In the Shadow of Vesuvius

A wonderfully researched book detailing a “modern” excavation of Pompeii in 1902 and the day’s leading up to the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 AD. In the Shadow of Vesuvius by Tasha Alexander is the perfect book to read if you have been to Pompeii or wish to visit the site. (In the Shadow of Vesuvius will be released by Minotaur Books on January 7.)

Lady Emily and her husband Colin Hargreaves are invited by a friend to visit Italy. Among the sites is Pompeii. They take a tour with a working archaeology crew that is comprised of the rare female archaeologist, her moody brother - a painter,  and the group leader American Balthazar Taylor. Joining in is Lady Emily's irascible friend the Duke of Bainbridge and a young woman who claims a relationship to the Hargreaves family. 

While touring the site, Lady Emily and her friend Ivy Brandon are fascinated by the plaster casts of the doomed citizens of Pompeii.  Excavation did not begin in earnest until the middle of the 1800s after the unification of Italy. Prior to that time, most of the site was pillaged for its art and treasures, much like the pyramids in Egypt. When it was mapped and charted block by block, it became and important tourist site. 

Excited to be visiting, Lady Emily and Ivy are wandering around when Lady Emily

discovers a plaster cast with sideburns,. She is puzzled because the early Romans were not known for this hair style. As Colin scrapes away some of the plaster, he discovers a newly dead body in it. Shocked, they summon the local police and the archaeologists. 

As they question the crew, Lady Emily believes someone knows more than he or she is saying and this leads her on a harrowing journey to solve the crime. 

The substory of a young Greek slave girl living in Pompeii and writing poetry gives a fascinating glimpse at life before the eruption.

A terrific tale of the last days of Pompeii.