Persona Non Grata: A Novel of the Roman Empire (The Medicus Series, 3)

I've read just about every Roman mystery series (Saylor/John Maddox Roberts/Lindsey Davis, etc) and hands-down, the Medicus series is my favorite by FAR. Not only do you get two PoV characters, but each one has a compelling voice which makes it impossible NOT to keep those pages turning. Newly-divorced Ruso's dry humor kept me laughing all the way through. Then there's Tilla, whose no-nonsense nature becomes increasingly more pronounced throughout the series.With most Roman mystery series, I have a huge problem with how late the author introduces the mystery. Sometimes the mystery doesn't play a role until midway into the book (or, gasp, later!). These works are too wrapped up in the historical background to really call themselves honest mysteries.Downie, on the other hand, introduces each book with the crime itself. By bracketing the story within that mystery, you can always expect a focused investigation with clues and all.I can NOT praise this series enough!

In this third installment, Gaius Petreius Ruso has returned home to the South of France from Britannica having received a short " Come home! " message from his brother. He and Tilla take the long journey only to find that his brother not only did not send the message but also is quite annoyed that Ruso has appeared more or less unannounced.As usual, Gaius finds himself trying to control Tilla and, in this case, finds himself beset by several other women--his stepmother, who will not accept that the family is debt-ridden and has no spare money for her many home improvements; his two younger sisters, primarily 16 year old, Marcia, who demands her dowry and who is in love with a gladiator!; his ex-wife Claudia, whose present husband visits Gaius in order to work out the debt owed him and who proceeds to drop dead, apparently poisoned, in the study without witnesses. Each of these women are distinctively portrayed both physically and emotionally, with several humorous situations breaking up the really serious mystery of the neighbor's death. Add to this, Cass, his sister-in-law, Galla the nursemaid, Lucius, his brother and five toddling nieces and nephews and one can easily see why Gaius frequently searches out the peace and quiet of an empty bathouse, with the doors securely bolted.There are various Roman neighbors, workmen, slave, murderers and, oh, yes, the lovely widow next door. Tilla finds herself surrounded by family and acquaintances who aren't quite sure where she fits in the scheme of things and worries about the fetching neighbor and ex-wife. She is also overwhelmed by the treatment of foreigners by the Romans, either as slaves or as players in the deadly games in the local amphitheatre. Add to these oddities she is also taken my the nursemaid to a meeting of the followers of Christos and finds their beliefs and practices quite puzzling.The family dynamics are amusing as well as realistic--two teenage girls and an unmarried uncle trying to set them up for marriage!! The solving of two murders, the description of the masses cheering the death of gladiators at the attack by wild animals, the birth of a new religion and the telling of the story matter of factly as a Roman and simultaneously through the eyes of the so called barbarian, Tilla, are all threads that keep the reader involved and interested until the very last clasp of Tilla's and Ruso's hands as it appears they are preparing for a lifetime commitmentAt the end, Persona non Grata and his barbarian woman have saved the day.

I have so far enjoyed this series and am eager to start the next book. Author Ruth Downie is a capable writer. Her historical knowledge of the early Roman Empire is excellent. every day life comes alive in her hands and the mystery is always fun to try and solve. The only criticism I have is her use of colloquial phrases and words. I highly doubt anyone called a blonde haired woman "blondie" during that time period. There were plenty other cringe worthy words and phrases throughout. However, I can overlook them because she's an excellent writer and the plots keep me turning pages and wanting to follow each book in the serious.

The reviews are divided between loving this story and liking it. I loved it as well as the first three; each one is more about Ruso and Tilla. Ruso is a Roman citizen, a doctor with the Roman Army XX Legion from Gaul; Tilla is from Britannia (barbarian tribe). Their story continues as he receives an urgent letter to COME HOME and he takes Tilla with him (forgets to mention this to his family). When he arrives, he no sooner gets in the door and it's one crisis after another. The man who wants to bankrupt his family dies while talking with Ruso who is trying renegotiate the loan (poisoned); so he is a suspect. Arria, the stepmother, is clueless as to the financial hardship until Ruso finally tells her the truth; the step sisters want their dowrys. Ruso's sister-in-law's brother Justinus is missing presumed murdered. So Tilla decides to help and finds links to each crime. As usual Ruso in his own mild mannered way keeps asking questions so he can solve the crime before Rome sends "investigators" in. The story moves along pretty well as the characters are developed and the situations form up. Lucius & Cass have active children; Arria is an airhead; Marcia is typical almost 16 yr old so Ruso finally tells her to grow up. This story gives a realistic picture into the lives of middle class citizens living in the agricultural Roman Empire. There are some twists to the mystery; Ruso figures if he can find what & how then he'll know who and solve the crime using geometry (Lucius isn't impressed) but it works. diamondgirl

I came to this book with high hopes, after thoroughly enjoying its two predecessors, but it was as if Ruth Downie, having nicely set up her characters in Britannia, decided to rip everything up and start virtually from scratch. I found the first third of the book hard going but it then gathered pace and direction and I was drawn right in again - enough to give the fourth book a try at any rate.

Ruth Downie continues her story about Ruso the Roman Army Doctor and Tilla his British companion. In this story Ruso is summoned home to Gaul where the family are in financial trouble. Taking Tilla with him as his friend/slave/companion, the intrepid doctor struggles to cope with a broken leg.Returning home he finds it difficult to explain the presence of Tilla and the identity of the person that wrote to him saying, 'Return Home.' In no time at all Ruso finds himself in the middle of a suspicious death and trying to find out who was responsible.This time however, the victim is the husband of his ex wife, to whom Ruso and his family owe money. Murdered by poisioning, and in the presence of Ruso, he soon becomes a suspect as investigators are sent from Rome to carry out enquiries.Persona Non Grata is the thrid book about Ruso, who is a humerous character who always finds himself in difficult situations. The books are easy to read, quite interesting and well researched. The books are worth reading especially if you like the subject 'Rome.'

I've all 3 so far back to back - very enjoyable. The mysteries are becoming more captivating and in-depth, which is great. I feel as if we are learning to detect just as Ruso learns his trade

Cleverly structured and with delightful wit, it's like following a real life story with lots of insight into human nature. It felt as though I was going on holiday with the characters. I couldn't let the story end and went straight on to the next volume.It was additionally pleasing that there were almost no typos.

Charming, funny with a bit of ancient history thrown in by one of my favourite authors. I can't wait to read the next book in the series..