Notable in terms of character development is Ruso and Tilla's caring for a young woman after her attempt at terminating an unwanted pregnancy - I won't spoil the plot. As usual, the writing is vivid, the characters at time hilarious or touching, and there's so much light, life, and texture to this little murder mystery set in the ancient Roman middle class. Prima Facie takes us back to the perpetual chaos of Ruso's family's farm in southern Gaul. Ruth Downie is back with a delicious summer novella, and I'm never sitting on that bench in the bathhouse. Persona Non Grata was Ruso and the Root of All Evils,Ĭaveat Emptor was Ruso and the River of Darkness -īut SEMPER FIDELIS, TABULA RASA, VITA BREVIS, MEMENTO MORI and PRIMA FACIE only have one title each - hooray!

Terra Incognita was Ruso and the Demented Doctor, Medicus was Ruso and the Disappearing Dancing Girls, Since she is unable to wind back time, British readers may find it useful to know that: Ruth is still wondering how this ever seemed like a good idea. *The first four books have all had two titles. Downie, but she isn't the person with the same name who writes medical textbooks, and recommends that readers should never, ever take health advice from a two thousand year old man who prescribes mouse droppings.

A combination of nosiness and a childish fascination with mud means she is never happier than when wielding an archaeological trowel. Ruth is the author of nine mysteries* featuring Roman Army medic Gaius Petreius Ruso and his British partner Tilla.

Medicus by ruth downie