A really fun performance

I enjoyed spending another few hours with Falco and friends in the dark and dangerous alleyways of Rome, although he did manage a couple of jaunts to the countryside as a change of scene. A reasonable plot concerning body parts discovered in the water system kept the action going, but the main enjoyment this time came from Christian Rodska’s energetic and, possibly at times a bit over the top, performances. A troupe of characters exhibited a wide range of roguish regional accents, speech idiosyncrasies and pompous tones, and I had the feeling that our narrator was relishing the opportunity to show off his range. To top it all off his voicing of Falco is the only one I have heard that really fits the character of a working class, slightly disreputable informer who inhabits the world of low-lifes and criminals. Well done!

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THREE HANDS IN THE FOUNTAIN

Firstly, I must recommend that the Falco stories are heard or read in order. It’s really important, I think, to learn who Falco is and get to grips with his family and history. Whilst not essential, I do believe it gives the best experience. Now, I didn’t do this, but I still love Marcus and his stories. I have to say, and I find it very important to stress, that CHRISTIAN RODSKA is ace at bringing Falco to life. Whilst Anton is a close second in the BBC adaptations, CR brings just the right cadence and tone to the narration. He nails it and brings Falco to life - warm and utterly believable. The quality of the story lines are pretty good I think but Christian tops off the audible to outstanding. Other narrators are sub par and the value of those stories suffer ultimately. With Christian, you’ve got a winner. Three hands in the Fountain is a vehicle for Falco and his best mate Petronius to put their Roman minds to solving the mystery ….. my advice is (without doubt as read by CR) join them for the ride. You won’t be disappointed.

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Ruined by the narrator.

Another great Falco story but with too many comedy voices. Scythax is from the East and had a dozy Geordie accent. The census scribes were like Julian and Sandy from Round the Horne and too many other characters sounded like they should've been in a Carry On film. The narrator tried hard but didn't quite get what Falco is all about.

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5 people found this helpful

Another Great Read from Lindsey Davis

Roman Lifestyle and an excellent. murder mystery with all the joy of the perfect relationship thrown in written by a woman of course-CONGRATULATIONS LINDSEY DAVIS

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"Tell Helena I love her."

Marcus Didius Falco relates.another of his more macabre investigations undertaken with best friend Petro. After a severed and fingerless band is found blocking an outlet of one of Rome's water supplies and with no knowledge of how it had come to be there, the men are commissioned to put an end to such occurrences. Helena has recently given birth to Julia, their first child and the story is filled with the bustle and squabbles of family life, of wayward relatives and assorted Roman neighbours and ne'er do wells. The streets and bureaucracy of Rome under Vespasian brought to life in fascinating atmospheric experiencing.
Narration is by Christian Rodska, and is vibrant and enthusiastic, with individual voicing for the assorted characters, although all of his female protagonists have a verbal cartoon quality which adds humour but is nevertheless annoying. His performance is good but for me it is always Anton Lesser who is the true voice of Falco.

As always, three Hands in the Fountain is such a pleasure for any reader with a fondness for books set in this period - and a good mystery , as well.

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Gruesome

Not so funny this time and you need a strong stomach or is that just me! Interesting detail about waterworks and how things worked then. OveralI, I prefer the more light -hearted Falco.

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Another tempting tale

The reader does a great job of setting the mood through each scene. The historical detail of the aqueducts really interested me, and I brought out a map to follow Falco's trek out into 'la campagna'.

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Best narrator of Falco!

I do like the narration on this book. He's much better at portraying the man from the Aventine than the others.

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1 person found this helpful

superb entertainment

believable characters , great storyline , I just sat back & thoroughly enjoyed the ride , audiobook at it's best .

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comedy voices ruin the story

I've enjoyed these books in print and enjoyed listening to earlier stories. Unfortunately, the over-the-top comedy voices given to the side characters had me grinding my teeth. I won't be ordering another Lindsey Davis with this narrator.

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