In the high summer of 77 AD, Roman informer Marcus Didius Falco is beset by personal problems. A middle-aged couple who supplied statues to his father has disappeared. They had an old feud with a bunch of notorious freedmen, the Claudii, who terrorize the neighborhood. When a mutilated corpse turns up, Falco and his friend Petronius investigate. But just as they are making progress, the chief spy, Anacrites, snatches the case away. He makes false overtures of friendship, but fails to cover up the fact that the Claudii have acquired corrupt protection at the highest level. Falco and Petronius dig deeper while the shocking truth creeps closer and closer to home.
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"I'm happy my library carried this, but I think I may need to back up and read a few of the earlier books about the 'informer' (a.k.a detective) Didius Falco. Readers that are familiar with the series will probably slip right into the dynamics of Falco's family and friends. For me, I felt a bit like an outsider at a family reunion. That didn't prevent me from enjoying this book so far. The death of Falco's son right in the first chapter captured my sympathy and I have come to really love the main character and his family (at least the members of it that I can remember). The mystery was a bit slow to unfold, but now that I'm on pg 275 (of 342) the clues are pouring in and it's moving along nicely. It's a film noir story with lovely details about Roman social customs and great characters. I adore Helena (Falco's wife). Would like to see one of these stories written with her as the view point character. Falco is likeable, but I find myself struggling with his willingness to torture and kill his adversaries (even if those adversaries are pretty nasty)."
— Kathleen (4 out of 5 stars)
“With its tricky, suspenseful plot, this entry deserves to join its immediate predecessor on bestseller lists.”
— Publishers Weekly“Another well-plotted Falco mystery, more emotionally complex than others.”
— Library Journal“Nemesis is a fitting title for this solid twentieth entry in British historian Davis’ standout series, in which Falco encounters a collection of cold-blooded and bloody annoying foes.”
— Booklist" This is her last Falco book. Sigh! "
— Kirby, 2/11/2014" One of my favorite book series. Marcus Didius Falco is an investigator (sort of a classical Sam Spade) in ancient Rome. Well-researched, Falco's investigations give a slice-of-life realism, that takes you from the mightiest emperor to the lowliest slave. In this book, he offs his arch-enemy, the cheif spy Anicrites, who has tried to return the favor in many previous books. "
— Susanne, 1/30/2014" I think that this is one of her best - loved it! "
— Kelly, 1/22/2014" I've read many, but not all, of the Falco novels. In general I find Gordianus (Steven Saylor) to be more true to the ethos of the roman period, but Falco is a lot of fun. That said, some of Davis' novels are more successful than others, and this is one of the best of them. Lots of good meta-plot development with Falco's family, as well as a rather intriguing mystery involving the Pontine marshes and some of his old sparring partners. One of the best in the series, and certainly one of the better recent ones. "
— Rick, 1/14/2014" Davis shines "
— Peter, 12/18/2013" Wow--a really dark ending which throws the future of Marcus and his family into shadow. The next book should be interesting. "
— Jammies, 12/10/2013" Hmmm- well this was heading for a 3 until the end. It's really a 3.5. For die-hard fans only really. Usual shenanigans in Rome and nearby, engaging characters, nasty criminals, dramatic start and a final twist. "
— MashJ, 9/27/2013" Just finished and looked back and was amazed at how many of these I've read. i really like the author's writing rhythm and the way the characters seem almost real. "
— Geri, 9/4/2013" I've been a long-time fan of this mystery series set in Imperial Rome, but I hadn't read one in years. It was so nice to catch us with Falco and Petro and company, though this one lacked the sparkle of earlier novels. "
— Jenny, 7/4/2013" This series is always good, but this one stands out. "
— Melissainau, 5/17/2013" Yes, this is better than some of the more recent ones - enjoyed it a lot "
— Pat, 2/28/2013" Wow. This is both a classic Falco novel and a new departure from the series. It was darker than any other Falco novel, but still had the lighthearted dialogue and relationships that keep the book fresh. The only downside is having to wait for the next one to come out! "
— Matt, 1/17/2013" One of the better Falco books - exciting, keeps your interest throughout with a hellish WTF moment at the end. "
— Curt, 12/15/2012" This was a pretty good episode in the series about Ancient Roman sleuth Marcus Didius Falco, concerning some unsavory relatives of his arch-enemy, the chief spy Anacritis. I enjoy the series and look for new audio books in the library. "
— Kit, 6/17/2012" The anachronisms bothered me- like saying that the insects carried diseases. They didn't know that in Roman times. Made me wonder what else is historically inaccurate. Otherwise good book. "
— Melissa, 9/24/2011" There have been better Marcus Didius Falco books, but having been in those "swamplands" southwest of Rome, I did feel the atmosphere a little more than normal! "
— Linconter, 6/3/2011" Enjoying the latest in the Falco series. "
— Cathy, 5/14/2011" I had been a little disappointed with the previous two Falco mysteries but Nemesis has the qualities of the best Falco mysteries. "
— Sally, 4/27/2011" Yes, this is better than some of the more recent ones - enjoyed it a lot "
— Pat, 4/18/2011" The anachronisms bothered me- like saying that the insects carried diseases. They didn't know that in Roman times. Made me wonder what else is historically inaccurate. Otherwise good book. "
— Melissa, 4/15/2011" Hmmm- well this was heading for a 3 until the end. It's really a 3.5. For die-hard fans only really. Usual shenanigans in Rome and nearby, engaging characters, nasty criminals, dramatic start and a final twist. "
— Mshj, 2/26/2011" I enjoyed meeting again the whole Falco family. This book ties in a lot of threads in the ongoing family saga, but starts new ones at the same time. I am hoping there will be a #21 soon. "
— Cleoqc, 2/17/2011" I think she may be getting close to wrapping up the series. "
— Susan, 1/18/2011" You can never get away from family...this volume touches on fathers and families... "
— Mary, 1/8/2011" Another great one in the Falco series. Her twentieth...and one of the best. "
— Cindy, 12/31/2010" I had been a little disappointed with the previous two Falco mysteries but Nemesis has the qualities of the best Falco mysteries. "
— Sally, 12/15/2010" I've been a long-time fan of this mystery series set in Imperial Rome, but I hadn't read one in years. It was so nice to catch us with Falco and Petro and company, though this one lacked the sparkle of earlier novels. "
— Jenny, 11/16/2010" Just finished and looked back and was amazed at how many of these I've read. i really like the author's writing rhythm and the way the characters seem almost real. "
— Geri, 11/16/2010Lindsey Davis is an English novelist of historical fiction and best known for her award-winning historical crime stories set in ancient Rome and its empire, the acclaimed Marcus Didius Falco series and the Flavia Albia series. Her novels have won numerous awards, including the Crime Writers’ Association Ellis Peters Historical Dagger Award and in 2011 the Cartier Diamond Dagger from the Crime Writers Association for lifetime achievement. Born and raised in Birmingham, England, she read English at Oxford and worked for the civil service for thirteen years before becoming a writer.
Christian Rodska has worked in theaters all over the United Kingdom and in the West End, and he has recorded hundreds of radio plays and poetry programs. Over the last thirty years he has worked regularly in television, from early programs such as Follyfoot and Doomwatch, to Taggart, Sharpe, and Wycliffe. He has recorded over one hundred audiobooks and has won several awards, including fourteen AudioFile Earphones Awards.