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The Silver Pigs

Book 1 in the series:Marcus Didius Falco

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The Silver Pigs by Lindsey Davis is the first book in the Marcus Didius Falco series, introducing readers to the witty and intrepid detective set in ancient Rome. The plot follows Falco as he investigates a bullion scam that takes him from Rome to the slave mines of Cornwall and back again, uncovering a mix of mystery, humor, action, and even some romance along the way. The writing style combines elements of classic American hardboiled detective novels with a touch of humor and historical accuracy, bringing ancient Rome to life through vivid descriptions and well-developed characters.

Characters:

The characters are vividly drawn, with Falco as a likable, flawed protagonist and Helena Justina providing a strong female presence, alongside a colorful cast of supporting characters.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is characterized by a witty, conversational tone that blends humor with historical authenticity, often employing a first-person narrative.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot centers on a Roman detective embroiled in a mystery involving stolen silver and a young girl's plight, set during the tumultuous reign of Vespasian.

Setting:

The setting effectively brings Ancient Rome and Britain to life, grounded in the historical context of Vespasian's reign.

Pacing:

The pacing starts off slow but picks up significantly, maintaining interest through a mix of humor and intrigue.
It was late summer. Rome frizzled like a pancake on a griddleplate. People unlaced their shoes but had to keep them on; not even an elephant could cross the streets unshod. People flopped on stools in...

Notes:

The Silver Pigs is the first book in a series featuring Marcus Didius Falco, a private detective in Ancient Rome.
The story is set in 70-71 AD during the early reign of Emperor Vespasian.
The novel combines mystery with humor, reflecting a gritty portrayal of daily life in Imperial Rome.
Falco faces various personal challenges, including a demanding mother and a chaotic family life.
The title refers to stolen silver ingots from mines in Britain, integral to the plot.
Lindsey Davis's writing style is noted for its humor and snappy dialogue, often drawing comparisons to classic noir detectives like Sam Spade.
The book includes a romantic subplot involving Falco and Helena Justina, a senator's daughter.
Marcus Didius Falco is depicted as relatable and flawed, making him a likable protagonist.
The narrative provides insights into Roman society, politics, and cultural references, making it educational.
The series comprises over 20 novels, with each book standing alone but best enjoyed in order.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include references to violence, political intrigue, and some instances of misogyny reflected in the characters' attitudes.

Has Romance?

The book features a romantic subplot that develops between the main character, Falco, and Helena Justina.

From The Publisher:

The Silver Pigs is the classic novel which introduced readers around the world to Marcus Didius Falco, a private informer with a knack for trouble, a tendency for bad luck, and a frequently incovenient drive for justice.

When Marcus Didius Falco encounters the young and very pretty Sosia Camillina in the Forum, he senses immediately that there is something amiss. When she confesses that she is fleeing for her life, Falco offers to help her and, in doing so, he gets himself mixed up in a deadly plot involving stolen ingots, dangerous and dark political machinations, and, most hazardous of all, one Helena Justina, a brash, indominable senator's daughter connected to the very traitors that Falco has sworn to expose.

Ratings (4)

Loved It (3)
Liked It (1)

Reader Stats (11):

Read It (5)
Want To Read (4)
Not Interested (2)

About the Author:

Lindsey Davis was born and raised in Birmingham, England. After taking an English degree at Oxford and working for the civil service for thirteen years, she "ran away to be a writer." Her internationally bestselling novels featuring ancient Roman detective Marcus Didius Falco include Venus in Copper, The Iron Hand of Mars, Nemesis and Alexandria. She is also the author of Rebels and Traitors, set during the English Civil War. Davis is the recipient of the Crime Writers' Association Cartier Diamond Dagger Award, the highest accolade for crime writers, as well as the Ellis Peters Historical Dagger Award and the Authors' Club Best First Novel award.

 
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