Requiem for a Slave (Libertus Mystery of Roman Britain) [Hardcover]

Rosemary Rowe (Author)

Book Description

Series: Libertus Mystery of Roman Britain | Publication Date: May 1, 2010

The eleventh book in the Libertus Mystery of Roman Britain series - Libertus has an important order to fulfil for Quintus Severus, who has commissioned a new mosaic. But when Lucius, the pie-maker, is found dead in Libertus’ workshop, and Libertus’ faithful slave Minimus is missing, he is once again dragged into a criminal underworld. Can Libertus find Minimus, clear him of the murder, and discover who really killed the pie-seller, and why? The omens aren’t looking good . . .

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Steven Saylor fans eager for his next Gordianus novel will find themselves satisfied in the interim with the 11th in Rowe's above average historical series set in second-century Britain (after 2009's Death at Pompeia's Wedding). Longinus Flavius Libertus, a pavement maker with a gift for solving mysteries, returns one day from an errand to his mosaic workshop in Glevum (modern-day Gloucester) to find Lucius, a poor pie seller, lying face down on a heap of tiles, strangled to death. The absence of the dead man's purse suggests that bandits may have murdered the pie seller, who was dressed in a new tunic that could have conveyed a misleading idea of prosperity. An elderly slave, Glypto, overhears a conversation at about the fatal hour between two people, one of whom Glypto can only describe as a green man, giving Libertus another avenue to pursue. The detailed picture of life in Glevum, rather than the puzzle, is the book's major attraction. (June)
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Review

Steven Saylor fans eager for his next Gordianus novel will find themselves satisfied in the interim with the 11th in Rowe's above average historical series set in second-century Britain (after 2009's Death at Pompeia's Wedding). Longinus Flavius Libertus, a pavement maker with a gift for solving mysteries, returns one day from an errand to his mosaic workshop in Glevum (modern-day Gloucester) to find Lucius, a poor pie seller, lying face down on a heap of tiles, strangled to death. The absence of the dead man's purse suggests that bandits may have murdered the pie seller, who was dressed in a new tunic that could have conveyed a misleading idea of prosperity. An elderly slave, Glypto, overhears a conversation at about the fatal hour between two people, one of whom Glypto can only describe as a "green man," giving Libertus another avenue to pursue. The detailed picture of life in Glevum, rather than the puzzle, is the book's major attraction. --Publishers Weekly, 5th April 2010

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 240 pages
• Publisher: Severn House Publishers (May 1, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0727868772
• ISBN-13: 978-0727868770
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 5.8 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.1 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #872,634 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Murder in Roman Britain, June 1, 2010

By 

Douglas A. Kahn (Ann Arbor, Michigan USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Requiem for a Slave (Libertus Mystery of Roman Britain) (Hardcover)

Rosemary Rowe provides a vivid picture of the life of persons living in second century Britain under the Roman regime. While historical mysteries are plentiful, this is one of the few to deal with this time and location, and it is one of the best Through the narration of the main character, a former slave who became a citizen and an artisan, we see all walks of life in that period and location from the highest political figures to the slaves. There is an excellent portrayal of the superstitions and political intrigue of the times. This journey to the past is enlivened by a whacking good mystery. If you have liked prior books of Ms. Rowe, you will love this book; and if you have not yet read any of her works, this book will make you a fan.