Libertus Mystery of Roman Britain Series by Rosemary Rowe

It is the 2nd century A.D., and Libertus, a freedman and pavement-maker, has a reputation for solving crime. When his influential patron asks for his help in a politically-sensitive murder case, Libertus is in no position to refuse. When the main suspect is also found murdered, the truth seems elusive.

Libertus witnesses the stabbing of Quintus Ulpius, a wealthy decurion—but he is not fatally wounded. Libertus is commanded by his wealthy patron Marcus to investigate the attack, but Quintus is soon found dead. When one of his enemies is found with blood stains on his toga, for Marcus the case is closed. But Libertus thinks otherwise.

When Perennis Felix, favorite of the Roman Emperor and would-be enemy of all, heralds his arrival in Glevum with the capricious execution of a slave, there are few who dare to question his actions. Indeed, a feast in his honor is universally approved in the cause of self-preservation. Libertus, freedman and pavement-maker, and his patron, Marcus Septimus, are among the reluctant citizens at the celebration... moreWhen Perennis Felix, favorite of the Roman Emperor and would-be enemy of all, heralds his arrival in Glevum with the capricious execution of a slave, there are few who dare to question his actions. Indeed, a feast in his honor is universally approved in the cause of self-preservation. Libertus, freedman and pavement-maker, and his patron, Marcus Septimus, are among the reluctant citizens at the celebration. But the festivities come to a sudden halt when Felix appears to choke on a nut and dies in front of a stunned gathering. And soon, the ever-vigilant Libertus notices the mysterious disappearance of at least two guests. Is it possible that behind Felix's seemingly accidental death there lies something infinitely more sinister? less

Libertus is in Londinium, at the invitation of the Roman Governor, when news arrives of the brutal murder of Caius Monnius, the city's chief corn-officer. Still reeling from the shock of catching sight of the wife he lost to slavery 20 years earlier, only to lose her again, the ever-inquisitive Libertus is, for once, uninterested in unmasking the murderer. But when the Roman Governor asks you to investigate, you can't say no... moreLibertus is in Londinium, at the invitation of the Roman Governor, when news arrives of the brutal murder of Caius Monnius, the city's chief corn-officer. Still reeling from the shock of catching sight of the wife he lost to slavery 20 years earlier, only to lose her again, the ever-inquisitive Libertus is, for once, uninterested in unmasking the murderer. But when the Roman Governor asks you to investigate, you can't say no. The dead man's mother is convinced that the truth behind the killing lies with Fortunatus, a celebrated charioteer with whom Monnius' wife was having an affair. But with the discovery of a second corpse, it soon becomes clear that this case is more complex—and more sinister—than anyone ever expected. less

Reunited at last with his long-lost wife, Libertus returns to Glevum. But his new-found happiness is rudely interrupted by the news that a visiting Roman ambassador has been murdered in the temple of the Imperial cult. Events take a bizarre and chilling turn when the body disappears, and a superstitious terror grips the town when unearthly wails are heard coming from the temple, and bloodstains begin to appear as if from nowhere.

Despite the opulence of the evening's banquet, Libertus is keen to return to his wife and a warm bed. But this feast has a finale to put any diner off his dessert—the guest of honor is found dead in the vomitorium. To Libertus's horror, his patron Marcus Septimus is arrested on suspicion of murder. Then when Libertus is accused of being Marcus's accomplice, he is forced to go on the run... moreDespite the opulence of the evening's banquet, Libertus is keen to return to his wife and a warm bed. But this feast has a finale to put any diner off his dessert—the guest of honor is found dead in the vomitorium. To Libertus's horror, his patron Marcus Septimus is arrested on suspicion of murder. Then when Libertus is accused of being Marcus's accomplice, he is forced to go on the run. Hiding in a dark corner of the city, he quickly realizes he's an unwelcome visitor to those who haunt the shadows. Soon Libertus is in danger, and this time there's no one to help. less

Glevum, AD 188. Lying in his sick bed, weak and disoriented, Libertus is strictly forbidden visitors. But when Marcus Septimus forces his way in, desperate to speak to the pavement-maker, Libertus knows that something is seriously wrong. Marcus's beloved wife Julia and their baby son have disappeared without a trace. And now a ransom note has arrived: unless Marcus uses his power to release a certain political prisoner, he will never see his family alive again... moreGlevum, AD 188. Lying in his sick bed, weak and disoriented, Libertus is strictly forbidden visitors. But when Marcus Septimus forces his way in, desperate to speak to the pavement-maker, Libertus knows that something is seriously wrong. Marcus's beloved wife Julia and their baby son have disappeared without a trace. And now a ransom note has arrived: unless Marcus uses his power to release a certain political prisoner, he will never see his family alive again. Libertus is well aware of Marcus's dilemma: give in to the kidnappers and sacrifice his reputation for being fair and unmoved by bribery, or stand firm and provoke unimaginable consequences. But Libertus has also made a powerful enemy. How can he help his patron -- and himself -- this time? less

In Roman Britain, AD 189, every slave knows his lot in life depends solely upon the morals—or lack thereof—of his master. Fortunately for one young Glevum slave, Junio, his owner believes heartily in rewarding years of loyalty and service. Libertus, a former slave turned pavement-maker, is to grant Junio his freedom in an elaborate ceremony at the Basilica Law Court... moreIn Roman Britain, AD 189, every slave knows his lot in life depends solely upon the morals—or lack thereof—of his master. Fortunately for one young Glevum slave, Junio, his owner believes heartily in rewarding years of loyalty and service. Libertus, a former slave turned pavement-maker, is to grant Junio his freedom in an elaborate ceremony at the Basilica Law Court. And what better moment than the manumission to announce the boy's engagement to be married? But the young couple's happiness is threatened by a terrible omen: the gruesome discovery of a corpse, hastily concealed in a shallow grave. Who is it? And, more importantly, who would go to any lengths to cover up their heinous crime? Determined to solve the mystery before the impending nuptials, Junio joins his mentor Libertus in trying to piece together an elaborate mosaic of murder. less

A society wedding turns deadly in the days of the Roman Empire . . . Second-century sleuth Libertus must prove a bride's innocence in this exciting, twisty mystery in the critically-acclaimed series set in Roman Britain. A perfect read for fans of Lindsey Davis and David Wishart.  “Rowe, a distinguished academic, excels at drawing the reader into second-century Roman Britain, effortlessly inserting historical context as well as clues... moreA society wedding turns deadly in the days of the Roman Empire . . . Second-century sleuth Libertus must prove a bride's innocence in this exciting, twisty mystery in the critically-acclaimed series set in Roman Britain. A perfect read for fans of Lindsey Davis and David Wishart.  “Rowe, a distinguished academic, excels at drawing the reader into second-century Roman Britain, effortlessly inserting historical context as well as clues. Her sympathetic hero will engage mystery fans and readers of the classics alike” –  Publishers Weekly  Pavement-maker Libertus, a former slave who is now a Roman citizen, is at a society wedding on behalf of his patron when the father of the bride is poisoned after testing the wedding wine. Pompeia, the bride, declares that she has caused the death, but Libertus is retained by the bridegroom to prove her innocence.   His investigations uncover hidden tensions, and when another guest is discovered murdered at his home, events take a different and more sinister turn . . .  Praise for Death at Pompeia’s  “ Cleverly plotted  and  chock-full of authentic period details and surprising twists , with an unexpected but satisfying ending” Booklist  “A crisp and  skillfully plotted  whodunit  full of deft period detail ” Kirkus Reviews“A setup Agatha Christie fans would appreciate  forms the framework for  Rowe's fine 10th mystery  set in second-century Roman-occupied Britain . . .  Rowe does her usual excellent job  of integrating the details of everyday life into the plot” Publishers Weekly  “Libertus must quickly solve a puzzle that turns out to be his most challenging case. Sure to appeal to  fans of John Maddox Roberts”  Library Journal less

A compelling new mystery for Libertus, set against the backdrop of the Roman Empire in turmoil . . .An astonishing new order has usurped power in Rome and the reverberations are reaching even to Glevum, where the legion is preparing to depart... moreA compelling new mystery for Libertus, set against the backdrop of the Roman Empire in turmoil . . .An astonishing new order has usurped power in Rome and the reverberations are reaching even to Glevum, where the legion is preparing to depart. Libertus’s wealthy patron, until recently one of the most influential men in the Empire, finds himself not only deprived of the privilege and protection he had previously enjoyed, but under actual threat both from the political establishment in Rome and from an anonymous and vindictive enemy much closer to home.The murder of another councillor, similarly placed, makes the matter urgent. Libertus, whose humbler status affords obscurity, is charged with spiriting Marcus’s young family away to a place of safety. But his task will bring problems of its own, as Libertus uncovers a grisly secret and an ancient crime – with ramifications stretching to the present day. less

A stolen valuable is just the beginning of a trail of strange events Junio has to uncover in this skilfully plotted historical mystery set in 2nd century Britain.Late summer, CE 198. With Glevum an uneasy place since the current Emperor seized power, and with rebel Celts still actively opposing Roman rule, tension remains as Caesar turns his attention to stamping out all remaining threats to his authority... moreA stolen valuable is just the beginning of a trail of strange events Junio has to uncover in this skilfully plotted historical mystery set in 2nd century Britain.Late summer, CE 198. With Glevum an uneasy place since the current Emperor seized power, and with rebel Celts still actively opposing Roman rule, tension remains as Caesar turns his attention to stamping out all remaining threats to his authority.Junio, Libertus's adopted son, tries to be inconspicuous and focus on his workshop and growing family. This becomes difficult when Libertus's patron, Marcus Septimus, seeks Junio's advice about a valuable cloak-clasp which has disappeared - together with the jeweller who was repairing it.Unwillingly dragged into investigating this, Junio finds himself faced with a string of murders, betrayal and revenge, and his own small son in dreadful jeopardy! What secret was the missing jeweller hiding? What danger lurks in the ill-omened cave? And what part does the mysterious Celtic visitor who suddenly appears, play in this tale of treachery? less