The Chariots of Calyx (A Libertus Mystery of Roman Britain, book 4): Transport yourself to Roman Britain in this gripping mystery

The Chariots of Calyx (Libertus Mystery of Roman Britain, #4) British author Rowe's growing reputation as an outstanding Roman historical mystery writer, second only to Steven Saylor, will be burnished by her latest outing, featuring a tricky bit of fair play in the best tradition of golden age masters like Christianna Brand. At the behest of Britain's governor, Libertus—a former slave turned mosaic maker—looks into the strangulation death of Caius Monnius, a wealthy Roman in charge of corn distribution in Londinium. Concerned that the killing might have political implications, the governor directs Libertus to solve the crime as quickly as possible. The quest leads the sleuth to the corrupt world of chariot racing after a leading driver is accused of the murder. 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. 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' Libertus is in Londinium, at the invitation of the Roman Governor, when news arrives of the brutal murder of Caius Monnius, the city's chief corn-officer. Still reeling from the shock of catching sight of the wife he lost to slavery 20 years earlier, only to lose her again, the ever-inquisitive Libertus is, for once, uninterested in unmasking the murderer. But when the Roman Governor asks you to investigate, you can't say no. The dead man's mother is convinced that the truth behind the killing lies with Fortunatus, a celebrated charioteer with whom Monnius' wife was having an affair. But with the discovery of a second corpse, it soon becomes clear that this case is more complex—and more sinister—than anyone ever expected. "Libertus, freedman and pavement-maker, is in Londinium at the invitation of the Roman Governor when news arrives of the brutal murder of Caius Monnius, the chief corn-officer of the city. Still reeling from the shock of catching sight of the wife he lost to slavery twenty years ago, only to lose her again, the ever-inquisitive Libertus is, for once, uninterested in unmasking the murderer. But when the Roman Governor asks you to investigate ..."--Back cover This is the fourth novel in a crime series set in Roman Britain and featuring amateur sleuth Libertus, a freedman and pavement-maker. Libertus is in Londinium when he is asked to investigate the murder of the chief corn officer The reissue of the fourth novel in Rosemary Rowe's highly acclaimed Libertus series. 'A cracking tale with a fast-moving plot' CONN IGGULDEN