Rating: 
Summary: Falco returns in fine form
Review: Take the sardonic wit of Spenser or Stephanie Plum and transport it back to 70 A.D. and you have Falco. There are three things to enjoy in this book (and series) and this book is well done on all three.First, there's the mystery. A murder in Rome comes with hints of a possible consipiracy against new ruler (and Falco's employer) Vespasian. Falco is sent first south and then west to locate the dead man's brother and another potential suspect. A mysterious freedman, Barnabas, (half-brother of Helena's dead ex-husband) keeps turning up with deadly results. The bulk of the action takes place in the bay of Neapolis (see maps in the back of the book) and is a nice of mix of political intrigue, personal ambition .... Second, is the wonderful humor. Falco is a genuine wisecracking guy and often brings a smile to your lips. Davis also has a knack for taking an aspect of modern life and transporting in back in time. The section on the risks of buying a used chariot is a gem. Finally, there's the romance. Falco is still WAY too poor to persue Helena but she keeps turning up. What's a guy to do but make the lady happy? Things aren't totally resolved by the end of the story but the relationship definately progresses. Bottom-line: Don't take this wrong but a series that is sort like a Flintstones for grown-ups. Modern day human foiables are cast in Roman times with the most interesting and entertaining results. Keeping track of the names is a challenge (there's a list in the book) but worth it. Reading of "Silver Pigs" first is encouraged but not essential.
Rating:
Summary: Falco returns in fine form
Review: Take the sardonic wit of Spenser or Stephanie Plum and transport it back to 70 A.D. and you have Falco. There are three things to enjoy in this book (and series) and this book is well done on all three. First, there's the mystery. A murder in Rome comes with hints of a possible consipiracy against new ruler (and Falco's employer) Vespasian. Falco is sent first south and then west to locate the dead man's brother and another potential suspect. A mysterious freedman, Barnabas, (half-brother of Helena's dead ex-husband) keeps turning up with deadly results. The bulk of the action takes place in the bay of Neapolis (see maps in the back of the book) and is a nice of mix of political intrigue, personal ambition .... Second, is the wonderful humor. Falco is a genuine wisecracking guy and often brings a smile to your lips. Davis also has a knack for taking an aspect of modern life and transporting in back in time. The section on the risks of buying a used chariot is a gem. Finally, there's the romance. Falco is still WAY too poor to persue Helena but she keeps turning up. What's a guy to do but make the lady happy? Things aren't totally resolved by the end of the story but the relationship definately progresses. Bottom-line: Don't take this wrong but a series that is sort like a Flintstones for grown-ups. Modern day human foiables are cast in Roman times with the most interesting and entertaining results. Keeping track of the names is a challenge (there's a list in the book) but worth it. Reading of "Silver Pigs" first is encouraged but not essential.
Rating:
Summary: More Great Falco!
Review: The second in the M. Didius Falco series, Shadows in Bronze, finds Marcus taking a "holiday" to Pompeii and the surrounded areas in search of a murderer who is also in search of him. With typical Falco bad luck following him every step of the way, he feels his way through the investigation and bumbles his relationship with Helena. The funny part of it is, you can't help but root for him while in the same breath you curse his pride and downright blindness. Davis' trademark lively narrative, witty dialog, and historical details makes for another great Falco adventure through Ancient Rome. I'm re-reading the M. Didius Falco books as my husband reads them for the first time, and he is just as fond of Falco as I am. I can't recommend this series enough to those who like comedy, mystery and history. Just be sure to start with the first one in the series, though. These are not books to get out of order.
Rating:
Summary: More Great Falco!
Review: The second in the M. Didius Falco series, Shadows in Bronze, finds Marcus taking a "holiday" to Pompeii and the surrounded areas in search of a murderer who is also in search of him. With typical Falco bad luck following him every step of the way, he feels his way through the investigation and bumbles his relationship with Helena. The funny part of it is, you can't help but root for him while in the same breath you curse his pride and downright blindness. Davis' trademark lively narrative, witty dialog, and historical details makes for another great Falco adventure through Ancient Rome. I'm re-reading the M. Didius Falco books as my husband reads them for the first time, and he is just as fond of Falco as I am. I can't recommend this series enough to those who like comedy, mystery and history. Just be sure to start with the first one in the series, though. These are not books to get out of order.
Rating:
Summary: Fantastic
Review: This book is an absolute classic. You can't help but fall in love with Falco, who is an Imperial Informer. There is plot and intrigue aplenty, and of course that amazing humor which pervads all of the Falco series. This book is sent in Roman times when Vespasian secrued the throne, and as such ther are some jokes and digs on the side which would be difficult to get if you didn't know or understand a little about the time period. But even if you know nothing about Ancient Rome, this is a fantastic novel, the humor is quite easy to get and the irreverent nature of the protagonist, Falco, will have you in absolute stiches all the way through. However the book is not all about comedy, Falco must try and secure the affectons of Helena, who seems not at all impressed with him at the current time, while he must also try and save his own life (which is in constant peril) while uncovering a plot against the emperor. What makes the character of Falco so loveable is that he is a Rebublican, the mortal enemies of the Imperial house, and even so he is willing to risk all for the paycheck at the end and because "The old guy isn't so bad", (reffering to Vespasian). My reveiw is not the best, and don;t let it put you off. This is one of the best novels you will read, it has humour, plot, intrigue, suspense and of course a little on the side for Falco, as he said "Another case, another woman".
Rating: 
Summary: The Second Falco Mystery
Review: This is both a compelling mystery and a fun, touching romance all set against a lively Roman background. To fully appreciate Helena and Marcus's relationship, you should read Silver Pigs first, but the book is a wonderful, enjoyable read whether you chose to follow the order or not.
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