Libertus Mystery of Roman Britain books in order

Complete Libertus Mystery of Roman Britain reading order by Rosemary Rowe. All 20 historical mystery novels set in Roman-era Gloucester.

Reading order

# Title Published Author Buy on Amazon
1 The Germanicus Mosaic 1999 Rosemary Rowe / Aitken Buy
2 A Pattern of Blood 2000 Rosemary Rowe / Aitken Buy
3 Murder in the Forum 2001 Rosemary Rowe / Aitken Buy
4 The Chariots of Calyx 2002 Rosemary Rowe / Aitken Buy
5 The Legatus Mystery 2003 Rosemary Rowe / Aitken Buy
6 The Ghosts of Glevum 2004 Rosemary Rowe / Aitken Buy
7 Enemies of the Empire 2005 Rosemary Rowe / Aitken Buy
8 A Roman Ransom 2006 Rosemary Rowe / Aitken Buy
9 A Coin for the Ferryman 2007 Rosemary Rowe / Aitken Buy
10 Death at Pompeia’s Wedding 2008 Rosemary Rowe / Aitken Buy
11 Requiem for a Slave 2010 Rosemary Rowe / Aitken Buy
12 The Vestal Vanishes 2011 Rosemary Rowe / Aitken Buy
13 A Whispering of Spies 2012 Rosemary Rowe / Aitken Buy
14 Dark Omens 2013 Rosemary Rowe / Aitken Buy
15 The Fateful Day 2015 Rosemary Rowe / Aitken Buy
16 The Ides of June 2016 Rosemary Rowe / Aitken Buy
17 The Price of Freedom 2018 Rosemary Rowe / Aitken Buy
18 Prisoner of Privilege 2020 Rosemary Rowe / Aitken Buy
19 A Dreadful Destiny 2021 Rosemary Rowe / Aitken Buy
20 The Rewards of Treachery 2023 Rosemary Rowe / Aitken Buy

The Libertus Mystery of Roman Britain series by Rosemary Rowe is set in and around Glevum (modern-day Gloucester) during the late second century AD. The protagonist, Libertus, is a Celtic freedman who works as a mosaic maker. His eye for patterns, honed through years of laying intricate tile designs, gives him an unusual ability to notice details that others overlook. Under the patronage of the Roman citizen Marcus Aurelius Septimus, Libertus investigates murders and conspiracies that threaten the fragile order of provincial Roman life.

The series spans 20 books published between 1999 and 2023, covering events roughly from AD 183 to 190. Rowe draws on her knowledge of Roman history to create a richly detailed world where Celtic and Roman cultures collide, and where local politics, slavery, and imperial power all play a role in the crimes Libertus must solve.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Libertus Mystery books are there?

There are 20 books in the Libertus Mystery of Roman Britain series, published between 1999 and 2023. The series begins with The Germanicus Mosaic and ends with The Rewards of Treachery.

What is the Libertus series about?

The series follows Libertus, a Celtic freedman and mosaic maker living in Glevum (modern-day Gloucester) around AD 183-190. He solves murders under the patronage of his Roman citizen friend Marcus Aurelius Septimus, using the pattern-recognition skills he developed as a craftsman.

Should I read the Libertus books in order?

Yes, reading in publication order is recommended. The books follow a chronological timeline in Roman Britain, and Libertus’s relationships and standing in the community develop from book to book.

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