UK Hardback
(Sept 2000) Century
New edition with Author's Introduction.
ISBN 0-7126-8454-9
UK Paperback
(Sept 2008) Arrow
New edition
ISBN 978-0-099-51505-0
UK Audio
BBC Audiobooks, read by Christian Rodska, to be published in
December 05 (cassettes) and January 06 (CDs).
Spoken Drama
BBC
World: Radio 4 version, stars Anton Lesser/Fritha Goodey
Audiocassette: ISBN 056352569X
CDs: ISBN 056352746
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US
(Oct 2006) St Martin’s Press
New Edition (paperback)
ISBN 0-312-35777-X
US Audio
Recorded Books
(read by Donal Donelly)
ISBN 0-788-7735-34
BBC Audiobooks, read by Christian Rodska, to be published
in December 05 (cassettes) and January 06 (CDs).
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‘Some men are born lucky;
others are called Didius Falco.’
chosen by reader, Jenna Fegreus
Plot Summary
Marcus Didius Falco, a Roman ‘informer’ in 70AD, is standing in
the Forum one very hot day, aiming to become a classic gumshoe in the Ancient World genre
of mystery fiction… At this early point in his career, he has not only to make his
way in the snobbish and dangerous milieu of Vespasian’s Rome, but to overcome the
prejudice amongst publishers, booksellers and readers who are wary of historical novels
and off-beat settings. Our hero takes himself to Britain; there the weather is filthy, the
natives are restless, the women are angry, and his mission turns into a nightmare from
which he only narrowly escapes alive. Along the way he meets brutes, traitors, his mother,
sellers of seedy snacks, a blonde young lady who thinks he’s wonderful, the Emperor
– and Helena Justina, whom the author had intended to be the chief conspirator –
but who turned out to be far too spirited for that.
This is the one with the 'Bath will never have anything made of
it' joke.
Research Note: No, I didn’t investigate the brothel myself.
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Reviews
One of the most original and endearing books since the first
Flashman – Time Out
The whole thing is splendid. It has everything, mystery, pace, wit,
fascinating scholarship – Ellis Peters
Her Falco is exceptional - easily one of the more original and
interesting fictional creations to come along in a great while - Newport News, VA
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