A bit more harrowing and violent than some other Falco novels, especially at the end. Falco and retinue are in Britain again and hating it. We finally discover why Petronius Longus has joined them (it couldn’t have only been to bring Maya’s kids) and he immediately leaves on his undercover mission. Of course this and Falco’s assignment are connected and crash into each other resoundingly.

I was annoyed w/the adoption of the brat though. Jeez. Does every detective series have to include the rescue of some urchin or other? What is this, Dickens? It was unnecessary and did nothing to enhance the plot. I did like Amazonia though. She was hilarious in an annoying sort of way. And let’s not forget the on again/off again romance between Petro and Maya…I guess every long running series needs to have side-plots, but this is tiresome to me and I hope it’s not dwelled on much in future. ( )

London Calling.

Falco, fresh from rooting out corruption in the last book, decides to take the relatives on a trip to Londinium. Yes, that means dead people there, one of them known to the bloke Falco was sorting things out for previously. Even more of a surprise is bumping into Petronius, and the pair of them get involved with the criminal element and a racket going on in a 'chain' of pubs in town.

Lots of fun, this one, with the two old stalwarts and a bit of younger help.

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http://tamaranth.blogspot.com/2006/03... ( )