Dimensions
112 x 180 x 20mm
In the Britain of the second century, Corinium (modern Cirencester) is a bustling town, frequented by vagrants and pickpockets. So pavement-maker Libertus is not entirely surprised to witness a stabbing on the street. Luckily the victim, the wealthy decurion Quintus Ulpius, has a personal physician on hand, and tragedy is averted.
But Litertus has not heard the last of the incident. Commanded by his wealthy patron Marcus Septimus to investigate the attack, he arrives at Quintus's sumptuous mansion only moments before the decurion is knifed again, this time fatally. Was he killed by the loutish Maximilian, his son, who feared disinheritance? Or Flavius, the jealous husband from whom Quintus stole the enchanting Julia? Or was it Lupus, a shifty old fellow forced to depend on Quintus's goodwill, despite their long-standing quarrel?
When one of Quintus's enemies is found with bloodstains on his toga, for Marcus the case is closed. But Libertus is not convinced the solution is so simple. When a second body is found, he knows he must act fast before other lives are threatened . . . including his own.
