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A review by raptorimperator
Enemies at Home by Lindsey Davis
4.0
The city of Rome is famous for being one of the largest populated cities during antiquity. But one thing about Rome that is largely forgotten by moderns is that the slave population often outnumbered the free born citizenry. Hence the title of Lindsey Davis's second Flavia Albia novel ENEMIES AT HOME.
I enjoyed this tale, and the interaction Flavia Albia have with both recurring (Tiberius Manlius Faustus, and the Camillii brothers, who I remember from the Falco books) and new (Dromo, Titianus, Galla Simplicia, Gratus) characters. I particularly hope to see more of the slave Dromo, he reminds me a little of Decius Caecilius Metellus the Younger's slave Hermes from John Maddox Roberts SPQR series.
This story explores the hidden world of the slaves within Rome, specifically the house slaves of a well-off family. When the master and mistress are killed in their bed, Faustus commissions Flavia Albia to determined whether or not the slaves are responsible, as the local vigiles suspect. In doing so, Flavia Albia must uncover the truth hidden underneath the facade of a supposedly happy and loyal household. If she cannot uncover the true killer, all the household slaves--per Roman law--must be put to death.
Unlike the first book, where I guessed the killer almost immediately, this one kept me guessing, offering up more red herrings, though I came to the same conclusion not long before Flavia Albia. I enjoyed watching her relationship with Faustus deepen, the the surprise appearance of Helena Justina near the end. Still waiting for Marcus Didius Falco to make an appearance outside of brief references, but I can forgive the lack of my favorite sardonic informer, since I understand Davis doesn't want to take away from Flavia Albia, and setting up her stories. I'm finding I enjoy Flavia Albia's musings and thoughts just as much as Falco's. She definitely picked up a lot from her adoptive father. Hoping Falco makes an appearance in one of the next books. I miss that rascal.
I would greatly enjoy seeing Falco met Faustus, as I definitely feel Flavia Albia and Faustus will be seeing a lot more of each other, both professionally and personally, even though she tries to act like the latter is impossible because of his position and the difference in their social standings. After all, Falco was a Plebeian who worked his way up into the Equestrian rank, and managed to win the heart and love of the noble Helena Justina, a Patrician.
I enjoyed this tale, and the interaction Flavia Albia have with both recurring (Tiberius Manlius Faustus, and the Camillii brothers, who I remember from the Falco books) and new (Dromo, Titianus, Galla Simplicia, Gratus) characters. I particularly hope to see more of the slave Dromo, he reminds me a little of Decius Caecilius Metellus the Younger's slave Hermes from John Maddox Roberts SPQR series.
This story explores the hidden world of the slaves within Rome, specifically the house slaves of a well-off family. When the master and mistress are killed in their bed, Faustus commissions Flavia Albia to determined whether or not the slaves are responsible, as the local vigiles suspect. In doing so, Flavia Albia must uncover the truth hidden underneath the facade of a supposedly happy and loyal household. If she cannot uncover the true killer, all the household slaves--per Roman law--must be put to death.
Unlike the first book, where I guessed the killer almost immediately, this one kept me guessing, offering up more red herrings, though I came to the same conclusion not long before Flavia Albia. I enjoyed watching her relationship with Faustus deepen, the the surprise appearance of Helena Justina near the end. Still waiting for Marcus Didius Falco to make an appearance outside of brief references, but I can forgive the lack of my favorite sardonic informer, since I understand Davis doesn't want to take away from Flavia Albia, and setting up her stories. I'm finding I enjoy Flavia Albia's musings and thoughts just as much as Falco's. She definitely picked up a lot from her adoptive father. Hoping Falco makes an appearance in one of the next books. I miss that rascal.
I would greatly enjoy seeing Falco met Faustus, as I definitely feel Flavia Albia and Faustus will be seeing a lot more of each other, both professionally and personally, even though she tries to act like the latter is impossible because of his position and the difference in their social standings. After all, Falco was a Plebeian who worked his way up into the Equestrian rank, and managed to win the heart and love of the noble Helena Justina, a Patrician.