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Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This is a review of the Michael Joseph 2006 Kindle edition. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing at all. It’s not revolutionary, in fact it bears many of the hallmarks of the Falco books. So will this series fit the bill? On the evidence of this first book, I think it might. As some of Tilla’s background is gradually revealed, it’s possible that she could be a useful aide to Ruso that is if she hangs around long enough.

Roman doctors could do many things, but life was often short. The reality of life at the time is clear simple fevers and infections are usually fatal. The fact that Ruso is an army doctor adds interest to the story. Tensions still exist, and each side is wary of the other. The relationship between Roman authority and the native people is also explored the book is set in modern-day Chester, so in an area that hasn’t been under firm Roman control for more than a generation or two. A rather neglected outpost of empire a bit run-down, staffed with a variety of talents, from the keen to those happy to do as little as possible, without attracting attention. There is an easy blend of Ruso’s own story – clearly to be continued in later books – and the investigation he is working on. The author draws people well allowing them to develop over the course of the story never giving more away than is necessary for that particular moment.

The story is quite complex, with some interesting characters. Light in touch, with modern language, and occasional humour, it is a fairly easy read. The writing style here is very similar to Lindsey Davis. Tilla, as he calls her, (because he can’t pronounce her native name) proves nothing but trouble. Along the way, he acquires, almost by accident, a slave girl who is destined to play a significant role. But a series of events leads him to suspect that something odd is happening, and he eventually gets drawn into investigating. No-one seems particularly interested, and Ruso himself doesn’t give it much thought. So when he is recommended by an old friend, he takes the opportunity with both hands.īut no sooner has he arrived, than a body appears, washed up in the river. He needs a place to recover his well-being and his finances.

In a sense, he is running away from a failed marriage and from debts left after his father’s death. Gaius Petreius Ruso has just arrived in Britannia. Where do I go next for a bit of Roman mystery fiction? Well, Ruth Downie’s series following her army doctor Ruso sounded like it might just fit the bill, so I thought I’d try the first in the series – Medicus. So I’ve come to the end of the Falco series by Lindsey Davis, and exhausted the Gordianus books by Steven Saylor.

Ruth downie books