Audiobook Saturnalia - Falco 18

Review of the Latest Bestseller by Lindsey Davis Set in Ancient Rome

Jun 9, 2008

If you are interested in a detective audiobook with a difference then how about taking a look at the latest In the Marcus Didius Falco series by Lindsey Davis.

This is a review of the unabridged audiobook edition of Saturnalia, by Lindsey Davis and read by Christian Rhodska.

The Book

Saturnalia (Falco 18) is part of the series of mysteries by Lindsey Davis that are set in ancient Rome. The books follow the exploits of Marcus Didius Falco, an 'informer' (detective) during the height of the roman empire. Falco is now settled, living with his wife Helena Justina, their children and his long suffering dog. The story is set during the Roman holiday of Saturnalia when the days are short and the nights are for partying. The plot centers around an enemy of Rome whose capture starts a series of events and corresponding mishaps.

Many of the well loved (along with some of the much hated) characters from the previous books in the series are featured in Saturnalia, which will be a delight to people familiar with the trials and tribulations of Falco. Lyndsey Davies is sensitive in her writing, however, to people who may be new to the series and the characters are well introduced and explained. Saturnalia works well as a standalone book in its own right.

As with the other books in the Falco series, Lyndsey Davies creates a good mystery story against the rich backdrop of the roman empire. There is plenty of detail within the book that paints a picture of ancient Rome, without the book feeling like an academic tome.

The Narration

One of the great risks when listening to an audiobook that features a character such as Falco (a wise cracking yet sensitive, ex 'jack the lad' who treads a fine line between right and wrong) is that the narration can dispel the image that a reader has created in their minds. The narration, however, by Christian Rhodska brings Falco and the other players in the plot to life. Rhodska is an accomplished narrator and has read several of the books from the Falco series. In an interview with the BBC, Lyndsey Davies once said that she was “a little in love” with Falco and, with Christian Rhodska's reading of the character, it is easy to see why.

The unabridged audiobook is 12 hours in length, however the pace of the book is fast and the excellent narration keeps the plot moving. There are adult themes in the book, but nothing that would make Saturnalia an embarrassing listen in front of older children.

The only slight problem with the audio version of the book is that a lot of character's names can sound similar. Christian Rhodska's narration ensures that the characters are readily identifiable, however a few minutes of distraction can result in wondering precisely 'who was doing what to who'!

Conclusion

Fans of the Falco series of books will enjoy this audiobook. This might also be an interesting listen for people who enjoy the mystery book genre and are looking for something a little different.

Have you heard this audiobook and want to share your views? You are very welcome to leave a comment in the box below - I look forward to hearing from you!

More Information

Further Audiobook Reviews at Suite101

The copyright of the article Audiobook Saturnalia - Falco 18 in Fiction Audiobooks is owned by Kate Pullen. Permission to republish Audiobook Saturnalia - Falco 18 in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.