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about the book
What do death by poison, a ruthless senator, and a poetry party have in common?
They combine to draw Livia Aemilia into her most dangerous investigation yet. She must risk setting foot in the house of her worst enemy, Senator Tiberius Gracchus, to investigate the death of his wife. (Don’t worry, she has a plan.)
The victim’s sister is convinced Gracchus is the killer. If so, proving his guilt in Rome’s law courts could put a stop to his nefarious threats forever.
Livia is sure this investigation is God’s plan to protect her family from their malicious enemy. And maybe it will finally convince her husband Avitus that God is real.
The more Livia and Avitus dig, the more it looks like they will finally bring Gracchus to justice. Until another victim is poisoned, and everything they think they know is turned upside down.
publisher: breakthrough christian publishing
release date: october 21, 2024
other books in the series
excerpt
“Finding Fumo a new home.”
“I thought you were keeping him.”
Publius shook his head ruefully. “Hortensia says otherwise. The children have been spoiling the dog rotten and rampaging around the house like barbarians. Two days ago, one of Hortensia’s favorite vases was toppled and smashed to bits. It was the final straw. She’s turned deaf to the children’s pleas. The dog must go.”
“And you think I want him?”
“Yes.” Publius held up an imperious finger. “Forget all your logical reasons why a dog isn’t practical and listen to your heart for once. You’ll realize how much you want this dog.”
A low blow! Publius knew Avitus loved dogs.
But Livia did not.
“I don’t think a dog is a good idea. Livia won’t like it.”
“Who’s the master of this household, you or your wife?”
“You’re one to talk.”
“Hortensia has the children to consider. You don’t. Besides, how do you know Livia won’t be happy for a pet?”
“She likes cats.”
In particular, a malevolent black cat with the all-too-apt name of Nemesis. The beast was an all-around nuisance who was forever sneaking into the house no matter how often Avitus complained. Worse, the infernal cat was expecting offspring—and Livia had been hinting that the kittens would need to be coddled.
But if he owned a dog …?
He ruffled Fumo’s head. “Do you hate cats?”
The dog’s ears perked, and his head darted back and forth.
“Despises them,” Publius said, chuckling.
Interesting.
“I’ll give it a try.”
about the author
Lisa E. Betz is an engineer-turned-mystery-writer, entertaining speaker, and speaking coach. She inspires others to become their best selves, living with authenticity, and purpose, and she infuses her novels with quirky characters who thrive on solving tricky problems. Her Livia Aemilia Mysteries, set in first-century Rome, have won several awards, including the Golden Scroll Novel of the Year (2021). She and her husband reside outside Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, with Scallywag, their rambunctious cat—the inspiration for Nemesis, resident mischief maker in her novels. Lisa directs church dramas, hikes the beautiful Pennsylvania woods, eats too much chocolate, and spoils her grandsons.
Connect with Lisa by visiting lisaebetz.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.
giveaway
(1) winner will receive a signed set of all 3 Livia Aemilia Mysteries in paperback!
Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight November 4, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on November 11, 2024. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.
Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.
tour schedule
Thank you for hosting my book.
ReplyDeletethank you for sharing about An Ode to Poison today!
ReplyDeleteThis looks like a thrilling read. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading this excerpt, I’d like to know what ensues when Avitus brings the dog home.
ReplyDelete