Two for the Lions

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Summary: The Real Story of Roman Gladiators
Review: I am sure that I have never read a book that so accurately describes the life of the Roman Gladiators, and the bloodiness of the ring. This book is certainly the most graphic of all the books I've read in this series. We see the life of the gladiators and the sport in the ring right from the "front row seats". This story tells about Falco's work for the emporer in the census. He has partnered up with an old enemy of his -Anacrites. We get to know Anacrites quite well, and he is an appealing character. While Falco and his partner are doing the census work a lion of one of the men that they are auditing gets killed. This sets Falco out to disover the netherworld of the animal owners, and he and Helena end up making a trip to Africa while pursuing the mystery. The final pages in the book are "edge of your seat" type pages, and this is where things get really bloody. (Two people close to Falco end up in the ring in two different parts of the program). You will have to read to find out what happnes. Good Stuff!

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Summary: Witty, interesting series
Review: Marcus Didius Falco's mystery series takes place in Ancient Rome. Lindsey Davis is a highly intelligent writer, so when you pick up TWO FOR THE LIONS expect to be entertained to the fullest. I found the mystery remarkable and matchless. The characters are distinctive, their personalities are well formed, and their appearances are successfully painted by the author's pen. I found the written atmosphere of Rome dramatic and complete. As usual, I found Falco's good nature and wit amusing, and Helena to be an impressive mate and saint. Falco is assigned to investigate tax fraud (hmmm, the world's first IRS man?). This leads him to a man who provides lions for executions and entertainment. When an unusual death occurs, Falco becomes sidetracked and finds assistance in his dearest, Helena, who helps him resolve the mystery. Helena finds her brother in trouble and takes care of Falco when he comes down sick (Does he take it like a man?). As usual, people, situations, and the political subterfuge of Rome will be Falco's obstacles in solving this one.

I found it to be a substantial read that took a lot of concentration. Ms. Lindsey's knowledge of Rome and its citizens is so comprehensive that at points I felt overwhelmed and needed a break. To her fans, I'm sure, the greater size and more detailed the book, the better. They soak up the atmosphere and dialect with no complaints, and I have none either, but it may be a while before I'm ready to pick up another. It's series I recommend for historical mystery lovers.

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Summary: Falco comes roaring back!
Review: There's no place like Rome, where all roads lead to, and Marcus Didius Falco, ace Roman Sleuth, finds himself in another dilemma in author Lindsey Davis' "Two for the Lions." And Davis has no trouble maintaining her momentum in this latest of the Falco series.

This time Falco is working as a tax investigator, appointed by the Emperor Vaspacian himself--but it's no ordinary tax investigation! He's on the trail of fraud committed by the "bestiarii" (the slaugherers) and the "lanistae" (the suppliers for the gladiator games). This "game" is deadly and the affable (but quite competent) Falco finds that dinner for the lions may include himself! His pursuits lead him and his friend Helena to Tripoli--seems simple enough but first Falco has to render aid to Helena's youngest brother, who seems caught in the middle!

Riddled with bits of humor as well as first-form suspense, "Two for the Lions" also offers history-with-an-exciting-twist. In addition, Davis doesn't hesitate to take pot shots at the local bureaucracy, and politics, society (a real "Roman a clef"!). And she is sure not to disappoint her "legions" of fans! ([e-mail])