Rosemary Rowe has written a series in the vein of Lindsey Davis, featuring a Celtic freedman and mosaic-layer named Libertus. For Lindsey Davis and Rosemary Rowe, the historical element is the background that informs entertaining social situations and the settings. The sleuth in the Roman historical mystery fiction rarely gets the credit he deserves, finds extracting payment uncertain, is somewhat self-effacing, and despite major character flaws, is eminently loveable.
1. Germanicus Mosaic
Crassus (Germanicus) was rumored to have killed a centurion in his bid for a military promotion. He devised unique ways to punish each of his slaves in such a way as to maximize the torture. With as much hate as he generated, it was little wonder that he would wind up murdered, head and hand incinerated.
2. Murder in the Forum
That everyone in Libertus' home of Glevum who encountered Perennis has a motive for murder means that Libertus has to wade through a lot of muck to get at the solution to the mystery. Fortunately for Libertus, he has a faithful slave of his own who is not only learning Libertus' mosaic-making trade and sleuthing, but is also, we learn in this volume, an astute gambler.
3. Pattern of Blood
Libertus is 20 miles from his workshop, in Corinium, following a lead on his estranged wife, Gwellia. While Libertus is there, he witnesses the non-fatal stabbing of the decurion, Ulpius. Unforunately, citizen Libertus is out of uniform in the market town: He left his mangy toga at home. It is illegal for him to be about without the toga, so when the officials show up to investigate the crime, Libertus must scurry into the underpinnings of the town to avoid being noticed
4. Chariots of Calyx
If you're a Libertus fan, this is a must read; otherwise, one of Rosemary Rowe's other mysteries would be a better introduction to her lively picture of second century Roman Britain. This volume explores the racing world and office of frumentarius.
