Deadly Election

Deadly Election by Lindsey Davis Summary: In the first century A.D., during Domitian's reign, Flavia Albia is ready for a short break from her family. So despite the oppressive July heat, she returns to Rome, leaving them at their place on the coast. Albia, daughter of Marcus Didius Falco, the famed private informer (now retired), has taken up her father's former profession, and it's time to get back to work. The first order of business, however, is the corpse that was found in a chest sent as part of a large lot to be sold by the Falco family auction house. As the senior family representative in Rome, it falls upon Albia to identify the corpse, find out why he was killed, who killed him, and, most important, how did it end up in the chest. At the same time, her potential young man, Faustus, comes looking for help with his friend Sextus's political campaign. Between the auction business and Roman politics, it's not quite clear which one is the more underhanded and duplicitous. Both, however, are tied together by the mysterious body in the chest, and if Albia isn't able to solve that mystery, it won't be the only body to drop. Angie's Comments: Albia is busy in this book! The election information is interesting, and I can confidentially say that I would not have been interested in running for office in ancient Rome. And ancient Roman elections seem similar to modern elections across the world. The candidates, their families, and their relationships make for a confusing, but intriguing mystery. The relationship between Faustus and Albia is always a nice side plot, and I enjoyed the development in the relationship. This is part of the Flavia Albia series, but can be read as a stand-alone. Recommended for readers who like historical fiction or mysteries. Request this item