The Silver Pigs

by Lindsey Davis
The Silver Pigs cover
Good Books rating 3.83
Technical:
  • ID: 219
  • Added: 2025-09-04
  • Updated: 2025-09-04
  • ISBN: 9781446455357
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2011-02-15
  • Reviews: 3
Reviews
Carla Nayland · 2025-09-04
engaging 4.25

The book offers a delightful blend of an ingeniously resolved murder mystery and a vibrant, engaging setting with a strong cast of characters. The world of Falco is rich with energy and humor, making it a compelling read beyond just the crime plot.

This review highlights the enjoyment found not just in the mystery itself but in the overall atmosphere that Lindsey Davis creates around her protagonist, Marcus Didius Falco. The reviewer appreciates the 'fun and energy' of the setting and the strong supporting cast, suggesting that the book excels through its character dynamics and lively depiction of ancient Rome. They find the resolution of the murder mystery clever but emphasize that the real appeal lies in the vivid world and engaging personality of Falco. The tone suggests a warm recommendation for readers who value character-driven historical mysteries.

Quick quotes

    I read The Silver Pigs not for the whodunnit (although the murder is ingeniously resolved), but for the fun and energy of Falco's world, the strong cast of characters.

    The book succeeds because the characters are so strong and the world so vivid.

    Falco's world is engaging and full of life, which makes the story compelling beyond the mystery.

Girl with her Head in a Book · 2013-11-30
disengaged 2.75

The mystery revolves around smuggling and fraud but the reviewer felt somewhat disengaged toward the end. The story loses momentum for them, suggesting that the intrigue wasn't enough to maintain their interest throughout the entire book.

The reviewer from 'Girl with her Head in a Book' acknowledges the central mystery of smuggling and fraud as the heart of the novel but admits to feeling 'switched off' by the book's conclusion. Although the book starts strongly, the interest wanes as the plot progresses, indicating that the pacing or development of the mystery might not fully satisfy some readers. This perspective points to a more mixed reception, where the premise is appreciated but the execution towards the end does not fully engage the reviewer.

Quick quotes

    The mystery of The Silver Pigs centres around smuggling and fraud.

    By the end of the book I was a bit switched off.

    I was very much ready to move on by the story's conclusion.

Euro Crime · 2008-03-23
entertaining 4.50

The Silver Pigs is praised for its compelling mix of suspense and character-driven relationships, notably an 'uneasy truce' evolving into something more. The novel is considered a very entertaining and well-crafted historical crime story.

This review emphasizes the layered character dynamics in 'The Silver Pigs', particularly the complex relationship that develops alongside the crime plot. The reviewer finds the book to be a very entertaining read that balances suspense with character development, noting the 'hate-hate relationship' trope turned into an engaging narrative element. They appreciate Lindsey Davis's skill in weaving a strong plot with memorable interpersonal tension, contributing to the novel's appeal as a historical mystery. Overall, the tone is very positive, highlighting the book's blend of intrigue and character chemistry.

Quick quotes

    An uneasy truce forms between them and as in the best hate-hate relationships this develops into something more.

    THE SILVER PIGS is a very entertaining and well-crafted historical crime story.

    The book balances suspense and character-driven relationships exceptionally well.

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