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rosannelortz's review
3.0
Flavia Albia is hesitant to take a case recommended by her new husband's ex-wife, but the death of fifteen-year-old Clodia is too intriguing to pass up. Along the way, her husband Tiberius goes undercover himself as the assistant of a lettuce shop whose products are renowned for their powers of fertility. Soon, Flavia's investigation introduces her to a vapid and immoral socialite set, members of the underworld gang known as the Rabirii, and a well-connected potion seller named Pandora whose name is on everyone's lips. To solve the case, Flavia must confront the lies spun by immature children and the lies parents themselves are willing to tell to cover for their offspring's mistakes.
This book was a slow starter for me. Flavia has never quite sparkled as a narrator as much as her father Marcus Didius Falco did in Lindsey Davis' previous series. I had trouble following the action at first, although my interest was piqued at about a third of the way into the book. I wish more time had been spent on Tiberius and Flavia's relationship as they settle into newly married life as only an aedile and an informer can. The story seemed to be an important setup, however, for a reintroduction of the Rabirius gang which played a part in Flavia's earlier days, and as such, this novel is an important link in the chain of events that are surely to come.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
This book was a slow starter for me. Flavia has never quite sparkled as a narrator as much as her father Marcus Didius Falco did in Lindsey Davis' previous series. I had trouble following the action at first, although my interest was piqued at about a third of the way into the book. I wish more time had been spent on Tiberius and Flavia's relationship as they settle into newly married life as only an aedile and an informer can. The story seemed to be an important setup, however, for a reintroduction of the Rabirius gang which played a part in Flavia's earlier days, and as such, this novel is an important link in the chain of events that are surely to come.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
dochappenin's review
adventurous
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
suddenbreakdown's review against another edition
funny
informative
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
mary846's review
3.0
I love the Flavia Albia series - but I didn't think this was one of Lindsey Davis's best.
Some of the scenes in this book were more farfetched than usual, the dialogue could have used some serious editing and, frankly, the group of spoiled young people were totally unbelievable (plus their behaviour seemed pretty anachronistic!)
Having said that, Flavia and her husband are charming and I adored the description of the banquet at Fabulo's.
I'll certainly keep reading the series, but I would like to see a return to the standard of some of the earlier novels.
Some of the scenes in this book were more farfetched than usual, the dialogue could have used some serious editing and, frankly, the group of spoiled young people were totally unbelievable (plus their behaviour seemed pretty anachronistic!)
Having said that, Flavia and her husband are charming and I adored the description of the banquet at Fabulo's.
I'll certainly keep reading the series, but I would like to see a return to the standard of some of the earlier novels.
judenoseinabook's review
adventurous
dark
funny
informative
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Another interesting, witty, informative look at the seamier side of Roman life.
A young girl dies mysteriously in her sleep but the parents can't accept that. Flavia Alba is called in and discovers all sorts of goings on in the neighbourhood. A group of entitled snotty adolescents, potential witchcraft, historical wife swapping, bent lawers and a viscious gang land turf war all come to light, along with further tragedies.
Told with wit and humanity. Is the stage being set for follow up of the gangland story?
A young girl dies mysteriously in her sleep but the parents can't accept that. Flavia Alba is called in and discovers all sorts of goings on in the neighbourhood. A group of entitled snotty adolescents, potential witchcraft, historical wife swapping, bent lawers and a viscious gang land turf war all come to light, along with further tragedies.
Told with wit and humanity. Is the stage being set for follow up of the gangland story?
mformiga's review against another edition
3.0
Es una novela policíaca entretenida centrada en la Roma antigua. No pretende ser una novela histórica pero el contexto es pausible. No es necesario haber leído los tomos anteriores, ya que va dando información a lo largo de la novela y es autoconclusivo.
Es importante destacar que hay comentarios gordofóbicos a lo largo de toda la novela.
Es importante destacar que hay comentarios gordofóbicos a lo largo de toda la novela.
avidreadergirl1's review
funny
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I must admit that I’ve been a big fan of Ms. Davis since I read the first Falco novel and found the Flavia Albia to be second to the original series but with this book I found all the ingredients I love in her writing.
As usual, Flavia is hired to investigate but the twist that sends things spinning is the involvement of Faustus’s ex-wife and a bunch of overindulge parts that wouldn’t know the truth if it bit their nose off.
I love that in this new instalment, Flavia Albia sounds more mature and calm than the abrasive person she tended to be in the previous books. As for her husband Faustus, he is still the quiet one that exudes authority when needed. The one that I was glad to read very little about is Dromo, Faustus lazy slave.
I sincerely recommend this book bu one should be well advised to read the series in order.
As usual, Flavia is hired to investigate but the twist that sends things spinning is the involvement of Faustus’s ex-wife and a bunch of overindulge parts that wouldn’t know the truth if it bit their nose off.
I love that in this new instalment, Flavia Albia sounds more mature and calm than the abrasive person she tended to be in the previous books. As for her husband Faustus, he is still the quiet one that exudes authority when needed. The one that I was glad to read very little about is Dromo, Faustus lazy slave.
I sincerely recommend this book bu one should be well advised to read the series in order.
silvernfire's review against another edition
4.0
Another glimpse of Roman society through a murder mystery, and this time the focus is on Roman youth. Albia reluctantly agrees to investigate the death of a 15-year-old girl, more to distract herself from other problems than because she genuinely wants the case. There were fewer expository lumps in this book than in others in this series—young adults who haven't quite matured probably don't need as much explanation for the modern reader as other aspects of Roman culture! The story strikes a nice balance between Albia's wry observations of Roman life and her concerns about her marriage, the government, gangs, etc. Certainly there were mysteries to be solved: who was where, what was the dead girl up to on the last night of her life, and was there a love potion involved? But I enjoyed this book more for the continuing story of characters I like rather than the mental puzzle of a mystery.
So, yes, generally I enjoyed reading this, and I'm looking forward to the next installment! But... 1. I'm annoyed at the American publisher for the dust jacket. I can forgive the cover art: while it has nothing to do with the story, it does tie this book to the previous ones in the series. (Still, the British cover art is classier!) But the plot description has what I consider a spoiler in it. Grr. 2. As I said, I usually like Albia's observations and criticisms. But the sniping about another character's weight felt mean-spirited, and added nothing either to my understanding of that character or my appreciation of Albia's personality.
So, yes, generally I enjoyed reading this, and I'm looking forward to the next installment! But... 1. I'm annoyed at the American publisher for the dust jacket. I can forgive the cover art: while it has nothing to do with the story, it does tie this book to the previous ones in the series. (Still, the British cover art is classier!) But the plot description has what I consider a spoiler in it.
Spoiler
It was obvious that the reference to Albia's friend meant Iucundus—it's not like she has many friends—and I would've preferred not knowing he was doomed.lisaebetz's review against another edition
4.0
Final Thoughts on Pandora's Boy by Lindsey Davis. As expected, this book is filled with the snarky humor of the tough but also feminine sleuth, Albia. Ms. Lindsey's Rome is both intriguingly ancient, but also very familiar to cynical modern readers. That part did not disappoint. Also, I found the unexpected twist with her new husband enjoyable.
This was not my favorite book in this mystery series. Two reasons:
First of all, the main suspects were a group of spoiled, rich, inane friends. Albia found them annoying, and so did I. My dislike of the group did not help me care much about the victim, who had the bad judgement to want to hang out with them.
Secondly, the final solution was a bit of a let-down. It made logical sense, and Albia worked to get there, but it seemed she conveniently left out talking with the doctor until the end, when she should have known to do so earlier.
This was not my favorite book in this mystery series. Two reasons:
First of all, the main suspects were a group of spoiled, rich, inane friends. Albia found them annoying, and so did I. My dislike of the group did not help me care much about the victim, who had the bad judgement to want to hang out with them.
Secondly, the final solution was a bit of a let-down. It made logical sense, and Albia worked to get there, but it seemed she conveniently left out talking with the doctor until the end, when she should have known to do so earlier.
tome15's review against another edition
5.0
Davis, Lindsey. Pandora’s Boy. Flavia Albia Mysteries No. 6. Hodder & Stroughton, 2018.
Pandora’s Boy is one of the best Flavia Albia stories. Flavia investigates the suspicious death of a fifteen-year-old girl. Her investigations take us to the world of world of potions and powders to keep you young and improve your love life in late first-century Rome. There are also shiftless, spoiled teenagers who do not bode well for the future of the empire and ruthless crime families. Along the way, Davis tells us things we did not know about ancient Roman culture: that lettuce was an exotic aphrodisiac said to improve male potency, or that defacing the statue of a fertility god could be punished by death, or that the fanciest restaurant in town would have private alcoves for lovers to “canoodle.” Entertaining and educational.
Pandora’s Boy is one of the best Flavia Albia stories. Flavia investigates the suspicious death of a fifteen-year-old girl. Her investigations take us to the world of world of potions and powders to keep you young and improve your love life in late first-century Rome. There are also shiftless, spoiled teenagers who do not bode well for the future of the empire and ruthless crime families. Along the way, Davis tells us things we did not know about ancient Roman culture: that lettuce was an exotic aphrodisiac said to improve male potency, or that defacing the statue of a fertility god could be punished by death, or that the fanciest restaurant in town would have private alcoves for lovers to “canoodle.” Entertaining and educational.