A Body in the Bath House

A Body in the Bath House is a 2001 historical mystery crime novel by Lindsey Davis and the 13th book of the Marcus Didius Falco Mysteries series. Set in Rome and Britannia in AD 75, the novel stars Marcus Didius Falco, informer and imperial agent. The title refers to the discovery of a corpse hidden beneath the floor of one bath house and a murder which takes place in another. American editions spell "bathhouse" in the title as one word.

Plot summary

When Marcus Didius Falco discovers a corpse hidden under the floor of his new bath house, he starts to track down the men responsible – Glaucus and Cotta. He also receives a commission from the Emperor Vespasian. A building project for the British Chieftain Togidubnus is running late and over-budget. The first phase of construction had gone smoothly – the first buildings on site were granaries, providing a supply base for the Roman army, constructed in the early part of the conquest. But progress had stalled on the stone-walled house and bath suite that would be Togidubnus's residence. Suspecting that the men he seeks have fled to Britain, Falco accepts the mission and travels there with his wife, two baby daughters, their nurse, and his two brothers-in-law Aelianus and Justinus.
Falco arrives at Fishbourne and starts by investigating corrupt practices. However events quickly take a turn for the worse when the Chief Architect is found murdered in the bath-house of the British King. Falco takes over the project and investigates the killings.

Characters

In Rome

Aulus Camillus Aelianus – Younger brother of HelenaAnacrites – Chief SpyCamilla Hyspale – Nursemaid to Julia and FavoniaMarcus Didius Geminus – Father of Falco, AuctioneerGlaucus and Cotta – Bath House ContractorsSosia Favonia – Daughter of Falco and HelenaHelena Justina – Wife of Falco, and daughter of the Senator Decimus Camillus VerusJulia Junilla Laeitana – Daughter of Falco and HelenaLucius Petronius Longus – Friend of Falco and Vigiles OfficerMaia Favonia – Falco's widowed sisterMarcus Didius Falco – Informer and Imperial Agent.Perella – Dancer and SpyQuintus Camillus Justinus – Younger brother of AelianusVespasian – Emperor of Rome

In Britain

Alexas – DoctorBlandus – PainterCyprianus – Clerk of WorksGaius – ClerkLupus – Overseas labour force supervisorMagnus – SurveyorMandumerus – Local labour force supervisorMarcellinus – Retired ArchitectMilchato – Marble MasonPhilocles – MosaicistPlancus – Assistant ArchitectPomponius – Project ManagerRectus – Draining EngineerSextius – Mechanical statue-sellerStrephon – Assistant ArchitectT. Claudius Togidubnus – Great King of the BritonsTimagenes – GardenerVerovolcus – Briton working for TogidubnusVirginia – Barmaid

Major themes

Investigation into corruption at the building of a palace of an influential Roman ally.
The obsessive pursuit of Maia by Anacrites.
Falco's induction of his brothers-in-law as his investigative associates

Allusions/references to history

Set in Rome and Britannia, in AD 75, during the reign of Emperor Vespasian.
Fishbourne Roman Palace, in the village of Fishbourne in West Sussex, is one of the most important archaeological sites in England.
Tiberius Claudius Cogidubnus was a 1st-century king of the Regni in early Roman Britain.

Release details

2001, UK, Century Hardback
2002, UK, Arrow, Paperback
UK, Chivers/BBC AudioBooks, read by Christian Rodska, Cassettes CD audios
UK, Isis, Large Print
2002, US, Mysterious Press, Hardback
US, Mysterious Press, Paperback