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The Silver Pigs

The Silver Pigs

(Marco Didius Falco: book I): the first novel in the bestselling historical detective series, exposing the criminal underbelly of ancient Rome

Summary

A NEW EMPEROR SEEKS AN EXPERIENCED AGENT

Marcus Didius Falco is a private informer, the closest thing that first-century Rome has to a detective.

A new emperor, Vespasian, has ascended to power. The tides of money and power are in flux, and Rome's vicious games swirl more ferociously than ever.

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.

The rule of law is tenuous for ordinary citizens of Rome. Only a man with a mind as sharp as a gladius can prevail. . .

*****


'Her research has been assiduous and detailed, her commitment to the subject is impressive, and the background detail is often eye-opening' Hilary Mantel, Observer

'One of the best writers in this field!' Donna Leon, The Times

' The best historical detective in the business' Daily Telegraph

'Every book in this series is a delight. . . highly recommend!!' Library Journal

*****
Why Readers Love Lindsey Davis:

'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

'This series is just so addictive!' -- ***** Reader review

'I just could not put it down' -- ***** Reader review

'Engrossing' -- ***** Reader review

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 multi-million copy bestselling author Lindsey Davis. Full of twists, turns and tension - you will be hooked from page one.

Reviews

  • Every book in this series is a delight … fans will snap it up, highly recommended
    Library Journal
    Library Journal

About the author

Lindsey Davis

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 awarded the City of Ubeda Historical Novel Prize, also for lifetime achievement.
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