The Price of Freedom, A Libertus Mystery of Roman Britain - Rosemary Rowe - 5 Stars ~

Roman Britain is a favorite era for me to read about, and this is the best of this series so far. Rosemary Rowe's historical setting is impeccable, and this outing of Libertus rose above the rest. The time period of late in the year in AD193 was one that saw the Roman provinces, and Britannia in particular(being remote and far north) as having drastic internal problems.

In this 17th mystery Libertus, our protagonist, finds himself very much in the thick of this strife. He is tapped by his patron, Marcus Aurelius Septimus to stand for the Glevum council much to his wife, Gwellia's delight. He is transported in style from his Celtic roundhouse to Marcus' estate, another honor as Marcus is a very powerful man in the province.

Internal strife, slavery and Celtic culture are juxtaposed against the Romano British military in this very fine and complex mystery. Libertus, former Celtic noble, former slave and now citizen is housed in military mansios, in what is a continual decline of comfort and increasing danger, as he is sent to attempt to solve a mysterious death.

Eventually he is briefly enslaved with his identity stolen. He is almost sent out of the country to work in salt mines. until his quick wit and his ability to convince others of his plight prevails.

Highly recommended for all those who enjoy mysteries and novels of Roman Britain. I received this advanced copy from NetGalley for an honest review. 5 Stars.