The detective Marcus Didius Falco is cynically eyeing up the new Roman emperor, Vespasian. He rescues a young girl in trouble and is catapulted 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.

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'll be hooked from page one...

'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
'Surely the best historical detective in the business' -- Daily Telegraph
'Every book in this series is a delight ... highly recommended' -- Library Journal
'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

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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.