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styxx's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence, Injury/Injury detail, Murder, Sexism, Slavery, Kidnapping, and Death
Minor: Police brutality, Rape, Abandonment, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Trafficking, and Child abuse
littlecogs's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
nikkisbooknook's review
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Rome in 90AD is a hotbed of intrigue and skulduggery. Flavia may be settling back into the life of roman wife and matron and learning how to be the caregiver of two small boys but she is soon back in the thick of another murder investigation.
Along with hubby Tiberius, Albia is soon neck deep in figuring out who killed a female "tourist", what links her to a local gang and what she'll do if she comes face to face with the man who caused her so much trauma and pain before she was adopted by Falco and Helena.
There is glorious depiction of life and death in Rome, Like modern times, the crooks have gaudy, over the top funerals, they're bribing the local law enforcement and the feuds with neighbouring gangs are simmering hot. I was ecstatic that Balbina Milvia finally got the day she deserved. I'm not usually so bloodthirsty but that woman needed to cease and desist! The little digs at cruising tourists, and fleabag hoteliers are so witty and the rank ineffectiveness of some of the vigiles/special agents/gangsters will make you smile.
In this Rome, the matrons are the power behind the many gangster thrones. But the Didii females are not to be trifled with! I loved the way Tiberius just goes along with Albia's plans. He's happy being her back up and using his former titles and position to ease the way and sneak into places. It was great to see all my old favourite Falco characters pop in too. It's great when they arrive unceremoniously and cause havoc all round!
Along with hubby Tiberius, Albia is soon neck deep in figuring out who killed a female "tourist", what links her to a local gang and what she'll do if she comes face to face with the man who caused her so much trauma and pain before she was adopted by Falco and Helena.
There is glorious depiction of life and death in Rome, Like modern times, the crooks have gaudy, over the top funerals, they're bribing the local law enforcement and the feuds with neighbouring gangs are simmering hot. I was ecstatic that Balbina Milvia finally got the day she deserved. I'm not usually so bloodthirsty but that woman needed to cease and desist! The little digs at cruising tourists, and fleabag hoteliers are so witty and the rank ineffectiveness of some of the vigiles/special agents/gangsters will make you smile.
In this Rome, the matrons are the power behind the many gangster thrones. But the Didii females are not to be trifled with! I loved the way Tiberius just goes along with Albia's plans. He's happy being her back up and using his former titles and position to ease the way and sneak into places. It was great to see all my old favourite Falco characters pop in too. It's great when they arrive unceremoniously and cause havoc all round!
vesper1931's review
mysterious
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
Rome A.D. 90. A mobster chief is dead and rival gangs are vying for position. During these events the body of Claudia Deiana, wife to old adversary Gaius Florius Opppicus who is back from Britain, is discovered. Can finding the killer be jeopardised by Flavia seeking revenge on Florius.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its cast of likeable and varied characters. Another good addition to this enjoyable series.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its cast of likeable and varied characters. Another good addition to this enjoyable series.
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