Description
From Booklist Roman citizen, pavement maker, and sometime sleuth Libertus is commissioned by prominent citizen Genialis to lay a mosaic floor in the home of his intended bride. Libertus finishes the floor, but Genialis, who was to pay him handsomely, has gone missing. Not only that, but it’s the coldest winter in years, the dreaded Emperor Commodus has just died, and there’s unrest among the citizens. Meanwhile, a sacrifice made at the festival of Agonalis goes awry, and dark omens begin appearing, first in the form of the grisly appearance of a headless, torsoless body, then with the discovery of a head and torso half buried in the snow. Even Libertus’ cunning skill at solving difficult mysteries is tested to the utmost as he tries to understand what has happened. Is there a mad murderer on the loose? Is there a sinister connection between the two dismembered bodies? Splendid period detail, a clever hero, a cracking good mystery, and a bit of wry humor add up to yet another winner in Rowe’s excellent series. --Emily Melton Review “Yet another winner in Rowe’s excellent series.” ― Booklist About the Author Rosemary Rowe also writes historical romances under the pseudonym Rosemary Aitken. She lives in Gloucestershire, England. Read more
Features & Highlights
- 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.
