The Iron Hand of Mars

New York: Crown Publishers, 1993. F4 - A first American edition hardcover book SIGNED by Linsey Davis on the title page in very good condition in very good dust jacket that is mylar protected. Book has some bumped corners, some scattered chipping on the right side page edges, dust jacket and book have light discoloration and shelf wear. A Marcus Didius Falco Mystery. Although not marked in any way, this copy comes from the personal collection of Otto Penzler, legendary editor and founder of the Mysterious Press, and award-winning icon in the genre. 9.5"x6.5", 305 pages. Satisfaction Guaranteed. Marcus Didius Falco, Imperial Rome's answer to Columbo is on the case, in trouble again, and off to barbarian Germany in the latest of Lindsey Davis's antiquarian detective thrillers.Sent out of the way by the Titus Caesar, who is hot in pursuit of Falco's patrician girlfriend, Helena, Falco is on an undercover mission to Roman Germany. There he faces decidedly restless natives, Civilis--avery uncivil Batavian rebel chieftain and the famous XIV Gemina legion, who are after Falco's blood in revenge for old grudges.Baffled as usual, Falco crosses into barbarian territory. The omens are bad as Falco enters the forest accompanied only by an ingenue tribune, a troubled centurion, and twenty very dim recruits.Will Falco stumble on success in this tumultuous and troubled territory? Will he be able to fend off the Emperor's son and hold on to the fair Helena? The only certainty is that readers can count on Falco to fight for truth, justice, and the Roman way.. Signed by Author. First American Edition. Hardcover. Very Good/Very Good. 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall.