The Falco series by Lindsey Davis tends to split into two halves; those set wholly in or near Rome, and those where she takes her hero to far-flung places. This volume sits firmly in the second camp. There is also a marked difference in atmosphere between the two halves – or is it just me? Although there are just as many murders or nefarious deeds in all the books, the travelling ones always seem lighter.
In this story, Falco’s brother-in-law Aulus has disappeared while studying in Greece, and he is asked to go and find him. Simultaneously, it’s discovered that some tourists have died mysteriously while travelling in the same area, including a bride on her honeymoon. So Falco takes much of his extended family on a working holiday.
There is much to discover; dodgy travel agents, strange goings-on at the Olympics venues, and what really happens at the oracle at Delphi? Add to that the problems always associated with his own family, Falco has a lot to take in, and there are plenty of twists and turns.
The story moves along at the usual cracking pace, and the large cast of characters are drawn to the authors usual standard. Particularly good are some of the members of the tour group they join up with, who are a real mix of parts of Roman society that we don’t always meet in fiction (or much non-fiction, for that matter.) Several of his family members get a slightly larger role here, and we get to know them a bit better. Perhaps they will feature more in future stories?
All in all, a solid entry in the series. A good mystery to solve, lots of digressions and red herrings, and a somewhat surprising end. What’s not to like?
This is a review of the Arrow Books 2006 Kindle edition.
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