Customer Reviews

Falco: The Official Companion (A Marcus Didius Falco Mystery)

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I have been a Falco fan from the beginning. This book is as wonderful as the novels, full of the author's trademark sly and wry wit. It can be dipped into for specific information, but it is also fun just to read straight through. After a short autobiography, Davis supplies answers to everything you ever wanted to know about the world of Marcus Didius Falco from where Davis gets her ideas, to summaries of the novels, character sketches, even a couple of family trees. There is also general information on ancient Rome including maps, glossary of terms, timeline and much, much more. There is also a wealth of photos of relevant places and objects and even a photo of the dog that inspired the appearance of Nux.

Not quite your usual "Companion" but certainly entertaining. Since I had not read the most recent "Falco" I had to stop until I had, to avoid spoilers. Recommended for someone who follows the antics of Marcus Didius.

This is the book Falco-ites have been waiting for: a feast of backstage Marcus Didius Falco served up by Miss Lindsey Davis herself. Book contains many sections, including recaps of all the Falco book plots; a carefully explored biographical section on all the characters, big and small; background information about Miss Davis's writing process, travels, friends and secrets, and much much more. The section on Frequently Asked Questions is especially illuminating and entertaining. There is also a wonderful section on Roman life and culture. This book has inspired me to re-read the series again.

This book has everything a Falco devotee could want (need?): a review and reminder of the many, many characters, Roman life, etc., and even the chance to read about the very interesting Ms. Davis herself. I'm having so much fun reading it that I'm being very careful to ration myself to just a few pages a day.
I too have been inspired to start rereading the series (after all, 20 years is a bit long to remember a plot...). Thank heavens I've saved most of them and won't have to find and/or pay for them again!
The only thing I'm not liking about the book is that Ms. Davis leaves a tiny bit of doubt that she will be writing another, but at least she's left us a real body of work, unlike the marvelous Ariana Franklin and Kate Ross.

Gives some nice background about the books and characters as well as some nice historical sources for further reading. This is also a good book for those who want to write - excellent examples of the process and the importance of research. I enjoyed it.

Bought this as a birthday present for the hubby - he's a huge Falco fan. He's enjoying it, likes understanding the background of the series.