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Gaius Petrius Ruso is a divorced and down-on-his-luck army doctor who has made the rash decision to seek his fortune in an inclement outpost of the Roman Empire, namely Britannia. After a 36-hour shift at the army hospital, he succumbs to a moment of weakness and rescues an injured slave girl, Tilla, from the hands of her abusive owner. And before he knows it, Ruso is caught in the middle of an investigation into the deaths of prostitutes working out of the local bar.
In this Edgar Award-nominated mystery, John Maddox Roberts takes listeners back to a Rome filled with violence and evil. Vicious gangs ruled the streets of Crassus and Pompey, routinely preying on plebeian and patrician alike. So the garroting of a lowly ex-slave and the disembowelment of a foreign merchant in the dangerous Subura district seemed of little consequence to the Roman hierarchy.
Captain Lacey is asked by Peter Thompson of the Thames River Police to help him investigate a cold case - the murder of a woman found near the docks Thompson patrols. The investigation was sidelined, considered unsolvable, but Thompson has long wished to find her killer. Captain Lacey joins him in the hunt, entering a part of society that is closed to outsiders. Meanwhile, he must deal with his daughter's debut and more developments in his new domestic life, including an anonymous blackmailer who's out to ruin Lacey any way he can.
Oxford, Spring 1353. When young bookseller Nicholas Elyot discovers the body of student William Farringdon floating in the river Cherwell, it looks like a drowning. Soon, however, Nicholas finds evidence of murder. Who could have wanted to kill this promising student? As Nicholas and his scholar friend Jordain try to unravel what lies behind William's death, they learn that he was innocently caught up in a criminal plot.
An atmospheric debut novel set on the gritty streets of Victorian London, Some Danger Involved introduces detective Cyrus Barker and his assistant, Thomas Llewelyn, as they work to solve the gruesome murder of a young scholar in London's Jewish ghetto. When the eccentric and enigmatic Barker takes the case, he must hire an assistant, and out of all who answer an ad for a position with "some danger involved", he chooses downtrodden Llewelyn, a gutsy young man with a murky past.
It's not easy being a rebel. So many new skills to assimilate. Never mind strategic planning, weapons expertise and the like - there's bicycle-stealing, oil-stain removal and boat steering to be mastered first. And quickly. It's the time of the Civil Uprisings, and two young women set out to make a difference. Their only problem? They don't know where they are. Or where they're going. Or what to do when they get there. Other than that....
Gaius Petrius Ruso is a divorced and down-on-his-luck army doctor who has made the rash decision to seek his fortune in an inclement outpost of the Roman Empire, namely Britannia. After a 36-hour shift at the army hospital, he succumbs to a moment of weakness and rescues an injured slave girl, Tilla, from the hands of her abusive owner. And before he knows it, Ruso is caught in the middle of an investigation into the deaths of prostitutes working out of the local bar.
In this Edgar Award-nominated mystery, John Maddox Roberts takes listeners back to a Rome filled with violence and evil. Vicious gangs ruled the streets of Crassus and Pompey, routinely preying on plebeian and patrician alike. So the garroting of a lowly ex-slave and the disembowelment of a foreign merchant in the dangerous Subura district seemed of little consequence to the Roman hierarchy.
Captain Lacey is asked by Peter Thompson of the Thames River Police to help him investigate a cold case - the murder of a woman found near the docks Thompson patrols. The investigation was sidelined, considered unsolvable, but Thompson has long wished to find her killer. Captain Lacey joins him in the hunt, entering a part of society that is closed to outsiders. Meanwhile, he must deal with his daughter's debut and more developments in his new domestic life, including an anonymous blackmailer who's out to ruin Lacey any way he can.
Oxford, Spring 1353. When young bookseller Nicholas Elyot discovers the body of student William Farringdon floating in the river Cherwell, it looks like a drowning. Soon, however, Nicholas finds evidence of murder. Who could have wanted to kill this promising student? As Nicholas and his scholar friend Jordain try to unravel what lies behind William's death, they learn that he was innocently caught up in a criminal plot.
An atmospheric debut novel set on the gritty streets of Victorian London, Some Danger Involved introduces detective Cyrus Barker and his assistant, Thomas Llewelyn, as they work to solve the gruesome murder of a young scholar in London's Jewish ghetto. When the eccentric and enigmatic Barker takes the case, he must hire an assistant, and out of all who answer an ad for a position with "some danger involved", he chooses downtrodden Llewelyn, a gutsy young man with a murky past.
It's not easy being a rebel. So many new skills to assimilate. Never mind strategic planning, weapons expertise and the like - there's bicycle-stealing, oil-stain removal and boat steering to be mastered first. And quickly. It's the time of the Civil Uprisings, and two young women set out to make a difference. Their only problem? They don't know where they are. Or where they're going. Or what to do when they get there. Other than that....
Internationally best-selling author Lyndsay Faye became enamored with tales of Sherlock Holmes and his esteemed biographer, Dr. John Watson, as a child and later began spinning these quintessential characters into her own works of fiction - from her acclaimed debut novel, Dust and Shadow, which pitted the famous detective against Jack the Ripper, to a series of short stories for the Strand Magazine, whose predecessor published the very first Sherlock Holmes short story in 1891.
Dr. Hector Carpentier leads a very quiet life, until he meets legendary police officer Vidocq, who has used his mastery of disguise and surveillance and his extensive knowledge of the Parisian underworld to capture some of the most notorious and elusive criminals.
It's 1811, and the threat of revolution haunts the upper classes of King George III's England. Then a beautiful young woman is found savagely murdered on the altar steps of an ancient church near Westminster Abbey. A dueling pistol found at the scene and the damning testimony of a witness both point to one man - Sebastian St. Cyr, Viscount Devlin, a brilliant young nobleman shattered by his experience in the Napoleonic Wars.
When a girl is gruesomely murdered, thief taker Charlie Tuesday reluctantly agrees to take on the case. But the horrific remains tell him this is no isolated death. The killer’s mad appetites are part of a master plan that could destroy London – and reveal the dark secrets of Charlie’s own past. Now the thief taker must find this murderous mastermind before the plague obliterates the evidence street by street. This terrifying pursuit will take Charlie deep into the black underbelly of old London, where alchemy, witchcraft and blood-spells collide. In a city drowned in darkness, death could be the most powerful magic of all.
Two hundred years ago a loyalist family fled to England to escape the American War of Independence and seemingly vanished into thin air. American genealogist Jefferson Tayte is hired to find out what happened, but it soon becomes apparent that a calculated killer is out to stop him.
It's Rome, 44 BC, and the Ides of March are approaching. Julius Caesar has been appointed dictator for life by the Roman Senate. Having pardoned his remaining enemies and rewarded his friends, Caesar is now preparing to leave Rome with his army to fight the Parthian Empire. Gordianus the Finder, after decades of investigating crimes and murders involving the powerful, has set aside enough that he's been raised to the Equestrian rank and has firmly and finally retired. On the morning of March 10th, though, he's first summoned to meet with Cicero and then with Caesar himself.
In the small village of Kilbane, County Cork, Ireland, Natalie's Bistro has always been warm and welcoming. Nowadays 22-year-old Siobhan O'Sullivan runs the family bistro named for her mother, along with her five siblings, after the death of their parents in a car crash almost a year ago. It's been a rough year for the O'Sullivans, but it's about to get rougher. One morning, as they're opening the bistro, they discover a man seated at a table with a pair of hot pink barber scissors protruding from his chest.
Amelia Peabody embarks on her first Egyptian adventure armed with unshakable self-confidence, a journal for her thoughts, and, of course, a sturdy umbrella. On her way, she rescues Evelyn Barton-Forbes, who has been "ruined" and abandoned on the streets of Rome by her lover. With a typical disregard for convention, Amelia promptly hires her fellow countrywoman as a companion and takes her to Cairo, where strange visitations and a botched kidnapping convince Amelia that there is a plot afoot to harm Evelyn.
Here is the precursor to Jurassic Park. Victorian explorers have heard there is a remote plateau where dinosaurs still survive, and a group set outs on a dangerous mission to find out more about it.
Thomas De Quincey, infamous for his memoir "Confessions of an English Opium-Eater", is the major suspect in a series of ferocious mass murders identical to ones that terrorized London 43 years earlier. The blueprint for the killings seems to be De Quincey's essay "On Murder Considered as One of the Fine Arts". Desperate to clear his name but crippled by opium addiction, De Quincey is aided by his devoted daughter, Emily, and a pair of determined Scotland Yard detectives.
As the city prepares to celebrate Queen Victoria's golden jubilee, Veronica Speedwell is marking a milestone of her own. After burying her spinster aunt, the orphaned Veronica is free to resume her world travels in pursuit of scientific inquiry - and the occasional romantic dalliance. As familiar with hunting butterflies as she is fending off admirers, Veronica wields her butterfly net and a hatpin with equal aplomb, and with her last connection to England gone, she intends to embark upon the journey of a lifetime.
Lady Emily Hardcastle is an eccentric widow with a secret past. Florence Armstrong, her maid and confidante, is an expert in martial arts. The year is 1908 and they've just moved from London to the country, hoping for a quiet life. But it is not long before Lady Hardcastle is forced out of her self-imposed retirement. There's a dead body in the woods, and the police are on the wrong scent. Lady Hardcastle makes some enquiries of her own, and it seems she knows a surprising amount about crime investigation...
With Tilla getting icy greetings from his relatives, Lucius's brother-in-law mysteriously drowned at sea, and the whole Ruso family teetering on the edge of bankruptcy, it's hard to imagine an unhappier reunion. That is, until Severus, the family's chief creditor, winds up dead, and the real trouble begins.
Engrossing, intricate, and - as always - wonderfully comic, Ruth Downie's latest is a brilliant new installment in this irresistible series. This is everything we've come to expect from our charming, luckless hero.
[The author is known] This is the third of Ruth Downie's books, and it has maintained the same high standard. These are fun reading or listening as the case may be and I have all three on my mp3 player. I am awaiting the next installment. If you are a history, historical fiction or love things Roman, it is a great series, written with whit and a bit of irony.
Bruce
12 of 12 people found this review helpful
As a fan of Lindsey Davis and Stephen Saylor, I am thrilled to have found Ruth Downie. In her third book featuring Roman medicus during the reign of Hadrian, she takes it to the next level. The first two books were enjoyable, but this volume is in an entirely different league. The change of setting from Roman Britain to Transalpine Gaul (modern Provence), takes Ruso into the bosom of his very dysfunctional family (who had been alluded to in previous books). While it's possible to read this book as a stand-alone, I would highly recommend reading the books in order in order to appreciate the characters' histories and development. I have a background in Classical History, and while I won't pretend there aren't some anachronistic elements, I was impressed by how much research Ms. Downie must have done to recreate the period. Unlike the more free-thinking Falco of Lindsey Davis's books, Ruso seems more a product of his era and culture.
8 of 8 people found this review helpful
I tend to listen to non-fiction more than fiction, but I am thoroughly engaged by these novels.
I have (via their websites) nagged both Ms. Downie and Mr. Vance about the release of the audio version of her latest Ruso novel. It is well worth the wait! I enjoy this series so very much -- I have listened to Medicus and Terra Incognita many times.
I find the protagonists delightfully drawn, and the secondary characters unique and very engaging.
I missed Albanus in this one, though...his eagerness and simplicity are a wonderful foil for Ruso's cynicism and weariness.
The environmental background is delightfully portrayed. I felt the dry heat of southern Gaul and, with Tilla, found myself wishing for the cool, moist air of Britannia. Her conclusions about the nature of "civilization" are spot on.
Mr. Vance's narration is a perfect match for these characters. I can't imagine anyone else doing Ruso. He captures Ruso's gruff manner as well as his well-hidden empathy and heart. In this book he gives well-nuanced voice to the new characters introduced into Ruso's world. I especially enjoyed the tone of his interpretation of Marcia, Ruso's half-sister. He gives her just the right touch of adolescent whining, pouting and rebellion!
"Gods above!" I rate this as a 5 for sheer enjoyment.
14 of 15 people found this review helpful
I don't remember ever reading any fictional tale from the Roman Empire that wasn't religious, so I'm glad I purchased this book. Downie's research of Roman law and culture shines through this mystery.
The story involves several aspects of law, family inheritance, debt, divorce, vice and murder. Her knowledge of all of these held my interest when I would have been bored.
Simon Vance is brilliant as always.
I rate this a 3 overall, but that doesn't mean I'm sorry I purchased it. In fact, historical works like this always seem to enhance my knowledge overall.
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
Knew nothing about this book when I picked it - just sounded interesting. I"ve always thought I'd like to read something about Ancient Rome (or Tudor England or Egypt under the Pharoahs} that dealt with everyday life and relatively ordinary people. To be sure, this is a murder- mystery, but it's full of everyday occurrences - meals and broken feet and shopping and petty grievances. The characters come across after about 2000 years as fellow human beings. Ruso is likeable even though he's irascible and Tilla is an incredibly strong and down-to earth woman. There's much humor woven into the fabric of this story which really enlivens it. The only difficulty that I had in reading this was keeping the characters straight - maybe because of the unfamiliar names, but it was hard for me to remember the connections between the characters, All in all, a very enjoyable read. I plan to get the other 2 in the series.
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
I have never been a fan of historical fiction. I thought, it's either history or it's not. No need to make up stories about things that really happened. I have since changed my mind.
I started this series when Terra Incognita was featured as a Kindle book for $1.99. I figured, what do I have to lose if I hate a $2 book? Then I couldn't get enough. I wanted to find out what happened to Tilla, a very likable and strong willed woman.
I honestly couldn't care less about the male characters in this series. Most of them seem flat and boring, except for the evil ones. Tilla is interesting and complicated. Not to say this is a book that makes you think or feel. It's just a good story that entertains. It's fun.
As for the people who have said that it is not historically accurate, I say, ppptttthhhhhtttt.... Who cares? We don't know much about that time anyway. The Roman's only wrote from the conquering heroes point of view, and the Celts didn't write about it, or anything else. So Ms. Downie has some room to fill in the blanks.
These are good books. Read them for what they are worth and you will enjoy them.
9 of 10 people found this review helpful
This fun historical mystery novel comes alive with Simon Vance's narration. Ruth Downie's writing puts a sometimes amusing face on life in the Roman Empire despite its darker aspects. Downie created engaging characters with distinct personalities and a decent mystery plot. Honestly though, I enjoyed the characters and their dryly humorous interactions well highlighted by the stellar narration so much that the plot felt more like a side show. A very pleasant listen.
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
When the summary of Persona Non Grata mentioned a Roman setting, I was expecting a story a bit more "historical" in nature. However, this story (with the exception of gladiators) could have been set in any time period or culture. However, I still enjoyed the mystery and would read something from this author in the future.
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
This is book 3 in the series and finds Gaius Petreius Ruso with a fractured foot and given medical leave. He receives a urgent letter from his bother to come home immediately. He and Tilla go to his family home in Gaul to find that his brother did not send for him but the families major creditor (Severus), who is married to Claudia, Ruso ex-wife did so. Downie weaves a complex plot of ship wrecks, murder of Severus, thief, along with some witty humor of a dysfunctional family. Ruso and Tilla are trying to solve the murder of Severus. Tilla has some adventures of her own from stomping grapes in a vat with another slave; to going with Ruso's sister-in-law, Cate to a near by town hunting for information on Justin (Cate's brother) who was missing in a ship wreck. Tilla and Cate get into a dangerous situation while questioning sailors in a shady waterfront bar and Tilla ends up killing a man. Needless to say there is lots of action, suspense, humor and information about the countryside and lifestyle in Gaul at that time. Downie provides interesting description of the games in the Coliseum and Ruso as the physician to the wounded gladiators. Simon Vance does a great job with the narration. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
With no organized police force someone has to step and find the citizens who commit the dastardly deed. Alight, fun read with a look into Roman day to day life. Ruth Downie does enough with her characters to keep you listening. Simon Vance is one of my three favourite male narrators ( Humphrey Bower and Scott Brick are the others ) and he doesn't disappoint with excellent representations of the varied male characters from different backgrounds and the many wonderful female 'persona'... Worth the credit for light entertainment but too bad that the first two books of the series are not available on Audible.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
This is a story that is slow to build. Ruso and Tilla return to his family home. A letter and a broken foot sends Ruso into the stifling summer heat of the South of France and his family. He and Tilla face his rackety family, the family's intractable debt problem, the heat of summer, and the hostility of the locals. Ruso feels obliged to sort it all out. Tilla's problems include Ruso's family and the mysteries of Roman customs.
All will be well, but not without a lot of luck and hard work. On the way the readers learn much about the life of Romans at work and play in the South of France. Simon Vance tells a good tale and, although this was my first audio tale of Ruso, I am sure I shall listen to more of the Medicus and Tilla.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This is a very interesting story, giving a great insight into ordenary life in the Roman Empire, coupled with a compelling mystery, expertly read.
the murder setting of an Agatha Cristie novel, the upstairs downstairs narrative of an episode of downtown Abbey and characters that a modern audience can relate to- but set in ancient Rome!
the narrator is good too!
The third book in the Ruso series. It's every bit as good as the first two! This time Ruso and Tilla travel to Italy, summoned by a note from his home. He arrives to discover his family on the brink of bankruptcy and flatly denying they sent for him. His brother in law has been killed and his sister is demanding her dowry. Within days, Tilla is being treated as a slave, and their creditor (who happens to be married to Ruso's ex-wife) has dropped dead in Ruso's study. Then things really start to go downhill . .
As ever, Ruso's eye-rolling 'not again' attitude and Tilla's practical nature are great fun as they struggle through an adventure with many twists and turns.
I loved every minute of it and can't wait for the next one.
I was very disappointed in this addition to the series.
Ruth Downie squanders the previous quirkiness of the characters and their relationships; Ruso, Tilla and Valens.
Ruso and Tilla go from quirkily mismatched to frustratingly uncommunicative; and it doesn't work. Tilla is forever being tricked into foolishness, sneaking away, behaving like a naive idiot (uncharacteristically - even given the new location); things between Ruso and Tilla are forever being "misunderstood"; mainly because Ruso is busy with his internal dialogue and Tilla is consumed with doubt about her status. Her spunk has been stripped away to be replaced with a sort of dumb petulance. My god I was wishing someone would clip all the players over the head; and not wishing in a good way.
All the characters are unlikable, and willfully stupid; it seems that's the main contrivance to drive the plot.
Ruso spends the book fixated on his inner dialogue; mulling over ALL the possible outcomes via endless internal questioning; while at the same time missing key conversations because he has stopped listening ... then the conversations either prove pivotal, and he missed it; or have to be repeated when Ruso "realises he's been asked a question but wasn't listening".
The rehashing, and the repeating of relationship interactions (how many times do we have to have the conversation, internal and external, with his step mother going over the same attitudes; or with his brother?).
Simon Vance's narration, so good previously, doesn't help.
Vance has radically changed his approach. Tilla, Ruso and Valens are all different voices; as is the "Narrator". The style was so different, and poorer, I had to check the other book I have to see if was the same reader.
Sadly the basic plot could have done without all this squandered opportunity. It didn't need padding, nor contrivances. It would work without them.
It was frustratingly tedious. I persevered for about half the book then jumped to the last hour to get the ending.
I hope the next installment gets back to value. I'll have a listen and see.
0 of 1 people found this review helpful