The Third Nero – or Never Say Nero Again

PLOT SUMMARY: Albia novel 5

It is understood that a plebian aedile, thought to be Ti Manlius Faustus, has issued a formal complaint to the editors of the Acta Diurna, about the wording of a recent notice concerning his wedding. Due to health issues, queries should be referred to his wife.

In view of sensitive material contained in this publication, Our Master and God has instructed that the scrolls must be subjected to detailed scrutiny by the intelligence service. Some revelations may affect national security or be prejudicial to the safety of agents in the field. Names and other information concerning senior officials will be subject to redaction. No public statement is expected.

Information has been received that the sovereign nation of Parthia submitted a diplomatic protest about this publication, which it calls cynically Parthio-phobic, at the same time strongly denouncing recent treatment of its ambassadors in Rome and requesting the urgent return of one its citizens. The Palatine has declined to comment.

T Flavius Abascantus, freedman of the imperial family, points out that after a brief sabbatical, which he describes as a rest-break by mutual agreement, he has resumed all duties as Secretary of Petitions. He stresses that no formal charges have been laid against him and states that he has the full confidence of the Emperor. The Emperor is currently in Pannonia and unreachable.

Sightings of an elephant in the Forum have been impossible to verify.

Reviews

‘Davis’s prose is a lively joy and Flavia’s Rome is sinister and gloriously real’ – The Times

‘As in her other mysteries, Davis has created a fascinating world, populated it with original characters, and laid out a captivating plot.’ USA Library Journal

The Third Nero is a solid addition to the Flavia Albia series and another feather in Davis’s cap’ – Criminalelement

Ancient Rome comes alive for the reader as Flavia triumphs once again in a riotous city full of Parthian archers with fiery arrows and a mad elephant on the loose. Much humor here, in Davis’ inimitable style’ Booklist