Last Act in Palmyra Last Act in Palmyra is a 1994 historical mystery crime novel by Lindsey Davis and the sixth book of the Marcus Didius Falco Mysteries series. Set in Rome, Nabatea, and Palmyra, the novel stars Marcus Didius Falco, informer and imperial agent. The title refers to the hunt undertaken by Falco for a murderer, the last act of which takes place in Palmyra, as well as plays upon Falco's temporary employment as a playwright with a travelling theatre group. Plot summary In Last Act in Palmyra, Falco takes on a new spying mission for Vespasian to the east of the Empire. He also plans to investigate the disappearance of a young musician, Sophrona. Falco and Helena Justina travel to Petra, where they encounter a theatre group who have just lost their playwright due to drowning. Joining them, Falco attempts to fulfill his various investigations, whilst at the same time write his new play, The Spook Who Spoke. Characters in "Last Act in Palmyra" Main Characters Anacrites - Imperial spy Helena Justina - Daughter of the Senator Decimus Camillus Verus Marcus Didius Falco - Informer and Imperial Agent from the Aventine. Musa - Priest from Dushara Sophrona - Musician, player of the water organ Thalia - Snake dancer The Theatre Company Byrria - Actress Chremes - Actor-manager Congrio - Billposter Davos - Actor Grumio - Clown Philocrates - Actor Phrygia - Actress, wife of Chremes Tranio - Clown The Orchestra Afrania - Tibia-player Ione - Tambourinist Plancina - Panpipe girl Ribes - Lyre-player Major themes Several investigations, including a spying mission for the emperor, a disappearing musician, and the murder of a traveling playwright. Developing relationship of Marcus Didius Falco and Helena Justina. The history and culture of the Roman Middle East (namely Arabia Petraea and Roman Syria). Allusions/references to other works Members of the company make several references to New Comedy. As noted in the footnotes (p. 401 UK paperback edition), Falco's play, The Spook Who Spoke, bears more than a little resemblance to Hamlet by William Shakespeare. During the course of their journey, the travelling theatre company perform or refer to various plays, poems and playwrights. These include: Medea, The Trojan Women and The Bacchae by Euripides The Birds by Aristophanes Oedipus Rex by Sophocles The Girl from Andros and The Mother-in-Law by Terence The Rope, The Pot of Gold and Amphitryon by Plautus The Arbitration by Menander The Garland by Meleager Aeschylus Allusions/references to actual history, geography and current science Begins in Rome in AD 72, during the reign of Emperor Vespasian. Journey takes them through Nabatea to Petra, then to the Decapolis and Palmyra. Release details 1994, UK, Century Hardback (out of print) 1995, UK, Arrow, Paperback 1995, UK, Magna, Large Print, 1996, US, Mysterious Press, Hardback (out of print) 1997, US, Mysterious Press, Paperback 2003, UK, Arrow, Paperback (as part of single-volume omnibus edition, Falco on the Loose, with Time to Depart and A Dying Light in Corduba) References External links lindseydavis.co.uk Author's Official Website Category:1994 British novels Category:Marcus Didius Falco novels Category:Historical novels Category:72