Molly-Mae: Behind It All - Part 2
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Lindsey Davis
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Saturnalia: (Falco 18) (Marcus Didius Falco Mysteries) Kindle Edition

by Lindsey Davis (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.6 out of 5 stars 617 ratings

One of the stories from the bestselling historical fiction Falco series.

It is the Roman holiday of Saturnalia. The days are short; the nights are for wild parties. A general has captured a famous enemy of Rome, and brings her home to adorn his Triumph as a ritual sacrifice. The logistics go wrong; she acquires a mystery illness - then a young man is horrendously murdered and she escapes from house arrest.

Marcus Didius Falco is pitted against his old rival, the Chief Spy Anacrites, in a race to find the fugitive before her presence angers the public and makes the government look stupid. Falco has other priorities, for Helena's brother Justinus has also vanished, perhaps fatefully involved once more with the great lost love of his youth.

Against the riotous backdrop of the season of misrule, the search seems impossible and only Falco seems to notice that some dark agency is bringing death to the city streets...

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  1. Print length
    352 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Cornerstone Digital
  4. Publication date
    1 Mar. 2011
  5. File size
    2.9 MB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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Product description

Review

"‘Falco wisecracks his way through the empire's sleazy underside...Davis' crimes are wickedly convoluted - real fun" (Time Magazine)

"Like visiting old friends in a familiar and endearing, if sometimes bizarre, environment. Jokes and skulduggery crowd the pages" (Guardian)

"One of the best in this series, a nice mix of wit and wisecracks’" (Literary Review)

"Every book in this series is a delight... fans will snap it up. Highly recommended" (Library Journal)

"Falco wisecracks his way through the empire's sleazy underside...Davis' crimes are wickedly convoluted - real fun" (Time Magazine)

From the Inside Flap

It is the Roman holiday of Saturnalia. The days are short, the nights are for wild parties. A general has captured a famous enemy of Rome, and brings her home to adorn his Triumph as a ritual sacrifice. The logistics go wrong; she acquires a mystery illness - then a young man is horrendously murdered and she escapes from house arrest.

Marcus Didius Falco is pitted against his old rival, the Chief Spy Anacrites, in a race to find the fugitive before her presence angers the public and makes the government look stupid. Falco has other priorities, for Helena's brother Justinus has also vanished, perhaps fatally involved once more with the great lost love of his youth.

Against the riotous backdrop of the season of misrule, the search seems impossible and only Falco seems to notice that some dark agency is bringing death to the city streets...

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B004OEIDES
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Cornerstone Digital (1 Mar. 2011)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 2.9 MB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 352 pages
  • Customer reviews:
    4.6 out of 5 stars 617 ratings

About the author

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Lindsey Davis

Lindsey Davis

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Lindsey Davis' Roman novels begin chronologically with The Course of Honour, the love story of the Emperor Vespasian and Antonia Caenis. Her bestselling mystery series features laid-back First Century detective Marcus Didius Falco and his partner Helena Justina, plus friends, relations, pets and bitter enemy the Chief Spy; there is a reader handboook, 'Falco: the Official Companion'. 'Master and God' set in the time of the Emperor Domitian, was published in 2012. A new series, featuring Flavia Albia, began in 2013 and is rivalling Falco in popularity. Her two Roman series have associated download-only novellas, now collected in an anthology, 'Voices of Rome'. She has also written an epic novel of the English Civil War and Commonwealth, 'Rebels and Traitors' and a short book set in that period in the Quickreads series, 'A Cruel Fate.. Her books are translated into many languages and serialised on BBC Radio 4. Past Chair of the Crimewriters' Association and a Vice President of the Classical Association, she is a Fellow of the Council of the UK Society of Authors. She has won the CWA Ellis Peters Historical Dagger, the Dagger in the Library, and a Sherlock award for Falco as Best Comic Detective. She has also been awarded the Premio Colosseo for enhancing the image of Rome, and the CWA Cartier Diamond Dagger for lifetime achievement as a mystery writer.

She was born in Birmingham and now lives there.

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
617 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this book to be a wonderful read, with one mentioning particularly enjoying the descriptions of the merry making. Moreover, the book is humorous, with one customer noting the razor-sharp wit and repartee. Additionally, customers appreciate the book's intelligence, finding it informative and well-researched.

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22 customers mention ‘Readability’22 positive0 negative

Customers find the book to be a wonderful read and love the entire Falco series, with one customer particularly enjoying the descriptions of the merry making.

"...on, plenty of reflection, conflicts of conscience, and all the madness of Saturnalia. A typical slice of life for Falco!" Read more

"...Christian Rodska is an excellent reader and I now hear his voice in my head when I am reading the Falco books in print...." Read more

"...The good news is that there will be at least 1 more Falco book.Buy it now and buy copies for your friends !" Read more

"...The vigiles Saturnalia drinks party is priceless." Read more

7 customers mention ‘Humour’7 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's humor, with one noting its razor-sharp wit and repartee.

"...The plot(s) is gripping, the wit and repartee is razor sharp and the final twist is a cracker...." Read more

"...This is a very well researched and well written book. The Falco series is very addictive and, at times, difficult to put down...." Read more

"...The Author is at her relaxed and humorous best in one of the last books in this excellent series." Read more

"As usual, a rollicking good read from Lindsey Davies. I love the humour in her Falco books as well the the fantastic historical portraits she weaves..." Read more

4 customers mention ‘Intelligence’4 positive0 negative

Customers find the book intelligent and informative, with one customer noting it is very well researched.

"...This is a very well researched and well written book. The Falco series is very addictive and, at times, difficult to put down...." Read more

"Love these even better than the tales of her dad. She's intelligent and worldly but no one's fool." Read more

"The Falco stories always entertain. They are easy to read and very informative." Read more

"Another great Falco investigation by Lindsey Davis." Read more

Top reviews from United Kingdom

  • Simon Binning
    5.0 out of 5 stars A real return to form for this series
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 24 February 2019
    Verified Purchase
    Falco is back, and this time, facing the madness of Saturnalia. As those who know him might guess, he's not a fan of the upside down world of the festival. His family and household are mad enough as it is, so the gods alone know what might happen.
    Events are further complicated by a reappearance of a figure from the past. A general, with his eye more on personal glory than good sense, has captured a German priestess, Veleda, and brought her to Rome, hoping for a Triumph in which she will be the major exhibit.
    However, a long time ago, Falco and Justinus - his brother-in-law - found themselves as Veleda's prisoner. Justinus spent hours with her and managed to persuade her to free them, and Falco has always wondered what happened.
    The trouble starts when Justinus goes missing, as does Veleda, after a severed head is found in the villa where she is being held. Falco is called in to sort out the mess before the public find out what has happened, and that there is a supposedly bloodthirsty barbarian priestess loose among them.
    Falco is beset by all sorts of family problems, and the job itself is also rather too close to home for comfort. Along the way, he again finds himself going head to head with his old enemy, Anacrites, the Chief Spy. Once again, we see Falco having to deal with officials for who everything has to be - or at least be seen to be - straightforward and black and white. Officials who will happily sacrifice him for their own purposes.
    A significant part of the book deals with the medical professions available to Roman citizens (for a price), and their discussions and arguments are mostly entertaining and crucial to the plot. I did feel that at one or two points, the author overdid these to show all her research!
    The story is tightly plotted, with lots of twists, and several red herrings and dead ends. The last couple of episodes in this series I found a little ordinary, but this volume is a real return to form. A lot going on, plenty of reflection, conflicts of conscience, and all the madness of Saturnalia. A typical slice of life for Falco!
    2 people found this helpful
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  • A. Martin
    4.0 out of 5 stars Hunting and hiding
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 2 August 2021
    Verified Purchase
    At a time for family and frivolity Falco and Co try to find a long lost acquaintance from the Past. The reemergence of Valeda threatens not just Rome but family. The sub plot of medical practices and philosophies is an interesting sideline.
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  • Damaskcat
    5.0 out of 5 stars Roman revels and an escaped priestess
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 7 July 2011
    Verified Purchase
    Marcus Didius Falco is not looking forward to the Saturnalia celebrations because he has been asked to track down and restore to custody the Barbarian Priestess Veleda who has escaped from house arrest. Falco's loyalties are divided because Veleda once helped to save his life. A severed head in an atrium pool suggests Veleda may have been involved in a murder.

    In between trying to solve the murder, outwit Anacrites, his arch enemy, Falco is expected to attend all the family celebrations of Saturnalia while he has a group of soldiers billeted on him and no cook to feed them.

    I enjoyed the descriptions of the merry making - especially the fancy dress costumes. The dialogue is as always amusing and the characters are interesting and believable. It is clear Falco and Helena have reached understanding in their relationship and understand one another well. Falco's old friend Petronius features in the story as well as Helena Justina and both are instrumental in helping him solve both his problems.

    Christian Rodska is an excellent reader and I now hear his voice in my head when I am reading the Falco books in print. I strongly recommend this audio book for the quality of production and the quality of the reading.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Dr. S. Patel
    5.0 out of 5 stars Back to her best
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 10 February 2007
    Verified Purchase
    It has been some time since this series has been at it's very best but Saturnalia is right up there with Lindsey's very finest. The plot(s) is gripping, the wit and repartee is razor sharp and the final twist is a cracker. There are some contemporary issues such as the state v personal freedom and a certain notorious serial killer and this adds to the brilliance of this book. The good news is that there will be at least 1 more Falco book.Buy it now and buy copies for your friends !
    32 people found this helpful
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  • Kathleen
    5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 14 January 2018
    Verified Purchase
    If you have ever suffered a family Christmas this is the book for you - and the Romans suffered for a fortnight. Falco has to find the missing priestess he last met in Germanica Libra before the last day of Saturnalia, solve a murder and save his brother-in-law's marriage at the same time. The vigiles Saturnalia drinks party is priceless.
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  • VMS
    4.0 out of 5 stars Learn about Ancient Rome
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 28 February 2013
    Verified Purchase
    Though Falco himself seems very modern, the picture Lindsey Davis paints of the mean streets of the Roman Empire is a good way to appreciate what it was like to live in those times.
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  • Jo Varma
    5.0 out of 5 stars There is an amazing amount of background to the various medical professions practiced ...
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 30 June 2015
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    This novel focuses the holiday period...Saturnalia... a king for the day..and lord of misrule...the murder being solved is to prove the innocence or otherwise of a character we came across in an earlier book. It is a lovely book. There is an amazing amount of background to the various medical professions practiced and the various deities of healing. Well crafted.
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  • John P
    5.0 out of 5 stars I love it
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 15 January 2014
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    Lindsey Davis brings the Roman world to life with her Falco series. This is a very well researched and well written book. The Falco series is very addictive and, at times, difficult to put down. This instalment is no different to the rest. My advice is BUY IT and READ IT as you will not regret it.
    One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Firecracker
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent
    Reviewed in Canada on 4 October 2023
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    One of my favourite Falco and Helena outings. Fun and insightful look at holiday family events. Falco's relationship with his father is always interesting.
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  • DarkLion
    5.0 out of 5 stars Funny and fast
    Reviewed in Germany on 23 November 2022
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    This is my favourite Falco story. The whole Didii family is coming together and causing havoc, in one way or the other. When Pa Geminus is stirring the pot it is always good for a laugh.
    Some old faces from the past show up - Veleda and also a hapless legionary, from "The Iron Hand Of Mars." So it help to have read that story before Saturnalia.
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  • Nick Howes
    5.0 out of 5 stars Marcus Didius Falco Searches Out Trouble
    Reviewed in the United States on 23 December 2015
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    Against the background of Saturnalia, the biggest holiday of the year in ancient Rome and later co-opted to become Christmas, private informer Marcus Didius Falco is hired to find Veleda, a beautiful, blond, German, female leader who escapes after being secretly brought to Rome. Lindsey Davis again delivers the goods as Falco describes what happens in his wry, humorous way, under pressure from his arch enemy, the barely competent imperial spy Anacrites. Great book as always in this long-running series. Great, believable presentation of street-level life in the ancient Roman capital. Good mystery too. Highly recommended
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  • A. Maher
    4.0 out of 5 stars Another Enjoyable Falco Case
    Reviewed in the United States on 12 September 2007
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    I have read every book in the series, and while there are a few that don't quite measure up, this one is right on target. It contains the history and atmosphere that make the stories unique, along with the family and political scheming that give us all something to which we can relate. I consider this one less of a mystery and more of true private eye novel, but no matter how you see it, Ms. Davis has created some terrific characters, and I look forward to meeting up with them again each time a new book comes out.
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  • SH
    4.0 out of 5 stars Nicht der beste Falco, aber recht nett
    Reviewed in Germany on 12 March 2009
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    Was die Spannung angeht, ist das eindeutig nicht der beste Roman der Serie. Zu oft kommen Falco familiäre Verpflichtungen in die Quere. Aber da ich die Serie von Band 1 an kenne und mir die Protagonisten mittlerweile ans Herz gewachsen sind, fand ich das Buch trotzdem sehr lesenswert. Man trifft wieder einige alte Bekannte aus früheren Büchern, und die Fortsetzung der Familiengeschichte ist amüsant.
    Wer die Serie noch nicht kennt, sollte nicht gerade mit diesem Band anfangen, aber für Fans ist er durchaus zu empfehlen.
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