I have to admit that during the year, there are a number of books that I anticipate with a longing that I can’t explain. The Falco series by Lindsay Davis comes pretty close to the top of that list. Marcus Didius Falco has a following that at times is hard to fathom. I am not ashamed to say that I am one of those fans.
The Jupiter Myth is the latest in the series featuring Marcus Didius Falco, now Procurator of the Sacred Geese at the Temple of Juno and his long-suffering, but brilliant and highly intelligent aristocratic girlfriend/wife Helena Justina. Falco and Helena are in Londinium with the rest of the family (which includes his sister Maia and her brood) visiting some relatives of Helena. However, when the body of Verovolcus, the renegade henchman of Rome’s vital supporter, King Togidubnus is found head first down a well, Falco finds himself involved in a rather tricky diplomatic situation, which he must sort out. After more murders take place, there is also the little matter of a child prostitution ring as well that must be investigated. Soon Falco along with his vigils mate Petronius Longus are investigating gangsters and gladiators.
Things are made even more complicated for Falco by the appearance of Amazonia a former girlfriend better known as Chloris and the on again off again relationship that is taking place between his old friend Petronius and his sister Maia. The fact that Helena is evidently displeased by the re-appearance of Chloris into Falco’s life is another matter he must deal with.
One of the things I have always liked about this series is the fact that Falco doesn’t always stay in Rome. It is always interesting to see where his travels will take him. One of the best things about this series is the fact that it is not predictable. The change in the relationship between Helena Justina and Falco is also a delight to behold and the re-occurring characters make you fondly remember the earlier books in the series.
I have always loved this series and after reading The Jupiter Myth I began
to remember why I fell in love with it in the first place. The Jupiter Myth
is one of the best in the series. As usual Davis has conjured up an ancient
world that is hard to find fault with. The fact that the Falco series is considered
to be historical crime fiction does not detract it from the fact that it can
stand its ground with the best of any contemporary detective fiction written
today. The Jupiter Myth as usual will be a delight for the legions of Falco
fans. nd is as usual a very enjoyable
read.
-------
Ayo Onatade