I had no idea when I started reading DESPERATE UNDERTAKING, that this was part of a series, but I was happy to find that it could be read as a standalone. I'm actually excited to go back and read more of this series now.

The mystery of the murder and setting was engaging and unique, and I was fascinated by the storyline. I listened to the audiobook copy of the book, which is quickly becoming one of my favorite ways to read when life gets busy, and I enjoyed the narrator, Lindsey Davis.

*many thanks to Minotaur and Macmillan Audio for the gifted copy for review

Thank you to the publishers, author and NetGalley for the free copy of this audio book.

I didn't realize when I requested this that it was the 10th in a series, but it was fine as a standalone. I may have enjoyed it more if I had read the other ones but it is not necessary. The historical aspect was very interesting, and the story had a nice pace. The narrator was good as well.

Beyond fantastic! I want more Flavia Albia! I want more Falco. Lindsey Davis is a master. Desperate Undertaking is a great addition to a great series.

I will start by saying I have no read any other books in either series of Roman mysteries, I didn't realize this was the 10th book in a series. But it barely had an effect on my experience.

A series of horrific, dramatic inspired murders begin happening around Ancient Rome. A friend of the first victim visits Flavia's auction house looking for her father to help solve the mystery, but her father is away on vacation, so Flavia decides to solve the case.

I loved the entire premise of both the murders and the mystery series as a whole. Set during ancient Rome, it was so interesting to see the social customs, the interpersonal relationships, the society structure, and more through this kind of lens. It was also very interesting how all the murders centered around Dramatic classics and the theater. Learning about Roman theater was also fascinating. The minor details that Davis included that tell the tale of how horrific the Romans could really be were honestly fascinating and made me wish I studied more classics during college.

As a whole, the mystery was very interesting until the reveal began. I started getting lost in details and the addition of more characters to the plot was confusing. I felt like the reveal came a bit out of left field and there had been no details to point in that direction before the reveal. The writing almost shifted and became so boring towards the end that it was difficult to maintain focus, no doubt part of the reason I found the last 25% confusing.

Overall very fun, and I fully plan to read the first book in the series.

In ancient Rome, Flavia Albia is hired to find who's killing actors in the 10th instalment of this Marcus Didius Falco spin-off series.

The murders pile up as actors are killed in ways that mimic deaths from famous plays. In Rome, plays end in actual death as the main character is killed at the end. How delightful.

Flavia Albia uses her extensive networking skills and knowledge of the city to find out who's lying and track down the killer while her husband takes care of the kids.

I have read all the books in this series so far, but I think this is the end for me. It's too gruesome and bleak. There's no kindness or hope. None of the characters like each other. Everyone is in it for themselves and the money. The main characters keep slaves, who they treat horribly. The atmosphere really feels like a society in collapse. Flavia Albia, as a foreigner, understands the class system in Rome. She sees the depravity in the city, with no one doing anything to improve things, and she has no desire to improve things, either. Just let it collapse.

I listened to the audiobook, read by Jane Collingwood. She does an amazing job, giving just the right amount of incredulity to Flavia Alba's voice.

A well-written, well-researched book in a series that's gotten too dark for me.

Thanks to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for access to an audio review copy of this book.