book has everything a murder mystery needs

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!

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Excellent story with good characterisation

Like all good historical novels this tale has the credibility that it really is set in the past. I could not fault the audio performance and look forward to listening to further exploits of Russo and the other excellent characters.

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excellent

I love the world of Ruso and Tilla. immediately absorbed in this latest adventure. off to next chapter.

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Another wonderfully researched Roman Whodunit

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.

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Enjoyable

An enjoyable story, great characters and excellent narration. I don’t know enough about this but if the Brigandi did end up as modern day Irish, I like the use of the lilt in Tilla’s speech during the narration.

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Medicus in Southern Gaul

The warmth of the sun, sound of cicadas and smell of the olive groves makes this a lovely book to listen to on a cold English afternoon.
A good mystery full of baddies, a body and Gaius's extremely annoying family.

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Thoroughly enjoyable

This is a very interesting story, giving a great insight into ordenary life in the Roman Empire, coupled with a compelling mystery, expertly read.

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A Gripping, Enjoyable Read

There is nothing to dislike or argue about after listening to this outstanding audio-book. It sets itself up very well and the generous use of humour sits comfortably with a mystery that rewards the listening. Characters are drawn well and the audio-book's performer - Simon Vance - excels in making them real and funny. Characters are more fully witnessed in this third novel of the series and there is development which means that I will be relishing the next novel before long. Ruth Downie should be judged well and not in comparison with others. Audible should be thanked for making this title available to members in the Plus Catalogue. The Plus Catalogue was my easy introduction to this author and series; I am very grateful.

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Festina lente

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.

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3 people found this helpful

Quite the best

Quite the best, wittiest and most excellently read historical series by a knowledgeable, informative writer and superb actor that I’ve come across in a long time. Terrific insights into daily and political life in the grisly and cocksure Roman Empire, intriguing characters, lots of chuckles and jolly good plots…. Absolute gem

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