Well, here we are; the end of the series; the last book. I have followed Marcus Didius Falco through nineteen adventures, and this is the final one. Different authors choose different ways to end a long running series, and I wondered how Lindsey Davis would choose to end hers.
The story starts with a bit of a shock, which causes even more issues than normal in his rather dysfunctional family. So it comes as a bit of relief to be asked to investigate the disappearance of a couple who supplied statues to Geminus, his father. There are even some obvious suspects; the Claudii, a notorious family who inhabit the Pontine Marshes, and seem almost untouchable.
Petronius, Falco’s old friend, then has to deal with a mutilated corpse, and a possible connection means that the two pool their knowledge. However, just as they get going, they are taken off the case by their old enemy, Anacrites. Unhappy at being replaced, they continue their investigations in secret.
It soon becomes clear that the Claudii have protection in high places. Encouraged by Anacrites’ rivals at the palace, they pursue the truth, but things become increasingly dangerous, and not only for Falco and Petronius, but their families as well.
I won’t give any more of the plot away, as it is as complex as usual, but it is a real thriller to end the series. Add in the arrival – yet again – of Thallia, with something of a bombshell, and the scene is set for a final confrontation with Anacrites.
I will confess that I haven’t always been keen on the Chief Spy as a character. He was something of an all-purpose ‘rent-a-villain’. Sometimes an all-powerful government official, sometimes a bit of a wet blanket. Here, he plays a crucial role, and we learn a lot more about him, and see both his subtle and less subtle sides.
Indeed the whole family play a part in this ending volume. Hard decisions need to made on a variety of things, and everyone finally pulls together. Helena is her usual measured, supportive self, and Albia finally becomes more than one of the children, playing an important part. (Clearly preparing for the future!)
The end of a much-loved series is always difficult, for both the author and the reader. I think Lindsey Davis has achieved a good balance. A lot happens in this book, much of it quite serious, so the humour is a little less prominent than usual. But this is understandable, given that it is the last time we will follow the lives and adventures of Falco and his family.
I’d like to say a huge thank you to Lindsey Davis for the pleasure of accompanying her creation through twenty books. But at least I can now start on the Flavia Albia series, and see if it keeps up the same level of interest and enjoyment. If you haven’t read any of the Falco books, I strongly advise you to start at the beginning; you won’t regret it.
This is a review of the Arrow Books 2011 Kindle edition.
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