Shadows in Bronze — Lindsey Davis

Friends, Romans, countrymen, Marcus Didius Falco, Ancient Rome's favorite son and sometime palace spy, returns to aid the Emperor Vespasian himself. This time citizen Falco has been charged with finding the culprits who are plotting Vespasian's imperial demise. In the meanwhile, Falco also, has some unfinished business with one citizen Helena Justina, a high-born beauty he has given his heart to. Although at these wages, his heart is all he can afford to render unto her--which causes its own problems.

From the Isle of Capreae to Neapolis to high-flying antics at the Circus Maximus, Falco does Vespasian proud, seeking out the schemers who would topple his regime, scouring the gin joints and flesh pots of the Roman Empire for a lead on one particularly devious nobleman....