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

www.twbookmark.com

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