A new Roman mystery and a very enjoyable one at that. To give context, Trajan has just passed away and Hadrian is next in line. Set in Deva, which is modern day Chester here in Britain, Ruso is a medic who administers treatments to the legion with which he is stationed. So, his dealings are mainly with soldiers but he also has private customers and encounters people from all walks of life including the natives, some of them recalcitrant and grudge-bearing and others, more accepting of their conquerors and the changes in life that they bring.
The narrative is third person but we are with Ruso most of the time. The action starts with a body, a girl associated with the local brothel. There is a sense that this needs to be “left alone” but it is soon clear that Ruso is an honourable chap, who is keen to uncover the truth, despite being advised by natives and Romans alike to leave it. Along with the investigation of what happened to the girls, there is also the encounter that leads him to Tilla, an impulsive intervention which results in him acquiring her as a slave who will not prove much use, as she has a broken arm; hardly, a great prospect.
He helps her to heal but it seems that his kindness does not outweigh her wariness of him and his kind and Tilla is continually looking for a way to escape.
And so the scene is set. Enter as well an administrator who is intent on making Ruso’s life even more difficult, when he already has to juggle his job, his lack of finances, his obligations to his family back in Gaul and we read and hope that all works out for our man, Ruso, who is essentially trying to do the right thing.
What I liked about this book was its evocation of Ruso’s life in Roman Britain. I liked him as a character and I liked the humour that permeated the pages; not ribald but just gentle, sometimes sarcastic, sometimes observational and all conveyed both within the text and the dialogue that Downie, the author, creates. I had a real sense of character which I loved along with the pressures that Ruso feels that he has to confront and find a way through, hoping the gods smile kindly on him.
A good historical and mystery read.
Scuffed Granny 