Vita Brevis: A Crime Novel of the Roman Empire cover art

Vita Brevis: A Crime Novel of the Roman Empire

Medicus, Book 7

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Vita Brevis: A Crime Novel of the Roman Empire

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

Ruso and Tilla's excitement at arriving in Rome with their new baby daughter is soon dulled by their discovery that the grand facades of polished marble mask an underworld of corrupt landlords and vermin-infested tenements. There are also far too many doctors - some skilled - but others positively dangerous.

Ruso thinks that he has been offered a reputable medical practice only to find that his predecessor, Doctor Kleitos, has fled, leaving a dead man in a barrel on the doorstep and the warning "be careful who you trust." Distracted by the body and his efforts to help a friend win the hand of a rich young heiress, Ruso makes a grave mistake, causing him to question both his competence and his integrity.

With Ruso's reputation under threat, he and Tilla must protect their small family from Doctor Kleitos' debt collectors and find allies in their new home while they track down the vanished doctor and find out the truth about the heiress' dead father - Ruso's patient - and the unfortunate man in the barrel.

©2016 Ruth Downie (P)2016 Tantor Crime Fiction Historical Mystery Fiction

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All stars
Most relevant  
I think these books just get better and better, can't wait for the next one now

Another great story from Ruth Downie

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If you could sum up Vita Brevis: A Crime Novel of the Roman Empire in three words, what would they be?
Atmospheric, endearing & intriguing

What did you like best about this story?
The meeting of an old enemy. The extremes of wealth and poverty in Rome and how the glamour and glitz of the city did not fool anybody.

Which character – as performed by Simon Vance – was your favourite?
Russo and his arch enemy (don't ask me to spell his name, please). Never been keen on Tilla, she's a tad too whiney and stubborn for my taste.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?
Yes but it was too long for that. However, the story line made it easy to follow up after breaks.

Any additional comments?
I really hope this isn't the last Russo book.

Same high level of quality of writing.

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It’s always a pleasure to spend time with Ruso and Tilla. Downie’s portrayal of their relationship seems very honest to me. I enjoyed Tilla’s attempt to be a good Roman wife just as I enjoyed Ruso’s gradually increasing attachment to their adopted baby daughter. In particular I liked the scene where Ruso explains his feelings to a potential adoptive father:

“It’s like any other sort of parenting, I suppose. Although not having tried the other sort, I don’t really know. Sometimes, it’s exhausting. Most of the time, it’s—well, I can’t imagine being without her now.” He suspected there was a silly grin on his face as he added, “She had another tooth come through this morning. And I’m almost sure she said Pa.”

One of my favorite moments was when the followers of Christos, who were having a service in the apartment above Ruso and Tilla’s, arrive in time to frighten away some thugs. Another favorite moment is when Tilla and two accomplices attempt to rescue Ruso by setting fire to a door. Finally, I enjoyed the scene where watching Tilla curse someone in her native tongue, Ruso speculates that if “the followers of Christos ever decided to expand into Britannia, they were going to find it an interesting challenge.”

All Roads Lead to Rome

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...Tilla finally sounds like a person and not a parody. Best story so far in my opinion too!

A big improvement in narration...

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I felt the storyline in this book was a little weaker than the previous books in this series. The sooner the medicus and his family get back to Britain, where the author can be a little more inventive, the better. This book had something of a feel of Didius Falco books, but without the same level of humor.

Passably good continuation of the Medicus series

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This is my last book to read in the series and I have enjoyed everyone of them immensely. The characters are well defined and each catches you attention immediately. I have come to love the characters and feel like a visit with old friend. You can jump in anywhere, but I would suggest following them in order. I have also learned much about Ancient Rome and the many inventions by Rome that we are still using. Ever time I stem on my underfloor heating I think of Russo and Tilla. Great series.

Brilliant Who Done it Roman Style

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Ruth Downie is on fine form in Vita Brevis, which finds Ruso and Tilla pitched into intrigue and danger on a visit to Rome. The research is immaculate and the world created just melds itself seamlessly around the facts. There are loads of twists and turns, and fabulous characters all set off by superb narration. An absolute corker.

Great Read

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Like the rest, you are dropped into the everyday life, problems, and charms of the ancient world. The narrator is good, and the book never gets neither boring nor tiresome. A great series.

Another charming story about grumpy and lovable Gaius.

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