Book Review: Lindsey Davis, Deadly Election (2015)

The third book in the Flavia Albia series takes us into the heart of a local election campaign in ancient Rome. Words like political intrigue, corruption, backstabbing and ruthlessness spring to mind. In fact are there enough closets in Rome to fit all the skeletons?  

In her profession as informer our protagonist Flavia Albia, the adopted British daughter of Falco and his wife Helena, has to find out not only who the dead body is that surfaces in a strongbox in her father’s auction, but also the identity of the murderer. Complicated Roman family politics overlap with local politics (the list of characters in the front of the book is very useful). If you have ever been disillusioned with current politics, read this book - it makes our politicians look like models of rectitude. Aided by the dishy Manlius Faustus, magistrate and campaign manager for his friend Vibius, Helena gradually begins to unravel the complex puzzle.  

Written in the first person, with the lightest of touches and a gentle humour, this historical crime novel will immerse you in a world so different from ours, yet so alike. Flavia’s demure Roman matron appearance conceals a wilder, more independent streak. Flavia has adapted to life in Rome, yet, as a rescued orphan from Britain, she will always retain the ability to observe as an outsider. This detachment gives her an edge. She has no illusions about human nature and can therefore root out evil with perseverance.  And for those interested in Flavia’s love life there is always the problem of Manlius Faustus: Will he? Won’t he?