title: The Ides of April: A Flavia Albia Mystery (Flavia Albia Series)
author:  Lindsey Davis 
description: *Starred Review* Fans of Davis best-selling series featuring first-century Roman informer Marcus Didius Falco will welcome the arrival of this spin-off centered on Falcos spirited adopted daughter, Flavia Albia. The lovely young woman, who has had a minor but memorable presence in the previous series entries, is known for her intellectual acumen and acid tongue. Now she puts those traits on display in a series debut thats both suspenseful and sly. (Would we expect anything less of the talented Davis?) As the novel opens, Flavia Albia has taken over her fathers rundown digs at Fountain Court in the Surbura district of Rome, where shes faced with a most unsavory client. (Alas, work is work, and, as a neophyte investigator, she cant afford to be particular.) Flavia Albias windfall turns to woe when her charge is found dead. To make matters worse, she is suspected of having a hand in the crime. Like her father, Flavia Albia relies on levity and level-headedness to find her way out of trouble. Davis delights once again with her trademark blend of quirky characters and rich period detail. Given the authors prolific nature (the Falco series has 20-plus installments), readers can anticipate Flavia Albia to be a compelling presence for years to come. --Allison Block
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  Flavia’s Secret
  
  
  
  
  
  Spirited, young scribe Flavia hopes for freedom. She and her fellow slaves in
  Aquae Sulis (modern Bath) have served the Lady Valeria for many years, but
  their mistress' death brings a threat to Flavia's dream: her new master Marcus
  Brucetus, a charismatic, widowed officer toughened in the forests of Germania.
  Flavia finds him overwhelmingly attractive but she is aware of the danger. To
  save her life and those of her 'family' she has forged a note from her
  mistress. If her deception is discovered, all the slaves may die.
  
  For his part torn between attraction and respect, Marcus will not force
  himself on Flavia. Flavia by now knows of his grief over the deaths of his
  wife Drusilla and child. But how can she match up to the serene, flame-haired
  Drusilla?
  
  As the wild mid-winter festival of Saturnalia approaches, many lives will be
  changed forever.
  
  Sensuality Rating:
  
  
  SENSUAL  
  Genre: Historical  
  Length: 83,000 w