Invitation to Die

A Short Story of Falco's Rome

By: Lindsey Davis

Narrated by: Jonathan Keeble

Length: 2 hrs and 57 mins

Publisher's Summary

Emperor Domitian is hosting a banquet for the senators in honour of fallen soldiers, and it's an invitation Aelianus and Justinus Camillus dare not refuse. 

On arrival, they enter a black-painted room furnished with couches resembling those found in mausoleums, complete with a tombstone bearing each of the senators' names. As the evening progresses the brothers conclude that Domitian has finally turned against them for their uncle's part in a plot to oust his father and start to wonder if they'll ever see the light of day again.... 

©2019 Lindsey Davis (P)2019 Hodder & Stoughton Limited

Very satisfying!

Davis reasserts her ability as a story teller. Can we look forward to more stories like this?

This is like the first course

This short story about Falco's brothers-in-law, both senators at this point (best to know the characters in the Falco series before listening to this) and an episode while Domitian was Emperor. Domitian was at sharp odds with the Senate, and this story would be an example of his tyranny towards them. I found an academic article by Jane Levi, "Melancholy and Mourning," from which we can see that this story by Lindsey Davis is quite historically accurate, even if not to the last detail (or the actual characters). I gather from what I've read that Domitian was a more complex character, however, and was not necessarily bad for Rome. That does not come across in this short story, but I do plan on listening to another book by Lindsey Davis about Domitian's reign. It will certainly be interesting. This short story has no complex plot - it basically tells of an event, interesting and rather disconcerting, especially if you didn't read the history first and know the outcome (I didn't - only after). The narration was good, but Lindsey Davis has had better narrators. If you are a fan of stories about ancient Rome, then I'd highly recommend this short listen.

Disappointed

A piece full of flowery descriptions, but lacking a story. Instead, a real life event told from the perspectives of the Camilli. Despite being described as a Flavia Albia short story, somewhat predictably she doesn’t actually appear at all.

Hope this is a new series

really loved this story.

good characters ... more about the Helena's brothers please.

very absorbing, humorous...more please

Domitian J. Trump!

A perfect allegory of the Trump Whitehouse. Normalcy will eventually overcome tyranny. Cross fingers every one.

Thrilling stuff

An exciting, atmospheric and curious story. We'll read as ever by Mr J K. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

An excellent tale

Roman history brought to life depicting the horror of Domitian's cruelty. Lindsey Davis is brilliant at putting vernacular speech into the characters of Ancient Rome until you can almost hear the sounds, smell the dirty streets and live their lives as if it were happening today. More please

more please

more please of the family and the brothers woking together to work against the emperor in the background.

love this book

Good short story suitable for the beach on a hot sunny day. easy listening for me

Masterful Short story of impact of Domitian

I am a Fan of Falco and Flavia so naturally enjoyed short story that involving Helena , Aurelius, Justinus and Claudia.

The background is Domintian’s “Triumph “ and the way he wants to intimidate the Senate with a theatrical dinner.

The author has managed to bring alive the the fear and humour of the situation.
The narrator spoke clearly and gave a great performance
thoroughly recommended.