Saturnalia (Davis novel)
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 First edition | |
| Author | Lindsey Davis |
|---|---|
| Cover artist | Mark Edwards |
| Language | English |
| Series | Marcus Didius Falco |
| Genre | Historical mystery crime novel |
| Publisher | Century |
Publication date | 2007 |
| Publication place | United Kingdom |
| Media type | Print (Hardback & Paperback) |
| Pages | 448 |
| ISBN | 0-09-951998-4 |
| Preceded by | See Delphi and Die |
| Followed by | Alexandria |
Saturnalia is a 2007 historical mystery crime novel by Lindsey Davis and the 18th book of the Marcus Didius Falco Mysteries series.[1] Set in ancient Rome, the novel's central character and narrator is Marcus Didius Falco, informer and imperial agent. The title refers to the Saturnalia feast held annually on 17 December, at which the Romans commemorated the dedication of the temple of the god Saturn. Over the years, it expanded to a whole week, up to 23 December.
It is the Season of Misrule in Rome, sheer misery for Falco. Uppity slaves give orders to their cringing masters, masters try to hide in their studies, women are goosed, statues wobble, a prince has a broken heart, children are sick and even the dog can't stand it any more. As the festival meant for healing grudges proceeds, a young man who has everything to live for dies a horrific death while the security of the Empire is compromised by a mixture of top brass incompetence, bureaucratic in-fighting and popular indifference. The barbarians are not just at the gates, they are right inside – and that's just the bombasts in the Praetorian Guard, encouraged by the Chief Spy.
Doctors are generating income. Alternative therapists are active. Members of the Didius family are about to receive some unusual seasonal gifts. But for the non person on the fringes of society life is not as positive, and figures walk abroad (available for hire through the usual agents). Falco has a limited amount of time to find a missing person, aided and hindered by people from the past, while navigating the range of Roman society as Saturnalia entertainment.
This novel makes numerous references to the events in Davis's earlier novel in the Falco series, The Iron Hand of Mars (1992).
Characters
Romans
- Helena Justina – Wife of Falco, and daughter of the Senator Decimus Camillus Verus
- Marcus Didius Falco – Informer and Imperial Agent.