Poseidon's Gold: A Marcus Didius Falco Mystery

Rating:
Summary: A masterful mix of history and mystery
Review: I've been a fan of Lindsey Davis for some time. I am an amateur historian who is especially interested in ancient Rome, so I've read dozens of books on the subject. I am amazed at the wealth of detail contained in this book (and in all of Davis' Falco mysteries, all of which I've read). Such minute attention to detail not only provides an absorbing background to Davis' stories, but also testifies to her admirable efforts at presenting a plausible snapshot of ancient Rome, its geography, its history, and its populace. Davis' novels are both literature and history. This would not be exceptional were it not for the fact that Davis is a hell of a story-teller. Her tantalizing mysteries are spiced with the day-to-day details of life in ancient Rome, and the result is a fascinating read. Highly recommended!!

Rating:
Summary: A masterful mix of history and mystery
Review: I've been a fan of Lindsey Davis for some time. I am an amateur historian who is especially interested in ancient Rome, so I've read dozens of books on the subject. I am amazed at the wealth of detail contained in this book (and in all of Davis' Falco mysteries, all of which I've read). Such minute attention to detail not only provides an absorbing background to Davis' stories, but also testifies to her admirable efforts at presenting a plausible snapshot of ancient Rome, its geography, its history, and its populace. Davis' novels are both literature and history. This would not be exceptional were it not for the fact that Davis is a hell of a story-teller. Her tantalizing mysteries are spiced with the day-to-day details of life in ancient Rome, and the result is a fascinating read. Highly recommended!!

Rating:
Summary: I don't think the reviewr below and I read the same book
Review: Poseidon's Gold pits Falco against the forces that would defame the good name of his not-so-honorable brother Festus, his father and a band of art thieves trying to collect a questionably unpaid debt. This lacked some of the action that marks the earlier Falco novels which is why it only merited four stars, but it's still great fun. It's not entirely fare to compare Davis with Saylor - his writing is very different and while it is sophisticated it lacks the irony and humor of Davis' work. Read her when you want to smile and let's hope poor Falco gets a break in one of her future books.

Rating:
Summary: Great Stuff!
Review: This is an excellent book. It's sharp and witty like all Didius Falco books, but in this one we see a more vulnerable Falco as he tries to get rid of a lot of preconceived notions about his father. Geminus Falco is a wonderful character, and I certainly hope we see more of him in upcoming books. In this book Falco and his father are working together to try to clear his late brother's name and some very outstanding debts. Falco gets in a lot of scrapes as usual, but this is more of a caper book than the others I've read so far. It's great fun, and hard to put down.

Rating:
Summary: Great Stuff!
Review: This is an excellent book. It's sharp and witty like all Didius Falco books, but in this one we see a more vulnerable Falco as he tries to get rid of a lot of preconceived notions about his father. Geminus Falco is a wonderful character, and I certainly hope we see more of him in upcoming books. In this book Falco and his father are working together to try to clear his late brother's name and some very outstanding debts. Falco gets in a lot of scrapes as usual, but this is more of a caper book than the others I've read so far. It's great fun, and hard to put down.

Rating:
Summary: A Funfilled Journey through Rome
Review: This was, in my opinion, one of the best Marcus Didius adventures. Marcus's relationship with his father adds great humor to an already wonderful story.