The Germanicus Mosaic

Libertus Mystery of Roman Britain #1

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.

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Historical Mystery, Historical, Fiction, Crime, Roman

275 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 1999

About the author

A pseudonym used by Rosemary Aitken

Series:
* Libertus Mystery of Roman Britain

Reviews

[Veronica · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Germanicus Mosaic introduces readers to Libertus, a Celt living in Glevum (now Gloucester) in the second century AD. The Romans occupy Britannica and Emperor Commodus sits on the imperial throne. Libertus is a thoroughly likeable character. Taken as a roman slave when he was young and newly married, he is now in his late forties and has since won his manumission. He also owns his own pavement/mosaic making business (complete with his own slave, the plucky Junio), and has the influential Marcus Septimus as a patron.

The story gets off to a quick start with Marcus arriving at Libertus' place of business to voluntell Libertus to solve the murder of Germanicus, a Centurion, whose untimely demise might bring unwanted political attention. Now, while most amateur sleuth series start off with the main character facing their first ever venture into detective work, such is not the case with this series. This story starts off with the knowledge already in place that Libertus has a knack for solving murders; there's even a passing reference to a previous case he solved. I had to double check to make sure I had the first book in the series. The benefit is that the story doesn't have to spend any time getting Libertus up and running. He can get right down to business, which he does.

It's a quickly moving story with liberal use of humor that will seem very familiar to fans of Lindsey Davis' Flavia Albia and Didius Falco series. The mystery element was fairly well done with several red herrings and a plethora of suspects. I wasn't trying to guess at the identity of the murderer but I was still able to guess correctly at a couple of things. Still, I enjoyed the story and am willing to see how the series improves. At this point, it seems that the only series regulars, along with Libertus of course, will be Marcus and Junio though I hope to see his circle of allies expand in subsequent books. And, of course, there's still the matter of the wife he was torn away from, and whom he hasn't seen in 20 years, that will likely come up again.

[Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

What have the Romans ever done for us?

Follow the adventure of Libertus, a mosaic maker, observer of patterns and part time investigator of mysterious murders. A Sherlock Holmes of the Roman Briton world.

Here we have;
an unexplained murder victim who had owned a large country house complete with many slaves,
one slave must have been the killer,
but how to explain the other deaths and disappearances,
where did they go?
and why?

So many clues and red herrings abound.

Our pavement maker and pattern seeker must put them all together.

What have the Romans ever done for us?
They have given us a new detective in a long series of novels.

Enjoy!

[Clemens Schoonderwoert · Rating 4 out of 5]

**Should Read as 4.5 Stars!**

Read this book in 2011, and its the 1st part of the delightful "Libertus" mystery series.

This tale sets off in the year AD 186, in and Glevum (Gloucester), and its there where we find our main protagonist, Libertus, a freedman and pavement-maker from profession.

While searching for his wife for years, after being parted and she was sold as a slave, Libertus wants to go to a nearby slave-market after a possible sighting of her, but his patron asks for his help.

A burned body has been found and a slave is missing, and so the case seems easy to solve but it will turn out completely diiferent.

What is to follow is an intriguing and wonderful Roman mystery, in which Libertus will have to go to any lengths to solve this murder, and after some twists and turns, followed by a well accomplished executed plot Libertus will be able to find the culprit behind this murder.

Very much recommended, for this is a very enjoyable begin of this entertaining series, and that's why I like to call this episode: "A Very Satisfying Libertus Mystery Start"!

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to try this author/series as I am a fan of many Roman historical series. This was overly complex with regard to the crimes and the explanations of deductions made by Libertus, the featured crime solver working under patron Marcus.
I believe this author is now up to her 13th book in the Libertus series. It is likely I will try another some time in the future but not right away.

[Mary Heron · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interesting addition to all the Roman mysteries. Set a bit later in time we're at about 175 ce. Libertus used to be a slave now living in Roman Briton, he.now earns his living as a pavement mosaic artist, he is from somewhere in Britain originally and was of quite a high status (in his socuety) from what is said, he once had a wife (who was also sold into slavery) that he hasn't seen in twenty years....... but he still thinks about her every day and his hope is one day to find her. His patron is a man called Marcus, himself a member of the Roman high society and in Britain.as the Emperors representative. Marcus has used Libertus to solve small mysteries in the past, his attention to small details in his mosaic work means he tends to spot things others have missed. Marcus wants Libertus to look into the death of a retired soldier and to determine if there is anything political about the death. Libertus is not too thrilled, apart from anything else.it means abandoning (for a while) his paid work..............it would not occur to Marcus to pay him. Added to which Libertus was soon to leave town as he has heard a rumor as to where his wife might be. But there's no way of not offending Marcus if he were to refuse so he is left with no choice. The murder is a mystery the dead man was seen marching in a parade in town but when the slaves returned home they found him dead in Tory circumstances, with no clues as to how it happened it's going to.be down to questioning all the slaves as the most likely suspects, even if they are innocent the slaves may all be killed anyway for allowing harm to come to their master. As he learns more about the dead man though Libertus finds it hard to care that he's dead, the man was a cruel and vicious owner who enjoyed tormenting those beneath him......................... It's a good book, certain elements of the murder were a bit obvious and who the guilty party is comes as no surprise but on the whole I really enjoyed the book.

[Madhulika Liddle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Roman-ruled Britannica, during the reign of Commodus.

On the feast of Mars, while the town of Glevum is the scene of much festivity—including a grand parade with retired soldiers—a wealthy ex-centurion named Crassus Claudius Germanicus is found dead in the furnace room of his villa. Still wearing the armour he wore for the parade, but with his head shoved into the furnace.

Marcus, assistant to the governor, calls in a pavement-layer and detective named Libertus to investigate the murder. Partly because the Celtic-born ex-slave Libertus is a fine sleuth, but partly also because he happens to know Germanicus and his household well: just a few days earlier, Libertus had laid a mosaic on the floor of Germanicus’s tiny, dingy library.

So Libertus begins examining things, and soon unearths one puzzle after another. Was Germanicus part of a plot to murder the governor? What was his relationship with his personal slave, Daedalus, who was an accomplished mimic? Who could have done away with Germanicus? One of the slaves whom he ill-treated? The woman whom he had jilted long ago? An old enemy?

Even though the important revelation did not come as much of a surprise to me, I loved The Germanicus Mosaic.

There are several reasons for that. Firstly, Libertus (who is the narrator of the book) is a well-etched character, caught between his Celtic upbringing and the Roman exterior he is forced to adopt; he’s clever, compassionate, and with a fine sense of humour. A very likeable protagonist.

Secondly, the plot is intricate and deftly woven, with a good mix of clues and red herrings thrown in. Plus, the way the story unfolds—with new twists and turns, new revelations—is gripping.

Thirdly, the setting. Historical detective fiction is one of my favourite genres, and Rosemary Rowe does it very satisfyingly, even in this, the first of the Libertus books. An England, torn between its homey, comfortable Celtic warmth and its pagan gods (not to mention druids) on the one hand, and ‘fashionable’ Roman grandeur (not to mention gods) on the other. Emerging Christianity, which nobody quite understands yet, but whom the Romans look down upon. The social norms and customs of the day. The food. The strict rules of what was done and what was not. The state of the roads, the crimes, the punishments, the laws… Rowe evokes, very vividly, a Britain one does not often read of in crime fiction.

Extremely readable.

[Shehroze Ameen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first saw this book in Readings, a bookstore in Lahore. Since it was available for a bargain price (10 Rupees only!), I figured why not give it a shot and see what this author has to offer. And frankly speaking, I was and still am impressed by this work.

The book, which falls under the historical detective genre, is a first person perspective and is a definitive recommendation for those who would like to read works which are

a) by new authors
b) outside of Cumberb... I mean that Cummywhatshisname chap's portrayal of Sherlock Holmes. For that matter, any work which is NOT sherlock holmes related.

The plot is well portrayed in the book's blurb: You're Libertus, a slave of a Roman nobleman Marcus Aurelius Septimus (NOT RELATED TO MARCUS AURELIUS OF CAESAR/CLEOPATRA FAME!); you're investigating the murder of a certain Crassus Germanicus, a retired centurion. I won't go forward from here.

I personally recommend this work because, much like British historians and historical fiction writers, the environment is spot on! Even though the author acknowledges that her work might not be historically accurate (no surprise, Its Roman history - Edward Gibbons had a hard time writing that portion so its understandable that sources may be contradictory at the time), its remarkable in its execution, in its meticulous detailing, and its sincerity to the content matter. At the same time, Libertus' stream of consciousness is a brilliant medium to describe society, cultural norms, pagan mindsets, and Roman era Britannia post-Marcus Aurelius.

The best part of this book is that its short - 275 pages, in hindsight, is a compact size for a book frankly speaking. So for those who would like a quick, engrossing, but fairly decent read, do try this work. Its worth it.

[Ali · Rating 3 out of 5]

This felt competently done: the setting, a fascinating period of cultural mixing, is well enough drawn; the plot was solidly constructed (although the plot resolution was clear to me for some time, except for the lack of common sense in the motivation, which was never actually explained). It was good enough to read another, but nothing stood out beyond the momentary distraction. It might get better, but still compares unfavourably to Ruth Downie's deeper engagement with the same time period.

[Gregoire · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 étoiles
intéressant pour les détails de la vie quotidienne à cette époque dont certains font froid dans le dos (particulièrement la condition des esclaves...)
Libertus est un artisan celte affranchi sous le patronage d'un noble romain Marcus et doit mener une enquête qui s'avère tortueuse à souhait sur la disparition d'un centurion particulièrement détesté L'auteure nous donne les réactions des personnages tels qu'elles devaient être à l'époque sans jugement ni leçon d'histoire ce qui rend le récit immersif
Je suivrai la série

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 🌟

[Eustacia Tan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first book in the series, The Germanicus Mosaic, follows Libertus, a freed slave, as he's tasked by his patron to solve a murder mystery.

Libertus had previously worked on a floor for a retired Centurion named Germanicus. However, shortly after he finishes the work, Germanicus is found murdered. Initial suspiscions fall on one of Germanicus's slaves, who was known to be close to the master and could imitate people well. However, when that slave turns up dead, and Libertus is attacked while investigating, it's clear that the simplest solution is not always the correct on.

In fact, the ending of the book contained a surprise twist. It made sense when I re-read it (I found a lot of the clues Libertus talked about), which is something that I really enjoy. This is the sort of book that you can read more than once, in order to pick up on the little clues that you missed. Sort of like an Agatha Christie mystery, but set in Rome-occupied Britain.

Since this is the first book, the subplot involving Libertus and his long-lost wife isn't that strong. All we know is that he is searching for her. The emphasis on this book is on the mystery.

As a first book, this does a nice job of setting the surrounding and characters for us. The relationship between Libertus and his patron Marcus (who doesn't pay him because it would be an 'insult'), and Libertus and his slave Junio are established here, and will be developed more in the later books.

All in all, this is a great start to the series. I really enjoyed it, even if it wasn't the first book of this series that I read :p

This review was first posted at Inside the mind of a Bibliophile

[J.J. Rusz · Rating 3 out of 5]

"The Germanicus Mosaic" is a technically sophisticated mystery set in Roman-ruled Britain at the time of Commodus. But the ingenuity of its extraordinarily complex plot overwhelms characters who seem more like pawns in the game rather than people about whom we should care —the narrator excepted. However, I’ll try the next in the series because of that lead character. The writing is sure-footed throughout too.

[Claire Binkley · Rating 4 out of 5]

My hesitation in giving this as much adulation as I may have otherwise done comes from how I was initially introduced to the art of pavement-making in such a horrifying way. (I can't shake the mental image of burying one's foes in quick-dry cement. This didn't actually happen in this story, my original nightmare of that is why I didn't give it a full five stars. I am sure in that trade there are several methods employed ensuring no one gets hurt.)

The story itself does not linger on the occupation of Liberus, the MC, hence such constricting nightmares as I have had in the past don't make any difference to what happened in the story. Therefore, I liked it, and if I must give such judgement calls now, declare it appropriate for an eager seventh-grader - although that is mostly since that's the age I had to declare I wanted to study Latin.

And why did I want to study Latin at age 12?
It shoots your odds up for getting selected to study abroad when you have the chance a bit later, right?
According to my mother, I'm a good gambler.
My district's Latin department has gotten slashed due to federal funding guidelines lately (as well as the other parts of education), so for the time being, we're mostly relying on what the libraries around us have.

So I am returning this book to the library lickety-split!

[Jim Mann · Rating 4 out of 5]

In second century Roman Britain, the body of Crassus Germanicus, a retired centurion, is found at his villa. His head has been thrust into a furnace. Marcus Septimus, an aid to the imperial governor, asks his friend, the freedman Libertus, to help figure out who killed. Libertus, who is a pavement maker and has recently finished the mosaic floor of Crassus's book room, has to interview the various slaves and others at the villa to figure out what happened.

This is a cleverly crafted historical mystery. The details of life in Roman Britain are overall accurate, and the characters are well drawn. Libertus, and his slave Junio (who contributes to the case at several key points) are the focus. Libertus is the first person narrator of the novel. The various characters he encounters, fearing for their lives as Roman law can find a slave complacent in the death of the master, are also well portrayed.

Overall, a good start to a series, one that I'll continue.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Set in second century Roman Britain, Libertus is a former slave who has become a pavement maker. He has recently installed a mosaic at the home of the wealthy Crassus Germanicus. When a body is found in the furnace, which has badly burned the head, Libertus’ patron Marcus asks him to investigate. Much of the tension of the story is provided by the brutality of Roman customs. Since the body is identified as Crassus, the normal procedure would be to execute all his slaves. One of their number secretly consorts with Druids, another executable offense. Lucius, the brother and heir of Crassus has recently converted to Christianity which, under the emperor Commodus, was a quite dangerous decision for both him and his brother.

[Argum · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another Roman Ancient Detective. This first book doesn't read like a first book. Libertus is a freedman working as a mosaic maker. He is of Celtic origin originally and so has a bit of outsider perspective. Between the pattern finding in the mosaic skills and the citizen yet freedman angle, he is known detective helpful skills for Marcus the imperial representative. Libertus is asked to investigate the death of an ex centurion after the Mars procession. He is helped by the slaves of the man along with his own. Interesting resolution and the sampling of various religions in the British Isles at the time was nice flavor

[margaret chalmers · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bits and pieces.

I enjoyed this book. I found it a good read although not an exciting one. It is the first in a new series set in settled Roman Britain and all the more interesting for that. The hero is a freed Briton who makes mosaic decorations. His patron, a Roman dignitary, asks him to investigate the death of a rather unpleasant retired centurion. Now the set up is established I think the stories will get better. I liked the hero and his young slave apprentice. This was a three star. I hope the next will gain more stars. But an enjoyable well written read.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good start to a new (for me) historical mystery series. This one is set in 2nd century Roman Britain and features Libertus, a former slave, now freedman and citizen, who is a paver in Glevum (modern-day Goucester) who has a knack for solving puzzles. In this one, he's called upon by his friend Marcus to look into the death of Crassus, a former centurion who has made many enemies throughout his career.

Well written, interesting plot and characters with a good knowledge of the time and place. Will definitely be reading more in this series, and am eager to learn more about Libertus.

[Laura Edwards · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice start to the series. Lots of good historical detail. One small point distracted me, however. A couple of times Libertus bemoans the loss of his original name since he is given a Roman name once becoming a slave. Yet he mentions looking for his wife (also sold years ago into slavery) after hearing about a female slave named Gwellia being sold in Corinium. Um, given that she is a slave, too, wouldn't she also have a different, Roman name? Seemed like an obvious mistake by the author that an editor should have caught.

[Liette · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars for this first in a series that might be as exciting as Lindsey Davis’ Falco series.
This series is based in what is now known as England in what has become the city of Leicestershire.
In this first instalment, we meet with Liberty’s a mosaic/pavement maker who is asked to investigate the strange death of a retired centurion. This book goest through twists and turns until the end.
I liked that the story brought the way of life to light and the plot was made in a way that I did not figure out who the murderer was until it was told to me, which is a rare occurrence for me.

[Sylvia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting introduction to Libertus, a freedman of Celtic birth, working as a mosaic maker in the Roman town of Glevum (today's British Glocester). His Roman patron Marcus Septimus calls on his skills as an investigator to help solve the murder of a retired Centurion living on the outskirts of the town. The details of Roman customs and lives of the people from that time add interest to the story.

[Robert Mahoney · Rating 3 out of 5]

My first Libertus

It took me a long time to get into the rhythm of of this book found getting to know the whole of Germanicus household. The narrative was fairly dense in my view but the switch at the end was refreshing. So happy NOT to have long walks through the streets described in punishing detail just to prove the author's scholarship (you know who you are Lindsey D). Looking forward to the next one.

[Anne Ellmes · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good mystery with plenty of detail that makes it look authentic. I enjoyed the humour although I did suss the culprit quite early on, just couldn't see what profit there was in it for that person. The usual list just didn't seem to apply. So it was good to see how Libertus worked it out and then everything was of course very logical.

[Jim · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun little historical mystery set in England near the end of the second century. We have characters who believe in the Roman gods, Druids and Christians, and the ways they observe their beliefs figure prominently in the story. The background is fun and the mystery is a good one with a nice twist at the end, in short a keeper.

[Volha · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book presents a very detailed and atmospheric picture of the historical past, the mysteries are good, but the main characters are a real let down. It looks as if the author deliberately set out to make them unlikable. Libertus for all his supposed intellectual brilliance is vain and shallow. He is grovelling, whiny and constantly jealous of his wife's cleverness. His patron is so short-sighted and lazy that you only have to wonder how he has survived Roman politics so far. Marcus's wife Julia is no better - she is callous, manipulative and completely indifferent to everyone and everything but her own benefit. A pity, it might have been a wonderful series.

[Asterope · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

[Gillian Wiseman · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice competent mystery, in what seems to be a very accurate, evocative setting.

[CJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Murder with a Roman Flourish

I enjoyed the intertwining of historical events as we know them with a good murder story. The pace is quick and the characters well thought out.

[Elisabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good historical

Took me a while to get through but a satisfying mystery. All the clues were there. I guessed the bad guy but for all the wrong reasons.

[Mary Hart · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars

Good mystery....pointers led my to the solution.