So I’ve come to the end of the Falco series by Lindsey Davis, and exhausted the Gordianus books by Steven Saylor. Where do I go next for a bit of Roman mystery fiction? Well, Ruth Downie’s series following her army doctor Ruso sounded like it might just fit the bill, so I thought I’d try the first in the series – Medicus.
Gaius Petreius Ruso has just arrived in Britannia. In a sense, he is running away; from a failed marriage and from debts left after his father’s death. He needs a place to recover his well-being and his finances. So when he is recommended by an old friend, he takes the opportunity with both hands.
But no sooner has he arrived, than a body appears, washed up in the river. No-one seems particularly interested, and Ruso himself doesn’t give it much thought. But a series of events leads him to suspect that something odd is happening, and he eventually gets drawn into investigating. Along the way, he acquires, almost by accident, a slave girl who is destined to play a significant role. Tilla, as he calls her, (because he can’t pronounce her native name) proves nothing but trouble.
The writing style here is very similar to Lindsey Davis. Light in touch, with modern language, and occasional humour, it is a fairly easy read. That’s not to say it is lightweight. The story is quite complex, with some interesting characters. The author draws people well; allowing them to develop over the course of the story; never giving more away than is necessary for that particular moment.
There is an easy blend of Ruso’s own story – clearly to be continued in later books – and the investigation he is working on. The setting is well drawn as well. A rather neglected outpost of empire; a bit run-down, staffed with a variety of talents, from the keen to those happy to do as little as possible, without attracting attention. The relationship between Roman authority and the native people is also explored; the book is set in modern-day Chester, so in an area that hasn’t been under firm Roman control for more than a generation or two. Tensions still exist, and each side is wary of the other.
The fact that Ruso is an army doctor adds interest to the story. The reality of life at the time is clear; simple fevers and infections are usually fatal. Roman doctors could do many things, but life was often short. As some of Tilla’s background is gradually revealed, it’s possible that she could be a useful aide to Ruso; that is if she hangs around long enough.
So will this series fit the bill? On the evidence of this first book, I think it might. It’s not revolutionary, in fact it bears many of the hallmarks of the Falco books. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing at all.
This is a review of the Michael Joseph 2006 Kindle edition.
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