Vita brevis: a crime novel of the Roman Empire

Book Cover
Average Rating
Publisher
Bloomsbury
Publication Date
©2016.
Language
English

Description

Ruso and Tilla's excitement at arriving in Rome with their new baby daughter is soon dulled by their discovery that the grand facades of polished marble mask an underworld of corrupt landlords and vermin-infested tenements. There are also far too many doctors--some skilled, but others positively dangerous. Ruso thinks he has been offered a reputable medical practice only to find that his predecessor Doctor Kleitos has fled, leaving a dead man in a barrel on the doorstep and the warning, “Be careful who you trust.” Distracted by the body and his efforts to help a friend win the hand of a rich young heiress, Ruso makes a grave mistake, causing him to question both his competence and his integrity.With Ruso's reputation under threat, he and Tilla must protect their small family from Doctor Kleitos's debt collectors and find allies in their new home while they track down the vanished doctor and find out the truth about the heiress's dead father--Ruso's patient--and the unfortunate man in the barrel.

More Details

ISBN
9781620409589

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Also in this Series

  • Medicus: a novel of the Roman Empire (Ruso mysteries Volume 1) Cover
  • Terra incognita: a novel of the Roman Empire (Ruso mysteries Volume 2) Cover
  • Persona non grata: a novel of the Roman empire (Ruso mysteries Volume 3) Cover
  • Caveat emptor: a novel of the Roman Empire (Ruso mysteries Volume 4) Cover
  • Semper fidelis: a novel of the Roman Empire (Ruso mysteries Volume 5) Cover
  • Tabula rasa: a crime novel of the Roman Empire (Ruso mysteries Volume 6) Cover
  • Vita brevis: a crime novel of the Roman Empire (Ruso mysteries Volume 7) Cover
  • Memento mori: a crime novel of the Roman empire (Ruso mysteries Volume 8) Cover

Author Notes

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Similar Series From Novelist

NoveList provides detailed suggestions for series you might like if you enjoyed this book. Suggestions are based on recommendations from librarians and other contributors.
The 'Ruso mysteries' have a more humorous tone than the 'Roma Sub Rosa series,' but both of these series offer a suspenseful view of ancient cultures - in Roman-occupied Britain and Rome, respectively - with a wealth of historically accurate period detail. -- Victoria Fredrick
These character-driven historical mysteries -- one set in 1920s Britain, the other at the height of the Roman Empire -- have a strong sense of place and vivid, magnetic characters. Rich detail and witty dialogue complement the convincing suspense. -- Mike Nilsson
The 'Ruso mysteries' have a more humorous tone than the 'Marcus Didius Falco mysteries,' but both of these series offer a suspenseful view of ancient Rome, with a wealth of historically accurate period detail. -- Victoria Fredrick
Set in 1st-century Rome (Marcus Corvinus) and 2nd-century Roman Britain (Ruso), these richly detailed historical mysteries star tenacious amateur detectives. These series are marked by witty dialogue and a strong sense of place, emphasizing the mystery over the history. -- Mike Nilsson
Both the 'Ruso mysteries' and the 'Libertus mysteries of Roman Britain' are historical mystery stories set in Roman-occupied Britain during the second century, and have well-realized settings and a wealth of historically accurate period detail. -- Victoria Fredrick
Roman Britain is the rugged setting for these character-driven historical mysteries, both starring witty Roman doctors who act as amateur detectives. The suspenseful series effectively recreate the past through rich detail and evocative description. -- Mike Nilsson
These series have the appeal factors richly detailed and atmospheric, and they have the theme "starring famous figures"; the genre "historical mysteries"; and the subjects "romans" and "ancient history."
These series have the appeal factors richly detailed and evocative, and they have the theme "starring famous figures"; the genres "historical mysteries" and "mysteries"; and the subject "romans."
These series have the appeal factors richly detailed, and they have the genres "historical mysteries" and "mysteries"; and the subject "romans."

Similar Titles From NoveList

NoveList provides detailed suggestions for titles you might like if you enjoyed this book. Suggestions are based on recommendations from librarians and other contributors.
These books have the themes "starring famous figures" and "wartime crime"; the genres "historical mysteries" and "mysteries"; and the subjects "british history" and "english history."
These books have the appeal factors richly detailed, and they have the genres "historical mysteries" and "mysteries"; and the subjects "missing persons" and "roman emperors."
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NoveList recommends "Roma Sub Rosa series" for fans of "Ruso mysteries". Check out the first book in the series.
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These books have the appeal factors richly detailed, and they have the genres "historical mysteries" and "mysteries"; and the subject "roman emperors."
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NoveList recommends "Marcus Didius Falco mysteries" for fans of "Ruso mysteries". Check out the first book in the series.
These books have the appeal factors cinematic and richly detailed, and they have the genre "adult books for young adults"; and the subject "roman emperors."
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NoveList recommends "Arcturus mysteries" for fans of "Ruso mysteries". Check out the first book in the series.

Similar Authors From NoveList

NoveList provides detailed suggestions for other authors you might want to read if you enjoyed this book. Suggestions are based on recommendations from librarians and other contributors.
Jane Finnis and Ruth Downie write lively tales of detection set in Roman Britain around 100 AD, featuring amateur sleuths and assorted skulduggery. Both include elements of wit in their character-driven work, Finnis favoring the comical while Downie leaning toward snark. -- Mike Nilsson
Ruth Downie and Rosemary Rowe write descriptive historical mysteries set during the Roman Empire. These authors will appeal to armchair travelers who enjoy compelling mysteries filled with authentic characters and rich historical details. Both write about clever amateur sleuths who regularly find themselves in the middle of puzzling murder investigations. -- Catherine Coles
Ruth Downie and Lindsay Davis's historical mysteries feature memorable protagonists who are clever, snarky, and skilled at getting to the bottom of puzzling crimes. Set during the Roman Empire, the novels of both writers are filled with rich historical details and plenty of suspense. -- Catherine Coles
These authors' works have the genre "historical mysteries"; and the subjects "romans," "british history," and "rulers."
These authors' works have the appeal factors strong sense of place, and they have the genres "historical mysteries" and "mysteries"; and the subjects "romans" and "enslaved people."
These authors' works have the genre "historical mysteries"; and the subjects "romans," "rulers," and "hadrian's wall."
These authors' works have the genres "historical mysteries" and "mysteries"; and the subjects "romans," "murder investigation," and "women murder victims."
These authors' works have the appeal factors suspenseful and richly detailed, and they have the genre "historical mysteries"; and the subjects "romans," "murder investigation," and "women murder victims."
These authors' works have the appeal factors atmospheric, and they have the genre "historical mysteries"; and the subjects "romans," "murder investigation," and "women murder victims."
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Published Reviews

Booklist Review

Ruso and Tilla are on the move, again. They have left Britain and military life (after Tabula Rasa, 2014) for Rome and private practice. Contrary to their expectations that everything there will be glittering and glorious, our medicus and his wife, with their adopted infant, Mara, in tow, end up in a vermin-infested apartment, and work is hard to find. Things improve when Ruso is offered a reputable position that comes with decent lodgings. But they are no sooner settled in than they find a dead man in a barrel on their doorstep. Downie writes with her usual humor and depth, and the book will live up to the expectations of devotees of the previous six titles. The perpetually frustrated Ruso never loses his compassion or his moral compass, and the heroic Tilla remains determined to create a loving home for them against all odds. Perfect for fans of the Falco novels by Lindsey Davis, this entertaining New York Times best-selling series and its endearing characters deserve as long a run.--Murphy, Jane Copyright 2016 Booklist

From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
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Publisher's Weekly Review

Downie's uneven seventh Gaius Ruso mystery (after 2014's Tabula Rasa) takes the former medical officer; his wife, Tilla; and their infant daughter, Mara, from second-century Britannia to Rome to start a new life. Things don't get off to a good start. Their accommodations are vermin-infested, and the doctor, Kleitos, who was to send Ruso some patients, isn't home when Ruso calls on him. Then Ruso gets a note from Kleitos, explaining that he is going to be out of town for a bit and inviting Ruso to take over both his house and practice. Hope turns to disappointment after Ruso learns that Kleitos has taken all his medical supplies with him. Meanwhile, a smelly barrel dumped in front of Kleitos's door turns out to contain the corpse of an unidentified man, which doesn't inspire confidence among prospective patients. Downie's trademark humor is in evidence, but her superior plotting skills aren't, in an entry that downplays the historical background. Agent: George Lucas, Inkwell Management. (July) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
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Library Journal Review

Life is short and sometimes ends violently, as medical doctor Gaius Ruso knows full well. In this seventh installment (after Tabula Rasa) of the "Medicus" series, Ruso, wife Tilla, and baby Mara have journeyed to Rome, at the invitation of Accius, a former legionary tribune. Yet all they discover is a stuffy room in a roach-infested tenement. Through a series of dubious events, Ruso obtains employment and much better living conditions-if he can keep his employer alive, solve the mystery of where the previous doctor has gone, and protect his family. The plot of this mystery has so many twists and turns that sometimes it's as difficult for readers to keep events straight as for Ruso; in the end, not every question gets a satisfactory answer. Ruso keeps moving forward, though-and so will the reader. VERDICT Series fans will enjoy this title, but new readers and devotees of historical fiction about the Roman Empire are well advised to start with the first book, -Medicus. [See Prepub Alert, 2/1/16.]--Pamela O'Sullivan, Coll. at Brockport Lib., SUNY © Copyright 2016. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
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Kirkus Book Review

An idealistic doctor who moves to the big city with his family finds a nest of corruptionand corpsesliterally on their doorstep.Now that it's C.E. 122 in Imperial Rome, physician Gaius Petreius Ruso is starting a new chapter in his life, moving from Britannia with his wife, Tilla, and their young adopted daughter, Mara. The trip has been arduous, with Metellus, a longtime antagonist of Ruso, popping up in Rome to insult Tilla and Mara. Ruso is set to take over the medical practice of the venerable physician Kleitos, but when they arrive at the older man's home, the door is locked, and when they get inside they find the furniture, including Kleitos' medical items, missing. On the porch sits a big barrel. Opening it with difficulty, Ruso finds a corpse inside. Nevertheless, he begins seeing patients even as he turns some attention to solving the dual mysteries of the corpse and his predecessor's disappearance. Helping not one iota is wealthy Accius, Kleitos' patron, who peppers Ruso with annoying questions and dire reports of local unrest. He finds the locals similarly prickly, and Tilla fares no better in Rome's rough streets, though a resourceful new servant girl named Narina proves an invaluable ally. The couple's exploration of this alien city becomes the reader's tutorial as well. They begin to feel that they are under siege. Could the unexpected death of their landlord, Horatius Balbus, be connected to these other mysteries? The seventh adventure for Downie's physician hero (Tabula Rasa, 2014, etc.) masterfully draws out its suspense, painting a vivid portrait of ancient Rome that feels persuasive and authentic. Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
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Booklist Reviews

Ruso and Tilla are on the move, again. They have left Britain and military life (after Tabula Rasa, 2014) for Rome and private practice. Contrary to their expectations that everything there will be glittering and glorious, our medicus and his wife, with their adopted infant, Mara, in tow, end up in a vermin-infested apartment, and work is hard to find. Things improve when Ruso is offered a reputable position that comes with decent lodgings. But they are no sooner settled in than they find a dead man in a barrel on their doorstep. Downie writes with her usual humor and depth, and the book will live up to the expectations of devotees of the previous six titles. The perpetually frustrated Ruso never loses his compassion or his moral compass, and the heroic Tilla remains determined to create a loving home for them against all odds. Perfect for fans of the Falco novels by Lindsey Davis, this entertaining New York Times best-selling series and its endearing characters deserve as long a run. Copyright 2014 Booklist Reviews.

Copyright 2014 Booklist Reviews.
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Library Journal Reviews

Life is short and sometimes ends violently, as medical doctor Gaius Ruso knows full well. In this seventh installment (after Tabula Rasa) of the "Medicus" series, Ruso, wife Tilla, and baby Mara have journeyed to Rome, at the invitation of Accius, a former legionary tribune. Yet all they discover is a stuffy room in a roach-infested tenement. Through a series of dubious events, Ruso obtains employment and much better living conditions—if he can keep his employer alive, solve the mystery of where the previous doctor has gone, and protect his family. The plot of this mystery has so many twists and turns that sometimes it's as difficult for readers to keep events straight as for Ruso; in the end, not every question gets a satisfactory answer. Ruso keeps moving forward, though—and so will the reader. VERDICT Series fans will enjoy this title, but new readers and devotees of historical fiction about the Roman Empire are well advised to start with the first book, Medicus. [See Prepub Alert, 2/1/16.]—Pamela O'Sullivan, Coll. at Brockport Lib., SUNY

[Page 53]. (c) Copyright 2016 Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Copyright 2016 Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
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Publishers Weekly Reviews

Downie's uneven seventh Gaius Ruso mystery (after 2014's Tabula Rasa) takes the former medical officer; his wife, Tilla; and their infant daughter, Mara, from second-century Britannia to Rome to start a new life. Things don't get off to a good start. Their accommodations are vermin-infested, and the doctor, Kleitos, who was to send Ruso some patients, isn't home when Ruso calls on him. Then Ruso gets a note from Kleitos, explaining that he is going to be out of town for a bit and inviting Ruso to take over both his house and practice. Hope turns to disappointment after Ruso learns that Kleitos has taken all his medical supplies with him. Meanwhile, a smelly barrel dumped in front of Kleitos's door turns out to contain the corpse of an unidentified man, which doesn't inspire confidence among prospective patients. Downie's trademark humor is in evidence, but her superior plotting skills aren't, in an entry that downplays the historical background. Agent: George Lucas, Inkwell Management. (July)

[Page ]. Copyright 2016 PWxyz LLC

Copyright 2016 PWxyz LLC
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