Flavia Albia, a "private informer" in First Century Rome, has her own rules for taking on new cases: never do favors for friends or family; don't take on clients who are unable to pay; avoid working with anyone you find attractive. Although her latest case--a burglary and double murder of middle-class, middle-aged newlyweds--breaks all those rules, Albia can't resist. The result is a highly entertaining journey through the streets of ancient Rome.
In her second Flavia Albia novel, Lindsey Davis (author of a series featuring Albia's father, Marcus Didius Falco) explores a widespread social problem in Rome, where slaves far outnumbered their masters. If a head of household was murdered at home, the crime was automatically blamed on his slaves, who would be executed unless another culprit was found. Knowing this, Albia interviews the dead couple's slaves, their steward (a freedman) and several neighbors. In the seemingly happy household, she uncovers a nest of small jealousies, betrayals and complicated loyalties. Since her colleague on this case is the handsome magistrate Manlius Faustus, Albia (a widow) must also work to keep her professional life separate from her personal feelings.
Albia's voice--witty, intelligent, often caustic--is the great strength of this novel, which sometimes proves confusing with its liberal use of long Roman names and titles. Though the plot often meanders, it contains several satisfying twists (including a subplot on Roman gangs) and a tantalizing hint of romance. For mystery lovers and those interested in ancient Rome, Enemies at Home is a light, engaging read. --Katie Noah Gibson, blogger at Cakes, Tea and Dreams