Now playing: The Iron Hand of Mars (Marcus Didius Falco)

This week’s list includes The Iron Hand of Mars (Marcus Didius Falco), from Lindsey Davis. Press play and stay for every chapter.

When Germanic troops in the service of the empire begin to rebel and a Roman general disappears, Emperor Vespasian turns to the one man he can trust: Marcus Didius Falco, a private informer whose rates are low enough that even the stingy Vespasian is willing to pay them. To Falco, an undercover tour of Germany is an assignment from Hades. On a journey that only a stoic could survive, Falco meets with disarray, torture, and murder. His one hope: In the northern forest lives a powerful Druid priestess who perhaps can be persuaded to cease her anti-Rome activities and work for peace—which Falco is eagerly hoping for as, back in Rome, Titus Caesar is busy trying to make time with Helena Justina, a senator’s daughter and Falco’s girlfriend. Lindsey Davis’ historical mystery The Iron Hand of Mars is a “seamless blending of humor, history, and adventure” ( Publishers Weekly ).

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