THE THIRD NERO is the latest in Lindsey Davis’ mystery series set in ancient Rome featuring intrepid sleuth Flavia Albia. The story finds our heroine frantic with anxiety over her brand new husband, Tiberius Manlius Faustus, who was struck by lightning on their wedding day.

"By THE THIRD NERO, no longer is [Albia] just Falco’s daughter; instead, she has evolved into a character who is likable in and of herself, someone who has found love and is willing to fight for what she believes in."

As the newlyweds attempt to start their union on the right foot, Albia is roped into helping officials of the tyrant Emperor Domitian. Loathsome as the job might be, she needs the money --- after all, housebound Tiberius can’t exactly be out and about, raking in the cash --- so she follows in her father Falco’s footsteps and goes to work for Rome’s emperor. Her first task? Interrogating two rich widows about whether their husbands were involved in a conspiracy against Rome’s Master and God. Soon, what begins as a small investigation spirals into a giant conundrum.

According to legend, Nero, the last Julio-Claudian emperor, never died and fled to the East. By this time, two pretenders, also known as “false Neros,” have risen and fallen, but a third, deadlier option is waiting in the wings to oust Domitian and create political chaos in Rome. This Nero is secretly supported by Parthia, Rome’s great enemy. Amidst all of this, there’s a traitor in the imperial palace…and it’s up to Albia and her friends to track down these deadly threats to Rome’s national security.

While Flavia Albia has never had the witty, sparkling presence of Falco --- in part because of her torrid past --- Davis has finally carved out a new space for her. By THE THIRD NERO, no longer is she just Falco’s daughter; instead, she has evolved into a character who is likable in and of herself, someone who has found love and is willing to fight for what she believes in. And longtime fans of the series will be happy to see members of the Didii, Falco’s vast extended family, pop up to aid Albia in her investigations. Readers might not be laughing out loud at Albia’s adventures, but they’re sure to be rooting for her every step of the way.