First published 2021
Rome celebrates Saturnalia in mid-December, the festival honoring the sun's rebirth that transforms into a citywide drunken celebration. Investigator Flavia Albia finds herself without work as the holiday suspends normal business. The Aventine quarter erupts with domestic chaos. Wives scheme to abandon husbands while masters endure servants taking outrageous liberties. Albia faces her own household troubles with overexcited children, sick guests, and endless pranks. Her magistrate husband Tiberius worries about a brewing Nut War, as nuts serve as both holiday treats and weapons for intoxicated revelers. A criminal gang from years past returns to claim their share of the profitable nut trade. When violence reaches Albia's doorstep and law enforcement takes a holiday break, she and Tiberius must handle the crisis alone. Emperor Domitian has promised citizens magnificent entertainment, but the old criminals target him with fresh plots. Albia races to prevent criminal forces from overwhelming Rome as the winter solstice approaches.
Genres: historical-fiction, mystery, crime, thriller
Vibes: suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, found-family
Setting: Aventine, Rome
Period: Mid-December, Winter Solstice
386 pages · Hardcover · Hodder & Stoughton