The Ides of June - (Libertus Mystery of Roman Britain) by Rosemary Rowe (Hardcover)

About the Book

An astonishing new order has usurped power in Rome, and Libertus's wealthy patron now finds himself powerless and under threat. Charged with escorting Marcus's young family to a place of safety, Libertus finds his task beset with problems as he uncovers a grisly secret and an ancient crime - with ramifications stretching to the present day.

Book Synopsis

A compelling new mystery for Libertus, set against the backdrop of the Roman Empire in turmoil . . .

An astonishing new order has usurped power in Rome and the reverberations are reaching even to Glevum, where the legion is preparing to depart. Libertus's wealthy patron, until recently one of the most influential men in the Empire, finds himself not only deprived of the privilege and protection he had previously enjoyed, but under actual threat both from the political establishment in Rome and from an anonymous and vindictive enemy much closer to home.

The murder of another councillor, similarly placed, makes the matter urgent. Libertus, whose humbler status affords obscurity, is charged with spiriting Marcus's young family away to a place of safety. But his task will bring problems of its own, as Libertus uncovers a grisly secret and an ancient crime - with ramifications stretching to the present day.

Review Quotes

"A clever plot--with wry humor, suspense, and intriguing descriptions of life in ancient Britain--plus a remarkable hero make this a superb read"-- "Booklist"

"Highlighted are the uncertainties of life, loss of a patron's protection, the ever-present risk of starvation, the need to sell a child into slavery to guarantee the lives of others and of the child itself. These are the aspects which I have always found most convincing and fascinating in these novels. Rosemary Rowe has caught the atmosphere, tone and perhaps the reality of the times better than almost any other author - quite a boast for a writer of crime mysteries."--K Currie, reviewer

"Highly recommended"-- "Historical Novel Review"

"I've been a fan of Rosemary Rowe's Libertus series for many years and The Ides of June, the sixteenth, does not disappoint."--Kate A, reviewer