<p><b><i>Fans of S. J. Parris, Donna Leon, Steven Saylor and C. J. Sansom will absolutely love this gripping page-turner of a historical mystery from <u>multi-million copy bestselling author Lindsey Davis</u>. Full of twists, turns and tension - you'll be hooked from page one...</i></b><br><br><b>'Her research has been assiduous and detailed, her commitment to the subject is impressive, and the background detail is often eye-opening' -- Hilary Mantel, </b><b><i>Observer</i></b><br><b>'One of the best writers in this field' -- Donna Leon, </b><b><i>The Times</i></b><br><b>'Surely the best historical detective in the business' -- </b><b><i>Daily </i></b><b><i>Telegraph</i></b><br><b>'Every book in this series is a delight ... highly recommended' -- </b><b><i>Library Journal</i></b><br><b>'Be careful, if you get the taste for this you'll end up reading them all... I can think of worse ways to pass the time' -- ***** Reader review</b><br><b>'This series is just SO addictive!' -- ***** Reader review</b><br><b>'I just could not put it down' -- ***** Reader review</b><br><b>'Engrossing' -- ***** Reader review</b><br><br><b>********************************************************************************</b><br><b>A NEW EMPEROR SEEKS AN EXPERIENCED AGENT</b><br><br><b>Marcus Didius Falco</b> is a private informer, the closest thing that first-century <b>Rome</b> has to a detective.<br><br>A new emperor, <b>Vespasian</b>, has ascended to power. The tides of money and power are in flux, and Rome's vicious games swirl more ferociously than ever.<br><br>When Falco rescues a young girl in trouble, he catapults himself into a dangerous game involving stolen imperial ingots, a dark political plot and, most hazardous of all, a senator's daughter connected to the traitors Falco has sworn to expose.<br><br><b>The rule of law is tenuous for ordinary citizens of Rome. Only a man with a mind as sharp as a <i>gladius </i>can prevail.</b></p>