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The Ghosts of Glevum (A Libertus Mystery of Roman Britain, book 6)

Author : Rosemary Rowe

Publisher : Headline

Page : 218 pages

File Size : 35,20 MB

Release : 2013-04-11

Category : Fiction

ISBN : 1472205103

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Book Description

Roman Britain is brought vividly to life in this gripping mystery... An opulent evening banquet turns deadly in The Ghost of Glevum, the sixth historical thriller from Rosemary Rowe's gripping Libertus series. The perfect read for fans of David Wishart and Lindsey Davis. 'Rosemary Rowe does paint an incredible picture of life for the really poor in Roman times - Mystery Woman 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 honour 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 realises 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... What readers are saying about The Ghosts of Glevum: 'Rowe managed to combine real research with a cracking good tale' 'Found this depiction of the underclass in Romano-British society particularly interesting' 'Excellently written'



The Detective as Historian

Author : Ray Browne

Publisher : Cambridge Scholars Publishing

Page : 240 pages

File Size : 38,82 MB

Release : 2009-03-26

Category : Literary Criticism

ISBN : 1443807559

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Book Description

"Deeper understanding of history is enhanced by encasing it in art and interest. Crime fiction is one of the widest and most rapidly growing forms of literature. Historical crime fiction serves effectively the double purpose of entertaining while it teaches. The "truth" of the narrative account, the editors of this volume believe, is dependent on the understanding of human nature reflected in the author who writes the narrative. "Historical crime fiction," the editors of this volume write, "has an obligation and a golden opportunity. It must bring the past up to the present through the device of timeless crime and it must take the reader into the world about which is being written so that the characters are alive and the events interesting and challenging." Professional writers of fiction need to be more effective than mere authors of dates and assumed motivations. Therefore they can fill in human motivations and drives where no records exist and can aid the professional historians in what historian David Thelen calls the "challenge of history " which is "to recover the past and [interpret it for] the present." The essays in this volume accept the challenge and make major accomplishments for meeting it.



The Legatus Mystery (A Libertus Mystery of Roman Britain, book 5)

Author : Rosemary Rowe

Publisher : Headline

Page : 219 pages

File Size : 38,51 MB

Release : 2013-04-11

Category : Fiction

ISBN : 147220509X

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Book Description

A deadly puzzle from the days of the Roman Empire... Libertus must uncover the sinister truth after a murdered body goes missing in The Legatus Mystery, the fifth thriller in Rosemary Rowe's gripping crime series. Perfect for fans of Simon Scarrow and Lindsey Davis. 'Cunningly drawn and the very devil to fathom until the final pages' - Coventry Evening Telegraph The murdered body of a visiting ambassador from Rome is discovered in the temple of the Imperial cult and once again freedman and pavement-maker Libertus is called upon to investigate. Events take a bizarre and chilling turn when the body disappears, and then unearthly wails are heard coming from the temple and mysterious bloodstains start to appear from nowhere. But Libertus is sure there is a more human explanation for the murder and he is to uncover still more unsettling events before the truth is finally revealed... What readers are saying about The Legatus Mystery: 'The pace of the series continues to build' 'A cracking mystery laced with fascinating details of Roman life, and believable characters' 'The best Roman series currently around just got better...'



Dark Omens

Author : Rosemary Rowe

Publisher : Severn House Publishers Ltd

Page : 240 pages

File Size : 38,92 MB

Release : 2013-12-01

Category : Fiction

ISBN : 1780104626

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Book Description

Libertus accepts a contract to install a pavement for Genialis, a self-important citizen from a nearby town, in the house of the customer's intended but unwilling and young bride, Silvia. However, the winter is exceptionally severe, and although the mosaic is laid in time to earn the promised bonus, Genialis goes missing in the snow before payment can be made. Meanwhile, at an important feast, the sacrifice is spoiled as an aged priest lets go of the sacrificial ram – and when news arrives that the Emperor is dead, it seems that these dark omens are being realised. The subsequent discovery of not one, but two mutilated corpses only adds to this. Who holds the answer to the mysteries? Everyone had motive; Libertus attempts to solve the mystery against a backdrop of superstitious fear of auguries, and public riots following the confirmation of the Emperor's death.



Vestal Vanishes

Author : Rosemary Rowe

Publisher : Severn House Publishers Ltd

Page : 240 pages

File Size : 35,52 MB

Release : 2011-11-01

Category : Fiction

ISBN : 1780100671

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Book Description

A Libertus Mystery of Roman Britain - The marriage of a former vestal virgin is always an important event, so the anticipated arrival of such a bride in Glevum is the excuse for an even more lavish banquet than usual on the Emperor's birthday feast. However, when Audelia's covered carriage finally arrives, the lady in question is nowhere to be found. Libertus investigates and makes a gruesome discovery, suggesting that Druid rebels may have been involved. But when another lady disappears, Libertus finds himself in a race against time to ensure the safety of the 'vanishing vestals'.



Death at Pompeia's Wedding

Author : Rosemary Rowe

Publisher : Severn House Publishers Ltd

Page : 159 pages

File Size : 27,12 MB

Release : 2011-04-01

Category : Fiction

ISBN : 178010023X

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Book Description

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. 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 Wedding: “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



The Fateful Day

Author : Rosemary Rowe

Publisher : Severn House Publishers Ltd

Page : 224 pages

File Size : 30,40 MB

Release : 2015-01-01

Category : Fiction

ISBN : 1780105932

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Book Description

A compelling new mystery for Libertus, set against the backdrop of the Roman Empire in turmoil and fighting for its survival . . . Libertus is passing the villa of his patron, Marcus Septimus Aurelius, when he sees an elaborate travelling carriage which has pulled up outside and is now blocking the road. Recognising that this may be an important visitor, Libertus approaches the carriage, intending to explain that Marcus is away, gone to Rome to visit his old friend Pertinax, who has recently been installed as Emperor. However, for his efforts, Libertus instead receives a torrent of abuse and the carriage-driver almost runs him down as he departs. Libertus is badly shaken, but goes back to the villa the next day to find out why there was no gate-keeper in evidence to deal with the stranger. There he finds a gruesome discovery: the man is dead and hanging in his hut, and none of the other house-slaves are to be found. Worse things are to follow as news arrives from Rome which will turn the lives, not only of Libertus and his family, but the whole Empire upside down . . .



A Roman Ransom (A Libertus Mystery of Roman Britain, book 8)

Author : Rosemary Rowe

Publisher : Headline

Page : 260 pages

File Size : 42,48 MB

Release : 2013-04-11

Category : Fiction

ISBN : 147220512X

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Book Description

A thrilling glimpse of life in Roman Britain . . . A bedbound Libertus is faced with one of his toughest dilemmas yet, involving a dangerous ransom note. A Roman Ransom is the perfect read for fans of David Wishart and Lindsey Davis. 'It's a humdinger of a plot with more twists and turns than a spiral staircase' - Northern Echo 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, wrapped in the hem of Julia's stola: 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? What readers are saying about A Roman Ransom: 'Rowe captures a genuine atmosphere in a way unequalled by almost any other author of the Roman period' 'Another fine addition to the Libertus series' 'Rosemary Rowe is unsurpassed in creating a picture of Roman Britain'



Murder in the Forum (A Libertus Mystery of Roman Britain, book 3)

Author : Rosemary Rowe

Publisher : Headline

Page : 222 pages

File Size : 41,64 MB

Release : 2013-04-11

Category : Fiction

ISBN : 1472205073

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Book Description

A Roman Emperor lies dead and a mystery is to be solved... As Libertus investigates a seemingly accidental death, sinister details begin to unravel. Murder in the Forum is the third historical crime thriller in Rosemary Rowe's gripping crime series, in the vein of Lindsey Davis but against a British background. 'Libertus himself is a highly diverting character, the story moves briskly along at chariot pace and there are many diversions along the highways and byways of Roman and Celtic life' - Northern Echo When Perennis Felix, favourite of the Roman Emperor and would-be enemy of all, heralds his arrival in Glevum (modern Gloucester) with the arbitrary execution of a slave, there are few who dare to question his actions. Indeed, a feast in his honour 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 an end when Felix appears to choke on a nut and dies in front of a stunned gathering. But Libertus suspects that behind Felix's apparently accidental death lies a much more sinister explanation... What readers are saying about Murder in the Forum: 'This series just keeps getting better' 'Best Libertus yet' 'Fascinating take on Romano-British life as captivating as ever'



The Chariots of Calyx (A Libertus Mystery of Roman Britain, book 4)

Author : Rosemary Rowe

Publisher : Headline

Page : 225 pages

File Size : 45,40 MB

Release : 2013-04-11

Category : Fiction

ISBN : 1472205081

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Book Description

Can Libertus crack a case of brutal murders and shocking twists? A tale of corruption and intrigue, The Chariots of Calyx is the fourth instalment in Rosemary Rowe's gripping Libertus series. The perfect read for fans of Stephen Saylor and Lindsey Davis. 'Well-researched and eminently readable... Readers can enjoy the plot and soak up facts about Roman life and Language' - South Wales Argus Libertus, freedman and pavement-maker, finds himself in Londinium at the invitation of the Roman Governor when news arrives of the brutal murder of Caius Monnius, the chief corn-officer. Libertus is asked to investigate but his enquiries lead him in disparate directions. Who is the guilty one? The keeper of the granaries? The sinister Calyx and Glaucus, managers of the best chariot-racing team? Or Fortunatus, the handsome charioteer whose relations with the dead man's wife were reputed to be less than honourable? Not until Libertus finds a second corpse does he begin to understand what lies behind the corruption surrounding the interests of Monnius and the chariots of Calyx. What readers are saying about The Chariots of Calyx: 'I found the parallels between the Roman world and the modern one as intriguing as ever, especially the insights into corruption in high places' 'Combines wit, pace, intrigue and remarkable thought processes from our sleuth' 'Another addition to a first rate series of books'