Reviews and Comments

The book provides many examples of how most people are naturally well intentioned. It is interesting to read in the context of Game Theory, specifically the iterated prisoners dilemma, where co-operation is overall the most successful strategy, and Corruptible - which discusses how those who are not co-operative can yield excessive power.

Interesting to reflect on how many of these stories could not happen now for various reasons, but they give a window into their times - which range from the 1890s to the 1950s

As usual with Lindsey Davis the detective element also leads to insights into the Roman water supply system, even bringing the real Julius Frontinus in as a character.

The exile of a Roman Mob Boss should lead to at least a temporary drop in crime, but does it?

Enjoyed to introduction to a new investigator member of the Falco family. Just a filled with insights into life in Roman times

In some places it reads more like an adventure story, but interesting insights into a different era.

Forensics with lots of twists and turns, and in this novel, plenty of shocks!

Often, when reading Grisham's stories, I discover something about the American legal system which I had not known, whereas these tales, although a good read did not particularly draw me in.

The intermingled threads are full of twists and surprises. A rare featuring of Network Time Protocol, and Certificate Expiry - though technical readers will be complaining that it does not work like that - but could this be yet another Red Herring?

I have enjoyed several of the Falco series, and this tale of his adopted daughter, Flavia Albia. also has a good blend of insight into Roman life and a mystery written in a light humorous style. Due to the large number of related characters and extensive use of the tria nomnia this book would have been better as holiday reading than fitting in reading chapters interspersed with other activities. I am still inclined to read more in this series

The in-depth sections on neurobiology - particularly the Neurobiology 101 are very informative, as is the reminder of how rapid progress is in this area. The scope of coverage of subjects is similar, but more recent, than The Emperor's New Mind. Although I believe strongly in the importance and power of individual decisions, so disagree on a fundamental level, he puts a strong case.