Has anybody out there read the Libertus mysteries by Rosemary Rowe? I got the most recent (paperback) for Christmas. I have finished it, but I read it in such small chunks and fits and starts that I didn’t get much of an overall impression. It was enjoyable enough, though I had the distinct impression that it is a weaker entry in the series.

The books are set in Roman Britain during the reign of Commodus, after the recall of Pertinax to Africa, though based on the number of books and the setting of this volume in 188, they may begin while Pertinax is still governor. The author seems to have done her research, though it is difficult for me to be really sure, since the main focus is on the Celtic population of the west. The action takes place in Venta (modern Caerwent). I did find what I believe to be an error.

****SPOILER WARNING****






At the end a legionary is dismissed and sentenced to the mines for certain crimes. As far as I know, the mines were the one punishment spared to the legions, because they were considered too far beneath the dignity of even dismissed soldiers.








****END SPOILER****




So, anybody know anymore? Is it worth it to hunt down the earlier works?