Enemies of the Empire (Libertus Mystery Series) [Paperback]

Rosemary Rowe (Author)

Book Description

Series: Libertus Mystery Series | Publication Date: September 1, 2005

A three-day journey to the forested outskirts of the Empire is the last thing Libertus wants to make. Not only are there wolves and bears, but Celtic rebels may well regard the lone coach as fair game. But when Marcus Septimus asks Libertus to join him on official business, he knows he can't refuse his benevolent patron. En route to the garrison town of Isca, they stop at Venta—a simmering cauldron of social unrest where the Silures tribe, loyal to the memory of former chief Caractacus, seethes under Roman occupation. In the busy market square, Libertus is shocked by the glimpse of a familiar face. His pursuit of the figure leads him down a treacherous path and, before he knows it, into a murky world of racketeering, treason, and murder.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A considerable achievement." -- The Times

From the Publisher

For those who like their crime clad in a toga, this cunningly drawn series set in 2nd-century Roman Britain will satisfy indeed. Rich in intriguing and authentic historical detail, and featuring the investigative exploits of Libertus—former slave and amateur sleuth—this is ancient history with a murderous twist.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 308 pages
• Publisher: Headline Book Publishing (September 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0755305191
• ISBN-13: 978-0755305193
• Product Dimensions: 7 x 4.3 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,187,868 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Not Libertus' best outing, September 23, 2005

By 

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

This review is from: Enemies Of The Empire (Libertus Mystery of Roman Britain) (Hardcover)

The seventh Libertus mystery from Rosemary Rowe has our aged sleuth paying a visit to Venta Silurium as part of his patron's entourage and promptly getting caught up in a hotbed of insurgency. He only manages to get involved when he sees a man whose funeral he attended earlier that month alive and well in the town's forum. An inquisitive chase through the town results in him being hopelessly lost, running into the town's leading madam and then being waylaid by some hot-headed youths who threaten to kill him as a spy of one of the local gangs.
All in all a case of being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
After enduring a night in the cells and a farcical trial where he is acquitted, Libertus and Marcus go on a trip into the nearby forest and end up with all their horses stolen, locating the body of the slave Promptillius and encountering a local set of Silurians who suspiciously protest undying love for all things Roman. Once our sleuth manages to sit down for five seconds he realises what is going on with the overly stupid Optio and Lyra, the madam, avoids being poisoned and brings the culprits to justice whilst Marcus chafes at the irritation of being delayed in his journey.
This is quite a weak effort from Rowe in the sense it just trundles amicably along with no real sense of murder thriller. The characters elicit little empathy, just irritation and Libertus is in danger of becoming overly obsequious. A little spine would be useful and he could learn from Cadfael.
The series is an enjoyable addition to the ever increasing ancient murder mystery but Libertus is lightweight when compared to the likes of Marcus Covinus, Gordianus the Finder, Metellus the Younger being more at a level of Claudia Seferius. Worth reading for any fan of the genre.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars The kidnapping is getting tiresome, January 12, 2007

By 

TammyJo Eckhart "TammyJo Eckhart" (Bloomington, Indiana United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Enemies of the Empire (Libertus Mystery Series) (Paperback)

Every single book in this series has Libertus being kidnapped or thrown in jail at some point. Come on! Am I to believe that he has managed to live as long as he has as both a slave then a freedman without learning how to take better care of himself and to be more aware of his environment? Then he's able to use his skills of awareness and logic to solve mysteries? I just don't buy it after so many book. I'm also not convinced that all the over the top patron and client behavior is reasonable -- Marcus Septimus is not his former master so why does he spend so much time with him again? Where is his real patron, his former master? Anyway, I do still like the major characters and I'm pleased that the plots have allowed their lives to develop toward a new family.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Just as Good as the Other Libertus Books, August 10, 2005

By 

J. Chippindale (England) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Enemies Of The Empire (Libertus Mystery of Roman Britain) (Hardcover)

The author's knowledge and feel for Roman Britain is second to none and her storytelling keeps the reader asking for more. This latest book is no different and I enjoyed it immensely.

AD 188 and Britain is without a Roman governer. Until a new governor is installed Marcus Septimus is one of the most important men in Roman Britain. He is also the patron of Libertus, one-time slave and mosaic (pavement maker) artist. Marcus has called on Libertus on more than one occasion to help solve crimes among the Romans and Britains.

Libertus is asked by Marcus to accompany him from Glevum to Isca on official business and although Libertus is busy with his work, he knows that it would be foolish to refuse.

On the way they make a stop at Venta. The place is simmering with unrest towards the Romans, where the Silures are loyal to their former chieftain Caractacus. While there Libertus is shocked to see a man whose funeral he attended not long ago. The man runs away and pursuit of him leads Libertus into danger not only to himself but all the party who are travelling with him . . .