Desperate Undertaking

· Hachette UK
3.9
7 reviews
Ebook
416
Pages
Eligible
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About this ebook

Rome, the very end of December. The Field of Mars is packed with monuments, none more beautiful than Domitian's new Odeon and Stadium. But the area has been overtaken by ugly events: elaborately staged murders. Someone bears a spectacular grudge against the theatrical community, and intends to get revenge in the most spectacular way possible. The killer's method is to re-enact bloody scenes from the gruesome side of popular theatre, where characters in plays really die on stage.

A figure from the past wants Flavia Albia's father to investigate, but Falco is out of Rome for the holidays. Albia seizes the commission. And begins to regret doing so almost immediately. 'The undertaker did it!' the first victim croaks before expiring. This seems to make no sense, because surely people are already dead when they go to their funeral?

Though there is a serial killer at large, the authorities would prefer a cover-up but Albia is driven to discover what is going on. How much blood must be shed before the mania ends? And could her own family be on the list for a frightful stage death?

Praise for Lindsey Davis and the Flavia Albia series

'It positively crackles with knowledge of the city and its people, mixed with social comment, ingenious and bloody plots and sharp observational skills leavened by more than a smattering of genuine and sometimes earthy humour' Crime Review


'Lighthearted, witty and effortlessly clever, just like its wonderful heroine, this is a window into ancient Rome, and a tonic and a joy to read' The Observer

'For a totally exhilarating romp through Ancient Rome, Lindsey Davis' latest Flavia Alba novel won't be beaten and offers an immersive experience of a vibrant world full of real, recognisable characters' Shotsmag

'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

Ratings and reviews

3.9
7 reviews
nicola Brooks
May 8, 2022
Flavia Albia is back in action. The rebellious Roman Matron is about to get involved with some old Actor and Playwright "friends" of her parents. They were trouble back then, how much trouble could they get her into now? Flavia and Tiberius are a brilliant couple. He just gets on with life, subtly supporting his wife in her Informer duties and dreaming of his building work. Davos believes that someone has it in for his company, a serial killer is clearly making a production of knocking off his companions. Her employer quickly becomes the first victim and now she feels obliged to find the killer. The Vigiles aren't exactly welcoming of her help, so in true Didius style, she just sticks her nose in anyway! Murder Mystery and History blend seamlessly with Albia dealing with her newly married quibbles and enveloping traumatised children into their new home. When the villain is finally revealed they certainly have a grand entrance! I received an advance copy of the book via NetGalley and volunteered to leave this review.
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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 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 set in that dark period, leading to her new series about Flavia Albia. Her books are translated and five radio dramas are regularly rebroadcast on BBC Radio 4X. 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 Ivanhoe Prize for lifetime achievement in historical fiction, given by the Spanish City of Ubeda. She has been the Chair of the UK Crimewriters' Association, Honorary President of the UK Classical Association, President of the Birmingham and Midlands Institute and is a Fellow of the UK Society of Authors. www.lindseydavis.co.uk Lindsey Davis - The Crime Writers' Association (thecwa.co.uk)

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