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‘Someone was going to get killed. One
glance at the narrow eyes of the leopardess told me she had
decided it would not be her.’
Chosen by readers, Rosina and George Harter
Plot Summary
Still reluctantly seeking the perfect work companion, in the central book
of the 'Partners' trilogy Falco has submitted to his Ma's machinations and taken on
Anacrites (moonlighting while on sick leave from the Palace). The Chief Spy is thrilled.
Falco is depressed. The author is nervous. Will her readers accept a story in which Falco
& Partner become hardworking government tax auditors? Will her editor allow a corpse
that isn't human? Will animal lovers riot? Is there any mileage in a missing plant hunt?
Will plant lovers protest? Will the Anacrites fanclub allow Falco to exact revenge? If
serial killing is hard to do tastefully, what about gladiating? How to avoid the cliché
of threatening little Julia with Carthaginian child sacrifice? Will the Sacred Geese of
Juno survive the poisoned corn, and will they come good for our boy?…
This is the one with the VAT and tax inspection jokes.
Research Notes: Thanks to Helen for wanting to go to Libya, John
Dore for not getting tired of being asked about the First Century, and Barbara Levick for
finding that it wasn't Drop the Dead Donkey but Let Sleeping Dogs Lie. The dog was
researched at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. No, I haven't seen silphium, but in Libya I
met two men who have. Also, see Photo Album for inspiration for Leonidas.
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