Memento Mori

Roman Empire Series, Book 8

By: Ruth Downie

Narrated by: Simon Vance

Length: 10 hrs and 40 mins

Publisher's summary

A scandal is threatening to engulf the popular spa town of Aquae Sulis (modern-day Bath). The wife of Ruso's best friend, Valens, has been found dead in the sacred hot spring, stabbed through the heart. Fearing the wrath of the goddess and the ruin of the tourist trade, the temple officials are keen to cover up what's happened. But the dead woman's father is demanding justice, and he's accusing Valens of murder.

If Valens turns up to face trial, he will risk execution. If he doesn't, he'll lose his children.

Ruso and Tilla do their best to help, but it's difficult to get anyone - even Valens himself - to reveal what really happened. Could Ruso's friend really be guilty as charged?

©2018 Ruth Downie (P)2018 Tantor

Doesn’t disappoint!

Once again, an engaging mystery with well loved characters. Truly love Albanus, although I think the narrator changed his voice again from the original presentation. Looking forward to reading the next book!

Another good one!

Ms. Downi e has done it again. The action kept me interested until the end and left me wanting more. We, my wife and are eagerly looking forward to the next book.

I love this series

This is a totally delightful mystery series, but it is not just the mystery (in this case, I had a strong hunch about who was ultimately guilty), it is the whole romp, the characters, the historical setting (I put it on my “to visit list” to see Aquae Sulis). It’s all fun, the performance as always is great. Sheer delight. Though I’d be happy with more in the series, I’d also be most happy if Ruth Downie would start a new series in a new locale (perhaps Medieval France?).

Thank you Ruth Downie and Simon Vance

Ruth Downie’s writing and Simon Vance’s narration are truly a magical combination. I look forward to savouring each book and am never disappointed. The series would appeal to anyone who appreciates exceptional writing and a good storyline about how a medic in the time of the Roman Empire and his wife who was previously a slave, use their intelligence to solve crimes. The entire series is good , clean, fun.

Another great outing! Can't wait for the next one

What did you love best about Memento Mori?

The setting of Ruth Downie's book. You actually feel like you are living in that time. Oh and the humor in the book is just as great as the setting.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Tilla is my favorite character. She is a strong woman who knows how to successfully navigate various situations. She does not let what others think affect what she knows is right. Of course all of the characters are like old friends.

Which scene was your favorite?

I don't really have a specific scene. I enjoyed the entire book.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

This book made me laugh at times. It is a serious mystery that does not take itself seriously.

Any additional comments?

I always look forward to the Medicus books by Ruth Downie. I buy her audiobooks the day they come out and I listen to it right away, even if I'm in the middle of another audiobook. The characters are like old friends. I love finding out what they have been doing and I feel like I know them The mysteries are just complicated enough to keep you interested and red herrings abound! And of course Simon Vance is one of the greatest narrators Audible has. He could read a phone book and I would listen to it. I would suggest starting at the beginning of the series. You will not want to miss a minutes of Russo, Tilla and their friends.

Like Coming Home

How wonderful to have another adventure with Tilla and Ruso. Simon Vance makes the characters come alive with his excellent narration and when I hear his interpretation of well-loved characters it's like coming home and seeing old friends.

Both reader and book five stars.

As i have read all the Russo books and enjoyed each one, i am glad this one is fine. The story is a "lesser" tale. The characters are not as fleshed out as in other books but the tale itself was interesting. I really hope the Dr. goes back into practice soon.

Ruso and Tilla solve a murder in Bath

This is the eighth book in the Medicus series. In this one, Ruso and Tilla are plunged immediately into solving the murder of their friend, Valens’ wife, whose body was found in the sacred spring of Aquae Sulis. There is fairly constant action or investigating, and so this book is pretty focused. I did find that there were short patches where things drifted a bit, but that might have been Simon Vance’s narration. On the one hand, he seems well suited for this book, but on the other, he is sometimes not the most engaging narrator. I liked the way that the various characters and suspects played out, and I always love the two main characters of Ruso and Tilla. All in all, a solid addition to the series.

Another great story from Ruth Downie

If you have been following the whole series of Tila and Ruso, this is another really entertaining chapter in a great series. I always feel that besides an entertaining and even humorous murder mystery to enjoy, I get to have a free lesson in ancient history! Simon Vance's narration is as good as it gets.

Great Who-Done-It set in Roman Britain

Wonderful characters set in Aqua Sula, modern day Bath. The story winds through the military, civil and religious life of a major Roman and native shrine. It kept me guessing until the last chapter. Simon Vance's prefomance was brilliant. Well done!