Last Act in Palmyra is a 1994 historical mysterycrime novel by Lindsey Davis and the sixth book of the Marcus Didius Falco Mysteries series. Set in Rome, Nabatea, and Palmyra, the novel stars Marcus Didius Falco, informer and imperial agent. The title refers to the hunt undertaken by Falco for a murderer, the last act of which takes place in Palmyra, as well as plays upon Falco's temporary employment as a playwright with a travelling theatre group.
Plot summary
In Last Act in Palmyra, Falco takes on a new spying mission for Vespasian to the east of the Empire. He also plans to investigate the disappearance of a young musician, Sophrona. Falco and Helena Justina travel to Petra, where they encounter a theatre group who have just lost their playwright due to drowning. Joining them, Falco attempts to fulfill his various investigations, whilst at the same time write his new play, The Spook Who Spoke.
Characters in "Last Act in Palmyra"
Main characters
Anacrites — Imperial spy
Helena Justina — Daughter of the Senator Decimus Camillus Verus
Marcus Didius Falco — Informer and Imperial Agent from the Aventine.
Members of the company make many references to New Comedy.
As noted in the footnotes (p. 401 UK paperback edition), Falco's play, The Spook Who Spoke, bears more than a little resemblance to Hamlet by William Shakespeare.
During the course of their journey, the travelling theatre company perform or refer to various plays, poems and playwrights. These include:
