A Libertus Mystery, set in Roman Britain - Libertus 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 . . .
Ms. Rowe's characters fit what I like about historical mystery novels. Her historical period is well researched. Since I hate, as a history buff, to be reading along and find something totally out of context to the period, I like this. Her main character, Libertus, seems more to bumble into the answer than sleuth it out, which is okay by me. I don't care for these super intelligent sleuths in some novels and I think most detectives do more or less bumble into the answer. The social problems brought on by Libertus having been a slave, and being a Celt, are well brought out, especially when it interferes with his sleuthing....the aggravation he feels is almost palaple. If you enjoy Lindsay Davis and others of this genre you will enjoy Ms. Rowe's books.
Libertas is off again!
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 15 years ago
If you enjoy reading about the lives and deaths of the Romans you will enjoy "Death at Pompeia's Wedding". Libertas, a freed slave who makes mosaics for wealthy Roman citizens also is a good detective. In this book there is death, skullduggery and a surprise adoption. This is the seventh in the series and I am always sorry when I finish one of these books and can hardly wait for the next one. Like the others this is a great read and if you haven't already read them you will definitely go back and start at the beginning of the series. I envy you that task.
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