Lindsey Davis

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Lindsey Davis
Born1949 (age 74–75)
Birmingham, England
Occupation novelist
NationalityBritish
Period1989–present
Genre Historical whodunnit
Notable worksMarcus Didius Falco series, Flavia Albia series
Website
www.lindseydavis.co.uk

Lindsey Davis (born 1949) is an English historical novelist, best known as the author of the Falco series of historical crime stories set in ancient Rome and its empire. She is a recipient of the Cartier Diamond Dagger award.

Contents

Life and career

Davis was born in Birmingham and after taking a degree in English literature at Oxford University (Lady Margaret Hall), [1] she became a civil servant for 13 years. When a romantic novel she had written was runner up for the 1985 Georgette Heyer Historical Novel Prize, she decided to become a writer, at first writing romantic serials for the UK women's magazine Woman's Realm . One of these, The Bride from Bithynia, was published in her 2023 collection Voices of Rome. [2]

Her dedication of the book Rebels and Traitors (2009) reads: "For Richard / dearest and closest of friends / your favourite book / in memory", and the author's website relates: "I am still getting used to life without my dear Richard. For those of you who haven't seen this before, he died in October [2008]." [3] The author says in her publisher's newsletter: "The greatest recommendation I can give is that Richard, its first reader, thought it wonderful. He devoured chunks, demanding ‘Bring more story!’ even when he was in hospital. One of the last things I was ever able to tell him was that Rebels and Traitors was to be published by Random House, so I would be working with dear friends for his favourite book." [4]

Davis suffered from the eye condition keratoconus from childhood, and in adulthood had a corneal transplant, about which she has said: "A stranger's generosity freed me from years of pain and anxiety" and urges her readers to carry a donor card. [5] [6]

Writing

Davis's interest in history and archaeology led to her writing a historical novel about Vespasian and his lover Antonia Caenis ( The Course of Honour ), for which she could not find a publisher. She tried again, and her first novel featuring the Roman "detective", Marcus Didius Falco, The Silver Pigs (1989), set in the same time period, was the start of her runaway success as a writer of historical whodunnits. A further 19 Falco novels have followed, as well as The Course of Honour, which was published in 1997. She published Falco: The Official Companion in June 2010.

Rebels and Traitors , set in the period of the English Civil War, was published in September 2009.

Master and God , published in March 2012, is set in ancient Rome and concerns the emperor Domitian.

In 2012, Davis and her publishers, Hodder & Stoughton in the UK and St. Martin's Press in the US, announced that she was writing a new series of books centred on Flavia Albia, Falco's British-born adopted daughter and "an established female investigator". The first title, The Ides of April was published on 11 April 2013 in the UK, [7] and its sequel, Enemies at Home , was published in 2014, [8] followed by annual additions. In an interview in 2019 Davis discussed her plan to write an Albia novel set on each of the seven hills of Rome, starting with the Aventine Hill in the book The Ides of April and culminating with the Capitoline Hill in the book A Capitol Death . [9] By 2022 she had published three more Albia books, set in particular locations just outside the wall of Rome. After two further books in and around Rome, her 13th Flavia Alba book will be set near Pompeii, ten years after the eruption of Vesuvius. [10]

Davis has won many literary awards, including, in 2011, the Cartier Diamond Dagger of the Crime Writers' Association given to authors who have made an outstanding lifetime contribution to the genre. [11] She was honorary president of the Classical Association from 1997 to 1998, and is a life member of the Council of the Society of Authors. [12]

Published works

Marcus Didius Falco

  1. The Silver Pigs (1989)
  2. Shadows in Bronze (1990)
  3. Venus in Copper (1991)
  4. The Iron Hand of Mars (1992)
  5. Poseidon's Gold (1993)
  6. Last Act in Palmyra (1994)
  7. Time to Depart (1995)
  8. A Dying Light in Corduba (1996)
  9. Three Hands in the Fountain (1997)
  10. Two for the Lions (1998)
  11. One Virgin Too Many (1999)
  12. Ode to a Banker (2000)
  13. A Body in the Bath House (2001)
  14. The Jupiter Myth (2002)
  15. The Accusers (2003)
  16. Scandal Takes a Holiday (2004)
  17. See Delphi and Die (2005)
  18. Saturnalia (2007)
  19. Alexandria (2009)
  20. Nemesis (2010)

Omnibus editions

Flavia Albia

  1. The Ides of April (2013, Hodder & Stoughton, ISBN   978-1-4447-5581-7)
  2. Enemies at Home (2014, Hodder & Stoughton, ISBN   978-1444766585)
  3. Deadly Election (2015, Hodder & Stoughton, ISBN   9781444794229)
  4. The Graveyard of the Hesperides (2016, Hodder & Stoughton, ISBN   9781473613386)
  5. The Third Nero (2017, Hodder & Stoughton, ISBN   9781473613423)
  6. Pandora's Boy (2018, Hodder & Stoughton, ISBN   9781473658653)
  7. A Capitol Death (2019, Hodder & Stoughton, ISBN   9781473658745) [9]
  8. The Grove of the Caesars (2020, Hodder & Stoughton, ISBN   9781529374247)
  9. A Comedy of Terrors (2021) ( ISBN   9781529374322) [13]
  10. Desperate Undertaking (2022, Hodder & Stoughton, ISBN   978-1529354683)
  11. Fatal Legacy (2023, Hodder & Stoughton, ISBN   9781529354737)
  12. Death on the Tiber (2024, Hodder & Stoughton, ISBN   978-1399719612)
  13. There Will be Bodies (3 April 2025, Hodder & Stoughton, ISBN   9781399719636) [14] [10]

Other works set in Ancient Rome

Novels

Novellas

Novella collection

Companion

English Civil War

Short story

Awards and nominations

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Seven hills of Rome</span> Geographical heart of Rome, Italy, within the walls of the city

The seven hills of Rome east of the river Tiber form the geographical heart of Rome, within the walls of the city.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Historical mystery</span> Literary subgenre

The historical mystery or historical whodunit is a subgenre of two literary genres, historical fiction and mystery fiction. These works are set in a time period considered historical from the author's perspective, and the central plot involves the solving of a mystery or crime. Though works combining these genres have existed since at least the early 20th century, many credit Ellis Peters's Cadfael Chronicles (1977–1994) for popularizing what would become known as the historical mystery. The increasing popularity and prevalence of this type of fiction in subsequent decades has spawned a distinct subgenre recognized by the publishing industry and libraries. Publishers Weekly noted in 2010 of the genre, "The past decade has seen an explosion in both quantity and quality. Never before have so many historical mysteries been published, by so many gifted writers, and covering such a wide range of times and places." Editor Keith Kahla concurs, "From a small group of writers with a very specialized audience, the historical mystery has become a critically acclaimed, award-winning genre with a toehold on the New York Times bestseller list."

<i>Two for the Lions</i> 1998 historical mystery crime novel by Lindsey Davis

Two for the Lions is a 1998 historical mystery crime novel by Lindsey Davis and the 10th book of the Marcus Didius Falco Mysteries series. Set in Rome and Tripolitania between December AD 73 and May AD 74, during the reign of Emperor Vespasian, the novel stars Marcus Didius Falco, informer and imperial agent. The title refers to the execution of criminals in the arena, by trained lions.

<i>The Jupiter Myth</i> 2002 historical mystery crime novel by Lindsey Davis

The Jupiter Myth is a 2002 historical mystery crime novel by Lindsey Davis and the 14th book in the Marcus Didius Falco Mysteries series. Set in Londinium, Britannia in August AD 75, the novel stars Marcus Didius Falco, informer and imperial agent. The title refers to the use of Jupiter-related mythology by the crime syndicate to identify businesses associated with them.

<i>Nemesis</i> (Davis novel) 2010 historical crime novel by Lindsey Davis

Nemesis is a 2009 historical mystery crime novel by Lindsey Davis and the 20th book of the Marcus Didius Falco Mysteries series. Set in Latium during AD 77, the novel stars Marcus Didius Falco, informer and imperial agent. In Ancient Greece and Rome, Nemesis was the spirit of divine retribution against those who had succumbed to hubris. In the book, Falco is warned by Anacrites, the Imperial Chief Spy, to be wary of Nemesis following Falco's inheritance of his father's sizeable fortune, while the Claudii, the novel's primary antagonists who meet unpleasant endings, are revealed to have fallen foul of their hubris.

<i>Rebels and Traitors</i>

Rebels and Traitors by British historical novelist Lindsey Davis was published by Random House in September 2009 (ISBN 9781846056321). In contrast to the ancient Roman setting of the Falco books and Course of Honour, this book is set in the English Civil War period of the 17th century. At 742 pages it is substantially longer than her previous novels.

<i>Master and God</i> 2012 novel by Lindsey Davis

Master and God is a historical novel by British writer Lindsey Davis, the author of the Falco series. It was first published in the UK on 15 March 2012 by Hodder & Stoughton and in the United States on 5 June 2012 by St Martin's Press.

<i>The Ides of April</i> 2013 mystery novel by Lindsey Davis

The Ides of April is a 2013 historical mystery crime novel by Lindsey Davis and the first book in the Flavia Albia Mysteries. Set in March and April AD 89, in the Aventine Hill area of Ancient Rome, the novel stars Flavia Albia, the British-born adopted daughter of Marcus Didius Falco. Albia, a widow, works as a "delatrix" in ancient Rome, like Falco. The book's front cover image depicts a small glass pot and a needle dipped in blood. It carries the strapline, "Falco: The New Generation".

<i>Enemies at Home</i> 2014 historical crime novel by Lindsey Davis

Enemies at Home is a 2014 historical mystery crime novel by Lindsey Davis and the second book of the Flavia Alba Mysteries series. Set in Ancient Rome beginning in June AD 89, two months after the events of The Ides of April (2013), the novel stars Flavia Albia, the British-born adopted daughter of Marcus Didius Falco. Albia, a widow, works as a "delatrix" in ancient Rome, like Falco. The book's cover bears an image of two silver cups, one toppled, and a broken rope. It carries the strapline: "A Flavia Albia Novel".

<i>Deadly Election</i> 2015 historical crime novel by Lindsey Davis

Deadly Election is a 2015 historical mystery crime novel by Lindsey Davis and the third book in the Flavia Albia Mysteries series. Set in Ancient Rome, the novel stars Flavia Albia, the British-born adopted daughter of Marcus Didius Falco. Albia, a widow, works as a "delatrix" in ancient Rome, like Falco. In the UK, the book's cover carries the strapline: "A Flavia Alba Novel".

<i>The Graveyard of the Hesperides</i> 2016 historical crime novel by Lindsey Davis

The Graveyard of the Hesperides is a 2016 historical mystery crime novel by Lindsey Davis and the fourth book in the Flavia Albia Mysteries series. The novel stars Flavia Albia, the British-born adopted daughter of Marcus Didius Falco. Albia, a widow, works as a "delatrix" in ancient Rome, like Falco.

<i>The Third Nero</i> 2017 historical crime novel by Lindsey Davis

The Third Nero: or Never Say Nero Again is a historical crime novel by British writer Lindsey Davis, the fifth in her Flavia Albia series. It was first published in the UK on 6 April 2017 by Hodder & Stoughton (ISBN 978-1-473-61343-0) and in the United States in 2017 by St. Martin's Press.

Domitian was Roman emperor from 81 to 96 AD.

<i>Pandoras Boy</i> 2018 historical crime novel by Lindsey Davis

Pandora's Boy is a historical crime novel by British writer Lindsey Davis, the sixth in her Flavia Albia series. It was published by Hodder & Stoughton in the UK on 5 April 2018, (ISBN 9781473658745) and in the United States in 2018 by St. Martin's Press.

<i>A Capitol Death</i> 2019 historical crime novel by Lindsey Davis

A Capitol Death is a historical crime novel by British writer Lindsey Davis, the seventh in her Flavia Albia series. It was published in the UK by Hodder & Stoughton on 4 April 2019 (ISBN 9781473658745).

<i>The Grove of the Caesars</i> 2020 historical crime novel by Lindsey Davis

The Grove of the Caesars is a historical crime novel by British writer Lindsey Davis, the eighth in her Flavia Albia series. It was published in the UK by Hodder & Stoughton on 2 April 2020 (ISBN 9781529374247).

<i>A Comedy of Terrors</i> 2021 historical crime novel by Lindsey Davis

A Comedy of Terrors is a historical crime novel by British writer Lindsey Davis, the ninth in her Flavia Albia series. It was published in the UK on 1 April 2021 by Hodder & Stoughton (ISBN 9781529374322) and in the United States on 27 July 2021 by Minotaur Books (ISBN 978-1250241542).

<i>Desperate Undertaking</i> 2022 historical crime novel by Lindsey Davis

Desperate Undertaking is a historical crime novel by British writer Lindsey Davis, the tenth in her Flavia Albia series. It was published in the UK on 7 April 2022 by Hodder & Stoughton (ISBN 9781529354713) and in the United States on 27 July 2022 by Minotaur Books (ISBN 9781250799883).

<i>Fatal Legacy</i> 2023 historical crime novel by Lindsey Davis

Fatal Legacy is a historical crime novel by British writer Lindsey Davis, the eleventh in her Flavia Albia series. It was published in the UK on 6 April 2023 by Hodder & Stoughton (ISBN 9781529354737) and in the United States on 18 July 2023 by Minotaur Books (ISBN 9781250799906).

<i>Death on the Tiber</i> 2024 historical crime novel by Lindsey Davis

Death on the Tiber is a historical crime novel by British writer Lindsey Davis, the twelfth in her Flavia Albia series. It was published in the UK on 4 April 2024 by Hodder & Stoughton (ISBN 978-1399719612) and in the United States on 23 July 2024 by Minotaur Books (ISBN 978-1250799906).

References

  1. ↑ "LMH, Oxford - Prominent Alumni" . Retrieved 20 May 2015.
  2. ↑ Davis, Lindsey (2023). "Introduction". Voices of Rome. Hodder & Stoughton. p. 10-11. ISBN   9781399721332.
  3. ↑ "Lindsey's page". The Official Lindsey Davis Website. Archived from the original on 29 April 2009. Retrieved 1 September 2009.
  4. ↑ "The Lindsey Davis Newsletter, no. 9" (PDF). Random House Publishing. January 2009. Archived from the original (PDF) on 19 May 2011. Retrieved 31 March 2009.
  5. ↑ Davis, Lindsey (7 April 2012). "Five-minute memoir: Lindsey Davis on life with her brand new eye" . The Independent . Archived from the original on 14 June 2022. Retrieved 17 August 2012.
  6. ↑ "Lindsey's Page: Organ Donor Card Appeal". The Official Website of Lindsey Davis. Archived from the original on 11 September 2012. Retrieved 17 August 2012.
  7. ↑ "Lindsey's page: Next Book". The Official Website of Lindsey Davis. Archived from the original on 11 September 2012. Retrieved 17 August 2012.(Copy of publishers' press release)
  8. ↑ "Enemies at Home". Lindsey Davis official website. Retrieved 1 August 2013.
  9. 1 2 "Lindsey Davis interview: A Capitol Death and the Flavia Albia series". Hodder & Stoughton. 2 April 2019. Retrieved 10 April 2019.
  10. 1 2 "Lindsey's Page". Lindsey Davis. Archived from the original on 7 October 2024. Retrieved 7 October 2024. The 13th Flavia Albia is now finished ... It's set in Stabiae on the Bay of Naples, during the reconstruction after the Vesuvius disaster.
  11. 1 2 Allen, Katie (25 January 2011). "Davis to be awarded Cartier Diamond Dagger Award". The Bookseller . Retrieved 26 January 2011.
  12. ↑ "About: Council and President: Lindsey Davis". www.societyofauthors.org. The Society of Authors. Retrieved 29 November 2021.
  13. ↑ "A Comedy of Terrors". Hodder & Stoughton. Retrieved 9 October 2020.
  14. ↑ "There Will Be Bodies [publisher's announcement]". Hodder & Stoughton. 2 October 2024. Retrieved 7 October 2024.
  15. ↑ "The Spook Who Spoke Again". Lindsey Davis. Retrieved 22 May 2015.
  16. ↑ "Vesuvius by Night". Lindsey Davis. Retrieved 15 February 2017.
  17. ↑ "Lindsey Davis - A Cruel Fate". Hodder and Stoughton. Retrieved 1 August 2013.
  18. ↑ "A Cruel Fate". Lindsey Davis official website. Retrieved 1 August 2013.
  19. ↑ "Sherlock Awards". Sherlock Magazine. 2004. Archived from the original on 19 October 2006.
  20. ↑ "Management Committee". Society of Authors. Archived from the original on 20 September 2010. Retrieved 3 November 2010.
  21. ↑ Montana Tor, Paula (13 November 2013). "Lindsey Davis recoge el Premio de Novela Histórica Barcino". El Pais. Retrieved 1 May 2014.
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