Journal Entry 1 by jawin from Launceston, Tasmania Australia on Sunday, November 21, 2010

This is the second of a series of detective stories set in Vespasian's Roman Empire in AD71.
Marcus Didius Falco has just returned to Rome from the outposts of the empire in Britannia. He is an informer working for the new emperor, Vespasian – which means he is essentially an ancient Roman version of a downmarket detective. In the process of some "cleaning up" for Vespasian, Falco uncovers some shady goings-on that once again threaten the throne.
Sent to discover what's going on, Falco and friends travel across the Italian countryside to the ocean-side resorts in the south. There he searches for a mysterious ex-slave who holds the key to the mystery of murder and mayhem that sent him on his way.
In the first book, Marcus lost his heart to senator's daughter, Helena. She is way out of his league and he is not sure that the passion he feels is reciprocated. Why is that women he is not interested in fall over themselves to get to him, but the one that he has lost his heart to, treats him with a cool disdain? Helena plays a key role in this adventure and their relationship develops as the plot thickens.
I loved this one – the twists and turns of this complex story, the historical detail, and the likable (or in some cases, not-so-likable) characters who seem to leap off the page. Davis' trademark lively narrative, witty dialog, and historical details makes for another great Falco adventure through Ancient Rome.
 

Journal Entry 2 by jawin at Launceston, Tasmania Australia on Monday, November 22, 2010

Sent as a Bookmooch 

Journal Entry 3 by crimson-tide at Balingup, Western Australia Australia on Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Oops!! I was sure that I journalled this on arrival a couple of months back, but obviously not . . . Thanks very much for sending it jawin. :-)

However now I find that I've ended up with two copies of this book - so this one is being reserved for the OZ VBB.

Update: Not chosen from the OZ VBB.
 

Journal Entry 4 by crimson-tide at Gosnells, Western Australia Australia on Saturday, October 22, 2011

Released 7 mos ago (10/23/2011 UTC) at Gosnells, Western Australia Australia

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

Given to a non BookCrossing friend.