Shadows in Bronze

by Lindsey Davis

Reviewed by Coral

Falco is busy helping imperial agents clean up the recently dismantled conspiracy against Vespasian, but not so busy to keep himself from worrying over his relationship with Helena Justina. But when a freedman connected to her ex-husband seems to be killing the remaining conspirators before they can share what they know with the Emperor in exchange for a pardon, Falco is drawn back into the web of intrigue. Can he catch the killer and expose the secrets they wish to bury?

I didn’t enjoy this book and, considering I felt the same way about the first book, I probably shouldn’t have picked it up.

The mystery seemed to take a backseat for long stretches in the middle of the book, which can work if you are also interested in the main characters enough to get drawn into their world.

I don’t like Falco. I think this is mainly based on the style of writing, which tends to be more humorous with a lot of tiny anachronistic flairs. Since humour is widely subjective I won’t try to weigh in on why I don’t find it funny, only that I don’t.

The relationship between Falco and Helena Justina continues to be ridiculous. I doubt a senator’s daughter would have ever been allowed to become involved with a man like Falco publically.

Grade: C