Enemies At Home

Flavia Alba, wonderfully performed by Lucy Brown, is a freelance investigator in classical Rome. She accepts an assignment from an official named Manilius Faustus in spite of her rule against working with men she finds attractive. The crime, a triple murder, is ingeniously plotted, and the setting is completely fascinating--like an episode of "The Wire" set in ancient times. You find out all kinds of things about domestic life, politics, slavery, crime and punishment, and the workings of the city from top to bottom. Lucy Brown's voice is lovely, and she has a wonderful way with the tongue in cheek, which suits Davis's style perfectly. Brown's Flavia is likable and pragmatic but not hard, and she delineates a diverse cast with ease. Delightful. B.G. © AudioFile 2015, Portland, Maine