Third Nero

''Davis''s prose is a lively joy, and Flavia''s Rome is sinister and gloriously real'' The Times on Saturday

Flavia Albia''s day-old marriage is in trouble - her new husband may be permanently disabled and they have no funds. So when Palace officials ask her to expose a traitor in their midst she is ready for the task.

Ever since the Emperor Nero committed suicide in AD 68, Rome has been haunted by ...