One Virgin Too Many

One Virgin Too Many is a 1999 historical mystery crime novel by Lindsey Davis and the 11th book of the Marcus Didius Falco Mysteries series. Set in Rome between 27 May and 7 June AD 74, the novel stars Marcus Didius Falco, informer and imperial agent. The title refers to the Vestal Virgins lottery that is a key plot device.

Plot summary

When a frightened child approaches Marcus Didius Falco with a plea for help, he does not believe her. One quarrel with the family does not mean that a relation is trying to kill her. Beset by his own family troubles, his new responsibilities as Procurator of the Sacred Poultry, and the continuing search for a new partner, he decides to send her home.
However, he almost immediately regrets it. Gaia Laelia comes from a pre-eminent Roman family with a long history of key religious positions. Gaia, herself, is considered the most likely candidate for election to the office of Vestal Virgin. When she disappears, Falco is officially asked to investigate.
Meanwhile, Helena's brother Aelianus has problems of his own. In an attempt to restart his political career – stalled by his younger brother's elopement with his wealthy fiancee – he tries to gain election to the Arval Brethren. During the night-time ceremonies, however, Aelianus stumbles across the body of one of the Brethren with his throat cut as if he had been sacrificed.
Unable to bring in the Vigiles, Falco is forced to search the house of Gaia Laelia alone, aware that time is running out for finding her before the lottery takes place, or even alive.

Characters

A. Camillus Aelianus – Older brother of HelenaAnacrites – Chief SpyAriminius Modullus – PriestAthene – Gaia's nursemaidBerenice – Queen of Judaea and lover of TitusCaecilia Paeta – Mother of GaiaCloelia – Maia's daughterConstantia – Vestal VirginDecimus Camillus Verus – Father of Helena, Aulus and JustinusFabius – Falco's uncleGaia Laelia – Wannabe Vestal VirginGeminus – Father of Falco, AuctioneerGlaucus and Cotta – Bath House ContractorsHelena Justina – Wife of Falco, and daughter of the Senator Decimus Camillus VerusJulia Junilla – Daughter of Falco and HelenaJunilla Tacita – Mother of FalcoLaelius Scaurus – Father of GaiaLaelius Numentinus – PriestLucius Petronius Longus – Friend of Falco and Vigiles OfficerMaia Favonia – Falco's widowed sisterMarcus Didius Falco – Informer and Imperial Agent.Marius – Maia's sonMeldina – FreewomanQ. Camillus Justinus – Younger brother of HelenaRubella – Tribune of the Fourth Cohort of VigilesRutilius Gallicus – Ex-consulStatilia Laelia – Aunt of GaiaTerentia Paulla – Ex-Vestal VirginTitus Caesar – Son of VespasianVentidius Silanus – Arval BrotherVespasian – Emperor of Rome

Major themes

Investigation into the disappearance of a young girl who is expected to be the next Vestal.
Investigation into the murder of one of the Arval Brethren.

Allusions/references to actual history, geography and current science

Set in Rome in AD 74, during the reign of Emperor Vespasian.
In Ancient Rome, the Vestal Virgins, were the virgin holy priestesses of Vesta, the goddess of the hearth. Their primary task was to maintain the sacred fire of Vesta. The Vestal duty brought great honour and afforded greater privileges to women who served in that role. They were the only female priests within the Roman religious system.
The Arval Brethren were a body of priests in ancient Rome who offered annual sacrifices to lares and gods to guarantee good harvests. The modern world knows them mainly for their stone-carved records of their oaths, rituals and sacrifices.

Release details

1999, UK, Century Hardback
2000, UK, Arrow, Paperback
UK, Chivers/BBC AudioBooks, read by Christopher Scott,
2000, UK, Isis, Large Print
2000, US, Mysterious Press, Hardback
US, Mysterious Press, Paperback