Flavia Albion is back and this time she investigates the murder of a Roman mobster, which in its turn brings back unhappy memories from her past. Now happily married to Tiberius Faustus, she already has her hands full with a large household and life as an important man’s wife. But her nature just won’t let her sit back at home when she could be out investigating.

This author has done such research and written many books set in this era, that it does feel real and authentic. The descriptions depict day to day life so vividly you could imagine you were there. It’s nice to see that Flavias’ father, Falco still plays a part, even if not as the main character any more, with his wife Helena Justina barely mentioned. However Flavia and Tiberius are both really good characters too. I did find this book a bit confusing at times, mainly as there are so many characters to sort out, but fortunately there’s a handy guide of who’s who at the front, even down to Piddle and Willikins, the chickens. An interesting read, although not quite the ending I was expecting.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this book.