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An Ode to Poison: A Livia Aemilia Mystery Paperback – October 21, 2024

4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 35 ratings

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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' 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.

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The Amazon Book Review
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now.

Editorial Reviews

Review

A charming, finely written historical mystery with Christian themes.

An Ode to Poison is a cozy murder mystery set in ancient Rome. This inviting volume can easily be enjoyed as a standalone, but it is the third in a series about amateur sleuth Livia Aemilia.

The dynamic between husband and wife, lawyer and sleuth, is the soul of this book. There is always an endearing, relatable tension between the composed Avitus and the impulsive Livia, at times reminiscent of Holmes and Watson in some incarnations.

Livia is a fresh and secret convert to Christianity, the fledgling new religion of the empire. Avitus, a true Roman traditionalist, struggles with his beloved wife's new faith, which provides the main themes of the book. Mercy and forgiveness, helping the weak, belief in divine justice, conviction against doubt, the effectiveness of prayer: these tried themes run through the novel, integrated skillfully and acquiring new freshness in the Roman setting.

Lisa E. Betz has written this novel with great care. The dialogue is expertly crafted, always making clear who is speaking without the need for name-tagging. Similarly, every one of the numerous minor characters is competently introduced and subtly reintroduced when needed, and everyone receives ample characterization, cat and dog included. There are even neat little details, like the owner of a perfume shop being called Naso, which is, naturally, Latin for nose.

An Ode to Poison excites and reassures in equal measure, its expert craft and skilled execution its shining features.

Independent Book Review

About the Author

An engineer-turned-mystery-writer and inspirational speaker, Lisa E. Betz infuses her stories with unconventional characters who thrive on solving tricky problems. Her Livia Aemilia Mysteries have won several awards, including the Golden Scroll Novel of the Year (2021). Lisa combines her love of research with her quirky imagination to bring the world of the early church to life.She is passionate about inspiring others (real and fictional) to become their best selves, living with intention, authenticity and purpose. She and her husband reside outside Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, with Scallywag, their rambunctious cat-the inspiration for Nemesis, resident mischief maker in the Livia Aemilia Mysteries. Lisa also directs church dramas, eats too much chocolate, and experiments with ancient Roman recipes.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0DDBKSSDG
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Breakthrough Christian Publishing (October 21, 2024)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 352 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8990755703
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.14 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 0.79 x 9 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 35 ratings

About the author

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Lisa Betz
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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.

She and her husband reside near 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.

THE LIVIA AEMILIA MYSTERIES

Death and a Crocodile

Fountains and Secrets

An Ode to Poison

Customer reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars
35 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the mystery engaging and well-crafted. They describe the book as a wonderful, whimsical read with delightful characters. Readers appreciate the pacing and twists that keep them guessing. Overall, they find the book enjoyable and recommend it.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

10 customers mention "Mystery depth"10 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the mystery depth of the book. They find it fun, well-crafted, and surprising. The story blends history and mystery into a race to solve demanding questions. It's described as a unique clean mystery for teens that keeps you guessing until the end.

"...It's particularly enjoyable to learn about the culture and lifestyle of the early Romans, and those who were or became Christians at that time...." Read more

"...Her characters are fun and endearing, and the blossoming relationship between Livia and Avitus is developing in a way that stays true to the time..." Read more

"...This story takes on an artfully twisted whodunnit theme that beckons the reader to keep the pages turning...." Read more

"...If you enjoy historical novels, well-crafted mysteries, or stories with well-rounded characters, this book is for you...." Read more

7 customers mention "Readability"7 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book. They find it readable and enjoyable, with a well-written story. Readers also praise the characters as lovable and engaging.

"...All in all, a wonderful read that I highly recommend!" Read more

"I've read all of Lisa Betz's books and have thoroughly enjoyed each of them...." Read more

"Livia Amelia’s latest mystery, "An Ode to Poison," was well worth the wait. It is good to be back in her world of first century Rome...." Read more

"All of the Livia Aemilia books are good but this one is the best yet. There are unexpected twists and turns that keep you guessing...." Read more

4 customers mention "Character development"4 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the character development. They find the characters delightful in a unique setting for a mystery.

"...The writing flows easily and there is a host of characters who delight - from the pregnant cat and loyal dog to those who work in the household as..." Read more

"...Her characters are fun and endearing, and the blossoming relationship between Livia and Avitus is developing in a way that stays true to the time..." Read more

"...you enjoy historical novels, well-crafted mysteries, or stories with well-rounded characters, this book is for you...." Read more

"...period come to life with such realism, and that have such surprising and vivid characters. What a well-written story and such a fun read!" Read more

3 customers mention "Pacing"3 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's pacing. They find it riveting and whimsical. The main character is described as quirky and loveable.

"...She is fiesty, loveable and tends to find herself in situations that respectable young women avoid!..." Read more

"This third book in the Livia Aemilia mysteries is just as riveting and whimsical as its predecessors...." Read more

"Lisa Betz has done it again! This 3rd book is as riveting as the first two. Is it too soon to ask for book #4? ☺️" Read more

3 customers mention "Twists"3 positive0 negative

Customers find the book has unexpected twists and turns that keep them guessing. They say it gives the series a unique spin.

"...Rome is not one that has been used much, giving this series a unique spin. Read this, you will enjoy spending time in this world!" Read more

"...There are unexpected twists and turns that keep you guessing...." Read more

"...vocabulary and cultural aspects into the story, while providing twists and turns for the reader to ponder all along the way...." Read more

A riveting and whimsical read
5 out of 5 stars
A riveting and whimsical read
This third book in the Livia Aemilia mysteries is just as riveting and whimsical as its predecessors. This story takes on an artfully twisted whodunnit theme that beckons the reader to keep the pages turning.The author paints vivid word pictures that immerse the reader into the setting… Nerilla stood straight-backed and confident, her chestnut hair primly twisted into a no-nonsense bun. She wore a tunic of fine wool embellished by subtle embroidery at the hem and neck. In her left hand, she held a walking stick that had been polished to a glossy sheen. The woman’s deep brown eyes exuded a keen intelligence, but the wrinkles around them spoke of pain as well as laughter.I was also delighted to catch up on the ongoing antics of Nemesis, the storyline’s mascot cat… now having to share the stage with newly introduced Fumo the dog!I highly recommend this book.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on November 21, 2024
    An Ode to Poison is the third in a series about a quirky young woman living in ancient Rome. She is fiesty, loveable and tends to find herself in situations that respectable young women avoid! The writing flows easily and there is a host of characters who delight - from the pregnant cat and loyal dog to those who work in the household as messenger, cook or maid. It's particularly enjoyable to learn about the culture and lifestyle of the early Romans, and those who were or became Christians at that time. All in all, a wonderful read that I highly recommend!
  • Reviewed in the United States on November 19, 2024
    I've read all of Lisa Betz's books and have thoroughly enjoyed each of them. Her characters are fun and endearing, and the blossoming relationship between Livia and Avitus is developing in a way that stays true to the time period. The setting for these stories set them apart. I love books that immerse me in a time period, and the setting of ancient Rome is not one that has been used much, giving this series a unique spin. Read this, you will enjoy spending time in this world!
  • Reviewed in the United States on December 14, 2024
    This third book in the Livia Aemilia mysteries is just as riveting and whimsical as its predecessors. This story takes on an artfully twisted whodunnit theme that beckons the reader to keep the pages turning.

    The author paints vivid word pictures that immerse the reader into the setting… Nerilla stood straight-backed and confident, her chestnut hair primly twisted into a no-nonsense bun. She wore a tunic of fine wool embellished by subtle embroidery at the hem and neck. In her left hand, she held a walking stick that had been polished to a glossy sheen. The woman’s deep brown eyes exuded a keen intelligence, but the wrinkles around them spoke of pain as well as laughter.

    I was also delighted to catch up on the ongoing antics of Nemesis, the storyline’s mascot cat… now having to share the stage with newly introduced Fumo the dog!

    I highly recommend this book.
    Customer image
    5.0 out of 5 stars
    A riveting and whimsical read

    Reviewed in the United States on December 14, 2024
    This third book in the Livia Aemilia mysteries is just as riveting and whimsical as its predecessors. This story takes on an artfully twisted whodunnit theme that beckons the reader to keep the pages turning.

    The author paints vivid word pictures that immerse the reader into the setting… Nerilla stood straight-backed and confident, her chestnut hair primly twisted into a no-nonsense bun. She wore a tunic of fine wool embellished by subtle embroidery at the hem and neck. In her left hand, she held a walking stick that had been polished to a glossy sheen. The woman’s deep brown eyes exuded a keen intelligence, but the wrinkles around them spoke of pain as well as laughter.

    I was also delighted to catch up on the ongoing antics of Nemesis, the storyline’s mascot cat… now having to share the stage with newly introduced Fumo the dog!

    I highly recommend this book.
    Images in this review
    Customer image
  • Reviewed in the United States on November 20, 2024
    Well I didn't know this was part of a series when I signed up for the tour, so I had to add more books to my wish list. I love reading books set in ancient Rome. This one is a cozy mystery with a strong Christian theme. The historical setting is not as strong of an element of the book as I had hoped; however the characters are quirky and interesting. I thought I knew what was going to happen right from the start, but I did not have everything figured out, which made the read more satisfying. Livia is a strong heroine, and I appreciated the searching nature of Avitus and his subsequent growth. There is definitely room for follow up books featuring Livia, Avitus, and their household.
  • Reviewed in the United States on December 2, 2024
    Livia Amelia’s latest mystery, "An Ode to Poison," was well worth the wait. It is good to be back in her world of first century Rome. I love the creative mix of characters Lisa E. Betz brings to the story. Her regulars continue to grow and develop, while she adds new ones I look forward to getting to know better in future mysteries. Betz kept me guessing as Livia and her husband try to solve the murder of their enemy Gracchus’ wife. The ending was both satisfying and surprising. If you enjoy historical novels, well-crafted mysteries, or stories with well-rounded characters, this book is for you. It will stand on its own, but why not get all three in the series and start from the beginning.
    Customer image
    5.0 out of 5 stars
    An Engaging Mystery with Enjoyable Characters

    Reviewed in the United States on December 2, 2024
    Livia Amelia’s latest mystery, "An Ode to Poison," was well worth the wait. It is good to be back in her world of first century Rome. I love the creative mix of characters Lisa E. Betz brings to the story. Her regulars continue to grow and develop, while she adds new ones I look forward to getting to know better in future mysteries. Betz kept me guessing as Livia and her husband try to solve the murder of their enemy Gracchus’ wife. The ending was both satisfying and surprising. If you enjoy historical novels, well-crafted mysteries, or stories with well-rounded characters, this book is for you. It will stand on its own, but why not get all three in the series and start from the beginning.
    Images in this review
    Customer image
  • Reviewed in the United States on November 18, 2024
    All of the Livia Aemilia books are good but this one is the best yet. There are unexpected twists and turns that keep you guessing. I stayed up way past my bedtime on a work night because I had to know how the book ended. Plus I enjoy history so learning about ancient Roman culture is a plus. I'm already looking forward to the next book in the series.
  • Reviewed in the United States on November 17, 2024
    I love books like this mystery novel that keep me guessing until the end, make the place and time period come to life with such realism, and that have such surprising and vivid characters. What a well-written story and such a fun read!
  • Reviewed in the United States on December 4, 2024
    Jupiter, best and greatest! This is a terrific continuation of the Livia Aemilia mysteries. The story has so many plot twists that it kept me guessing until the brutal end. I loved the Ancient Roman setting, Livia’s courage during a time when women were to be seen and not heard, the relationships between Livia and her servants, and the hilarious antics of her pets. Older teens will appreciate this page-turner.