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Gaius Petreius Ruso #8.5
Prima Facie
A novella from the author of bestseller Medicus, featuring reluctant investigator Ruso and his partner Tilla. A tale of murder, intrigue, and betrayal in Roman Gaul.
It's AD 123 and the sun is shining on southern Gaul. Ex-military medic Ruso and his British wife Tilla are back after a long absence - but it's not the reunion anyone had hoped for.
Ruso's brother has left him in charge of a farm he has no idea how to manage, a chronic debt problem and a gaggle of accident-prone small children. Meanwhile his sister Flora has run away to rescue her boyfriend, who's accused of murdering a wealthy guest at a party.
Can Ruso and Tilla save the boyfriend from the murder charge - or should they be saving Flora from the boyfriend? Will any of the guests tell the truth about the fatal party before it's too late? And meanwhile, how long can Ruso continue to lie about what's inside the bath house?
Don't miss this novella from the author of the New York Times bestseller Medicus.
It's AD 123 and the sun is shining on southern Gaul. Ex-military medic Ruso and his British wife Tilla are back after a long absence - but it's not the reunion anyone had hoped for.
Ruso's brother has left him in charge of a farm he has no idea how to manage, a chronic debt problem and a gaggle of accident-prone small children. Meanwhile his sister Flora has run away to rescue her boyfriend, who's accused of murdering a wealthy guest at a party.
Can Ruso and Tilla save the boyfriend from the murder charge - or should they be saving Flora from the boyfriend? Will any of the guests tell the truth about the fatal party before it's too late? And meanwhile, how long can Ruso continue to lie about what's inside the bath house?
Don't miss this novella from the author of the New York Times bestseller Medicus.
Audiobook
First published July 9, 2019
167 people are currently reading
286 people want to read
About the author
Ruth Downie
17 books761 followersRuth is the author of nine mysteries* featuring Roman Army medic Gaius Petreius Ruso and his British partner Tilla. The latest is a novella, PRIMA FACIE. She lives in Devon, England. A combination of nosiness and a childish fascination with mud means she is never happier than when wielding an archaeological trowel.
She is sometimes called R.S. 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.
*The first four books have all had two titles. Ruth is still wondering how this ever seemed like a good idea. Since she is unable to wind back time, British readers may find it useful to know that:
Medicus was Ruso and the Disappearing Dancing Girls,
Terra Incognita was Ruso and the Demented Doctor,
Persona Non Grata was Ruso and the Root of All Evils,
Caveat Emptor was Ruso and the River of Darkness -
but SEMPER FIDELIS, TABULA RASA, VITA BREVIS, MEMENTO MORI and PRIMA FACIE only have one title each - hooray!
She is sometimes called R.S. 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.
*The first four books have all had two titles. Ruth is still wondering how this ever seemed like a good idea. Since she is unable to wind back time, British readers may find it useful to know that:
Medicus was Ruso and the Disappearing Dancing Girls,
Terra Incognita was Ruso and the Demented Doctor,
Persona Non Grata was Ruso and the Root of All Evils,
Caveat Emptor was Ruso and the River of Darkness -
but SEMPER FIDELIS, TABULA RASA, VITA BREVIS, MEMENTO MORI and PRIMA FACIE only have one title each - hooray!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
July 10, 2019
Ruth Downie is back with a delicious summer novella, and I'm never sitting on that bench in the bathhouse. :)
Prima Facie takes us back to the perpetual chaos of Ruso's family's farm in southern Gaul. 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. 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. Those of us who've read the whole Medicus series so far know that this is highly significant for Ruso and Tilla, and this part was handled with great sensibility and humanity.
As always, I greatly appreciate the fact that Downie makes no attempt at cramming modern point of views and sensibilities into the head of 2nd-century characters. Ruso is a man of his time; his education, social class, and personal journey shape his personality, and he and Tilla are endearing and believable leads, who've done a spectacular amount of growth throughout the series. (I mean, I still remember book #1, when Till nearly kills Ruso with a soup bowl, and, at the end of the book he drunkenly tells her that if she comes back to his house, she won't sleep on the floor with the mice but in his bed. Their antics were adorable, but it's striking to see how much they've matured.)
Prima Facie takes us back to the perpetual chaos of Ruso's family's farm in southern Gaul. 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. 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. Those of us who've read the whole Medicus series so far know that this is highly significant for Ruso and Tilla, and this part was handled with great sensibility and humanity.
As always, I greatly appreciate the fact that Downie makes no attempt at cramming modern point of views and sensibilities into the head of 2nd-century characters. Ruso is a man of his time; his education, social class, and personal journey shape his personality, and he and Tilla are endearing and believable leads, who've done a spectacular amount of growth throughout the series. (I mean, I still remember book #1, when Till nearly kills Ruso with a soup bowl, and, at the end of the book he drunkenly tells her that if she comes back to his house, she won't sleep on the floor with the mice but in his bed. Their antics were adorable, but it's striking to see how much they've matured.)
May 21, 2023
A moral quandry
Only a short story but still fun. Ruso and Tilla have arrived at the family farm just in time it seems. His younger sister is in love and wants.to.marry a young man who has just been arrested for murdering his master's son. She swear he is in no way and gets Ruso to help, as he looks into the matter Ruso finds that the dead man was a seducer of women and he didn't care whether or not they were willing participants. Ruso has two sisters, he thinks about how far he would.go.to.protect them and could be blame anyone.else if they had done the same.............
Only a short story but still fun. Ruso and Tilla have arrived at the family farm just in time it seems. His younger sister is in love and wants.to.marry a young man who has just been arrested for murdering his master's son. She swear he is in no way and gets Ruso to help, as he looks into the matter Ruso finds that the dead man was a seducer of women and he didn't care whether or not they were willing participants. Ruso has two sisters, he thinks about how far he would.go.to.protect them and could be blame anyone.else if they had done the same.............
August 4, 2019
I have enjoyed all of the Medicus books by Ruth Downie and it was a treat to have this novella to read in between weekend outdoor adventures.
Tilla joins husband Ruso along with their adopted baby to pay a visit at the family homestead whilst brother Lucius is away, and, of course, they pull in just in time for a murder in the neighborhood. Accused of the murder is the young man Ruso's sister Flora has her heart set on. The pressure is on, and the neighbors he has to deal with hold substantial notes from Ruso's deceased father...money the family does not have.
Short one, satisfying read for fans of this series.
Kindle Unlimited
Tilla joins husband Ruso along with their adopted baby to pay a visit at the family homestead whilst brother Lucius is away, and, of course, they pull in just in time for a murder in the neighborhood. Accused of the murder is the young man Ruso's sister Flora has her heart set on. The pressure is on, and the neighbors he has to deal with hold substantial notes from Ruso's deceased father...money the family does not have.
Short one, satisfying read for fans of this series.
Kindle Unlimited
March 2, 2020
This novella is up to Downie's usual high standard. Ruso, Tilla, and daughter Mara arrive at his brother's farm in Gaul for a visit. The boyfriend of Flora, Ruso's sister, is accused of a murder of which he's innocent. The couple set out to find the real murderer. Excitement abounds.
July 15, 2019
Prima Facie is a fun novella for all Ruso and Tilla's fans, and Roman-historical-fiction lovers in general.
What to Expect
A short mystery in Ruso's home town, where the human angle (the whydunit, rather than whodunit) is the most engaging aspect. Downie covers Roman provincial life in her usual charm and wit, and we get to enjoy this glimpse into an aspect of Roman life that isn't often covered by Rome-centric novels.
What I liked
As usual, Downie is the master of sub-text. Her dialogues, the way characters interact, talk at cross purposes, keep and reveal things -- all make for amazingly real people. Her research is always top-notch, and though there isn't a lot of Roman trivia in the story the depiction of life is excellent.
What to be aware of
The story is standalone (like all the novels), but there plenty of references to recurring characters. It's not essential to understand the story, so this novella can be taken as an introduction to the series, but it does help.
Summary
Whether you're a long time fan of Ruso and Downie or whether you are new to the series, this is an entertain addition that any Roman-era aficionado would enjoy.
--
Assaph Mehr, author of Murder In Absentia: A story of Togas, Daggers, and Magic - for lovers of Ancient Rome, Murder Mysteries, and Urban Fantasy.
What to Expect
A short mystery in Ruso's home town, where the human angle (the whydunit, rather than whodunit) is the most engaging aspect. Downie covers Roman provincial life in her usual charm and wit, and we get to enjoy this glimpse into an aspect of Roman life that isn't often covered by Rome-centric novels.
What I liked
As usual, Downie is the master of sub-text. Her dialogues, the way characters interact, talk at cross purposes, keep and reveal things -- all make for amazingly real people. Her research is always top-notch, and though there isn't a lot of Roman trivia in the story the depiction of life is excellent.
What to be aware of
The story is standalone (like all the novels), but there plenty of references to recurring characters. It's not essential to understand the story, so this novella can be taken as an introduction to the series, but it does help.
Summary
Whether you're a long time fan of Ruso and Downie or whether you are new to the series, this is an entertain addition that any Roman-era aficionado would enjoy.
--
Assaph Mehr, author of Murder In Absentia: A story of Togas, Daggers, and Magic - for lovers of Ancient Rome, Murder Mysteries, and Urban Fantasy.
November 16, 2019
Audiobook Review
A Medicus to the Roman army with a wife who was a former Britain slave solving mysteries together? Oh, you know it! I was eager to give this new-found series a go.
Prima Facie is book 8.5 in the series and is a standalone mystery that is part of an ongoing personal story for Ruso and his wife, Tilla. I found it quite easy to jump in with this book, but also could tell that this was part of an ongoing series arc.
Ruso and Tilla were in Rome, but now returning by way of a stopover to visit with his family at his home villa. They no sooner arrive than they are accosted by family because his youngest sister as has gone off trying to save the young man who was courting her because he stands accused of murder. Ruso is forced to step in and give aid in the form of discovering the truth before its too late for the young wheelwright.
I do love reading stories set during the Roman Empire so I was thrilled to see a mystery series set during the period. I soon got a surprise. This read like a light historical cozy mystery that had no issue with wedging in modern terms and slang all over the place. I should have realized when I saw the word 'boyfriend' in the blurb. It didn't go completely off the rails and there was some attention paid to historical setting and culture, but, yes, don't go in expecting a meticulous authentic historical.
It probably sounds like that was enough to put me off entirely, and I confess that in some cases, it would be. However, the tone was that of a mystery romp at times so I just went with it because I was enjoying the characters and the mystery. Ruso and Tilla were quite easy to enjoy as main characters and I would love to go back and get all their stories since it seems the series beings with their meeting and goes from there. I thought the rest of Ruso's family were the comic relief between his self-interested middle sister and his overly dramatic youngest, his step-mother who practically gives him a rash, and the wild antics of his nephews.
The murder mystery struck the sober note and had some good twists, brought out social issues and even ethics. Ruso and Tilla attacked the mystery from two different angles and used their strengths to get to the truth. There were some good twists.
Simon Vance, a very prolific narrator and one I am familiar with for his voice to several fantasies and classics, is the series narrator. I enjoy his voice and the flexibility he showed to do all characters of gender, age, class, and temperament. He caught the right tone and pace so well. He gave Tilla an accent different from the rest since she wasn't Roman and gave Ruso a low and methodical voice that reminded me he was a physician.
All in all, it was a great intro to the series for me and I'm definitely going back for more. I'm not sure if the whole series has the lighter amusing moments like this novella, but it felt like a cozy so I'll recommend it to those who like historical cozies.
My thanks to Tantor Audio for providing the book in exchange for an honest review.
A Medicus to the Roman army with a wife who was a former Britain slave solving mysteries together? Oh, you know it! I was eager to give this new-found series a go.
Prima Facie is book 8.5 in the series and is a standalone mystery that is part of an ongoing personal story for Ruso and his wife, Tilla. I found it quite easy to jump in with this book, but also could tell that this was part of an ongoing series arc.
Ruso and Tilla were in Rome, but now returning by way of a stopover to visit with his family at his home villa. They no sooner arrive than they are accosted by family because his youngest sister as has gone off trying to save the young man who was courting her because he stands accused of murder. Ruso is forced to step in and give aid in the form of discovering the truth before its too late for the young wheelwright.
I do love reading stories set during the Roman Empire so I was thrilled to see a mystery series set during the period. I soon got a surprise. This read like a light historical cozy mystery that had no issue with wedging in modern terms and slang all over the place. I should have realized when I saw the word 'boyfriend' in the blurb. It didn't go completely off the rails and there was some attention paid to historical setting and culture, but, yes, don't go in expecting a meticulous authentic historical.
It probably sounds like that was enough to put me off entirely, and I confess that in some cases, it would be. However, the tone was that of a mystery romp at times so I just went with it because I was enjoying the characters and the mystery. Ruso and Tilla were quite easy to enjoy as main characters and I would love to go back and get all their stories since it seems the series beings with their meeting and goes from there. I thought the rest of Ruso's family were the comic relief between his self-interested middle sister and his overly dramatic youngest, his step-mother who practically gives him a rash, and the wild antics of his nephews.
The murder mystery struck the sober note and had some good twists, brought out social issues and even ethics. Ruso and Tilla attacked the mystery from two different angles and used their strengths to get to the truth. There were some good twists.
Simon Vance, a very prolific narrator and one I am familiar with for his voice to several fantasies and classics, is the series narrator. I enjoy his voice and the flexibility he showed to do all characters of gender, age, class, and temperament. He caught the right tone and pace so well. He gave Tilla an accent different from the rest since she wasn't Roman and gave Ruso a low and methodical voice that reminded me he was a physician.
All in all, it was a great intro to the series for me and I'm definitely going back for more. I'm not sure if the whole series has the lighter amusing moments like this novella, but it felt like a cozy so I'll recommend it to those who like historical cozies.
My thanks to Tantor Audio for providing the book in exchange for an honest review.
July 31, 2022
This novella is up to Downie's usual high standard. Ruso, Tilla, and daughter Mara arrive at his brother's farm in Gaul for a visit. The boyfriend of Flora, Ruso's sister, is accused of a murder of which he's innocent. The couple set out to find the real murderer. Excitement abounds. I wondered at the fact that running characters [all of Ruso's familia were not named whereas they had been in an earlier visit to Gaul, e.g., Ruso's sister-in -law, Cassia
April 11, 2021
A great novella
This story looks at a murder (what else?) committed when Ruso and Tilla drop by to visit his brother.
It's nice to see the family we've only come to know in the grasping letters Ruso keeps receiving.
This looks at honour and family expectations. And family relationships.
I really enjoy this series.
This story looks at a murder (what else?) committed when Ruso and Tilla drop by to visit his brother.
It's nice to see the family we've only come to know in the grasping letters Ruso keeps receiving.
This looks at honour and family expectations. And family relationships.
I really enjoy this series.
November 23, 2021
The problem with novellas from favourite mystery authors is that they are not books. This is very well done - short form mysteries are hard, and the plot had just the right amount of complexity, there were nice and notable character moments, and the villa society was really interestingly evoked. But dammit, I wanted another Ruth Downie novel please.
July 3, 2024
Poor Ruso and Tilla can’t stay out of trouble
September 29, 2024
This was a novella in this series - a good short read.
May 3, 2020
2020 bk 153. I read this out of order, but it still worked. On their way back to Britain, Ruso and Tilla and company stop at his brother's farm to see the family and rest before the rest of the journey. No sooner do they arrive than they learn that the brother is out of town and his sister Flora is in love with a young man who might be a murderer. Pleading with Russo to learn who really murdered the man and to free her young man, Flora is one determined young lady. While far shorter than the novels, Ruth Downie does an excellent job with this novella, managing to keep us on the edge of our seats, teach us more about the Roman outposts, and creating a story that leaves one satisfied at the end with the results.
July 18, 2019
There’s a lot to be said for the novella form. “Prima Facie” has all the intrigue of a typical Ruth Downie mystery, but less of the baggage. I found the previous full novel in the Gaius Petreius Ruso series a little chatty. This book is just as clever, but more tightly focused.
On their way back to Britannia, Ruso and Tilla find themselves involved with a possibly fratricidal death following a party at the home of a wealthy Roman in Gaul. As always, the pair approach the case from different angles, adding to the intrigue. A welcome and highly readable addition to the series.
On their way back to Britannia, Ruso and Tilla find themselves involved with a possibly fratricidal death following a party at the home of a wealthy Roman in Gaul. As always, the pair approach the case from different angles, adding to the intrigue. A welcome and highly readable addition to the series.
April 22, 2022
Loved loved loved this book and truly did not want it to end, I tried to read slowly and checked the last 2 books to see how old Mara would be? Did they get back to Rome after the last book ended? I was asking the book questions and laughing out loud at things Russo said.
On a serious note, Downie's excellent Author's Note explores the vast social inequalities of that time. Her characters, especially Ruso and Tilla, grow and evolve in their wisdom and as their relationship has developed. They both are, and are not, products of their environment. They do not necessarily "think" like most 2nd century people, which is a credit to the author's great writing skills, and her extensive research, which includes archaeological "hands on".
THIS of course sums the story up better than I can:"It's AD 123 and the sun is shining on southern Gaul. Ex-military medic Ruso and his British wife Tilla are back after a long absence - but it's not the reunion anyone had hoped for.
Ruso's brother has left him in charge of a farm he has no idea how to manage, a chronic debt problem and a gaggle of accident-prone small children. Meanwhile his sister Flora has run away to rescue her boyfriend, who's accused of murdering a wealthy guest at a party. "
How could you possibly not want to read this small book which could stand alone? Then of course you need to go back and begin with book #1 and begin the series. I have read it twice and am now going back to reread parts of this one. Get one for yourself right now!
On a serious note, Downie's excellent Author's Note explores the vast social inequalities of that time. Her characters, especially Ruso and Tilla, grow and evolve in their wisdom and as their relationship has developed. They both are, and are not, products of their environment. They do not necessarily "think" like most 2nd century people, which is a credit to the author's great writing skills, and her extensive research, which includes archaeological "hands on".
THIS of course sums the story up better than I can:"It's AD 123 and the sun is shining on southern Gaul. Ex-military medic Ruso and his British wife Tilla are back after a long absence - but it's not the reunion anyone had hoped for.
Ruso's brother has left him in charge of a farm he has no idea how to manage, a chronic debt problem and a gaggle of accident-prone small children. Meanwhile his sister Flora has run away to rescue her boyfriend, who's accused of murdering a wealthy guest at a party. "
How could you possibly not want to read this small book which could stand alone? Then of course you need to go back and begin with book #1 and begin the series. I have read it twice and am now going back to reread parts of this one. Get one for yourself right now!
April 5, 2021
Ruso and Tilla should never go back to the family villa in southern Gaul. They never get a break when they're there. Ruth Downie has created an absolutely entitled family that never seems to grasp that there's no money in the till. And her male lead (Ruso) is absolutely averse to conflict, has a foreign wife (and one who speaks her mind at that), and it seems wherever he is, the latest murder comes up.
From her tongue-in-cheek introduction of characters through the series of no-win scenarios that men averse to conflict always seem to find themselves in, this novella pulls you right along.
From her tongue-in-cheek introduction of characters through the series of no-win scenarios that men averse to conflict always seem to find themselves in, this novella pulls you right along.
February 4, 2020
I have finished reading all the books in this series (so far) and loved all of them. The thing about the solutions to all the mysteries is that they are not tied up in a neat bow, but rather they're "solved" in a more pragmatic way, as I believe happens in reality. Sometimes the bad guy(s) do get away with it. Sometimes there is no justice for those at the bottom of the social totem pole. But I hope we hear more from Ruso and Tilla. I would love to see how Mara grows up, and if Ruso's sisters ever do.
July 22, 2019
As always a great read!
Ruso is a fantastic character dealing with a plethora of incidents that crop up while he is looking into his main problem. He strikes me as being good humoured, honest, loving. Can’t fault that!
Ruso is a fantastic character dealing with a plethora of incidents that crop up while he is looking into his main problem. He strikes me as being good humoured, honest, loving. Can’t fault that!
December 30, 2019
When Ruso and his wife Tilla head home to the old farm in southern Gaul, they aren't expecting to arrive in the middle of a family crisis. Little sister Flora's boyfriend, a freeman and wheelwright, has been accused of murdering his aristocratic half-brother, and Flora is beside herself to rescue him from execution. Can Ruso use his medical skills and powers of deduction to pin the crime on another suspect, or will he be more successful in disencumbering Flora from her dubious relationship?
I have not read the eight books leading up to this novella, but since this one was free on Kindle Unlimited (and since I love Lindsey Davis' Falco series, also about a Roman gumshoe), I decided to give it a whirl. The characters are convincing, particularly the much-put-upon Ruso. British-born Tilla charms with her clever ways of getting around Ruso's express dictates, her terrible cart-driving skills, and her sympathetic heart. The mystery was well-done, containing enough red herrings and foreshadowing to make a satisfying tale. Although the world is not quite as immersive as Falco's (perhaps because of the limited scope of a novella), I'm looking forward to exploring more of this series to see what the full-length novels are like.
I have not read the eight books leading up to this novella, but since this one was free on Kindle Unlimited (and since I love Lindsey Davis' Falco series, also about a Roman gumshoe), I decided to give it a whirl. The characters are convincing, particularly the much-put-upon Ruso. British-born Tilla charms with her clever ways of getting around Ruso's express dictates, her terrible cart-driving skills, and her sympathetic heart. The mystery was well-done, containing enough red herrings and foreshadowing to make a satisfying tale. Although the world is not quite as immersive as Falco's (perhaps because of the limited scope of a novella), I'm looking forward to exploring more of this series to see what the full-length novels are like.
April 28, 2020
Two years ago, I completely lost my powers of concentration after an illness. Reading has always been my go-to therapy but every time I opened a book, I was totally unable to lose myself in the author’s words. Then my son lent me the first novel in Ruth Downie’s series. To my relief I was captivated from the first page. After that I sped through the whole series, totally hooked..
Fast forward to the present day which yet again found me completely unable to read. Like most other people, I’ve been finding sustained concentration next to impossible since the Coronavirus lockdown. Then I discovered Ruth Downie’s new novella, PRIMA FACIE. Oh, the sheer bliss of losing myself in Downie’s Ancient Rome! All her characters are instantly believable, but Ruso and Tilla and Ruso’s family are especially endearing in their (frequently anarchic!) humanity. The writing is fast-paced and, in places, laugh-out- loud funny. Somehow the author pulls off the tricky balancing act of making Ancient Rome exotically atmospheric yet also every bit as real and accessible as our own times. Hugely recommended - I really hope there is a new full-length Ruso novel on the way!
Fast forward to the present day which yet again found me completely unable to read. Like most other people, I’ve been finding sustained concentration next to impossible since the Coronavirus lockdown. Then I discovered Ruth Downie’s new novella, PRIMA FACIE. Oh, the sheer bliss of losing myself in Downie’s Ancient Rome! All her characters are instantly believable, but Ruso and Tilla and Ruso’s family are especially endearing in their (frequently anarchic!) humanity. The writing is fast-paced and, in places, laugh-out- loud funny. Somehow the author pulls off the tricky balancing act of making Ancient Rome exotically atmospheric yet also every bit as real and accessible as our own times. Hugely recommended - I really hope there is a new full-length Ruso novel on the way!
September 9, 2019
Any time that you can pick up a series after years of not reading it, remember who the main characters are, and follow the plot with very little difficulty, then that's a well-written series! The Medicus Investigation is extremely well-written. The characters are all individuals, even the minor ones. The setting is clear and vivid.
The best historical fiction takes us there with the little details, but never gets bogged down in them. I write fiction; I know that's a hard balance to strike with any setting.
Reading the adventures of Ruso and Tilla is like meeting old friends again. Their family farm in Gaul is a very different world from ours, but the problems of family debts and a swarm of accident-prone children resonate. Then there's that murder to solve, without the modern laboratory resources and with the complications of things like slavery.
Why on earth did I let this drop off my reader's radar? I've no idea. Now to catch up on the ones I missed.
The best historical fiction takes us there with the little details, but never gets bogged down in them. I write fiction; I know that's a hard balance to strike with any setting.
Reading the adventures of Ruso and Tilla is like meeting old friends again. Their family farm in Gaul is a very different world from ours, but the problems of family debts and a swarm of accident-prone children resonate. Then there's that murder to solve, without the modern laboratory resources and with the complications of things like slavery.
Why on earth did I let this drop off my reader's radar? I've no idea. Now to catch up on the ones I missed.
October 25, 2019
"Flora, gentle and fair? Alas has slain me...(Morley)" No, that's not a spoiler!
"I felt sorry for him..he was never allowed to do anything useful" (paraphrased. The prime suspect speaking to Ruso about the boy he's supposed to have killed.)
What fun! Here, we find out what happens between our young family's disastrous sojourn in Rome and their settling back in Britannia. Needless to say, they stop in Gaul to visit Ruso's family. Needless to say, there is a murder--or is there? And did Flora's boyfriend actually kill the young heir of a major household in the area? If he didn't, can Ruso and Tilla find out who did?
I enjoyed every word of this, and only wished it had been slightly longer. I also thought the solution to the mystery was very fair-- both true to the characters and relevant to our present-day real world. Perhaps not my absolute favorite of the series, but still a little gem, IMHO.
"I felt sorry for him..he was never allowed to do anything useful" (paraphrased. The prime suspect speaking to Ruso about the boy he's supposed to have killed.)
What fun! Here, we find out what happens between our young family's disastrous sojourn in Rome and their settling back in Britannia. Needless to say, they stop in Gaul to visit Ruso's family. Needless to say, there is a murder--or is there? And did Flora's boyfriend actually kill the young heir of a major household in the area? If he didn't, can Ruso and Tilla find out who did?
I enjoyed every word of this, and only wished it had been slightly longer. I also thought the solution to the mystery was very fair-- both true to the characters and relevant to our present-day real world. Perhaps not my absolute favorite of the series, but still a little gem, IMHO.
December 22, 2019
An enjoyable entry in the Ruso franchise. I following several ongoing mystery series, and I can often sense when the yearly publishing goal starts to affect the quality of the books. Downie was smart to write a tight novella instead of pumping out a bloated and unnecessary novel.
Prima Facie is basically a murder mystery with no trimmings. A young man from Ruso's town is murdered at a party. Ruso has to figure out why, and his family's connections with cast of suspects only creates more problems for the competent, if sometimes bumbling, detective.
It is basically everything you expect from a Ruso mystery without any substantial changes in the characters or overarching status quo. This is a positive in my view (given my love of Agatha Christie, this is hardly surprising).
Prima Facie is basically a murder mystery with no trimmings. A young man from Ruso's town is murdered at a party. Ruso has to figure out why, and his family's connections with cast of suspects only creates more problems for the competent, if sometimes bumbling, detective.
It is basically everything you expect from a Ruso mystery without any substantial changes in the characters or overarching status quo. This is a positive in my view (given my love of Agatha Christie, this is hardly surprising).
July 30, 2019
This book has received a Discovering Diamonds Review:
Helen Hollick
founder #DDRevs
"The dialogue snaps and crackles with life and I loved how Ms Downie so effortlessly presents us with people who are just like we are—albeit they belong in a different time. They bicker like we do, they nag and tease like we do, they care for their babies like we do, they hope and dream like we do. And Ruso’s family worries constantly—like so many of us do—about money. "
Helen Hollick
founder #DDRevs
"The dialogue snaps and crackles with life and I loved how Ms Downie so effortlessly presents us with people who are just like we are—albeit they belong in a different time. They bicker like we do, they nag and tease like we do, they care for their babies like we do, they hope and dream like we do. And Ruso’s family worries constantly—like so many of us do—about money. "
August 18, 2020
Good old Dr. Gaius Russo is back at his dysfunctional family's failing estate where his would- brother-in-law is accused of murdering his half brother. Why Russo even bothers helping his ungrateful family is beginning to stretch my willing suspension of disbelief, but I love this series. This one does not have the flavor of antiquity as much as her other books, but you can never go wrong with a Downie novel.
June 6, 2023
This is quite a satisfactory novella. The smaller scope of this form ensures that Ruso does not have to run himself ragged chasing down blind alleys, because there are not so many suspects. Ruso's wife Tilla plays a strong role in solving the mystery. She also displays unexpected competence in driving a carriage. The focus of the work is not so much on the mystery, but the coverup of the actual culprit. Ruso is put into a morally ambiguous situation.
November 24, 2023
( Format : Audiobook )
"The bath boy had died of old age."
A party, a murder, an accusation, a pregnancy, a baby, a funeral, a near drowning and stone throwing, family life and confrontations, a lost earring and a piece of yellow silk - just a few of the occurrences in the short time that Russo and Tilla visit his family's estate. Narrated by Simon Vance, this novella is one of my favourite Ruth Downie books about the Roman medicus.
Good fun.
"The bath boy had died of old age."
A party, a murder, an accusation, a pregnancy, a baby, a funeral, a near drowning and stone throwing, family life and confrontations, a lost earring and a piece of yellow silk - just a few of the occurrences in the short time that Russo and Tilla visit his family's estate. Narrated by Simon Vance, this novella is one of my favourite Ruth Downie books about the Roman medicus.
Good fun.
August 25, 2019
A fine new entry in a wonderful series. Prima Facie is an interesting and human story that is more than a mystery, and both compelling and quite funny at times. Ruth Downie continues to weave entertaining stories with really interesting and enjoyable characters whose humanity carries across the centuries. I’m already looking forward to the next book!
December 31, 2019
Ruso and Tilla have just arrived at the family manse on their way from Rome back "home" to Britain and, predictably, they arrive to chaos. The boyfriend of Flora, Ruso's youngest sister, has been accused of murder. Ruso's older brother is away, so he is left having to cope. The usual fun. This one is very short, a novella, really. Simon Vance, as ever, is a terrific reader. ****
August 18, 2022
I really enjoy this stories but this one being a novella was way too short. Fun read though.
Ruso and Tilla visit Ruso's family just to find out that Flora's boyfriend is accused of killing his brother.
Ruso and Tilla go right ahead and start to figure out who did the deed and find that family politics are really complicated.
Ruso and Tilla visit Ruso's family just to find out that Flora's boyfriend is accused of killing his brother.
Ruso and Tilla go right ahead and start to figure out who did the deed and find that family politics are really complicated.
March 11, 2024
An entertaining novella in the Ruso historical mystery series about an army medic with a native Briton wife who are a highly effective detective duo. I must admit I prefer the stories set in Britain to the last two I've read taking place in Gaul, where Ruso's rather annoyingly demanding family lives and seems to exist only to complicate his life; I can see why he fled to Britain!
Not a lot of depth to this one but as usual the best part is the relationship between Ruso and Tilla, who might be a Barbarian but has remarkable insight and good instinct for solving mysteries. Ruso doesn't always recognise his privileges or Tilla's perspicacity however he is good at heart and very much in love with his strong-minded wife.
I pick up these books for pleasant diversion for which purpose they suit perfectly. Bring on the next one!
Not a lot of depth to this one but as usual the best part is the relationship between Ruso and Tilla, who might be a Barbarian but has remarkable insight and good instinct for solving mysteries. Ruso doesn't always recognise his privileges or Tilla's perspicacity however he is good at heart and very much in love with his strong-minded wife.
I pick up these books for pleasant diversion for which purpose they suit perfectly. Bring on the next one!
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