Falco on foreign soil are fertile ground for laughs and thrills.

This book is a delight for Falco fans and will strike a chord with anyone who has endured builders in their home.

Davis conjures up the ancient world with confidence, and contrives a plot as interesting as the best of modern crime fiction.

Marco Didius Falco: Book X

Two For The Lions

Fans of S. J. Parris, Donna Leon, Steven Saylor and C. J. Sansom will love this enthralling and expertly written mystery from multimillion-copy bestselling author Lindsey Davis. Bringing Ancient Rome to life with its vivid description and characterisation, you'll feel like you are right there! 
 
'Surely the best historical detective in the business' -- Daily Telegraph 
'If only all bestsellers were this satisfying' -- Time Out 
'Davis's writing zings with fun' -- Daily Mail 
'Quite brilliant' -- ***** Reader review 
'A laugh a minute as always' -- ***** Reader review 
'Remarkable' -- ***** Reader review 
'Vastly entertaining' -- ***** Reader review 
 
************************************************************************************ 
FIGHTING FOR TRUTH IN NORTH AFRICA 
 
Lumbered with working alongside reptilian Chief Spy Anacrites, Marcus Didius Falco has the perfect plan to make money - he will assist Vespasian in the Emperor's 'Great Census' of AD73. 
 
His potential fee could finally allow him to join the middle ranks and be worthy of long-suffering Helena Justina. 
 
Unexpectedly confronted with the murder of a man-eating lion, Falco is distracted from his original task, uncovering a bitter rivalry between the gladiators' trainers. With one star gladiator dead, Falco is forced to investigate and the trail leads from Rome to the blood-soaked sand of the arena in North Africa. But what lies in store...?

Surely the best historical detective in the business

For more laughter visit Ancient Rome in Lindsey Davis' tenth novel

If only all bestsellers were this satisfying

The Course Of Honour

A true, historical love story from the bestselling author of the Falco novels

One of the best of the current writers in this field

The whole thing is splendid. It has everything: mystery, pace wit, fascinating scholarship ... she brings imperial Rome to life.

‘He has no money, no reputation and no famous ancestors.’ 
 
The love story of the Emperor Vespasian, who brought peace to Rome after years of strife, and his mistress, the freed slave woman Caenis, this book recreates Ancient Rome’s most turbulent period – the reigns of Tiberius, Caligula, Claudius and Nero and Vespasian’s rise to power. 
 
As their forbidden romance blossoms, Caenis is embroiled in political intrigue, while Vespasian embarks on a glorious career. Years pass, then Vespasian risks all in the climactic struggle for power – bringing hope for Rome, but a threat to the relationship that has endured for so long.

Marco Didius Falco: Book XVII

See Delphi And Die

Another engrossing historical mystery bringing Ancient Rome to life in all its gruesome glory from the pen of multimillion-copy bestselling author Lindsey Davis. Fans of S. J. Parris, Donna Leon, Steven Saylor and C. J. Sansom will not be disappointed... 
 
'Davis's writing zings with fun' -- Daily Mail 
'One of the best of the current writers in this field' -- Donna Leon, The Times 
'My advice is BUY IT and READ IT as you will not regret it' -- ***** Reader review 
'A cracking good read' -- ***** Reader review 
'A real page-turner' -- ***** Reader review 
'Absolutely brilliant!' -- ***** Reader review 
********************************************************************************** 
THE ANCIENT SPORTS OF MURDER AND MYTH 
 
Stunned by a dramatic appeal from his otherwise cool mother-in-law, Falco cannot resist. His brother-in-law has been diverted from his route to Athens University by a man whose newly married daughter disappeared, with her husband, while visiting the Olympic Games as part of an extended wedding trip. Suspecting a classic cover-up, Aulus enrols Falco's help in solving the case. And of course his mother-in-law hopes to hurry her son along to university by passing the case over to Falco. 
 
Joining the rest of the married couple's tour group on the remains of their Grand Tour, Falco and Helena seize the opportunity to interview the owner/manager of 'Seven Sights Travel', as well as the other guests. 
 
Seemingly not getting very far, they can at least make the most of the splendid sights; but finally, on reaching Delphi, Falco and Helena unravel the mystery of the bride and groom...

Marco Didius Falco: Book XVI

Scandal Takes A Holiday

Fans of S. J. Parris, Donna Leon, Steven Saylor, C. J. Sansom will absolutely love this captivating page-turner of a historical mystery from multi-million copy bestselling author Lindsey Davis. Full of twists, turns and tension - you'll be hooked from page one... 
 
'Davis's writing zings with fun' -- Daily Mail 
'One of the best of the current writers in this field' -- Donna Leon, The Times 
'Very addictive and, at times, difficult to put down' -- ***** Reader review 
I was mesmerized and thrilled -- ***** Reader review 
Lindsey Davis at her best -- ***** Reader review 
A cracking good read -- ***** Reader review 
**************************************************************************************** 
ALL THE NEWS THAT'S FIT TO DIE FOR... 
 
In the wealthy town of Ostia, our hero Falco appears to be enjoying a relaxing holiday. But when his girlfriend, Helena, arrives carrying a batch of old copies of the Daily Gazette - with the intention of catching up on the latest scandal - Falco is forced to admit to Petronius his real reasons for being there... 
 
'Infamia', the pen name of the scribe who writes the gossip column for the Daily Gazette, has gone missing. His fellow scribes have employed Falco to find him and bring him back from his lazy, drunken truancy. However, Falco suspects that there is more to his absence than there might first appear...

This is the sixteenth Falco novel, and they have built up a large following. It is not hard to see why. They are amiable and unpretentious...The research that has gone into them allows the externals of Roman life to be presented in an evocative way. Yet the interior life of the  characters remains reassuringly modern...Philip Marlowe in a toga.

Marco Didius Falco: Book XV

The Accusers

Fans of S. J. Parris, Donna Leon, Steven Saylor, C. J. Sansom will absolutely love this gripping page-turner of a historical mystery from multi-million copy bestselling author Lindsey Davis. Full of twists, turns and tension - you'll be hooked from page one... 
 
'Queen of the humorous crime romp is Lindsey Davis.' -- Guardian 
'A pure delight, with Davis's unique blend of wit and humour brilliantly immersing us in the marvels of ancient Roman life.' -- Good Book Guide 
'Almost impossible to put down' -- ***** Reader review 
'My advice is BUY IT and READ IT as you will not regret it' -- ***** Reader review 
'Superbly written, gripping and compelling' -- ***** Reader review 
'A joy to read' -- ***** Reader review 
*************************************************************************** 
FALCO HAS HIS DEADLY DAY IN COURT 
 
Having returned from his trip to Londinium, Falco takes up employment with two lawyers at the top of their trade. For the trial of a senator, they need Falco to make an affidavit confirming repayment of a loan. Having been out of the country and starved of Forum gossip for some time, Falco has little interest in this trial, so he makes his deposition and then leaves. 
 
The prosecution are successful and a large financial judgment is made, but one month later the senator is dead, apparently by suicide. The heirs are now in a situation of not having to pay up, and the prosecutor suddenly decides to seek out Falco. 
 
With a little coercion, Falco joins the prosecution in seeking to persuade a magistrate to instigate a new trial. Blinded by the vision of rich pickings to be gained by the prosecution, Falco temporarily forgets that, if they fail, the financial penalties levelled against the informers who brought the case are potentially enormous...

Queen of the humorous crime romp is Lindsey Davis.

A pure delight, with Davis's unique blend of wit and humour brilliantly immersing us in the marvels of ancient Roman life.

Cheerful and informal cynicism in a solemnly detailed classical setting.

Marco Didius Falco: Book XIV

The Jupiter Myth

Fans of S. J. Parris, Donna Leon, Steven Saylor, C. J. Sansom will love this exciting and enthralling historical mystery from multi-million copy bestselling author Lindsey Davis. Expertly weaving an authentic depiction of the Roman Empire with exceptional characterisation and a tightly woven plot, this will have you hooked. 
 
'Lindsey Davis combines an engrossing plot with pithy dialogue and a comic (though not cartoonish) depiction of the past in all its gory splendour.' -- The Guardian 
'Modern, exciting and plausible.' -- Sunday Times 
'Another cracker from Lindsey Davis' -- ***** Reader review 
'Very addictive and, at times, difficult to put down' -- ***** Reader review 
'Another exceptional Falco novel' -- ***** Reader review 
'A terrific read' -- ***** Reader review 
 
******************************************************************************************************** 
 
GANGSTERS AND GLADIATING...BOTH BLOODY 
 
For Falco, a relaxed visit to Helena's relatives in Britain turns serious at the scene of a downtown murder. The renegade henchman of Rome's vital ally King Togidubnus has been stuffed head-first down a barroom well - leading to a tricky diplomatic situation which Falco must defuse. One murder leads to others. Londinium now has a forum and an amphitheatre; the town is a magnet for legitimate traders - and for criminals from Rome. 
 
With his vigiles pal Petronius, Falco leads the hunt for gangsters who are intent on taking over. This will bring unwelcome encounters with faces from the past and grave threats to their present relationships. 
 
Danger and death lurk throughout their pursuit, all the way from the brand new wharves beside the River Thames to the familiar old haunts of organised crime back home in Italy...

Against this richly textured backdrop is played out a story of low-down greed and grubby deals, of backhanders and protection rackets, that pulls of the trick of feeling modern, exciting and plausible.

Lindsey Davis combines an engrossing plot with pithy dialogue and a comic (though not cartoonish) depiction of the past in all its gory splendour.

As always, Davis weaves a plot full of humour, surprises and domestic irony.

(Falco 18)

Saturnalia

Like visiting old friends in a familiar and endearing, if sometimes bizarre, environment. Jokes and skulduggery crowd the pages

Every book in this series is a delight... fans will snap it up. Highly recommended

Falco wisecracks his way through the empire's sleazy underside...Davis' crimes are wickedly convoluted - real fun

One of the best in this series, a nice mix of wit and wisecracks

Rome is vividly brought to life - alien yet curiously familiar. And the story gallops along at a tremendous pace with humour and suspense dispensed in equal measure. Saturnalia is another rollicking good yarn

Wit, excitement and surprises in ancient Rome

Falco wisecracks his way through the empire's sleazy underside . . . Davis' crimes are wickedly convoluted - real fun

‘We should have time to manage it … and still get back to the party before the wine runs out.’ 
 
It is the Roman holiday of Saturnalia. The days are short; the nights are for wild parties. A general has captured a famous enemy of Rome, and brings her home to adorn his Triumph as a ritual sacrifice. The logistics go wrong; she acquires a mystery illness – then a young man is horrendously murdered and she escapes from house arrest. 
 
Falco is pitted against his old rival, the Chief Spy Anacrites, in a race to find the fugitive before her presence angers the public and makes the government look stupid. Falco has other priorities, for Helena’s brother Justinus has also vanished. Against the riotous backdrop of the season of misrule, the search seems impossible and only Falco seems to notice that some dark agency is bringing death to the city streets…

Marco Didius Falco: Book XII

Ode To A Banker

Another delightful excursion into the world of Marcus Didius Falco by multimillion-copy bestselling author Lindsey Davis. Bringing Ancient Rome to life with its vivid description and characterisation, this is perfect for fans of S. J. Parris, Donna Leon, Steven Saylor and C. J. Sansom. 
 
'Davis's writing zings with fun' -- Daily Mail 
'One of the best of the current writers in this field' -- Donna Leon, The Times 
'Fantastic! I'm addicted to Falco!' -- ***** Reader review 
'Totally brilliant!' -- ***** Reader review 
'Wonderful plot - full of suspense, as usual. Brilliant!!!!' -- ***** Reader review 
'Subline - can't put these books down!' -- ***** Reader review 
******************************************************************************** 
WRITING FOR MONEY, PUBLISHING DEATH 
 
AD74: it's a long, hot summer and Marcus Didius Falco, private informer and spare-time poet, is giving a reading for his family and friends. Things get out of hand - as usual... 
 
The event is taken over by Aurelius Chrysippus, a wealthy Greek banker and patron to a group of struggling writers, who offers to publish Falco's work - a golden opportunity that rapidly palls. 
 
A visit to the Chrysippus scriptorium implicates him in a gruesome literary murder so when Petronius Longus, the over-worked vigiles enquiry chief, commissions him to investigate, Falco is forced to accept. 
 
Lindsey Davis' twelfth novel wittily explores Roman publishing and banking, taking us from the jealousies of authorship and the mire of patronage, to the darker financial world, where default can have fatal consequences...

Marco Didius Falco: Book XI

One Virgin Too Many

Fans of S. J. Parris, Donna Leon, Steven Saylor and C. J. Sansom will devour this captivating mystery, full of twists and turns, from multimillion-copy bestselling author Lindsey Davis. 
 
'Wonderful, great fun all round' -- Daily Telegraph 
'Surely the best historical detective in the business' -- Daily Telegraph 
'An excellent who-dunnit' -- ***** Reader review 
A relaxing and absorbing read -- ***** Reader review 
'Difficult to put down' -- ***** Reader review 
'Addictive' -- ***** Reader review 
 
***************************************************************************** 
A LOST CHILD IN A DEADLY LOTTERY... 
 
A frightened child approaches Roman informer Marcus Didius Falco, pleading for 
help. Nobody believes Gaia's story that a relation wants to kill her - and neither 
does he. 
 
Beset by his own family troubles, by his new responsibilities as 
Procurator of the Sacred Poultry, and by the continuing search for a new 
partner, he turns her away. 
 
Immediately he regrets it. Gaia has been selected as the new Vestal Virgin, and when she disappears Falco is officially asked to investigate. 
 
Finding Gaia is then a race against time, ending in Falco's most terrifying exploit yet...

One of the most entertaining books of the year

Marco Didius Falco: Book IX

Three Hands In The Fountain

Another engrossing historical mystery bringing Ancient Rome to life in all its gruesome glory from the pen of multimillion-copy bestselling author Lindsey Davis. Fans of S. J. Parris, Donna Leon, Steven Saylor and C. J. Sansom will not be disappointed... 
 
'Uniquely entertaining' -- Time Out 
'Bizarre, funny and satisfying' -- Irish Times 
'As always, Davis wears her research lightly, bringing Ancient Rome to vivid life in a series of delicious vignettes' -- Val McDermid 
'Exciting and gripping' -- ***** Reader review 
'I love this book. what an amazing author and what an amazing series!' -- ***** Reader review 
'Another excellent Falco book that is difficult to put down' -- ***** Reader review 
'Well written, humourous, interesting and a good read' -- ***** Reader review 
 
 
************************************************************************************************ 
A SERIAL KILLER STALKS THE GAMES 
 
'The fountain was not working. Nothing unusual in that...' 
 
Marcus Didius Falco and his laddish friend Petronius find their local fountain has been blocked - by a gruesomely severed human hand. 
 
Soon other body parts are being found in the aqueducts and sewers. 
 
Public panic overcomes official indifference, and the Aventine partners are commissioned to investigate. Women are being abducted during festivals, with the next Games only days away. 
 
As the heat rises in the Circus Maximus, they face a race against time and a strong test of their friendship. They know the sadistic killer lurks somewhere on the festive streets of Rome- preparing to strike again.

As always, Davis wears her research lightly, bringing Ancient Rome to vivid life in a series of delicious vignettes

Lindsey Davis's excellent and funny series [is] a cross between I, Claudius and Mystery!

Marco Didius Falco: Book VIII

A Dying Light In Corduba

Another compelling and captivating historical mystery from the pen of multimillion-copy bestselling author Lindsey Davis. Ancient Rome is brought to life in all its humour, political manoeuvring and murderous intent... 
 
'Davis' books make old Rome sound fun ... it is all so enjoyable' -- The Times 
'The cast of characters is as various, corrupt, nasty and gnarled as the best of Dickens, described with similar scope and loving attention' -- Mail on Sunday 
'Highly readable, funny and colourful.' -- TLS 
'This is a more than five star book' -- ***** Reader review 
'Another excellent Falco book that is difficult to put down' -- ***** Reader review 
'Lindsey Davis produces yet another masterpiece' -- ***** Reader review 
'A marvellous read' -- ***** Reader review 
 
************************************************************************************** 
LIQUID GOLD, COMPROMISED BY A MURDEROUS CARTEL... 
 
Nobody was poisoned at the dinner for the Society of Olive Oil Producers of Baetica, though in retrospect this was quite a surprise... 
 
 Inimitable sleuth Marcus Didius Falco is back with a vengeance. On one night, a man is killed and Rome's Chief of Spies left for dead. This leaves no one except Falco to conduct the investigation.

With the passing of Ellis Peters, the title Queen of the Historical Whodunnit is temporarily vacant. Lindsey Davis is well suited to assume it - and she is funnier than Peters ... Davis' books make old Rome sound fun ... it is all so enjoyable

The cast of characters is as various, corrupt, nasty and gnarled as the best of Dickens, described with similar scope and loving attention

Marco Didius Falco: Book VII

Time To Depart

If you like S. J. Parris, Donna Leon, Steven Saylor and C. J. Sansom, you will love this absorbing, fast-paced and - at times - wonderfully funny Roman mystery from bestselling author Lindsey Davis. Guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat... 
 
'Non-stop action, excitements and astonishments - a real cracker' -- The Good 
Book Guide 
'Absolutely smashing' -- Daily Telegraph 
'Davis's writing zings with fun' -- Daily Mail 
'Exceptionally well crafted - keeps you guessing right until the end' -- ***** Reader review 
'Lindsey Davis never fails!!' -- ***** Reader review 
'I started reading it the moment it arrived, and finished it by the same evening. Brilliant' -- ***** Reader review 
'There are not adjectives fulsome enough to describe how damned good these books are' -- ***** Reader review 
 
************************************************************************** 
EVIL SENT INTO EXILE - BUT CRIME NEVER GOES AWAY 
 
Petronius Longus, captain of the Aventine watch and Falco's oldest friend, has finally nailed one of Rome's top criminals. Under Roman law citizens are not imprisoned but are allowed 'time to depart' into exile outside the Empire. One dark and gloomy dawn Petro and Falco put the evil Balbinus aboard ship. 
 
But soon after, an outbreak of robbery and murder suggest a new criminal ring has moved into Balbinus' territory. Petro and Falco must descend into the underworld of Vespasian's Rome to investigate...

Non-stop action, excitements and astonishments - a real cracker

If you like S. J. Parris, Donna Leon, Steven Saylor and C. J. Sansom, you will love this absorbing, fast-paced and - at times - wonderfully funny Roman mystery from bestselling author Lindsey Davis. Guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat... 
 
'Non-stop action, excitements and astonishments - a real cracker' -- The Good 
Book Guide 
'Absolutely smashing' -- Daily Telegraph 
'Davis's writing zings with fun' -- Daily Mail 
'Exceptionally well crafted - keeps you guessing right until the end' -- ***** Reader review 
'Lindsey Davis never fails!!' -- ***** Reader review 
'I started reading it the moment it arrived, and finished it by the same evening. Brilliant' -- ***** Reader review 
'There are not adjectives fulsome enough to describe how damned good these books are' -- ***** Reader review 
 
************************************************************************** 
EVIL SENT INTO EXILE - BUT CRIME NEVER GOES AWAY 
 
Petronius Longus, captain of the Aventine watch and Falco's oldest friend, has finally nailed one of Rome's top criminals. Under Roman law citizens are not imprisoned but are allowed 'time to depart' into exile outside the Empire. One dark and gloomy dawn Petro and Falco put the evil Balbinus aboard ship. 
 
 But soon after, an outbreak of robbery and murder suggest a new criminal ring has moved into Balbinus' territory. Petro and Falco must descend into the underworld of Vespasian's Rome to investigate...

Marco Didius Falco: Book VI

Last Act In Palmyra

This gripping and pacy historical mystery is perfect for fans of S. J. Parris, Donna Leon, Steven Saylor and C. J. Sansom. With its wry humour, expert characterisation, vivid descriptions and incredible sense of adventure, you'll be hooked from page one... 
 
'Several cheers for Lindsey Davis... Great fun' - The Times 
'The whole thing is splendid. It has everything: mystery, pace, wit, fascinating scholarship ... she brings Imperial Rome to life' - Ellis Peters 
'Another excellent Falco book that is difficult to put down' - ***** Reader review 
'Astounding' - ***** Reader review 
'A fabulous read' - ***** Reader review 
'Full marks and happily recommended' - ***** Reader review 
 
****************************************************************** 
DROWNING IN MYSTERY, DYING ON STAGE 
 
The spirit of adventure calls Marcus Didius Falco on a new spying mission for the Emperor Vespasian to the untamed East. He's picking up extra fees from his old friend Thalia, the snake dancer, as he searches for Sophrona, her lost water organist. With the Chief Spy Anacrites paying his fare, Falco knows anything can go wrong. 
 
A dangerous brush with the Brother, the sinister ruler of Nabataean Petra, sends Falco and his girlfriend Helena on a fast camel-ride to Syria. They join a traveling theatre group, which keeps losing members in non-accidental drownings. 
 
The bad acting and poor audiences are almost as bad as the desert and its scorpions - then as the killer hovers, Falco tries to write a play...

Several cheers for Lindsey Davis... Great fun

This gripping and pacy historical mystery is perfect for fans of S. J. Parris, Donna Leon, Steven Saylor and C. J. Sansom. With its wry humour, expert characterisation, vivid descriptions and incredible sense of adventure, you'll be hooked from page one... 
 
'Several cheers for Lindsey Davis... Great fun' - The Times 
'The whole thing is splendid. It has everything: mystery, pace, wit, fascinating scholarship ... she brings Imperial Rome to life' - Ellis Peters 
'Another excellent Falco book that is difficult to put down' - ***** Reader review 
'Astounding' - ***** Reader review 
'A fabulous read' - ***** Reader review 
'Full marks and happily recommended' - ***** Reader review 
 
****************************************************************** 
DROWNING IN MYSTERY, DYING ON STAGE 
 
The spirit of adventure calls Marcus Didius Falco on a new spying mission for the Emperor Vespasian to the untamed East. He's picking up extra fees from his old friend Thalia, the snake dancer, as he searches for Sophrona, her lost water organist. With the Chief Spy Anacrites paying his fare, Falco knows anything can go wrong. 
 
 A dangerous brush with the Brother, the sinister ruler of Nabataean Petra, sends Falco and his girlfriend Helena on a fast camel-ride to Syria. They join a traveling theatre group, which keeps losing members in non-accidental drownings. 
 
The bad acting and poor audiences are almost as bad as the desert and its scorpions - then as the killer hovers, Falco tries to write a play...

Marco Didius Falco: Book V

Poseidon's Gold

Fans of S. J. Parris, Donna Leon, Steven Saylor and C. J. Sansom will love this captivating, colourful and unputdownable historical mystery from multi-million copy bestselling author Lindsey Davis. Guaranteed to have you turning the pages, this will easily transport you back in time to Ancient Rome... 
 
'Several cheers for Lindsey Davis... Great fun' -- The Times 
'Fast-moving, funny and full of atmosphere' -- Mail on Sunday 
'Highly readable, funny and colourful' - TLS 
'An intriguing Roman mystery, with quite a few twists and turns' -- ***** Reader review 
'Another excellent Falco book that is difficult to put down' -- ***** Reader review 
'Well written, humorous, interesting and a good read' -- ***** Reader review 
'Brilliant. Very funny too' -- ***** Reader review 
 
*************************************************************************************** 
A MURDERED LEGIONARY - AND THERE'S ONE PRIME SUSPECT 
 
AD 72: Marcus Didius Falco returns home from a six-month mission to the German legions. But trouble is in store for him: his apartment has been wrecked by squatters and an ex-legionary friend of his colourfully heroic brother Festus is demanding money, allegedly owed him as the result of one of Festus's wild schemes. Worse still, the only client Falco can get is his mother - who wants him to clear the family name. 
 
Then just as Falco thinks things can only get better, fate takes a turn for the worse... The legionary is found viciously stabbed to death with Falco the prime suspect. 
 
Now he has only three days to prove he is not a murderer, to trace the real suspect, amass evidence and win a fortune...

Fast-moving, funny and full of atmosphere; if you haven't met Marcus Didius Falco before, start here

The setting enchants. Prescribed reading for any student bored by Latin

The Iron Hand Of Mars

With the great characterisation, fast-paced plotting and wry humour that we've come to expect from multi-million copy bestselling author Lindsey Davis, this is an addictive mystery that will transport you back to Britain at the time of the Roman invasion. Readers of S. J. Parris, Donna Leon, Steven Saylor and C. J. Sansom will be hooked from page one... 
 
'Her most ambitious to date... Davis has found a winning formula.' -- Daily Telegraph 
'Lindsey Davis doesn't merely make history come alive - she turns it into spanking entertainment, and wraps it around an intriguing mystery. She is incapable of writing a dull sentence' -- Peter Lovesey 
'Wonderfully entertaining' -- ***** Reader review 
'Davis at her best' -- ***** Reader review 
'Very addictive and, at times, difficult to put down' -- ***** Reader review 
'My advice is BUY IT and READ IT as you will not regret it' -- ***** Reader review 
'Gripping' -- ***** Reader review 
 
************************************************************************************** 
DEATH LIES BEYOND THE RIVER RHINE... 
 
AD 71, Germania Libera: dark dripping forests, inhabited by bloodthirsty barbarians and legendary wild beasts, a furious prophetess who terrorises Rome, and the ghostly spirits of slaughtered Roman legionaries. 
 
Enter Marcus Didius Falco, an Imperial agent on a special mission: to find the absconding commander of a legion whose loyalty is suspect. 
 
Easier said than done, thinks Marcus, as he makes his uneasy way down the Rhenus, trying to forget that back in sunny Rome his girlfriend Helena Justina is being hotly pursued by Titus Caesar. 
 
His mood is not improved when he discovers his only allies are a woefully inadequate bunch of recruits, their embittered centurion, a rogue dog, and its innocent young master; just the right kind of support for an agent unwillingly trying to tame the Celtic hordes...

Her most ambitious to date... Davis has found a winning formula. The tempo is presto, the language pert

Lindsey Davis doesn't merely make history come alive - she turns it into spanking entertainment, and wraps it around an intriguing mystery. She is incapable of writing a dull sentence

With the great characterisation, fast-paced plotting and wry humour that we've come to expect from multi-million copy bestselling author Lindsey Davis, this is an addictive mystery that will transport you back to Britain at the time of the Roman invasion. Readers of S. J. Parris, Donna Leon, Steven Saylor and C. J. Sansom will be hooked from page one... 
 
'Her most ambitious to date... Davis has found a winning formula.' -- Daily Telegraph 
'Lindsey Davis doesn't merely make history come alive - she turns it into spanking entertainment, and wraps it around an intriguing mystery. She is incapable of writing a dull sentence' -- Peter Lovesey 
'Wonderfully entertaining' -- ***** Reader review 
'Davis at her best' -- ***** Reader review 
'Very addictive and, at times, difficult to put down' -- ***** Reader review 
'My advice is BUY IT and READ IT as you will not regret it' -- ***** Reader review 
'Gripping' -- ***** Reader review 
 
************************************************************************************** 
DEATH LIES BEYOND THE RIVER RHINE... 
 
AD 71, Germania Libera: dark dripping forests, inhabited by bloodthirsty barbarians and legendary wild beasts, a furious prophetess who terrorises Rome, and the ghostly spirits of slaughtered Roman legionaries. 
 
Enter Marcus Didius Falco, an Imperial agent on a special mission: to find the absconding commander of a legion whose loyalty is suspect. 
 
Easier said than done, thinks Marcus, as he makes his uneasy way down the Rhenus, trying to forget that back in sunny Rome his girlfriend Helena Justina is being hotly pursued by Titus Caesar. 
 
His mood is not improved when he discovers his only allies are a woefully inadequate bunch of recruits, their embittered centurion, a rogue dog, and its innocent young master; just the right kind of support for an agent unwillingly trying to tame the Celtic hordes...

(Marco Didius Falco: book III)

Venus In Copper

Fans of S. J. Parris, Donna Leon, Steven Saylor, C. J. Sansom will love this exciting and enthralling historical mystery from multi-million copy bestselling author Lindsey Davis. Expertly weaving an authentic depiction of Ancient Rome with exceptional characterisation and a tightly woven plot, this will have you hooked. 
 
'Another redolent dip into corruption in Vespasian's Rome ... original and delightful' -- Sunday Times 
'A tumultuous Ancient Rome with a delightful modern eye' -- Sunday Times 
'Fast-moving, funny and full of atmosphere' -- Mail on Sunday 
'A thrilling murder mystery' -- ***** Reader review 
'Such fun!' -- ***** Reader review 
'Another corking Falco' -- ***** Reader review 
'My advice is BUY IT and READ IT as you will not regret it' -- ***** Reader review 
 
*********************************************************************************** 
MARRY IN HASTE. DIE FOR THE MONEY. 
 
 Things are going well for Marcus Didius Falco, ancient Rome's investigator: he hates sharing a cell with a rodent, although being bailed by his old mother is almost as embarrassing; his highborn girlfriend can't decide if she wants him and Titus Caesar's reward for past services is disappointing to say the least. 
 
Hoping for a better life, or at least a better apartment, he takes on new clients. 
 
 On the elegant slopes of the Pincian Hill, three freedmen with two flashy wives are under siege by a clever redhead. Severina Zotica has a foul-mouthed parrot, an odd connection with a snake dancer - and a very suspicious past. 
 
As he pursues this flame-haired fortune-hunter, Falco finds himself beset by violent rent-racketeers, poisoners, and women without consciences who have dangerous designs on him...

Marco Didius Falco: Book II

Shadows In Bronze

Let multi-million copy bestselling author Lindsey Davis transport you back to 71 A.D. in this captivating mystery, full of political intrigue, twists, turns and romantic tension. Fans of S. J. Parris, Donna Leon, Steven Saylor, C. J. Sansom will not be disappointed... 
 
'A tumultuous Ancient Rome with a delightful modern eye' -- Sunday Times 
'Fast-moving, funny and full of atmosphere' -- Mail on Sunday 
'An exciting and gripping mystery' -- ***** Reader review 
'Couldn't put the book down' -- ***** Reader review 
'Gripping right from the beginning' -- ***** Reader review 
'Very addictive' -- ***** Reader review 
'My advice is BUY IT and READ IT as you will not regret it' -- ***** Reader review 
 
************************************************************************************* 
LOVE, DEATH AND POLITICS UNDER VESUVIUS 
 
Rome, AD 71: Against his better judgement, Marcus Didius Falco secretly disposes of a decayed corpse for the Emperor Vespasian, then heads for the beautiful Bay of Naples with his best friend Petronius. It's an opportunity to forget his doomed romance with the beautiful and bright Helena Justina. 
 
He conveniently forgets to mention to his companion that this will be no holiday - they have been sent to investigate the murderous members of a failed coup, now sunning themselves in luxurious villas and on fancy yachts. 
 
Nor does the idyllic seaside location help matters with Helena. The deeper he probes, the more it seems she is inextricably connected to the elite plotters, in ways that the smitten Falco cannot bear to contemplate ...

A tumultuous Ancient Rome with a delightful modern eye

(Falco 20)

Nemesis

Davis is a prolific and popular writer … Her research has been assiduous and detailed, her commitment to the subject is impressive, and the background detail is often eye-opening

The whole thing is splendid. It has everything: mystery, pace wit, fascinating scholarship … she brings imperial Rome to life

In the high summer of AD 77, laid-back detective Marcus Didius Falco is called upon to investigate the mysterious disappearance of a middle-aged couple who supplied statues to Falco's father, Geminus. The Claudii, nptorious freedmen who live rough in the pestilential Pontine Marshes, are the prime suspects. Falco, beset by personal problems, finds it a relief to consider someone else's misfortunes. 
 
When a mutilated corpse turns up near Rome, Falco and his vigiles friend Petronius investigate, only for the Chief Spy, Anacrites, to snatch their case away from them just as they are making progress.As his rivalry with Falco escalates, it emerges that the violent Claudii have acquired corrupt protection at the highest level. Making further enquiries after they have been warned off can only be dangerous - but will this stop Falco and Petronius? 
 
Egged on by the slippery bureaucrats who hate Anacrites, the dogged friends dig deeper while a psychotic killer keeps taking more victims, and the shocking truth creeps closer and closer to home...

Lindsey Davis

Books by Lindsey Davis

Series by Lindsey Davis

Falco

Articles featuring Lindsey Davis

25 of the best historical mysteries

Follow penguin

Follow ladybird

Follow puffin

Sign up to the Penguin newsletter