'Medicus' by Ruth Downie is a historical mystery set in Roman Britain. The story follows Gaius Petreius Ruso, a Roman army physician stationed in Britannia, who becomes entangled in investigating the murders of local prostitutes in Chester. Alongside his newly acquired slave, Tilla, Ruso navigates through the challenges of his work, personal life, and the mystery unfolding around him. The writing style blends historic detail with humor, creating a well-drawn world that feels believable and engaging for the readers.
The plot of 'Medicus' unfolds as Ruso faces challenges with the hospital administrator, financial troubles, and personal relationships, all while trying to uncover the truth behind the murders in Chester. The book provides insights into the life and struggles of Romans in ancient Britannia, offering a mix of mystery, humor, and historical detail. Despite some opinions mentioning slow pacing and lack of depth in certain characters, the overall narrative showcases a blend of intriguing plotlines and well-developed protagonists set against the backdrop of Roman-occupied Britain.
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Has Romance?
There is a medium level of romance in Medicus, primarily between the main character Ruso and the slave girl Tilla.
From The Publisher:
**THE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER**
A serial killer is on the loose in Roman-occupied Britain, and Gaius Petreius Ruso is out to catch him... if he isn't killed first.
The Gods are not smiling on army doctor Gaius Petreius Ruso in his new posting in Britannia. He has vast debts, long shifts, and an overbearing hospital administrator to deal with . . . not to mention a serial killer stalking the local streets.
Barmaids' bodies are being washed up with the tide and no one else seems to care. It's up to Ruso to summon all his skills to investigate, even though the breakthroughs in forensic science lie centuries in the future, and the murderer may be hunting him down too.
If only the locals would just stop killing each other and if only it were possible to find a decent glass of wine, and someone who can cook, Ruso's prospects would be a whole lot sunnier....
The first novel in the New York Times bestselling Gaius Petreius Ruso series. With a gift for comic timing and historic detail, Ruth Downie has conjured an ancient world as raucous and real as our own.
Ratings (1)
It Was OK (1) |
Reader Stats (8):
Read It (1) | |
Want To Read (5) | |
Not Interested (2) |
1 comment(s)
It was a fine historical mystery but I had hoped to like it more. Wasn't over exciting or entertaining.
What can you read after
Medicus?
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