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Libertus Mystery of Roman Britain #20
The Rewards of Treachery
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.
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?
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?
240 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 4, 2023
12 people are currently reading
78 people want to read
About the author
Rosemary Rowe
23 books45 followersA pseudonym used by Rosemary Aitken
Series:
* Libertus Mystery of Roman Britain
Series:
* Libertus Mystery of Roman Britain
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
February 1, 2025
**Read 4.5 STARS!**
This small but eventful Roman historical mystery is the 20th volume of the wonderful "Libertus" series, but now with his adoptive son Junio as the narrator and main protagonist.
The Author's Foreword at the beginning of the book contains a lot of subjects that are featuring in this enjoyable mystery.
Once again the author's storytelling is great, all characters are very human and lifelike, while also these dangerous Roman times in and around Glevum (Gloucester) come splendidly off the pages.
We are now four years on after out last encounter with the sadly forced departure of Libertus, and so this mystery is set in AD198 and with Junio Libertus's adoptive son as narrator.
Junio becomes involved in a case of a missing valuable cloak-clasp belonging to Julia, who's Marcus Septimus's wife, while the jeweller, Vitellius, has gone missing and later found murdered and his slave as well, and so Junio need to investigate about the who and why of this case, right until the explosive professionally and delighful personal end.
What is to follow as a whole is a entertaining and enjoyable Roman mystery, with a great storyline and a well worked-out plot, and all this is brought to us in a most compelling fashion by the author.
Very much recommended, for this is another admirable addition to this wonderful series, and that's why I like to call this latest episode: "A Captivating Treasonous Act"!
This small but eventful Roman historical mystery is the 20th volume of the wonderful "Libertus" series, but now with his adoptive son Junio as the narrator and main protagonist.
The Author's Foreword at the beginning of the book contains a lot of subjects that are featuring in this enjoyable mystery.
Once again the author's storytelling is great, all characters are very human and lifelike, while also these dangerous Roman times in and around Glevum (Gloucester) come splendidly off the pages.
We are now four years on after out last encounter with the sadly forced departure of Libertus, and so this mystery is set in AD198 and with Junio Libertus's adoptive son as narrator.
Junio becomes involved in a case of a missing valuable cloak-clasp belonging to Julia, who's Marcus Septimus's wife, while the jeweller, Vitellius, has gone missing and later found murdered and his slave as well, and so Junio need to investigate about the who and why of this case, right until the explosive professionally and delighful personal end.
What is to follow as a whole is a entertaining and enjoyable Roman mystery, with a great storyline and a well worked-out plot, and all this is brought to us in a most compelling fashion by the author.
Very much recommended, for this is another admirable addition to this wonderful series, and that's why I like to call this latest episode: "A Captivating Treasonous Act"!
September 29, 2023
After the events in the previous book there is no Libertus in Glenvum now to.tell of treachery and murder so the task now falls to Junio the adopted son of Libertus. It's been a few years since we were last in Glenvum, Junio and Cillia are still in their roundhouse with their small family soon to be bigger by one as Cillia is close to giving birth to their fourth child. So the last thing Junio needs is Marcus sending for.him (something which he rarely does) There has been some drama at the estate lately with food disappearing and Marcus is keen to find the.culprit/s Junio has too much going on to worry about whether Marcus has had his dinner stolen but it would not be wise to offend the most senior Roman in Glenvum. So off he goes..........but it turns out it's not good thats gone missing this time it's an expensive piece of jewellery and Marcus is hoping Junio learnt more from Libertus than how to lay a mosaic floor, and that he is able to find the cloak clasp and get it back for him. There is also a mysterious visitor, a Gaul who shows a familiarity with the family, knowing all their names and such who claims to have a message for Junio it's an important message and one he didn't expect to receive................
May 28, 2023
Junio takes the starring role after Libertus fled at the end of the previous book. The story felt completely interchangeable with Junio dealing with Marcus and the slaves using his father’s methods. One thing I love about a long series is the continuity and development of the characters. They become integral to the story. We also get to see more of Junio’s family. Another enjoyable romp! Many thanks to Netgalley for an arc of this book.
September 19, 2023
This was excellent and very enjoyable. I almost gave it 5 stars. It aslmost made me miss my El stop. Lots of suspense toward the end, but not an excessive amount.
I'm so glad that the series does not end with the departure of Libertus and hope it will continue! To be fair, the author is now 81, so it would not be unreasonable for her to retire from writing this wonderful series. There is also a tying up of some loose ends in this book that could indicate that it's meant to be the last, but it's not clear. After all, we have a new senior detective now - I would like to see more of his work and his family.
Good mystery - or rather series of mysteries, some connected, which I did not guess, though I did pick up on one clue, which is enough for me.
News from an old friend and an interesting glimpse of the Dumnonii - the Celts of Devon and Cornwall - though sadly very little is known about their non-material culture.
One weird thing is that while fatherhood is an important part of the hero's life - he is anxious to do well in his business to provide for his four children - we are not told the names of three of them, nor even the gender of two of them! Except for one who has an adventure in this book, they're mostly just precious little beings who have to be guarded and cared for and who like to hug grownups around the knees.
I'm so glad that the series does not end with the departure of Libertus and hope it will continue! To be fair, the author is now 81, so it would not be unreasonable for her to retire from writing this wonderful series. There is also a tying up of some loose ends in this book that could indicate that it's meant to be the last, but it's not clear. After all, we have a new senior detective now - I would like to see more of his work and his family.
Good mystery - or rather series of mysteries, some connected, which I did not guess, though I did pick up on one clue, which is enough for me.
News from an old friend and an interesting glimpse of the Dumnonii - the Celts of Devon and Cornwall - though sadly very little is known about their non-material culture.
One weird thing is that while fatherhood is an important part of the hero's life - he is anxious to do well in his business to provide for his four children - we are not told the names of three of them, nor even the gender of two of them! Except for one who has an adventure in this book, they're mostly just precious little beings who have to be guarded and cared for and who like to hug grownups around the knees.
April 4, 2023
Junio Ably Takes Over For Libertus
The story starts several years after Libertus, the previous protagonist, fled from Glevum, modern Gloucester. Junio, his son, is having trouble with customer over an original mosaic flooring that did not turn out well. He heads home where is wife is near to giving birth to their next child. Marcus Aurelius, his patron, has sent for him. Junio interrupts Marcus and his house guest, the disgruntled mosaic customer. Marcus tells Junio that an expensive wedding gift to his wife is missing. There was a problem with the clasp, and his courier slave takes it to the Glevum silversmith, who created it, to repair it. A fake was returned. From this simple start complex and difficult investigation begins that turns dangerous to Junio and his family.
The author provided a Forward to her novel that provides some background to set the environment in which the novel is set. Reading this Forward is very important for this novel to understand the political and cultural tensions that existed at that time in the Roman Empire, Roman Brittan, and in Glevum, and the territory immediately surrounding it.
The main storyline thread is the investigation of missing piece of jewelry. It morphs quickly when a robbery and murder are discovered. The silversmith was killed in a manner associated to the Celts. Since a Roman citizen was killed in Glevum apparently by a Celt or Celts, Marcus and Junio start to fear for their own safety as they both live a little way outside Glevum. Junio who is part Celt is being visited by a Celt who doesn’t want Romans to known that he is there. The main storyline has many twists, turns, and misdirections. Every step forward seems to result in a roadblock that must be solved, all the while the threat of Celt violence against Junio turns into a kidnapping of Junio’s eldest son. Lastly, Junio’s wife, Cilla, is giving birth to their latest child. While there was an old woman there who was skilled in these matters, Junio still needed to finish a new roundhouse in which the children could sleep. My attention was captured quickly and maintained all the way to the novel’s end.
Even though Junio and his family have been in most of the previous novels in this series, he is the protagonist now and his mettle is put to the test. He no longer is in a support role but is the one responsible to act. Through his thoughts, the reader will see a person who isn’t completely comfortable and in Roman society but also see a person trying to navigate the challenges as his renowned father did. Reading this B-storyline enhanced my reading enjoyment.
There is not any vulgar or rude word in this novel. There was what could be considered as some impious language as there was some swearing using some Roman gods’ names. Violence generally is described after the fact, but they can be considered gruesome but are not described in much detail. Unless you are fluent is some archaic words, I recommend reading this novel on an e-reader that has a good dictionary and Internet access. I availed myself to these capabilities quite often while reading this novel. While this is labeled as a Libertus Mystery, this really the first novel with his son, Junio, as the protagonist. The references to events in the previous novel are described adequately, so this can be the first Libertus novel to read.
I could not find any issues with this novel. For me, it was a successful transition to a new protagonist while maintaining the set of so many enjoyable novels. As most mystery/thrillers the protagonist has a partner. It appears that Junio has found a partner in this novel. While I liked the twist at the end, what came next was what I like the most about this novel. I learned what happened to Libertus after he fled Glevum and some of his life that led to his capture and slavery.
As you may be surmised that Rosemary Rowe is one of my favorite authors. I have read all 19 of her previous Libertus novels. Like all the others, I could not stop reading this novel and thoroughly enjoyed reading it. If you like ancient Roman gumshoe novels, I strongly recommend this one. I rate it with five stars.
I received a free prepublication e-book version of this novel through NetGalley from Severn House. My review is based only on my own reading experience of this book. I wish to thank Severn House for the opportunity to read and review this novel early.
The story starts several years after Libertus, the previous protagonist, fled from Glevum, modern Gloucester. Junio, his son, is having trouble with customer over an original mosaic flooring that did not turn out well. He heads home where is wife is near to giving birth to their next child. Marcus Aurelius, his patron, has sent for him. Junio interrupts Marcus and his house guest, the disgruntled mosaic customer. Marcus tells Junio that an expensive wedding gift to his wife is missing. There was a problem with the clasp, and his courier slave takes it to the Glevum silversmith, who created it, to repair it. A fake was returned. From this simple start complex and difficult investigation begins that turns dangerous to Junio and his family.
The author provided a Forward to her novel that provides some background to set the environment in which the novel is set. Reading this Forward is very important for this novel to understand the political and cultural tensions that existed at that time in the Roman Empire, Roman Brittan, and in Glevum, and the territory immediately surrounding it.
The main storyline thread is the investigation of missing piece of jewelry. It morphs quickly when a robbery and murder are discovered. The silversmith was killed in a manner associated to the Celts. Since a Roman citizen was killed in Glevum apparently by a Celt or Celts, Marcus and Junio start to fear for their own safety as they both live a little way outside Glevum. Junio who is part Celt is being visited by a Celt who doesn’t want Romans to known that he is there. The main storyline has many twists, turns, and misdirections. Every step forward seems to result in a roadblock that must be solved, all the while the threat of Celt violence against Junio turns into a kidnapping of Junio’s eldest son. Lastly, Junio’s wife, Cilla, is giving birth to their latest child. While there was an old woman there who was skilled in these matters, Junio still needed to finish a new roundhouse in which the children could sleep. My attention was captured quickly and maintained all the way to the novel’s end.
Even though Junio and his family have been in most of the previous novels in this series, he is the protagonist now and his mettle is put to the test. He no longer is in a support role but is the one responsible to act. Through his thoughts, the reader will see a person who isn’t completely comfortable and in Roman society but also see a person trying to navigate the challenges as his renowned father did. Reading this B-storyline enhanced my reading enjoyment.
There is not any vulgar or rude word in this novel. There was what could be considered as some impious language as there was some swearing using some Roman gods’ names. Violence generally is described after the fact, but they can be considered gruesome but are not described in much detail. Unless you are fluent is some archaic words, I recommend reading this novel on an e-reader that has a good dictionary and Internet access. I availed myself to these capabilities quite often while reading this novel. While this is labeled as a Libertus Mystery, this really the first novel with his son, Junio, as the protagonist. The references to events in the previous novel are described adequately, so this can be the first Libertus novel to read.
I could not find any issues with this novel. For me, it was a successful transition to a new protagonist while maintaining the set of so many enjoyable novels. As most mystery/thrillers the protagonist has a partner. It appears that Junio has found a partner in this novel. While I liked the twist at the end, what came next was what I like the most about this novel. I learned what happened to Libertus after he fled Glevum and some of his life that led to his capture and slavery.
As you may be surmised that Rosemary Rowe is one of my favorite authors. I have read all 19 of her previous Libertus novels. Like all the others, I could not stop reading this novel and thoroughly enjoyed reading it. If you like ancient Roman gumshoe novels, I strongly recommend this one. I rate it with five stars.
I received a free prepublication e-book version of this novel through NetGalley from Severn House. My review is based only on my own reading experience of this book. I wish to thank Severn House for the opportunity to read and review this novel early.
March 28, 2023
Now starring Libertus’ son, Junio…
Rosemary Rowe’s The Rewards of Treachery is another excellent entry in her Libertus series – although in Treachery, the focus shifts from Libertus, who fled Glevum at the end of the previous book, to Libertus’ adopted son, Junio, who has taken up his father’s mosaic business, and also more-or-less inherited his father’s patron, Marcus Septimus. And with Marcus as a patron, Junio has also inherited – unwillingly - the assumption that he, like Libertus, will conduct investigations on Marcus’ behalf.
This case starts rather simply. Marcus would like Junio to investigate the disappearance of his wife’s jeweled cloak-clasp, which went missing while being repaired. And apparently, the jeweler who was repairing it has also gone missing. No matter that Junio’s wife, Cilla, is quite literally about to have a baby – Junio can’t afford to ignore Marcus, and he heads into town to hear the entire tale. However, things quickly get more complicated. Did the mysterious slave at the jeweler’s shop early that morning have anything to do with it? Or perhaps the local Silurians, who resent the Roman writ over all gold and silver mines, are involved? What about the oddly-familiar looking Celt who showed up at Junio’s house bearing a message? Of course, there’s tension drifting in from Rome as well, with the recent accession of Severus Septimius turning things upside down yet again, and with political changes making their way even to Roman Britain, at the far edges of the Empire.
Eventually, though, Junio manages to sort out the multiple tangled threads, and even more importantly, figure out which parts of the story can be safely shared with Marcus and which should be glossed over – or outright omitted - in the telling. As always, Rowe weaves a tight plot, while also putting readers in the middle of the lives of her characters, showing both the grit (the often casually abusive treatment of slaves, the dangers of childbirth) and the moments of happiness (Cilla and Junio have a healthy new baby boy). And there’s some bitter-sweet news in the epilogue too.
On a personal level, having enjoyed the Libertus books for decades, I have my fingers crossed that there will be more books to come with Junio and his family/friends as the leads – setting the hints in the epilogue aside. Although if Rowe does decide to end the series here, The Rewards of Treachery makes a fine final book. But I very much hope that’s not the case! And last but not least, I want to express my thanks to Severn House and NetGalley for the advance review copy.
Rosemary Rowe’s The Rewards of Treachery is another excellent entry in her Libertus series – although in Treachery, the focus shifts from Libertus, who fled Glevum at the end of the previous book, to Libertus’ adopted son, Junio, who has taken up his father’s mosaic business, and also more-or-less inherited his father’s patron, Marcus Septimus. And with Marcus as a patron, Junio has also inherited – unwillingly - the assumption that he, like Libertus, will conduct investigations on Marcus’ behalf.
This case starts rather simply. Marcus would like Junio to investigate the disappearance of his wife’s jeweled cloak-clasp, which went missing while being repaired. And apparently, the jeweler who was repairing it has also gone missing. No matter that Junio’s wife, Cilla, is quite literally about to have a baby – Junio can’t afford to ignore Marcus, and he heads into town to hear the entire tale. However, things quickly get more complicated. Did the mysterious slave at the jeweler’s shop early that morning have anything to do with it? Or perhaps the local Silurians, who resent the Roman writ over all gold and silver mines, are involved? What about the oddly-familiar looking Celt who showed up at Junio’s house bearing a message? Of course, there’s tension drifting in from Rome as well, with the recent accession of Severus Septimius turning things upside down yet again, and with political changes making their way even to Roman Britain, at the far edges of the Empire.
Eventually, though, Junio manages to sort out the multiple tangled threads, and even more importantly, figure out which parts of the story can be safely shared with Marcus and which should be glossed over – or outright omitted - in the telling. As always, Rowe weaves a tight plot, while also putting readers in the middle of the lives of her characters, showing both the grit (the often casually abusive treatment of slaves, the dangers of childbirth) and the moments of happiness (Cilla and Junio have a healthy new baby boy). And there’s some bitter-sweet news in the epilogue too.
On a personal level, having enjoyed the Libertus books for decades, I have my fingers crossed that there will be more books to come with Junio and his family/friends as the leads – setting the hints in the epilogue aside. Although if Rowe does decide to end the series here, The Rewards of Treachery makes a fine final book. But I very much hope that’s not the case! And last but not least, I want to express my thanks to Severn House and NetGalley for the advance review copy.
September 2, 2023
Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.
The Rewards of Treachery is the 20th historical Libertus mystery set in ancient Roman Britain by Rosemary Rowe. Released 4th April 2023 by Severn House, it's 240 pages and is available in hardcover and ebook formats. Paperback format will be available from the same publisher in late 4th quarter 2023. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately.
This is a beautifully well researched and lyrically written mystery with depth and verisimilitude. The main protagonist is unequivocally intelligent and analytical. Although series protagonist Libertus fled at the end of the previous book, his adopted son Junio steps into the main role of somewhat reluctant investigator in this installment. There are ties to a much larger plot than a missing brooch and vanished local jeweler, including political unrest and murder.
Although it's not derivative in the slightest, the protagonist and the style remind me a lot of the wonderful Father Cadfael mysteries with glimpses of Barbara Tuchmann. Fans of Ellis' inimitable books will find a lot to enjoy here. As a long (long!) series, the characters live and breathe. The scenery and story are interwoven so skillfully around a framework of actual historical records that it's not at all easy to differentiate where fiction becomes real events. There are small historical details about the daily life and realities of the time period and a great deal of culture in the mix as well.
With so many books extant in the series, it would make a good choice for binge or buddy read. The story is self contained here, so it's not necessary to have read the previous books. The epilogue in this book resolves series MC Libertus' disappearance in previous books. If read out of order, expect spoilers for earlier books in the series.
Four and a half stars. Quite extraordinarily well written, immersive, and high quality mystery.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
The Rewards of Treachery is the 20th historical Libertus mystery set in ancient Roman Britain by Rosemary Rowe. Released 4th April 2023 by Severn House, it's 240 pages and is available in hardcover and ebook formats. Paperback format will be available from the same publisher in late 4th quarter 2023. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately.
This is a beautifully well researched and lyrically written mystery with depth and verisimilitude. The main protagonist is unequivocally intelligent and analytical. Although series protagonist Libertus fled at the end of the previous book, his adopted son Junio steps into the main role of somewhat reluctant investigator in this installment. There are ties to a much larger plot than a missing brooch and vanished local jeweler, including political unrest and murder.
Although it's not derivative in the slightest, the protagonist and the style remind me a lot of the wonderful Father Cadfael mysteries with glimpses of Barbara Tuchmann. Fans of Ellis' inimitable books will find a lot to enjoy here. As a long (long!) series, the characters live and breathe. The scenery and story are interwoven so skillfully around a framework of actual historical records that it's not at all easy to differentiate where fiction becomes real events. There are small historical details about the daily life and realities of the time period and a great deal of culture in the mix as well.
With so many books extant in the series, it would make a good choice for binge or buddy read. The story is self contained here, so it's not necessary to have read the previous books. The epilogue in this book resolves series MC Libertus' disappearance in previous books. If read out of order, expect spoilers for earlier books in the series.
Four and a half stars. Quite extraordinarily well written, immersive, and high quality mystery.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
April 3, 2023
Many thanks to NetGalley and Severn House for this Advanced Reader Copy and the opportunity to review The Rewards of Treachery. All opinions and comments are my own.
A prologue setting out a brief history of Britannia at the time (198 AD) that The Rewards of Treachery takes place helps to frame the political and social backdrop of this new “Libertus” historical mystery. After that, as author Rosemary Rowe states, it’s up to her imagination. Luckily for readers, she has a terrific one.
This is not the place to start reading this series, that should be mentioned. Libertus has been in exile for several years, and Junio, his adopted son is our “investigating agent” now. But Marcus Septimus Aurelius, the rich Roman who features in the books is still much in evidence as patron, and he tasks Junio to look into the circumstances of a missing piece of jewelry. Never mind that Junio’s wife is about to give birth, or that a mysterious Celt has shown up at Junio’s homestead; when Marcus calls, Junio has to drop everything and go. And from this simple summons a tale of thievery, murder and revenge, and threats to the State unfolds.
Junio sorts it all out, of course. Marcus is satisfied, which is the important part. And faithful readers will learn more about Libertus and his fate. In The Rewards of Treachery, Rosemary Rowe creates a fictional ancient world for us to savor while also presenting a “detective” story easily recognizable to readers of modern detective fiction.
A prologue setting out a brief history of Britannia at the time (198 AD) that The Rewards of Treachery takes place helps to frame the political and social backdrop of this new “Libertus” historical mystery. After that, as author Rosemary Rowe states, it’s up to her imagination. Luckily for readers, she has a terrific one.
This is not the place to start reading this series, that should be mentioned. Libertus has been in exile for several years, and Junio, his adopted son is our “investigating agent” now. But Marcus Septimus Aurelius, the rich Roman who features in the books is still much in evidence as patron, and he tasks Junio to look into the circumstances of a missing piece of jewelry. Never mind that Junio’s wife is about to give birth, or that a mysterious Celt has shown up at Junio’s homestead; when Marcus calls, Junio has to drop everything and go. And from this simple summons a tale of thievery, murder and revenge, and threats to the State unfolds.
Junio sorts it all out, of course. Marcus is satisfied, which is the important part. And faithful readers will learn more about Libertus and his fate. In The Rewards of Treachery, Rosemary Rowe creates a fictional ancient world for us to savor while also presenting a “detective” story easily recognizable to readers of modern detective fiction.
September 7, 2023
Postscript.
A final conclusion or coda to the Libertus series of Roman mysteries, or an unexpected but very welcome bonus, or perhaps a new beginning.
It is some years since Libertus disappeared and his son Junio now runs the family business. It is an unsettled time in Glevum with a new emperor and the loyalty of his subjects being tested. In addition there continues to be native Celtic unrest. Junio finds himself unwillingly thrust into his father's role when a valuable item goes missing and Marcus Septimus, his patron, requires him to investigate. In addition, one of Junio's children disappears, after an oddly familiar Celtic wanderer arrives on the scene. Treason, revolution and native unrest are suspected everywhere, and Junio does not have Libertus' investigative skills. But he does have persistence, as well as some unexpected allies.
Read to the end. There the reader will discover more about Libertus' life both before slavery and after his disappearance, when he finally is able to solve the mystery of his own capture and loss of freedom.
A pleasure, as always, to read one of Rosemary Rowe's novels. I have enjoyed this series immensely.
A final conclusion or coda to the Libertus series of Roman mysteries, or an unexpected but very welcome bonus, or perhaps a new beginning.
It is some years since Libertus disappeared and his son Junio now runs the family business. It is an unsettled time in Glevum with a new emperor and the loyalty of his subjects being tested. In addition there continues to be native Celtic unrest. Junio finds himself unwillingly thrust into his father's role when a valuable item goes missing and Marcus Septimus, his patron, requires him to investigate. In addition, one of Junio's children disappears, after an oddly familiar Celtic wanderer arrives on the scene. Treason, revolution and native unrest are suspected everywhere, and Junio does not have Libertus' investigative skills. But he does have persistence, as well as some unexpected allies.
Read to the end. There the reader will discover more about Libertus' life both before slavery and after his disappearance, when he finally is able to solve the mystery of his own capture and loss of freedom.
A pleasure, as always, to read one of Rosemary Rowe's novels. I have enjoyed this series immensely.
November 28, 2023
4.5 stars
This was an interesting read. I'd read the first in the series and I suppose this might be the last? The first book is about Libertus, a freed man and pavement maker. This book is about his adopted son Junio. Junio is also under the protection of Marcus Severus. Junio is scratching out a living. His wife is about to birth their third child and Junio is off laying pavements. A courier brings a note from Marcus. Marcus's wife had a cloak clip mended and it appears that the Jeweller has replaced it with a cheaper copy. Marcus wants the clip returned and the Jeweller punished. It's a good mystery. The author explains the mores of the time and the restrictions on not just slaves but freedmen hoping to avoid danger in not giving offence to people in power. We learn more about Libertus. I might now have to fill in the gap bu reading the middle 18 books!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This was an interesting read. I'd read the first in the series and I suppose this might be the last? The first book is about Libertus, a freed man and pavement maker. This book is about his adopted son Junio. Junio is also under the protection of Marcus Severus. Junio is scratching out a living. His wife is about to birth their third child and Junio is off laying pavements. A courier brings a note from Marcus. Marcus's wife had a cloak clip mended and it appears that the Jeweller has replaced it with a cheaper copy. Marcus wants the clip returned and the Jeweller punished. It's a good mystery. The author explains the mores of the time and the restrictions on not just slaves but freedmen hoping to avoid danger in not giving offence to people in power. We learn more about Libertus. I might now have to fill in the gap bu reading the middle 18 books!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 6, 2023
continuation of the Libertus series without Libertus, who disappeared as a fugitive in book 19. Instead, we have his adopted son Junio & his family taking over... the business, the homestead, the slaves...
The usual cast of characters are back - the city of Glevum, patrician patron Marcus, Junio's wife & slaves, the usual high-born Roman citizen snooty-patooties vs. native born Britons/tribesmen.
Marcus sends Junio to investigate a jeweler who may or may not have purposely swapped a valuable brooch sent in for repair. When Junio gets there, he finds the shopkeeper murdered.
This leads into black market trading, patrician back-stabbing, and a native visitor with messages from Libertus.
Junio takes over for Libertus seamlessly. Without giving anything away, the ending is satisfying and can't wait to see what the author has in store in the next installment.
The usual cast of characters are back - the city of Glevum, patrician patron Marcus, Junio's wife & slaves, the usual high-born Roman citizen snooty-patooties vs. native born Britons/tribesmen.
Marcus sends Junio to investigate a jeweler who may or may not have purposely swapped a valuable brooch sent in for repair. When Junio gets there, he finds the shopkeeper murdered.
This leads into black market trading, patrician back-stabbing, and a native visitor with messages from Libertus.
Junio takes over for Libertus seamlessly. Without giving anything away, the ending is satisfying and can't wait to see what the author has in store in the next installment.
February 27, 2023
This is the latest book in the Author's long running Libertus series and as always can be read as a standalone . although reading the more recent books would aid in understanding the characters and their place in the world .
When a piece of jewellery belonging to Lady Julia disappears after being repaired , Libertus tasks Juno with solving the problem . Juno would much prefer to fade into the background , the rebel Celts are creating tensions with Caesar -. problems he is determined to crush , but he cannot deny his adopted father's patron , Marcus Septimus and soon sets out to try to solve the case .
Juno soon finds himself faced with murders and betrayal - his own family is at risk . What does the arrival of a Celtic visitor have to do with the case , can he uncover the secrets held by those who will do anything for them to remain just that - secret ?
This is another fast paced , murder mystery full of twists and turns by the Author - who manages to reflect the mores and lives in the time of Caesar to such good effect
When a piece of jewellery belonging to Lady Julia disappears after being repaired , Libertus tasks Juno with solving the problem . Juno would much prefer to fade into the background , the rebel Celts are creating tensions with Caesar -. problems he is determined to crush , but he cannot deny his adopted father's patron , Marcus Septimus and soon sets out to try to solve the case .
Juno soon finds himself faced with murders and betrayal - his own family is at risk . What does the arrival of a Celtic visitor have to do with the case , can he uncover the secrets held by those who will do anything for them to remain just that - secret ?
This is another fast paced , murder mystery full of twists and turns by the Author - who manages to reflect the mores and lives in the time of Caesar to such good effect
March 2, 2023
Rosemary Rowe has been writing mysteries set in Roman Britain for many moons now and I never tire of reading them. It is a period often ignored by historical novelists but is none less fascinating than later eras.
The author has a vast knowledge of a way of life that was both brutal in its cruelties and highly refined in its social niceties. I loved the intricacies of the plot and the clever tying-together of all the loose ends. Many of the characters feel like old friends now but one can never guess what they are going to do next or what secrets are going to be unearthed from their pasts. A perfect read for anyone wanting to spend a nice relaxing few hours in AD198.
The author has a vast knowledge of a way of life that was both brutal in its cruelties and highly refined in its social niceties. I loved the intricacies of the plot and the clever tying-together of all the loose ends. Many of the characters feel like old friends now but one can never guess what they are going to do next or what secrets are going to be unearthed from their pasts. A perfect read for anyone wanting to spend a nice relaxing few hours in AD198.
April 4, 2023
As always the books in this series by Rosemary Rowe provide an great mystery to be solved. They range in their seriousness and this book is no exception. The background of Roman Britain provides a great backdrop and the author's inclusion of a snippet of the history to orientate the reader is great, not too much and not too little. The novel is a fine addition to this series.in which it is not difficult to get bound up in the lives of the characters and be rooting for their success
This book is worth 4.5/5!.
This book is worth 4.5/5!.
April 6, 2023
As always the books in this series by Rosemary Rowe provide an great mystery to be solved. They range in their seriousness and this book is no exception. The background of Roman Britain provides a great backdrop and the author's inclusion of a snippet of the history to orientate the reader is great, not too much and not too little. The novel is a fine addition to this series, in which it is not difficult to get bound up in the lives of the characters and be rooting for their success.
April 2, 2023
The books in this series are always gripping and well plotted. i'm fascinated by the characters and the setting, the solid mysteries keeps me hooked and guessing.
This one is not exception and it was very entertaining.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine
This one is not exception and it was very entertaining.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine
July 20, 2023
Engaging story set several years after Libertus has to flee Glevum. Son Junio takes over as the "detective" Marcus calls on to solve the disappearance of his wife's cloak-clasp, which ends up involving Junio in a murder investigation. The story provides the conclusion to the story of Libertus. Is this the end of the series or the beginning of a series about Junio? Sadly, there are LOTS of typos.
December 9, 2023
The latest (and presumably last) of the "Libertus mysteries" - the character of Libertus is still in semi-voluntary exile among the Celtic tribes of Britannia, but this one involves his son, Junio, in some mysteries . . . and Libertus sends word that the end of his life is near. So unless the series continues with his son - the Junio mysteries? - this is the end!
February 27, 2025
I am not sure if I would have liked it as much were I not to have already known before a certain amount of Roman history (also I have a relative named Rosemary). At certain points, the author uses Latin in the text, but it seemed to be in the context of character speech. Maybe I was just imagining that - it seemed plausible in the context of what I have been doing in general.
May 1, 2023
Excellent!
Another enthralling mystery set in Toman Britain. This time following Junio, rather than Liberty's, who remains in exile. There are many twists on the way through this story which keeps you engaged.
Another enthralling mystery set in Toman Britain. This time following Junio, rather than Liberty's, who remains in exile. There are many twists on the way through this story which keeps you engaged.
June 11, 2024
Junio, the adopted son of Libertus, has stepped in as detective. Libertus, we find, has returned to his Celtic tribe from which he was stolen by slave traders as a young man. Very well researched.
April 2, 2023
I was glad to have read this book as I have missed this family! Libertus seems to be somewhere close and watching after his extended family as the "Celtic ' who live somewhat far away.
February 10, 2025
Captivating!
I shall miss Libertus...I loved his self-dedicating humor...but this book has made me fall in love with the character of Junio!
I shall miss Libertus...I loved his self-dedicating humor...but this book has made me fall in love with the character of Junio!
February 16, 2023
CE 198. It all starts with a broken clasp on a piece of jewellery belonging to Lady Julia, which when repaired and returned is the wrong piece. Her husband instructs Junio to investigate. Soon the bodies of murdered men are discovered. Can Junio unravel the motive behind the killings.
A well-written and entertaining Roman Britain historical mystery with its cast of interesting characters.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
A well-written and entertaining Roman Britain historical mystery with its cast of interesting characters.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
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