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Terra Incognita

A Novel of the Roman Empire

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Terra Incognita

By: Ruth Downie
Narrated by: Simon Vance
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About this listen

 It is spring in the year 118, and Hadrian has been emperor of Rome for less than a year. After his long and reluctant investigation of the murders of a handful of local prostitutes, Gaius Petreius Ruso needs to get out of town. With that in mind, he has volunteered for a posting with the army in the far reaches of Britannia - a calmer place for a tired man.

But the edge of the Roman Empire is a volatile place; the independent tribes of the North dwell near its borders. These hinterlands are the homeland of Ruso's slave, Tilla, who has scores of her own to settle there: Her tribespeople, under the leadership of the mysterious Stag Man, are fomenting a rebellion against Roman control, and her former lover is implicated in the grisly murder of a soldier. Ruso, once again unwillingly pulled into a murder investigation, is appalled to find that Tilla is still spending time with the prime suspect. Worse, he is honor-bound to try to prove the man innocent - and the army wrong - by finding another culprit. Soon both Ruso's and Tilla's lives are in jeopardy, as is the future of their burgeoning romance.

Terra Incognita shines light on a remote corner of the ancient world, where Ruso's luck is running short - again.

©2008 Ruth Downie (P)2008 Tantor Historical Mystery Crime Fiction Murder

Critic reviews

"A lively sequel to English author Downie's historical mystery Medicus....Immensely satisfying." ( Kirkus Reviews)
"Who would guess that life and death in the far reaches of the Roman Empire could be so darn funny?" ( Library Journal)
All stars
Most relevant
Well planned and written with excellent narration. Clear and easily understood plot. Easy and relaxing listening.

Easy to follow when you have to listen to it in short snaps.

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I felt that this carries too much baggage in the sense of background for every scene. It is pleasant in style and concept but maybe snappier

Could have been shorter

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Lovely tongue-in-cheek delivery of witty and perceptive turns of phrase throughout this book make it a refreshing listen. Engaging story with good characters, too. Not great literature, but perfect for times when you want to be entertained. Thoroughly enjoyed it.

Breath of fresh air!

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Amusing, witty and well written. Fans of Tilla and her Medicus will enjoy this second instalment.

Great Follow Up

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This second novel in the series is confident, involving and well told - and performed by Simon Vance, In all manner of ways power relationships are constantly in play: from top-layer of the conquering occupier and those subjugated to it, to that between individuals. It is striking successful in the way that this is dealt with and I welcomed it very much. I had harboured doubts about the way a key relationship rested at the end of the first novel, and it is clear from this that we are on a journey that listeners and readers will (or should) be keen to follow. Incidents and revelations keep the listener fully involved, and the end of this novel again tantalises as to how things will develop. Simon Vance, as performer, does exceptionally well in taking listeners with him, and he clearly understands to arc of the story and provides excellent voice characterisations - even for those characters with no grasp of English grammar! I rated this novel better that the first in the series, but that is we would all hope things to be and so to continue. Audible must be praised for making this audio-book part of the members' Plus Catalogue. What a triumph in encouraging listeners to try new authors. I encourage other listeners to experience this book.

Satisfying, Strong and Eventful Storyline

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