Corpus Politicus

[mtvessel]

May 2017
Deadly Election - Lindsey Davis - Hodder, 2015
* * * *
The Flavia Alba series is still going strong with this tale set in the thoroughly corrupt world of Roman local politics. Flavia is hired by her definitely-not-lover Manlius Faustus to discredit the rivals of a man he is supporting for the post of aedile. Flavia, however, has other concerns, specifically the decomposing corpse that has been found in a chest that was about to be auctioned by her family. But with investigations in that direction stymied, she does a little digging, unearthing the usual unedifying collection of misdemeanours. Strong characters abound and there are some cameos by old friends that last just long enough to give long-term readers a warm glow but don't outstay their welcome. The murder plot is not a good whodunnit, but its unravelling, and its ending, felt true to the setting.