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The Grove of the Caesars

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The Grove of the Caesars

By: Lindsey Davis
Narrated by: Jane Collingwood
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About this listen

 Julius Caesar left his gardens to the citizens of Rome, a peaceful sanctuary across the Tiber. Now the gardens and their sacred grove are dangerous haunts, especially for women alone.

'Don't go to the Grove,' people mutter, but when her husband has to leave Rome, it falls to Albia to supervise his building project in an old grotto. Why has someone buried tattered scrolls by obscure philosophers - and does it involve a worse crime than terrible writing?

Soon that puzzle is overtaken. A woman disappears from her husband's birthday party; she meets a dire fate, then Albia learns that on the same night, two louche slaves given to her family by the brooding Emperor Domitian also vanished in the gardens. Apparently, it is well known that a killer lurks there.

The vigiles have failed to investigate properly for decades and this won't improve when the sinister agent Karus arrives. Albia must co-operate, in order to give the many victims justice and find answers for grieving relatives. But can she herself remain safe? And, after others have failed, can she at last identify the predator who has made the Grove his killing ground?

(P) 2020 Hodder & Stoughton Ltd©2020 Lindsey Davis Ancient Historical Fiction International Mystery & Crime Mystery Fiction Crime Rome

Critic reviews

Praise for The Grove of the Caesars
For a totally exhilarating romp through Ancient Rome, Lindsey Davis' latest Flavia Alba novel won't be beaten and offers an immersive experience of a vibrant world full of real, recognisable characters
Praise for Lindsey Davis and the Flavia Albia series
For fans of crime fiction set in the ancient world, this one is not to be missed
Lindsey Davis has seen off all her competitors to become the unassailable market leader in the 'crime in Ancient Rome' genre . . . Davis's squalid, vibrant Rome is as pleasurable as ever
Davis's books crackle with wit and knowledge. She has the happy knack of making the reader feel entirely immersed in Rome
This excellent Roman mystery, enriched by Davis's characteristic wit and thorough understanding of the period, takes a darker turn as Flavia delves into Rome's poorest streets, rife with prostitution, exploitation, thuggery and murder
Davis's prose is a lively joy, and Flavia's Rome is sinister and gloriously real
All stars
Most relevant
When I read the first two books in this series I missed Flavia Albia’s father Falco but now I love this series not because it is an offshoot of that series but because it is good in its own right. I am enjoying the character development and the stories are always quite gripping. There is a fine line in sarcastic humour and also I am enjoying a portrayal of an independent minded working woman who just happens to be married. Great books. I am looking forward to the next one!

Loved it!

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Another compelling Flavia Albia story. I’ve really warmed to this character, although Falco was a hard act to follow.
What really stands out in this offering is the excellent narration. The characterisation was superb, truly convincing. Great work.

Good story and excellent performance

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love these stories. Brilliantly read. So atmospheric with historical accuracy that has you standing in the streets of Ancient Rome, feeling the heat, smelling the smells!!!

another great story

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This is a thoroughly plotted and ingenious mystery seeing Flavia Albia at her best. The plot elements twist, twine and wonderfully resolve with a perfect audio-book performance. An audio-book to please you, despite its mature themes.

Eighth and Best so Far

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Flavia Albia investigates murders by a serial killer in Ancient Rome. Rome is fascinating, busy and relatable in this series. There is a nice balance in this book between the pathos of the murders and the mystery to be solved, with a bit of affection and romance in the background connected to the family life of the central character. The whodunnit has a plausible, satisfying resolution.

One of the best in this great series

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