Lindsey Davis describes herself modestly as “an English Lady Pensioner.” She is certainly an English Lady, but as an author she is far too prolific to fit any definition of the word retired. The author of 27 books, Davis’ most famous creation is Marcus Didius Falco, a series of detective novels set in Ancient Rome. Although she wins high marks from classicists—she was named honorary President of the Classical society and has been invited to speak at places like the Getty Villa—she balks at the idea that even the merest suggestion that the Falco novels filled rich details about every aspect of Roman life might be described as “educational.” Instead, she insists they’re entertainment. That they are. In this interview, we talk to Ms Davis about the reasons for the enduring popularity of the detective genre and why she resonated with the Roman Empire as a backdrop for her novels. (The answers will surprise you.) Currently, Ms Davis is writing books in a spin-off series about Falco’s daughter who is also a detective. You can find Ms Davis on the web at www.lindseydavis.co.uk. All 27 of her books are available on Amazon. If you’re looking for a place to explore her work there’s no better place than with The Silver Pigs, the award-winning first novel in the Falco series. Be sure to rate and comment in iTunes.