ANCIENT TIMES - FICTION
"Three Hands in the Fountain" 
By Lindsey Davis
This is number eight in the excellent ancient Rome
detective series.
Didias Falco and friend Petronius Longus find a woman's hand in one of Rome's
public fountains. Falco's curiosity spurs him to investigate, and as it turns
out, body parts have been showing up in the drinking system at times
corresponding to public games. After further investigation, it is discovered
that young women have gone missing over a number of years. There are race is on
to find the killer before more young women are kidnapped, tortured, and
murdered, and the disposed in the public water works. The head of the water
works is not cooperating and hires Falco's old nemesis, Anacrites, chief spy for
the government.
This was my favorite of the series so far. Petronius
Longus partners with Falco, since he is on suspension for associating with known
criminal elements (having an affair with the wife of a well known criminal).
Petro's wife has dumped him, and he is now lodging in Falco's old lair. Falco's
common-law wife, Helena Justinia is as wonderful as ever. There are many good
characters and this is a great read.
Reviewed by Kenneth S. Smith
8/23/2000
Available from:
Warner Books Edition
