Download or read book The Ghosts of Glevum A Libertus Mystery of Roman Britain book 6 written by Rosemary Rowe and published by Headline. This book was released on 2013-04-11 with total page 218 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Roman Britain is brought vividly to life in this gripping mystery... An opulent evening banquet turns deadly in The Ghost of Glevum, the sixth historical thriller from Rosemary Rowe's gripping Libertus series. The perfect read for fans of David Wishart and Lindsey Davis. 'Rosemary Rowe does paint an incredible picture of life for the really poor in Roman times - Mystery Woman Despite the opulence of the evening's banquet, Libertus is keen to return to his wife and a warm bed. But this feast has a finale to put any diner off his dessert - the guest of honour is found dead in the vomitorium. To Libertus's horror, his patron Marcus Septimus is arrested on suspicion of murder. Then when Libertus is accused of being Marcus's accomplice, he is forced to go on the run. Hiding in a dark corner of the city, he quickly realises he's an unwelcome visitor to those who haunt the shadows. Soon Libertus is in danger, and this time there's no one to help... What readers are saying about The Ghosts of Glevum: 'Rowe managed to combine real research with a cracking good tale' 'Found this depiction of the underclass in Romano-British society particularly interesting' 'Excellently written'

Download or read book The Detective as Historian written by Ray Browne and published by Cambridge Scholars Publishing. This book was released on 2009-03-26 with total page 240 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "Deeper understanding of history is enhanced by encasing it in art and interest. Crime fiction is one of the widest and most rapidly growing forms of literature. Historical crime fiction serves effectively the double purpose of entertaining while it teaches. The "truth" of the narrative account, the editors of this volume believe, is dependent on the understanding of human nature reflected in the author who writes the narrative. "Historical crime fiction," the editors of this volume write, "has an obligation and a golden opportunity. It must bring the past up to the present through the device of timeless crime and it must take the reader into the world about which is being written so that the characters are alive and the events interesting and challenging." Professional writers of fiction need to be more effective than mere authors of dates and assumed motivations. Therefore they can fill in human motivations and drives where no records exist and can aid the professional historians in what historian David Thelen calls the "challenge of history " which is "to recover the past and [interpret it for] the present." The essays in this volume accept the challenge and make major accomplishments for meeting it.

Download or read book The Legatus Mystery A Libertus Mystery of Roman Britain book 5 written by Rosemary Rowe and published by Headline. This book was released on 2013-04-11 with total page 219 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A deadly puzzle from the days of the Roman Empire... Libertus must uncover the sinister truth after a murdered body goes missing in The Legatus Mystery, the fifth thriller in Rosemary Rowe's gripping crime series. Perfect for fans of Simon Scarrow and Lindsey Davis. 'Cunningly drawn and the very devil to fathom until the final pages' - Coventry Evening Telegraph The murdered body of a visiting ambassador from Rome is discovered in the temple of the Imperial cult and once again freedman and pavement-maker Libertus is called upon to investigate. Events take a bizarre and chilling turn when the body disappears, and then unearthly wails are heard coming from the temple and mysterious bloodstains start to appear from nowhere. But Libertus is sure there is a more human explanation for the murder and he is to uncover still more unsettling events before the truth is finally revealed... What readers are saying about The Legatus Mystery: 'The pace of the series continues to build' 'A cracking mystery laced with fascinating details of Roman life, and believable characters' 'The best Roman series currently around just got better...'

Download or read book Dark Omens written by Rosemary Rowe and published by Severn House Publishers Ltd. This book was released on 2013-12-01 with total page 240 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Libertus accepts a contract to install a pavement for Genialis, a self-important citizen from a nearby town, in the house of the customer's intended but unwilling and young bride, Silvia. However, the winter is exceptionally severe, and although the mosaic is laid in time to earn the promised bonus, Genialis goes missing in the snow before payment can be made. Meanwhile, at an important feast, the sacrifice is spoiled as an aged priest lets go of the sacrificial ram – and when news arrives that the Emperor is dead, it seems that these dark omens are being realised. The subsequent discovery of not one, but two mutilated corpses only adds to this. Who holds the answer to the mysteries? Everyone had motive; Libertus attempts to solve the mystery against a backdrop of superstitious fear of auguries, and public riots following the confirmation of the Emperor's death.

Download or read book Vestal Vanishes written by Rosemary Rowe and published by Severn House Publishers Ltd. This book was released on 2011-11-01 with total page 240 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A Libertus Mystery of Roman Britain - The marriage of a former vestal virgin is always an important event, so the anticipated arrival of such a bride in Glevum is the excuse for an even more lavish banquet than usual on the Emperor's birthday feast. However, when Audelia's covered carriage finally arrives, the lady in question is nowhere to be found. Libertus investigates and makes a gruesome discovery, suggesting that Druid rebels may have been involved. But when another lady disappears, Libertus finds himself in a race against time to ensure the safety of the 'vanishing vestals'.

Download or read book Death at Pompeia s Wedding written by Rosemary Rowe and published by Severn House Publishers Ltd. This book was released on 2011-04-01 with total page 159 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A society wedding turns deadly in the days of the Roman Empire . . . Second-century sleuth Libertus must prove a bride's innocence in this exciting, twisty mystery in the critically-acclaimed series set in Roman Britain. A perfect read for fans of Lindsey Davis and David Wishart. “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” – Publishers Weekly Pavement-maker Libertus, a former slave who is now a Roman citizen, is at a society wedding on behalf of his patron when the father of the bride is poisoned after testing the wedding wine. Pompeia, the bride, declares that she has caused the death, but Libertus is retained by the bridegroom to prove her innocence. His investigations uncover hidden tensions, and when another guest is discovered murdered at his home, events take a different and more sinister turn . . . Praise for Death at Pompeia’s Wedding: “Cleverly plotted and chock-full of authentic period details and surprising twists, with an unexpected but satisfying ending” Booklist “A crisp and skillfully plotted whodunit full of deft period detail” Kirkus Reviews “ A setup Agatha Christie fans would appreciate forms the framework for Rowe's fine 10th mystery set in second-century Roman-occupied Britain . . . Rowe does her usual excellent job of integrating the details of everyday life into the plot” Publishers Weekly “Libertus must quickly solve a puzzle that turns out to be his most challenging case. Sure to appeal to fans of John Maddox Roberts” Library Journal

Download or read book The Fateful Day written by Rosemary Rowe and published by Severn House Publishers Ltd. This book was released on 2015-01-01 with total page 224 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A compelling new mystery for Libertus, set against the backdrop of the Roman Empire in turmoil and fighting for its survival . . . Libertus is passing the villa of his patron, Marcus Septimus Aurelius, when he sees an elaborate travelling carriage which has pulled up outside and is now blocking the road. Recognising that this may be an important visitor, Libertus approaches the carriage, intending to explain that Marcus is away, gone to Rome to visit his old friend Pertinax, who has recently been installed as Emperor. However, for his efforts, Libertus instead receives a torrent of abuse and the carriage-driver almost runs him down as he departs. Libertus is badly shaken, but goes back to the villa the next day to find out why there was no gate-keeper in evidence to deal with the stranger. There he finds a gruesome discovery: the man is dead and hanging in his hut, and none of the other house-slaves are to be found. Worse things are to follow as news arrives from Rome which will turn the lives, not only of Libertus and his family, but the whole Empire upside down . . .

Download or read book A Roman Ransom A Libertus Mystery of Roman Britain book 8 written by Rosemary Rowe and published by Headline. This book was released on 2013-04-11 with total page 260 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A thrilling glimpse of life in Roman Britain . . . A bedbound Libertus is faced with one of his toughest dilemmas yet, involving a dangerous ransom note. A Roman Ransom is the perfect read for fans of David Wishart and Lindsey Davis. 'It's a humdinger of a plot with more twists and turns than a spiral staircase' - Northern Echo Glevum, AD 188. Lying in his sick bed, weak and disoriented, Libertus is strictly forbidden visitors. But when Marcus Septimus forces his way in, desperate to speak to the pavement-maker, Libertus knows that something is seriously wrong. Marcus's beloved wife Julia and their baby son have disappeared without a trace. And now a ransom note has arrived, wrapped in the hem of Julia's stola: unless Marcus uses his power to release a certain political prisoner, he will never see his family alive again. Libertus is well aware of Marcus's dilemma: give in to the kidnappers and sacrifice his reputation for being fair and unmoved by bribery, or stand firm and provoke unimaginable consequences. But Libertus has also made a powerful enemy. How can he help his patron - and himself - this time? What readers are saying about A Roman Ransom: 'Rowe captures a genuine atmosphere in a way unequalled by almost any other author of the Roman period' 'Another fine addition to the Libertus series' 'Rosemary Rowe is unsurpassed in creating a picture of Roman Britain'

Download or read book Murder in the Forum A Libertus Mystery of Roman Britain book 3 written by Rosemary Rowe and published by Headline. This book was released on 2013-04-11 with total page 222 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A Roman Emperor lies dead and a mystery is to be solved... As Libertus investigates a seemingly accidental death, sinister details begin to unravel. Murder in the Forum is the third historical crime thriller in Rosemary Rowe's gripping crime series, in the vein of Lindsey Davis but against a British background. 'Libertus himself is a highly diverting character, the story moves briskly along at chariot pace and there are many diversions along the highways and byways of Roman and Celtic life' - Northern Echo When Perennis Felix, favourite of the Roman Emperor and would-be enemy of all, heralds his arrival in Glevum (modern Gloucester) with the arbitrary execution of a slave, there are few who dare to question his actions. Indeed, a feast in his honour is universally approved in the cause of self-preservation. Libertus, freedman and pavement-maker, and his patron, Marcus Septimus, are among the reluctant citizens at the celebration. But the festivities come to an end when Felix appears to choke on a nut and dies in front of a stunned gathering. But Libertus suspects that behind Felix's apparently accidental death lies a much more sinister explanation... What readers are saying about Murder in the Forum: 'This series just keeps getting better' 'Best Libertus yet' 'Fascinating take on Romano-British life as captivating as ever'

Download or read book The Chariots of Calyx A Libertus Mystery of Roman Britain book 4 written by Rosemary Rowe and published by Headline. This book was released on 2013-04-11 with total page 225 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Can Libertus crack a case of brutal murders and shocking twists? A tale of corruption and intrigue, The Chariots of Calyx is the fourth instalment in Rosemary Rowe's gripping Libertus series. The perfect read for fans of Stephen Saylor and Lindsey Davis. 'Well-researched and eminently readable... Readers can enjoy the plot and soak up facts about Roman life and Language' - South Wales Argus Libertus, freedman and pavement-maker, finds himself in Londinium at the invitation of the Roman Governor when news arrives of the brutal murder of Caius Monnius, the chief corn-officer. Libertus is asked to investigate but his enquiries lead him in disparate directions. Who is the guilty one? The keeper of the granaries? The sinister Calyx and Glaucus, managers of the best chariot-racing team? Or Fortunatus, the handsome charioteer whose relations with the dead man's wife were reputed to be less than honourable? Not until Libertus finds a second corpse does he begin to understand what lies behind the corruption surrounding the interests of Monnius and the chariots of Calyx. What readers are saying about The Chariots of Calyx: 'I found the parallels between the Roman world and the modern one as intriguing as ever, especially the insights into corruption in high places' 'Combines wit, pace, intrigue and remarkable thought processes from our sleuth' 'Another addition to a first rate series of books'

Download or read book Requiem for a Slave written by Rosemary Rowe and published by Severn House Publishers Ltd. This book was released on 2011-04-01 with total page 180 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Ancient Roman freedman and pavement maker Libertus investigates the death of the pie-maker and the disappearance of his slave amid 'green man' sightings Libertus has an important order to fulfil for Quintus Severus who has commissioned a magnificent 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. Even more mysterious is the sighting of a ‘green man’ lurking outside his workshop around the time the murder took place. Can Libertus find Minimus, clear him of the murder of Lucius, and discover who really killed the pie-seller, and why? The omens aren’t looking good...

Download or read book The Germanicus Mosaic A Libertus Mystery of Roman Britain book 1 written by Rosemary Rowe and published by Headline. This book was released on 2013-04-11 with total page 212 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A deadly puzzle from the days of the Roman Empire... Rosemary Rowe introduces Libertus and Marcus Septimus, in The Germanicus Mosaic, the first fantastic mystery thriller of the highly acclaimed Libertus series. The perfect read for fans of Stephen Saylor and Lindsey Davis. 'Demonstrates Rowe's pithy command of the Roman sleuth genre... a considerable achievement' - The Times It is AD 186, and Britain is the northernmost province of the hugely successful Roman Empire. In Glevum (modern Gloucester), Libertus, a freedman and pavement-maker, lives under the patronage of Marcus Septimus. When a body is found in the furnace room of a nearby villa, and identified as that of Crassus Germanicus, a retired centurion, Marcus asks for Libertus's help. A slave is missing and the solution to the mystery seems obvious. But Libertus soon discovers that Germanicus has many enemies, and he must use his mosaicist's skill to put together the pieces of a most deadly puzzle. What readers are saying about The Germanicus Mosaic: 'Has it all: good storyline, interesting characters, historical perspective and a mystery that keeps you guessing all the way through' 'A very likeable and believable hero and cast of characters and some neat plot twists' 'A great introduction to a new detective, with atmospheric settings and an interesting take of Britain under the Romans'

Download or read book A Coin For The Ferryman A Libertus Mystery of Roman Britain book 9 written by Rosemary Rowe and published by Headline. This book was released on 2013-04-11 with total page 259 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Libertus is in a race against time to solve his latest mystery... Rosemary Rowe's clever whodunits continue to delight fans of historical crime, with Libertus and Junio proving a formidable and popular detective team in the ninth novel of the Libertus series, A Coin for the Ferryman. Perfect for fans of David Wishart and Lindsey Davis. 'A cracking tale with a fast-moving plot' - Conn Iggulden In Roman Britain, AD 189, every slave knows his lot in life depends solely on the morals - or lack of morals - of his master. Fortunately for one young Glevum slave, Junio, his owner, former slave turned pavement-maker Libertus, believes heartily in rewarding years of loyalty and service. Junio is to be granted his freedom in an elaborate ceremony at the Basilica Law Court. And what better moment than the manumission to announce the lad's engagement? But the young couple's happiness is threatened by a terrible omen: the gruesome discovery of a corpse, hastily concealed in a shallow grave. Who is it? And, more importantly, who will go to any lengths to cover up their heinous crime? Determined to solve the mystery before the impending nuptials, Junio joins his mentor Libertus in trying to piece together a truly masterful mosaic of murder... What readers are saying about A Coin for the Ferryman: 'A very intriguing murder mystery of a great series' 'Rosemary Rowe is to be commended for writing a series which manages to be entertaining and lively whilst drip feeding information about the period directly into the subconscious' 'The red herrings are very well contrived and as usual, the information about Romano-British life is a fascination in itself'

Download or read book The Readers Advisory Guide to Historical Fiction written by Jennifer S. Baker and published by American Library Association. This book was released on 2015 with total page 495 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Whether set in ancient Egypt, Feudal Japan, the Victorian Age, or Civil War-era America, historical fiction places readers squarely at the center of fascinating times and places, making it one of the most popular genres in contemporary publishing. The definitive resource for librarians and other book professionals, this guideProvides an overview of historical fiction’s roots, highlighting foundational classics, and explores the genre in terms of its scope and styleCovers the latest and most popular authors and titlesDiscusses appeal characteristics and shows how librarians can use a reader's favorite qualities to make suggestionsIncludes lists of recommendations, with a compendium of print and web-based resourcesOffers marketing tips for getting the word out to readersEmphasizing an appreciation of historical fiction in its many forms and focusing on what fans enjoy, this guide provides a fresh take on a durable genre.

Download or read book Enemies of the Empire A Libertus Mystery of Roman Britain book 7 written by Rosemary Rowe and published by Headline. This book was released on 2013-04-11 with total page 239 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Libertus and Septimus come face to face with the criminal underworld of Roman Britain... Curiosity leads amateur sleuth Libertus into the dangerous world of fearless criminals in Enemies of the Empire, the seventh novel of Rosemary Rowe's Libertus series. The perfect read for fans of David Wishart and Lindsey Davis. 'Rowe is very good on the realities of Roman life... and there is a pleasing attention to detail... A deftly woven tale of patriots and intrigue' - Historical Novels Review It's AD 188, and the wild, forested outskirts of the Empire is the last place Libertus, freedman and pavement-maker, wants to visit. But he'd rather face a wolf or bear than an angry patron, so he agrees to accompany Marcus Septimus to the garrison town of Isca (now Caerleon in South Wales). Pausing at Venta, the two men realise they've stepped into a simmering cauldron of social unrest, where the Silures tribe, loyal to former chief Caractacus, seethes under Roman occupation. When Libertus spots a familiar figure, who seems desperate not to be recognised, curiosity gets the better of him. But his pursuit leads him down a dangerous path and into a murky world of racketeering, treason and murder... What readers are saying about Enemies of the Empire: 'Another first class Libertus yarn' 'She [Rowe] has managed to get so firmly into the mentality of this long ago period with such a vivid sense of humanity despite all the cultural differences' 'Fascinating details of Romano-British life and an intriguing mystery, tied firmly to its times'

Download or read book Whispering of Spies written by Rosemary Rowe and published by Severn House Publishers Ltd. This book was released on 2012-12-15 with total page 256 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A gruesome discovery leads Libertus on a dangerous quest . . . - Wealthy Volus, ex-lictor to the Imperial Governor of Gaul, is retiring to the town of Glevum. Libertus is sent to his new apartment, where he is informed that one of the ex-lictor’s treasure carts has been intercepted, the guards and horses brutally butchered. When his actions are misinterpreted by a network of spies, Libertus is suspected of involvement in the massacre and marched to the garrison to await trial. But after daringly escaping, Libertus embarks on a dangerous quest to discover the truth . . .

Download or read book The Ghosts of Glevum written by Rosemary Rowe and published by . This book was released on 2004 with total page 275 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Glevum, AD 187: Despite the opulence of the evening's banquet, Libertus is keen to return to his wife and a warm bed. But this feast has a finale to put any diner off his dessert - the guest of honour is found dead in the vomitorium. To Libertus's horror, his patron Marcus Septimus is arrested on suspicion of murder. Then when Libertus is accused of being Marcus's accomplice, he is forced to go on the run. Hiding in a dark corner of the city, he quickly realises he's an unwelcome visitor to those who haunt the shadows. Soon Libertus is in danger, and this time there's no one to help...