Prima Facie cover art

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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About this listen

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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All stars
Most relevant
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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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."

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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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