A tragic accident . . . or was it?

Emperor Domitian has been awarded (or rather, has demanded) yet another Triumph to celebrate two so-called victories. Preparations are going smoothly until one of the men overseeing arrangements for the celebration accidentally falls to his death from a cliff on the symbolic Capitoline Hill.

But Flavia Albia suspects there's more to the incident than meets the eye, as there are plenty of people who would have been delighted to be rid of the overseer. He was an abusive swine who couldn't organise a booze-up in a winery and was caught up in a number of scams, including one surrounding the supply of imperial purple dye and a family of shellfish-boilers.

As Flavia finds herself drawn into a theatrical world of carnival floats, musicians, incense and sacrificial beasts, can she see to the heart of the matter and catch those responsible for the unpopular man's untimely death?

*************

Praise for Lindsey Davis and the Flavia Albia series

'Lindsey Davis has seen off all her competitors to become the unassailable market leader in the 'crime in Ancient Rome' genre . . . Davis's squalid, vibrant Rome is as pleasurable as ever' - Guardian

'Davis's prose is a lively joy, and Flavia's Rome is sinister and gloriously real' - The Times on Sunday

'For fans of crime fiction set in the ancient world, this one is not to be missed' - Booklist

'Davis's books crackle with wit and knowledge . . . She has the happy knack of making the reader feel entirely immersed in Rome' - The Times

About the Author
Historical novelist Lindsey Davis is best known for her novels set in Ancient Rome, including the much-loved Marcus Didius Falco series, although she has also written about the English Civil War, including in 2014 A Cruel Fate, a book for the Quick Reads literacy initiative. Her examination of the paranoid reign of the roman emperor Domitian began with Master and God, a standalone novel, leading to her new series about Flavia Albia, set in that dark period. Her books are translated and have been dramatized on BBC Radio 4. Her many awards include the Premio Colosseo (from the city of Rome) and the Crime Writers' Cartier Diamond Dagger for lifetime achievement. Most recently she was the inaugural winner of the Barcino (Barcelona) International Historical Novel Prize.

Reviews
Praise for Lindsey Davis and the Flavia Albia series:
For fans of crime fiction set in the ancient world, this one is not to be missed * Booklist *
Lindsey Davis has seen off all her competitors to become the unassailable market leader in the 'crime in Ancient Rome' genre . . . Davis's squalid, vibrant Rome is as pleasurable as ever * Guardian *
Davis's books crackle with wit and knowledge. She has the happy knack of making the reader feel entirely immersed in Rome * The Times *
This excellent Roman mystery, enriched by Davis's characteristic wit and thorough understanding of the period, takes a darker turn as Flavia delves into Rome's poorest streets, rife with prostitution, exploitation, thuggery and murder * Sunday Express, S Magazine *
Davis's prose is a lively joy, and Flavia's Rome is sinister and gloriously real * The Times on Saturday *
Praise for A Capitol Death:
In this witty novel by the mistress of Roman crime, the reader is transported behind the scenes of a Triumph into a fascinating world of actors, costumiers and animal trainers, all united in their hatred of the murdered man. * Sunday Express Magazine *
Davis is the absolute mistress of making the reader feel entirely immersed in her tale. For the aficionados, this is another absolute winner. For those who haven't met the familia Falco before, Flavia Albia is prettier than Poirot and smarter than Sherlock! If you don't tread in her elegantly sandalled steps, you've missed a genuine detective treat. * Crime Review *
Davis does her usual brilliant job of integrating the history of the period, warts and all, with a fast-paced and fair whodunit. * Publishers Weekly *
Remarkably fresh... Author Lindsey Davis balances grit and frivolity with ease. Flavia feels like the love child of Philip Marlowe and Carrie Bradshaw-she's on the case, observing and reporting with care, but keeps a running line of saucy commentary on everyone throughout. * BookPage *
Fashioning modern methods of investigation as well as other 21st century conventions into acceptable practices in the daily life of ancient Rome may sound like an insurmountable task, but author Davis does it with aplomb. * New York Journal of Books *



Book Information
ISBN 9781473658769
Author Lindsey Davis
Format Paperback
Page Count 400
Imprint Hodder Paperback
Publisher Hodder & Stoughton
Weight(grams) 260g
Dimensions(mm) 196mm * 128mm * 42mm