Terra Incognita

A Novel of the Roman Empire

By: Ruth Downie

Narrated by: Simon Vance

Length: 11 hrs and 33 mins

Publisher's summary

It is spring in the year 118, and Hadrian has been emperor of Rome for less than a year. After his long and reluctant investigation of the murders of a handful of local prostitutes, Gaius Petreius Ruso needs to get out of town. With that in mind, he has volunteered for a posting with the army in the far reaches of Britannia - a calmer place for a tired man.

But the edge of the Roman Empire is a volatile place; the independent tribes of the North dwell near its borders. These hinterlands are the homeland of Ruso's slave, Tilla, who has scores of her own to settle there: Her tribespeople, under the leadership of the mysterious Stag Man, are fomenting a rebellion against Roman control, and her former lover is implicated in the grisly murder of a soldier. Ruso, once again unwillingly pulled into a murder investigation, is appalled to find that Tilla is still spending time with the prime suspect. Worse, he is honor-bound to try to prove the man innocent - and the army wrong - by finding another culprit. Soon both Ruso's and Tilla's lives are in jeopardy, as is the future of their burgeoning romance.

Terra Incognita shines light on a remote corner of the ancient world, where Ruso's luck is running short - again.

Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend us your ears: listen to the first book, Medicus.

©2008 Ruth Downie (P)2008 Tantor

Critic reviews

"A lively sequel to English author Downie's historical mystery Medicus....Immensely satisfying." ( Kirkus Reviews)
"Who would guess that life and death in the far reaches of the Roman Empire could be so darn funny?" ( Library Journal)

Hard to Put Down

This was a great story well told and well narrated too. I hope to enjoy the next in the series as much as I did this one.

I love this series

A unique insight into life in Roman Britain. Downie writes with humor and intrigue. Her characters are all so much fun to follow and perfectly portrayed with Vance’s narration. Everything is best of the best!

Wonderful series!

I’m looking forward to the next novel in this series. The story is fast-paced, well researched, and absolutely delightful—both clever and amusing. The narrator is wonderful. He captures the numerous characters beautifully. Highly recommend!

A step back in time

It is interesting learning what life was like in Britain under the Roman rule. I also find it interesting to learn more about the state of medicine at this time. Gee, the English loved their beer/mead then also. Russo and Tila have gone to a northern out post temporary with the tenth. This is Tila's home area and we learn more about what happened to her family and to her when captured by raiding clan. Simon Vance does an excellent job with the narration. Enjoy a good story and learn some facts about the past in a most delightful way.

Another winner

The book is entertaining, well-written and well-researched without being stuffy. Has it all: adventure, mystery, complicated relationships and strikes a great balance with all of it. The reader also strikes the right balances with speed and cadence. Definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a good story and a little history.

Great story, voice talent, and engineering

I enjoyed it. Narrator has a dry wit like the main character, Ruso. The producer/director made a good choice using Vance. I will listen to the other books in this series, and I hope they have the same voice talent. Storyline is interesting and logical, like a detective story with a medical twist, but set in the Roman Empire. If you like historical fiction, give this a try. Don't miss the first book in the series Medicus.

Gods above! They've done it again!

Great story, great reader...from the slimy snake from Rome to the malingering patients in the ward, to the puffed up local brewer, these characterizations are spot on.

Kudos to writer and narrator!

Delightful mystery

Historical fiction delivered with humor and enough twists and turns to keep any armchair sleuth entertained

A different take on life in Ancient Rome

The novels are set in Britain, which is not much covered in historical fiction. Good story. Well
narrated.

Ruth Downie proves what's past is prologue!

I stumbled upon Medicus in the public library’s audio book stacks and discovered the sequels on Audible. Ruth Downie makes ancient Rome accessible to the modern reader/listener in so many ways. The clever parallels she draws to our own times proves that human behavior is timeless. Simon Vance nuanced characterizations breathe life into Ruso, Tilla, and all of the characters. BTW--If you want another good Simon Vance-read audio book, try The Religion by Tim Willocks.

This book is sheer fun. Can't wait to read more Ruth Downie