The Silver Pigs is the classic novel that introduced readers around the world to Marcus Didius Falco, a private informer with a knack for trouble, a tendency for bad luck, and a frequently inconvenient drive for justice.
When Marcus Didius Falco encounters the young and very pretty Sosia Camillina in the Forum, he senses immediately that there is something amiss. When she confesses that she is fleeing for her life, Falco offers to help her and, in doing so, gets himself mixed up in a deadly plot involving stolen ingots, dangerous and dark political machinations, and, most hazardous of all, one Helena Justina—a brash, indomitable senator’s daughter connected to the very traitors that Falco has sworn to expose.
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"I love this series - Lindsey Davis' light touch with her extensive research is a fabulous accomplishment . I have read them all but am working my way through them again having heard the author speak recently . She was extremely engaging about her work and rather funny - her humour reflected in Falcos sardonic and slightly cynical view of life."
— Alison (4 out of 5 stars)
“One of the most original and endearing books since the first Flashman.”
— Time Out (New York)“The Rome of Davis’ imagination is licentious and entertaining.”
— San Jose Mercury News“Historical mystery fans will find a lot to enjoy in the Marcus Didius Falco series by Lindsey Davis. The Silver Pigs introduces the cocky and astute Falco…Davis has plenty of room to give life to dusty, dirty squalor and architectural splendor alike. When readers have finished with Falco’s stories, they can quickly keep the intrigue going with a more recent spin-off series, the “Flavia Albia” mysteries.”
— Library Journal“The intriguing premise of a detective story set in Imperial Rome in 70 AD is unpredictably fulfilled by Davis’ hero-gumshoe…Wisecracking in ancient idiom, Falco seems, nevertheless, a recognizably up-to-date young man, one whose honor, humor, and humanity work him quickly into readers’ affection. Davis’ story, though couched in period detail, rewards as much for deft handling of plot and depth of characterization as for its historicity.”
— Publishers Weekly“The whole thing is splendid. It has everything: mystery, pace, wit, [and] fascinating scholarship.”
— Ellis Peters, Cartier Diamond Dagger Award–winning author" Historical novel set in ancient Rome. Basically a mystery, but you'll get a perspective of what life was like - entertaining. One minor annoyance: British author using British idioms. Would a Roman really speak like Brit? I think not! "
— anthony, 1/14/2014" Loved this historical mystery, set in Rome at about 70 A.D. If you've ever wondered what it was like to be a slave working in a silver mine in Britain during the Roman occupation, this book will give you a grim picture. Most of the action is more inspiring and fun, but it's clear this author has done her historical research. "
— Maureen, 1/5/2014" I have had the pleasure of meeting Lindsey 3 times. She is warm, funny and interesting to talk to. I love all her Falco books, they are very witty and entertaining. Plus I have learnt more about Rome and the Empire in her beautifully researched books than any other author. "
— Karen, 1/3/2014" The premise is interesting: a detective story set in ancient Rome. However, the execution was not to my liking. Lindsey Davis tries so hard to write witty, humorous dialogue that the novel itself felt abrupt and disjointed. Despite my efforts I couldn't really get into this novel. "
— Ami, 11/27/2013" Enjoyable but choppy and with annoying references to the future. I will gladly read further in the series. "
— Julie, 11/24/2013" I love Falco and his escapades. A really good debut for him here! "
— Cheryl, 11/11/2013" Mystery set in Roman times "
— Jane, 11/2/2013" Read this immediately before going to a talk in a local library from the author herself. I bought her latest, there and then - Nemesis, but I need to read the 17 inbetween before I get to that one! Loved her writing style (1930's gumshoe) but set in AD70! "
— Carol, 10/7/2013" This is one of those mystery novels where the characters are so well-drawn and interesting that the mystery itself doesn't seem so important. I enjoyed following Falco around the Empire, and am looking forward to trying out the other books in the series. "
— Beth, 9/27/2013" A good read especially the background on the culture and life in Rome. "
— Eric, 5/13/2013" The first in a great series following a private informer in Roman times. Almost everything I know about ancient Rome has been from this series. Great characters and adventures - there a 20 books in the series so a fantastic author to discover. "
— Rachel, 5/1/2013" This is very enjoyable historical fiction set in Ancient Rome. I like it, but it's not for everyone, I know. I also read the sequel Shadows in Bronze, and there are many more in the series. If you like ancient history, then you will enjoy this. "
— Jlotterhos, 4/22/2013" This is fun and has lots of great stuff about ancient Rome in it. I just can't get over the way everyone perpetually talks in exclamations. "
— Suzanne, 3/25/2013" Very good read -- doesn't lag or overwork the prose. Witty as well, it made me laugh out loud a few times. "
— Curtis, 11/1/2012" I think I read eight of these at least and can't recall a single particular. "
— Tiffany, 9/1/2012" A twisty detective novel set in Ancient Rome. Reminded me of nothing so much as a Timothy Zahn book, with its likeable protagonist, first-person viewpoint, and the whole clever-but-powerless-man-trapped-in-a-plot scenario. Of course, it had some first-novel issues, but still a very fun crime caper. "
— Tatianna, 8/16/2012" This was a great read! "
— Keith, 11/28/2011" I do so enjoy finding an author with originality. Lindsey Davis has created a wonderful tough guy detective series -- set in ancient Rome. Silver Pigs is the first of the many Falco mysteries. "
— Rebecca, 10/4/2011" A good mystery, but to me it was almost too fast paced. There were parts of this book that i felt needed more exploring. An all around decent read. "
— Matt, 7/2/2011" OK, but a bit predictable in parts. "
— Heather, 5/9/2011" Again loved the book. Am making my way through all the books. "
— Shari, 4/25/2011" One major plot point is glaringly obvious, but you get why Falco is unwilling to notice. The rest of it is terrific. "
— Suzanne, 4/7/2011" Great book, although it took a while to get to the most interesting part (when Helena is in the story). Still, the ending is great and surprising. Great read! "
— Yari, 12/7/2010" I enjoy following Marcus Didius Falco. "
— Geri, 11/16/2010" Still having a good time with detective (informer) Falco.... "
— Kirby, 9/10/2010" LJ was blocked at work for a few days, so this is a little delayed. Another fun Roman mystery, though I felt this one went on a little longer than it needed to. Still, I like the characters, and am attached to them already!<br/> "
— Kate, 9/2/2010" A fun mystery with some nice twists, and definitely an interesting setting. I'll probably continue with the series at some point. "
— Will, 8/30/2010" Great historical detail and characters. "
— Terri, 8/4/2010" This is one of the few mystery series I have read where the plot almost doesn't seem to matter--I enjoy hanging out with Falco, his dysfunctional family and friends, and the lovely Helena Justina that it almost doesn't matter that the plot is often hard to figure out... "
— Beth, 4/24/2010" Had lots of trouble getting into this book. I've loved the other ones ... maybe it was just my mood. Finally gave up at the half-way point since my husband wanted to read it. "
— Cindy, 4/2/2010" Revisiting an old favorite over the holidays--historical details, modern sensibility, sleuth cracks wise, the Empire is saved. "
— Michael, 1/2/2010Lindsey 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.