Caveat Emptor: A Novel of the Roman Empire

This is the fourth book in the "Medicus" series. First I have to say one of the reasons I started this series was the narrator Simon Vance, I always enjoy his reading of a novel, especially historical novels. Each of these book are crime thrillers, set in the time of ancient Rome, during the reign of Emperor Hadrian. Also involving the invasion of the British Isles. I am a lover of historical novels and Ruth Downie does a wonderful job with her time lines and her story line. I would recommend, starting the series with book #1 "Medicus", to get the background on the characters, however each book can stand on it's own. I always find myself hating for each of these books to end. I also suggest, the anyone who has not listened to this narrator listen to a sample that Audible offers, then you will know if you like his style.(I suggest that will all books)

I have now finished all four of Ruth Downie's series. The stories and characters grew better with each volume and I can't wait for the next one. Simon Vance is a great narrator. I love the continuing characters that run throughout the four books. I recently listened to the first book in Maddox's SPQR series and was disapointed, having enjoyed the Medicus and his adventures so much.

If you've listened to previous adventures of Russo, the Roman doctor/detective in Brittania, you'll want to listen to this one. If you haven't, you should start with Terra Incognita, the first of this series that I've found on Audible. It's a fun series and I continue to be amazed at how similar life in the Roman Empire was to life today. Human nature simply remains constant. Great series. Highly recommend!

Ruth Downie does a great job of involving us in the lives of her characters, and her evocation of life in Roman Britannia is sure handed and masterful. If you have read previous books in this series, you will already be invested in Russo's life with his British wife, Tilla, and if you have not, it will not take you long to develop real affection for them.

Unfortunately, I found the plot for this book to be a bit plodding. It did not engage me consistently as I expect a murder mystery to do whatever its setting may be. In addition, the book fairly limps to its ending with very little in the way of satisfaction. As a result, despite the author's deft touch when it comes to creating very human characters, I found this a dreary listen at times and was ready for it to end.

As usual, Simon Vance's narration was superb.

This is one of the top book I have listened to. Simon makes each person seem so real

Not all of the time - but I did enjoy listening and sometime would sit in my car to hear more of the audio before I came into the house from work or I would drive slower so I could listen to more.

Yes - I look for audios that he has performed. I totally enjoy listing to his voice and the way he changes character.

While not "high literature", this was well put together story that entertained me on my commute. The setting was unique, although the underlying thread could have been set in any time period. The narrator is quite good and I would listen to more of his works. I will check out more in this series.

It was fun imagining Roman era Britain although highly tinged w/ 21st century ideals. The story is a fun dime-store detective story which plays well enough.

Yes I would recommend this book. It is always delightful not to know how a story will end and the author didn't give it away.

The funeral was memorable when it was obvious that so few people cared about the victims.

Not sure

The fact that the main character's wife would never have a child due to her own past and he decided he lover her enough to stay with her

very entertaining!

This entire series is fantastic. The narrator and the author have given us a treat. The history and the great characters and the details of daily life are all here. Hope there's more coming!

An interesting & well written historical mystery set in Roman Britain times in a village near St. Albans. Clean, educational, & interesting I give it a definite GP rating with 4+ stars! I will be reading another Ruth Downie mystery. The title means something along the lines of "buyer beware". It is interesting how Downie ties this concept into the plot. Roso is my favorite character as he shows the reader the perks & responsibilities of being a male Roman citizen and officer. Simon Vance is an excellent narrator.