Glevum, the bustling Roman town which we call Gloucester, is the setting for this mystery in the ongoing 'Libertus' series about Roman Britain. Mysteries occur regularly and a mosaic maker who is trading well under Roman rule often finds himself called upon to help solve them. THE FATEFUL DAY when Libertus goes to speak to a carriage driver outside his patron's villa, he doesn't realise what he's getting into.

Libertus is obviously a man of Celtic descent, and Roman citizens tend to look down on him; the haughty man in the carriage is no different. Gwellia, Libertus's wife, thinks that the man's behaviour was odd, but he has driven off again and they think no more of the matter. Next morning Libertus calls to his patron's villa to check that all is well in the family's absence. But he finds the gatekeeper has been killed and the place seems deserted. Is this the work of thieves, a slave revolt, or something else?

We take a stroll around a villa and lands with Libertus, see that this citizen of the Empire and former slave has his own red-headed slave boys called Maximus and Minimus, and meet his wife, strapping son and gentle mule. This tale is a splendid introduction to the domestic arrangements of the day. The fit and strong land-slaves include overseer Georgicus, the name meaning agricultural, and this is the only person of authority that Libertus can find as he searches the area. Piecing together what events may have occurred is a further way to enlighten us about life in Roman times for the working underdogs. The Romans still require garrisons to keep control, and for locals to carry a bladed weapon is a serious offence. Of course, politics and power are involved in any decent Roman mystery. Libertus is as always in a halfway rank, fretting about his second-best toga and frequently the only person present who is literate. He's easy to relate to for new readers while longtime fans will be cheering on his cautious footsteps.

If you haven't read Rosemary Rowe's books, make a start here as this one is easy to dive into with a limited cast of characters. There's a treat in store as you can go back and pick up all the other mysteries when you've enjoyed THE FATEFUL DAY.