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.
Silver medalist, Illumination Book Awards 2025, mystery category.
What reviewers are saying
“A charming, finely written historical mystery with Christian themes.” ~ Independent Book Review
One of the first things that caught my attention when I started An Ode to Poison was just how different it is compared to most clean mysteries that are popular right now. I found this quite refreshing, as I never once felt like I was reading the same old story.
Christi Flores at Only By Grace Reviews
All in all, “An Ode to Poison” by Lisa E. Betz is an entertaining mystery novel with clever characters, a unique setting, and touches of humor and romance adding to the many twists and turns that will keep readers guessing.
Reviewed by Joan Kirschner for Reader Views
An Ode to Poison is a fascinating read with captivating characters. I loved stepping back in time into a place and era that was so influential on cultures, even today. Lisa E. Betz has an amazing gift for taking readers for a compelling ride into the distant past–AND for composing a wild mystery!
Wren at FinchWren
Advance Praise for An Ode to Poison
Intriguing and suspenseful, ‘An Ode to Poison’ is a masterful blend of historical intrigue and nail-biting mystery. Livia Aemilia emerges as a formidable heroine, navigating the treacherous waters of Roman politics and lethal secrets with intelligence and bravery—qualities of a bravehearted woman! The unexpected twists and richly detailed settings make this book a captivating read, especially if you love historical mysteries!
Dawn Damon, Author of The Making of a BraveHearted Woman: Courage, Confidence, and Vision in Midlife.
An Ode to Poison. If only I could write a worthy ode to Lisa. She brilliantly crafted a page-turning book with so many attributes of poison I stayed hooked, not just from the mystery but the complexity of how it can be used. Like the characters who are wise and brilliant, Betz is too. Written with a clearly superior imagination, her beautiful prose fed my mind ingredients with such clarity that I see scenes and characters that seem real long after the book is done. I love novels and movies that follow brilliant lines of logic to conclusions. This one kept me on the edge!
Deborah M. Maxey PhD, award-winning author of The Endling
An Ode to Poison is an absolute pleasure to read – a journey full of twists and turns. I love how the author continually develops the characters so that by the last chapter you have feelings for every one of them. I especially appreciate how so many questions Christians face are woven into this story—questions about integrity, honesty, honor, submission, prayer, faith—things believers wrestle with in our walk with Jesus every day. Betz finds a way to include biblical truth in an easily understood and practical manner. I found my faith being encouraged as I cheered on the heroine and her posse. I highly recommend it!
Rick Taylor, Pastor of Care and Administration, Hopewell Church
