THE IDES OF APRIL

People are being murdered in Rome in a rather strange manner and they do not seem to realise that they have been attacked until it is too late.  Flavia Albia the beloved adopted daughter of our favourite Roman sleuth Marcus Didius Falco and Helena Justina finds herself tasked in investigating these strange killings. 

But who is committing these crimes?

They are unexplained and have therefore been unexamined.  As Flavia Albia tries to get to the bottom of what is going on she also has to deal with two different men who are vying for her affection, and one of them may just be the killer.  Ancient Rome is just as lively and at times chaotic as ever as well.

Flavia Albia may have been adopted but she has clearly picked up her father’s traits, including his wit, charm and sensibility and not forgetting being streetwise.

To my delight, she has the sardonic witticisms down pat and it is wonderful to see the next generation of the Falco family taking up the mantle of private investigation despite the hindrance that she comes up against as a woman.  We are given brief glimpses in to Flavia’s life and what has happened to her.  If anything, these tiny glimpses will certainly whet your appetite for more.  Even Falco, Helena, and the other members of her adopted family have not been left behind but lurk tantalisingly in the background.

As can be expected from Lindsey Davis she has woven together an historical mystery with a great plot, believable characters and a good dose of humour, to create a great new series.  Falco’s daughter is not only extremely likeable but she us also human, fallible and like Marcus Didius Falco daring and capable.  What more could you want?

Fans of Lindsay Davis should not despair with The Ides of April.  She has certainly come up with a winner!  Even if you have never read any of the Falco novels, The Ides of April stands on its own very well indeed.  Independent, intelligent and observant Flavia Albia is a wonderful creation in her own right. The Ides of April, Falco: The New Generation is a triumph and a resounding success.  Her next commission cannot come soon enough!