Book Review: The Jupiter Myth, A Marcus Didius Falco Mystery

The Jupiter Myth, Lindsey Davis.

Private informer Marcus Didius Falco and his family wind up in Roman Britain, visiting Falco's in-laws, a high-ranking Roman aristocrat and his wife.  He also represents Emperor Vespasian with a minor, nearly meaningless title that doesn't change the fact that he's basically the Roman version of Sam Spade.  When a local Briton winds up head-down in a barrom well, Falco is asked by the governor to discover who did it and head off a brewing problem with the Briton's friend, a local king who is a vital ally.  Falco, aided by his wife Helena, and at other times by his friend, Petro, a Roman vigile (firefighter/cop), talk to witnesses but they don't get much help.  But they come to realize that a Roman crime gang is setting up operations in growing Londinium along the River Thamesis, which is slowly recovering after the war against Queen Boudica years before, and Falco may well be their next target.

Davis has written more than 20 Falco books which offer a tough-guy PI whose wife is the love of his life and who only knows one kind of job.  Mix in tons of lore about ancient Rome and, in this case, Roman Briton, and you'll find this a very entertaining read.