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Prima Facie

A Crime Novella of the Roman Empire (Roman Empire Series, Book 8.5)

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Prima Facie

By: Ruth Downie
Narrated by: Simon Vance
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Summary

A novella from the author of the best seller 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?

©2019 Ruth Downie (P)2019 Tantor Historical Mystery Crime Fiction Murder Suspense
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I just love this series! The first time Ruso brought Tilla to meet his family in southern Gaul, he had to rescue his older half sister's love and this time his younger half sister's love is accused of murder. The humor is still there but Downie also deals with the serious problem of the double standard where the man gets off Scot-free but the woman has to deal with the unplanned and unwanted pregnancy. I highly recommend this novella and the entire series.

5.0 out of 5 stars Ruso and Tilla in Gaul Redux

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I have just discovered Médicus series and am enjoying the historical aspect ( love the Romans) but with characters having a more “modern” outlook!

Easy enjoyable listening

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I came to the novella Prima Facie, last in my listening to the wonderful, grounded and interesting series concerning Ruso, Tilla and others. It has been a great journey and I so long for this series to be extended. I will miss the characters but they will stay with me in my memory, which is a good indication of the quality of this series. All the elements that make Ruth Downie’s Ruso series are here too, and will not disappoint any listener. Downie has a knack of story-telling that is involving without adding unnecessary details or Roman accretions to prove she knows her stuff. It is this that is additionally attractive about the series. To be helpful and not picky, this novella should really be number 7.5 in the series rather than 8.5. The audio performance is as excellent as ever. I will miss the narration as much as the characters Simon Vance so skilfully captures.

Another Wonderful Ruso and Tilla Listen

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Russo and Tilla saving the day with their usual share of mishaps, if you' ve enjoyed their previous adventures you'll like this.

Charming short story

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The last book in the series about the Medicus and his Britain wife. Short, a third the length of the other books, but to the point as always. You cannot avoid growing attached to them, but as with all good books you gotta say farewell and move on.

A bittersweet farewell.

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