Memento Mori Audiobook By Ruth Downie cover art

Memento Mori

Roman Empire Series, Book 8

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Memento Mori

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

A scandal is threatening to engulf the popular spa town of Aquae Sulis (modern-day Bath). The wife of Ruso's best friend, Valens, has been found dead in the sacred hot spring, stabbed through the heart. Fearing the wrath of the goddess and the ruin of the tourist trade, the temple officials are keen to cover up what's happened. But the dead woman's father is demanding justice, and he's accusing Valens of murder.

If Valens turns up to face trial, he will risk execution. If he doesn't, he'll lose his children.

Ruso and Tilla do their best to help, but it's difficult to get anyone - even Valens himself - to reveal what really happened. Could Ruso's friend really be guilty as charged?

©2018 Ruth Downie (P)2018 Tantor
Crime Fiction Historical Mystery Fiction Crime Heartfelt Suspense
Engaging Mystery • Likable Characters • Historical Setting • Humorous Elements • Complicated Plot • Magical Combination
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Once again, an engaging mystery with well loved characters. Truly love Albanus, although I think the narrator changed his voice again from the original presentation. Looking forward to reading the next book!

Doesn’t disappoint!

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Ms. Downi e has done it again. The action kept me interested until the end and left me wanting more. We, my wife and are eagerly looking forward to the next book.

Another good one!

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This is a totally delightful mystery series, but it is not just the mystery (in this case, I had a strong hunch about who was ultimately guilty), it is the whole romp, the characters, the historical setting (I put it on my “to visit list” to see Aquae Sulis). It’s all fun, the performance as always is great. Sheer delight. Though I’d be happy with more in the series, I’d also be most happy if Ruth Downie would start a new series in a new locale (perhaps Medieval France?).

I love this series

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Ruth Downie’s writing and Simon Vance’s narration are truly a magical combination. I look forward to savouring each book and am never disappointed. The series would appeal to anyone who appreciates exceptional writing and a good storyline about how a medic in the time of the Roman Empire and his wife who was previously a slave, use their intelligence to solve crimes. The entire series is good , clean, fun.

Thank you Ruth Downie and Simon Vance

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What did you love best about Memento Mori?

The setting of Ruth Downie's book. You actually feel like you are living in that time. Oh and the humor in the book is just as great as the setting.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Tilla is my favorite character. She is a strong woman who knows how to successfully navigate various situations. She does not let what others think affect what she knows is right. Of course all of the characters are like old friends.

Which scene was your favorite?

I don't really have a specific scene. I enjoyed the entire book.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

This book made me laugh at times. It is a serious mystery that does not take itself seriously.

Any additional comments?

I always look forward to the Medicus books by Ruth Downie. I buy her audiobooks the day they come out and I listen to it right away, even if I'm in the middle of another audiobook. The characters are like old friends. I love finding out what they have been doing and I feel like I know them The mysteries are just complicated enough to keep you interested and red herrings abound! And of course Simon Vance is one of the greatest narrators Audible has. He could read a phone book and I would listen to it. I would suggest starting at the beginning of the series. You will not want to miss a minutes of Russo, Tilla and their friends.

Another great outing! Can't wait for the next one

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How wonderful to have another adventure with Tilla and Ruso. Simon Vance makes the characters come alive with his excellent narration and when I hear his interpretation of well-loved characters it's like coming home and seeing old friends.

Like Coming Home

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As i have read all the Russo books and enjoyed each one, i am glad this one is fine. The story is a "lesser" tale. The characters are not as fleshed out as in other books but the tale itself was interesting. I really hope the Dr. goes back into practice soon.

Both reader and book five stars.

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Ruth Downie is a master storyteller, and Simon Vance is the perfect narrator to capture the longsuffering grumbling of Gaius Patreus Ruso. I have listened tha o the whole series, and am eagerly awaiting the next one!

Amazing author, amazing reader

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Russo and Tolls remain my favorite sleuthing couple. Though in this one Russo did most of the heavy lifting.

Great story as always.

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More straight forward than most books in the series although the ending is unneccessarily drawn out. Still a fun read.

Above average Medicus

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