‘All the problems I know about are family ones.’

A frightened child approaches Roman informer Falco pleading for help. Beset by his own family troubles, by his new responsibilities as Procurator of the Sacred Poultry, and by the continuing search for a new partner, Falco turns her away.

Immediately he regrets it.

Fans of S. J. Parris, Donna Leon, Steven Saylor and C. J. Sansom will devour this captivating mystery, full of twists and turns, from multimillion-copy bestselling author Lindsey Davis.

'Wonderful, great fun all round' -- Daily Telegraph
'Surely the best historical detective in the business' -- Daily Telegraph
'An excellent who-dunnit' -- ***** Reader review
A relaxing and absorbing read -- ***** Reader review
'Difficult to put down' -- ***** Reader review
'Addictive' -- ***** Reader review

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A LOST CHILD IN A DEADLY LOTTERY...

A frightened child approaches Roman informer Marcus Didius Falco, pleading for
help. Nobody believes Gaia's story that a relation wants to kill her - and neither
does he.

Beset by his own family troubles, by his new responsibilities as
Procurator of the Sacred Poultry, and by the continuing search for a new
partner, he turns her away.

Immediately he regrets it. Gaia has been selected as the new Vestal Virgin, and when she disappears Falco is officially asked to investigate.

Finding Gaia is then a race against time, ending in Falco's most terrifying exploit yet...