One Virgin Too Many: Falco, Book 11

Read this book in 2013, and its the 11th volume of the sublime Marcus Didius Falco series.This mystery is set in Rome once more, and Falco now a respected citizen, especially within the religious hierarchy, by being appointed by Emperor Vespasian as Rome's keeper of the sacred geese.Caught up between the murder of a member of one of the sacred brotherhoods and the disappearance of the most likely new candidate of the order of the Vestal Virgins.This case will take Falco into difficult situations between different factions within the aristocratic society of Rome, so he has to move precariously in his attempts to unravel the threads of this web of deceit and self-interest, where family and Roman society are a close-knit lot with a lot of secrets, but in the end Falco will be able to reveal the culprit of this crime against Rome's beliefs and religion.What is to follow is a glorious Roman mystery with a lot of wit and cunning in which Falco will meet a Rome that is filled with tragedy, danger and death, especially in his dealings with all kinds of people and finally by unraveling the truth.Highly recommended, for this is another superb Roman mystery in which Falco is unique in his dealings with people, whether they are high- or lowborn, and what this episode is concerned I like to call this book: "A Marvellous Virgin Mystery"!

This is an excellent addition to a great series. In this episode, Falco is gradually going up in the world; now more financially secure, with an official - though somewhat comic - official position, he is trying to build a more substantial life. He is still having to deal with various family problems, particularly following the death of his brother in law, and Helena is up to something.He is visited by a young girl asking for his help, but turns her down, and comes to regret it. It turns out she is a candidate for selection as a Vestal Virgin, and when she goes missing, he is ordered by the palace to find her. He is drawn into the murky world of the ancient priesthoods - and one family in particular. The story is excellent, and although one or two of the twists and turns are easy to work out, others come as a bit of a surprise. It is, as usual, well written with a good dash of humour.

Impeccable writing extremely well drawn and human characters. Ancient Romans just as flawed and fallible as modern people. A reliable writer and an excellent series

Falco returns home after a hard day's work to find.a small girl around six years old waiting for him, she wants to hire him, she claims.somebody wants her dead and she's afrad. The child is very well dressed with good speech and manners in a rich man's carriage Falco.sees nothing.to suggest this is anything more than childish dramatics so.sends.her.off home. Helena meanwhile had felt some sympathy for the.girl and.felt.she may have been telling the truth so.Falco resolved to investigate next day. But before Falco can do.much Falco.discovers that the child has gone.missing from an enclosed space. Now Falco is.on the.hunt.despite others alternately aiding or impeding him he does his best to find the child before something disastrous happens............... This series is an absolute delight.

A bit dull but readable

Like all the Falco books this has interest and character on every page, I love the way Lindsay builds characters from book to book, but brings in a tumult of new background to hold the readers interest, most enjoyable!!!

This is a great series, now Falco is awarded official work with a comical title, but he is on the path to becoming respectable. In this novel he has to find a young girl who goes missing after visiting him, who is about to become a vestal virgin.Once again very well written with splashes of humour. I did find the plots in the religious family a little confusing at times, it’s a 4 star from me.

Another excellent Falco story. Well researched, clever plotting and funny

This is not the first time I have read One Virgin Too Many. I think it is the third time. And, if I live to a ripe old age, it probably won't be the last. I've read all the Falco books at least twice. I like the mysteries, the banter between Marcus and Helena, the first century AD Roman background, and the multitude of supporting characters, even the dog.

Ho letto un libro della stessa autrice che mi è piaciuto molto, per cui ho voluto ripetere l'esperienza, questa volta in lingua originale. Il libro è usato, per questo motivo solo non ho dato 5 Stelle.

古代ローマの雑学満載、ファルコ・シリーズ。今度は宗教です。宗教は重要ポスト。で、キャリアアップに宗教関係の仕事に就く、とういうテもあるわけだ。うだつの上がらないヘレナの弟然り。ファルコまで宗教関係のポストをゲット（笑）！そこに神官ファミリーのトラブル？「神聖」な神官にスキャンダルは厳禁。皇太子から秘密裏に処理せよと指示が出たけど、うさん臭さすぎ！女性神官（巫女）の館に潜入敢行（おいおい・・）。ラストの救出劇は、息を呑む迫力。愛犬ヌックス大活躍！

Lindsey Davis Falco series consists mostly of fascinating, well-written books. There are some downs (like "Last dance in Palmyra"), but much more ups and the virgin is defintely on in the latter categories. Davis combines two plots in a tense, fascinating and absorbing book; the storyline is good, the ending is a nail-biter and the book renewed my fascination with her writing. Recommended.

This is another exciting story in the Falco series of books. This story shows the reader just how far Falco will go to solve a mystery or save a persons life. As those who have follow Falco ever since Lindsey Davis wrote Silver Pigs, we know that Falco isn't just your run of a mill informer. Unlike his contemperaries, Falco has morals and Falco has standards that he lives by. We have seen Falco working as a slave in Britain and we have seen him face off against the Germanic tribes, not because the Emperor asked him to do it (which he did) but because Falco believes that what he is doing will bring a little justice into the world. That is why when everyone said to ignore the body parts showing up in the aqueducts (Three Hands in the Fountain) Falco went after the killer; not for duty to Rome or to the Emperor (who was paying him again) but for the women who had been murdered. He believed they deserved justice. So now, we have 'One Virgin Too Many' and Falco has gone even further in his quest for justice. To save the life of a little girl and if necessary, give her justice Falco has angered the Gods and their holy representatives in Rome. Will he survive? You'll have to read the book to find out. Do it, I enjoyed the tale and I think you will as well.