‘There’s nothing wrong with Britain … that is if you leave out the mammoth travelling distance from one’s dear Roman heritage!’

AD 75. As a passion for home improvement sweeps through the Roman Empire, Falco struggles to deal with a pair of terrible bath-house contractors who have been causing him misery for months. Far away in Britain, King Togidubnus of the Atrebates tribe is planning his own makeover. His huge new residence (known to us as Fishbourne Palace) will be spectacular – but the sensational refurbishment is beset by ‘accidents’. The frugal Emperor Vespasian is paying for all this; he wants someone to investigate.

Falco has a new baby, a new house, and he hates Britain. But his feud with Anacrites the Chief Spy has now reached a dangerous level, so with his own pressing reasons to leave Rome in a hurry, he accepts the task. A thousand miles from home, he starts restoring order to the chaotic building site and realises that someone with murderous intentions is now after him…

unlike many series this one just gets better and better. Particularly poignant for me was that we were staying in Bath for a break when I read this one, and so much was relevant!

Taking to a lunch meeting with fellow bookcrossers.

Picked up for the Peppercorns OBCZ.

Left on the shelves at the back of the shop.

This was rescued from Peppercorns as there were quite a few Lindsey Davis books on the shelf.

Taking to the Loughborough meet.

Picked up a Purple Pumpkin Patch for my mum to read.

At the shop.