Somehow, you get caught up in these Falco novels. From a reader perspective, he's likable, and gets trapped into the same sort of scrapes that you or I would (if we were a Roman era informer, that is). Over time he's acquired family, met up with old friends, and has been dumped on by dubious emperors. He always seems to be at the scene of a historic event, this time the fire at the library in Alexandria. Does he decide if it was arson or an accident? If arson, then does he name the arsonist? Is that even the task he was sent to establish? Read it for yourself. Then go back to the first Falco novel (The Silver Pigs) and start reading from there. I started this book twice. The first time I got to page 30 and stalled out. This time I managed to finish it but it was a long, laborious process. Something about the main character bothered me. Maybe it was his meandering way of telling the story or maybe the fact that he purposively avoided confronting key witnesses. Simply put, I just wanted him to get to it (whatever it was). Though I really liked the concept; I failed to enjoy the actuality---and I really, really wanted to.
What do You think about Alexandria (2009)?
Another stellar outing for my favorite Roman detective and his wonderful wife and family.
—fredsterbinki
I didn't finish this book. really didn't like it
—justinlee_pets1994
