Picture a British storyteller who turned ancient Rome into a bustling detective’s playground—meet Lindsey Davis! Born in Birmingham in 1949, Davis is the mastermind behind the Falco series, a collection of historical crime novels that blend meticulous research with sharp wit. Her tales of Marcus Didius Falco, a roguish private informer, have captivated readers worldwide, making ancient Rome feel as vivid as a modern city.
With a knack for bringing history to life, Davis has earned accolades like the Cartier Diamond Dagger for her contributions to crime fiction. Her stories aren’t just mysteries—they’re time machines, whisking you to the gritty streets of Rome with every page. Let’s dive into her journey and discover why she’s a literary gem.
The Making of Lindsey Davis
Lindsey Davis grew up in Birmingham, England, and studied English literature at Oxford University’s Lady Margaret Hall. After graduating, she spent 13 years as a civil servant, a role she later ditched to chase her writing dreams. Her first foray into fiction was a romantic novel that snagged a runner-up spot in the 1985 Georgette Heyer Historical Novel Prize, sparking her shift to full-time writing. Initially penning romantic serials for Woman’s Realm magazine, Davis soon found her true calling: historical crime novels set in the vibrant world of ancient Rome.
Lindsey Davis’s Unforgettable Stories
Davis’s Falco series, launched with The Silver Pigs in 1989, follows Marcus Didius Falco, a street-smart informer navigating crime and corruption in Rome circa 70 AD. This debut novel, which won the Authors’ Club Best First Novel award, introduces Falco’s knack for trouble and his budding romance with senator’s daughter Helena Justina. The series, spanning 20 books, blends hardboiled detective tropes with Roman flair, ending with Nemesis in 2010.
In 2013, Davis launched a spin-off series starring Flavia Albia, Falco’s adopted daughter, starting with The Ides of April. Albia, a feisty outsider from Britain, offers a fresh perspective on Rome’s underbelly, tackling cases with her own brand of grit. Recent works like Death on the Tiber (2024) and the upcoming There Will Be Bodies (2025) showcase Davis’s knack for weaving historical detail with suspense. Her standalone novels, like The Course of Honour, explore Roman politics and love, proving her versatility. Davis’s style—witty, immersive, and richly researched—makes every book a masterclass in storytelling.
Why Lindsey Davis Matters
Lindsey Davis has redefined historical crime fiction by making ancient Rome accessible and relatable. Her meticulous research, drawn from primary sources, maps, and even her travels to Roman sites, grounds her stories in authenticity. Awards like the Premio Colosseo from Rome itself honor her for enhancing the city’s image globally. Through Falco and Albia, she explores timeless themes—justice, family, and resilience—while spotlighting strong, complex women in a patriarchal world. Her influence inspires both readers and writers to see history as a living, breathing narrative.
- Born: 1949 in Birmingham, England
- Key Works: The Silver Pigs, The Ides of April, The Course of Honour
- Awards: Cartier Diamond Dagger (2011), Premio Colosseo (2010)
- Fun Fact: Her books have been adapted for BBC Radio 4!
About Lindsey Davis
Ready to stroll through ancient Rome with a clever detective? Grab The Silver Pigs and dive into Lindsey Davis’s witty, thrilling world!