In the Roman calendar, the ides were the middle days of any month. Libertus, a reasonably well off citizen with a family, lives in Roman ruled Britannia, and even on this cold foggy island bad news travels fast. THE IDES OF JUNE bring word of political upheavals, deaths and failed bribes. What will this mean for our hero, besides the inevitability of another mysterious death for him to resolve?

Libertus, a mosaic pavement maker by trade, has a wealthy patron called Marcus Aurelius, and all may be set to change. Marcus was a friend of the previous emperor and with that man's death the political grounds are shifting. Some of the emperor's cohort are being arrested, taxed, fined, removed from office. The contest for the position is heating up and the powerful men are heading for Rome. Or better yet, away from it. Marcus asks Libertus to care for his wife and children if any harm should befall him. With protection faltering, old scores are coming to light and an unknown ill-wisher is added to Marcus's troubles.

Whether riding a mule along the lawless road or reporting to the garrison at Glevum, Libertus brings us thoroughly into the life and times of Ancient Romans. Some pompous men tell him to say nothing to anyone - apparently thinking that their slaves are furniture and cannot hear. Women queue with water jugs at the public fountain. An older matron, Elena Tertia, spots Libertus and not surprisingly she has an assignment for him. Everyone knows his skill at rooting out evil- doers, and she believes her wealthy great-nephew has been poisoned along with several of his household who are seriously ill.

The lovely attention to detail, from fabrics and foods to ox-carts, bark-paper and water-carters, makes this a fitting addition to the Libertus Mysteries of Roman Britain series by Rosemary Rowe. While THE IDES OF JUNE is sixteenth in the series, and it would help to have read about the time period, a historical mystery fan will swiftly feel at home among these very normal, recognizable characters. Unlike certain crime stories there are plenty of children and animal characters, and the background politics of the Empire just frame the action, not obscure it. Mystery fans will have a good time puzzling out the motives and perpetrators whether it is their first visit to Roman Britain or a return trip.