Comedy of Terrors: The Sunday Times Crime Club Star Pick

In the Flavia Albia novel "The Undying Sun," set in ancient Rome during the Saturnalia festival, a struggling investigator must navigate a world of fracturing families, drunken riots, and deadly threats while dealing with her own domestic stress. The book is praised for its lighthearted wit, clever plotting, and immersive experience of ancient Rome.

Format: Hardback
Length: 400 pages
Publication date: 01 April 2021
Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton

The Sunday Times Crime Club Star Pick

This delightful novel offers a captivating glimpse into ancient Rome, much like its charming protagonist. With its lighthearted and witty narrative, it provides a refreshing and enjoyable reading experience. The Observer praises it for its vibrant portrayal of the city and its inhabitants, seamlessly blending social commentary, intricate plots, and sharp observational skills with a delightful dose of genuine and sometimes earthy humor. Crime Review highlights the book's rich knowledge of Roman culture and society, describing it as a "totally exhilarating romp through Ancient Rome."

Set during Saturnalia, the mid-December feast celebrated in honor of the sun's rebirth, the novel introduces Flavia Albia, a skilled investigator who finds herself with a case to solve. However, all work comes to a halt as the Aventine neighborhood is plagued by fracturing families, where wives plot to leave their husbands and husbands seek to spend more time with their mistresses. Meanwhile, masters endure the humiliation of slaves taking obscene liberties, while aggressive slaves learn to mimic dangerous masters. Despite the festive atmosphere, no one is willing to hire an investigator during the holiday season.

Adding to Albia's domestic stress, she is faced with overexcited children, troublesome guests, and her magistrate husband, Tiberius, preoccupied with local strife. He fears a Nut War, as nuts, both a popular snack and a weapon of choice among inebriated celebrants, hold a significant monetary value. This year, a hustling gang from the past resurfaces, aiming to capitalize on the lucrative Nut War. As the deadly menace encroaches even closer to home, and law and order take a backseat to the festivities, Albia and Tiberius are left to navigate the situation on their own.

The Emperor has promised the people a spectacular entertainment, but Domitian himself becomes a target for the old criminals and their new schemes. With the winter solstice approaching, the fate of the Undying Sun hangs in the balance. Can Albia and Tiberius overcome the challenges and protect Rome from the descending darkness of criminal darkness?

Praise for Lindsey Davis and the Flavia Albia series is abundant. The author is celebrated for her captivating portrayal of Ancient Rome, and the Flavia Albia series is widely regarded as a thrilling and engaging exploration of the historical setting. This novel is a must-read for anyone who enjoys historical fiction with a touch of humor and intrigue.

Weight: 614g
Dimension: 164 x 241 x 40 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781529374292