The Chariots of Calyx (Libertus Mystery Series) [Paperback]

Rosemary Rowe (Author)

Book Description

Series: Libertus Mystery Series | Publication Date: December 1, 2004

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. 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.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Starred Review. British author Rowe's growing reputation as an outstanding Roman historical mystery writer, second only to Steven Saylor, will be burnished by her latest outing, featuring a tricky bit of fair play in the best tradition of golden age masters like Christianna Brand. At the behest of Britain's governor, Libertus—a former slave turned mosaic maker—looks into the strangulation death of Caius Monnius, a wealthy Roman in charge of corn distribution in Londinium. Concerned that the killing might have political implications, the governor directs Libertus to solve the crime as quickly as possible. The quest leads the sleuth to the corrupt world of chariot racing after a leading driver is accused of the murder. 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. (Oct.)
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Review

"A considerable achievement." -- The Times

“Rowe’s growing reputation as an outstanding historical mystery writer will be burnished by her latest outing.” -- Publisher’s Weekly starred review

“This exciting and adventurous historical, set in the fringes of Roman territory, will appeal to Stephen Saylor fans.” -- Library Journal Starred Review

“Will engage mystery fans and readers of the classics alike.” -- Publisher’s Weekly starred review

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 271 pages
• Publisher: Headline Book Publishing (December 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0747265194
• ISBN-13: 978-0747265191
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.3 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #707,776 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A speedy affair, September 17, 2003

By 

ilmk "ilmk" (UK) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Chariots of Calyx (A Libertus Mystery of Roman Britain) (Hardcover)

Rowe's fourth Libertus offering - `The Chariots of Calyx' - rids us Marcus Aurelius Septimus as Libertus joins governor Pertinax in Londinium as he prepares to embark on his tour of Britannia (first stop Ebroarcum - which is meant as kindly gesture to Libertus, though he now knows Gwellia is not there - but you cannot refuse a governor!). Before it can go ahead, the frumentarius (corn officer) Caius Monnius is found strangled to death with a slave and his new wife, Fulvia suffered a slash to her arm when she was attacked. Pertinax asks Libertus to investigate in case the murder is political and he reluctantly goes to the house to discover a range of colourful characters, most prominent being Annia, the deceased's mother who lives in an annexe and currently houses Monnius' ex-wife Lydia and their son, Filius.
The domineering and opinionated Annia is at loggerheads with Fulvia, the young beautiful new wife (incidentally having an affair with the Blues racing charioteer favourite, Fortunatus) and firmly believes the charioteer committed the deed. Into the mix comes the Celt Eppaticus (Rowe has a tendency to display them all as huge red haired barbarians in her novels) whose forced entry to the house demanding a return of some 5000 denarii and subsequent fleeing raises all kinds of questions.
All of which sets up Libertus and his ever faithful sidekick, Junio, to take a trip to Verulamium to track down Fortunatus and for Rowe to exercise her `Ben Hur' literary reconstruction, which, incidentally, is not badly done at all. What they find is that the charioteer took a dive to ensure race fixing could be done and was, in fact, present in the capital the night of the murder. Returning to Londinium, Libertus finds himself subjected to a brutal torture after foolishly allowing himself to be taken captive when sniffing around the granary warehouses and Fortunatus' unfinished home by the Blue's leader, Glaucus. It is only his increasing reputation and perceived respect for him by the Roman infrastructure that ensures he is found before he is murdered. However, the palace slave, Superbus, whom Libertus had instructed to do some spying, is found dead. What turns the tide is when Fulvia is found stabbed to death inside her locked room and Libertus pulls all the characters together (having had Pertinax arrest and deliver both Eppicatus and Fortunatus to the house) for his denouement where the characters manage to provide the rest of the necessary information under the threat of torture. As a result the culprits are uncovered, a political scandal is prevented, and racing corruption uncovered, much to Glaucus' detriment after the legions catch up with him.
Rowe's latest is a marvellous effort, combining wit, pace, intrigue and remarkable thought processes from our sleuth. We are now comfortable with Commudus' Britannic world and the deft obsequiousness that pervades daily life. The characters are comfortable, the assorted episodic cast a delightful jumble all adding to the intrigue and we end with a scene of true emotion as Libertus reaps the reward for all he has done so far. I look forward to the next installment, The Legatus Mystery.

5.0 out of 5 stars An exiciting Mystery, January 7, 2010

By 

Judith A. Weller "jw1917" (LaVale, MD United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Chariots of Calyx (A Libertus Mystery of Roman Britain) (Hardcover)

This is a great Libertus mystery with all the dirty dished up on crooked chariot racing. I think this is one of my favorite Libertus mysteries. It gets off to a fast start and is fast-paced all along. I did miss the absence of Libertus' patron Marcus as I prefer him to the Governonr. But there was a lot of nice historical background of the period and as always her research his first rate. Anyone who like Roman mysteries will want to have this in their collection.

5.0 out of 5 stars Another Addition to a First Rate Series of Books, February 13, 2007

By 

J. Chippindale (England) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Chariots of Calyx (Libertus Mystery Series) (Paperback)

Rosemary Rowe is the pseudonym of Rosemary Aitken, a highly qualified academic, who has written more than half a dozen bestselling textbooks on English Language and communication. She has written fiction for many years under her married name.

Libertus, one time slave and now Pavement Maker and citizen of Rome, is asked to investigate the brutal and untimely murder of Caius Monnius, Londinium's chief corn-officer. His enquiries lead him in many directions, until he feels he may well be going round in circles. Was it the keeper of the granaries who performed the brutal killing? The sinister pair Calyx and Glaucus, manager's of a chariot team are also suspects. Or could it be Fortunatus, the lover of Caius' wife?