Persona Non Grata Audiobook By Ruth Downie cover art

Persona Non Grata

A Novel of the Roman Empire

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Persona Non Grata

By: Ruth Downie
Narrated by: Simon Vance
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At long last, Gaius Petreius Ruso and his companion, Tilla, are headed home - to Gaul. Having received a note consisting only of the words "COME HOME!" Ruso has (reluctantly, of course) pulled up stakes and brought Tilla to meet his family. But the reception there is not what Ruso has hoped for: no one will admit to sending for him, and his brother Lucius is hoping he'll leave.

With Tilla getting icy greetings from his relatives, Lucius's brother-in-law mysteriously drowned at sea, and the whole Ruso family teetering on the edge of bankruptcy, it's hard to imagine an unhappier reunion. That is, until Severus, the family's chief creditor, winds up dead, and the real trouble begins.

Engrossing, intricate, and - as always - wonderfully comic, Ruth Downie's latest is a brilliant new installment in this irresistible series. This is everything we've come to expect from our charming, luckless hero.

Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend us your ears: listen to another Novel of the Roman Empire.©2009 Ruth Downie (P)2009 Tantor Historical Mystery

Critic reviews

"This lively sequel to Medicus and Terra Incognita continues Downie's delightful historical series.... Highly recommended." ( Library Journal)

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Engaging Characters • Complex Plot • Historical Authenticity • Witty Humor • Compelling Mystery • Superb Performance
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I loved the 3 books in this series. They are very entertaining, great characters and light mysteries in each book. This series is a delightful read, and the narration is terrific. I highly recommend.

Great Series

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I thoroughly enjoy this series. I wasn't expecting to but took a chance and I'm really glad I did. No military battles but lots of stuff that brings that period to life. As for the narration, Simon Vance is the best! Well if not the best, one of them. I am on book 5 of the series and plan on reading them all.

Well done!

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What made the experience of listening to Persona Non Grata the most enjoyable?

The narrator could not be better suited for this book. Peerless.

Any additional comments?

Of the first three novels in this series, this one is my favorite. It has a fiendishly complicated cast of characters. I suggest jotting down the names as they apoear in the storyline.

My favorite of the first three books of the series

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this is the third Medicus book I've read and each has been a winner. historically and medically fascinating with plenty of plot tension and humor to keep you going far into the night. glad I have more to go.

better and better

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I really enjoyed this audio book. Fun story, Russo and Tilla are complex and interesting characters.

Fun

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Knew nothing about this book when I picked it - just sounded interesting. I"ve always thought I'd like to read something about Ancient Rome (or Tudor England or Egypt under the Pharoahs} that dealt with everyday life and relatively ordinary people. To be sure, this is a murder- mystery, but it's full of everyday occurrences - meals and broken feet and shopping and petty grievances. The characters come across after about 2000 years as fellow human beings. Ruso is likeable even though he's irascible and Tilla is an incredibly strong and down-to earth woman. There's much humor woven into the fabric of this story which really enlivens it. The only difficulty that I had in reading this was keeping the characters straight - maybe because of the unfamiliar names, but it was hard for me to remember the connections between the characters, All in all, a very enjoyable read. I plan to get the other 2 in the series.

Thank you Ruth

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I find it a struggle to find books in the historical novels niche that are NOT just all actions or all soap opera. A lot of the popular series out there now seem like they were written for teenagers.

This is closer to the balance I was hoping for. It will appeal to mature adults, the story is good and I learn to care about the characters, but it is essentially a "who dunit?" So if you were looking for Roman wars and action, you will not find it here. Sometimes you almost forget you are in the Roman Empire at all.

I wish thee was a little more action, but it was worth the money I spent for sure. I will get the next book in the series later, once I get a break from the crime mystery genre.

The narrator is first rate, excellent!

Compelling story but ...

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I loved how Tilla was developed more in this story. The change of venue was refreshing. The narrator is awesome! He makes the story come to life and is enjoyable to listen to. I plan to get the next episode.

Another great adventure of the Medicus and Tilla

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Who was your favorite character and why?

lead character -the doctor - is both appealing and appropriate to his time. Author manages to develop both characters life stories through the series and put them in middle of a murder plot without being too far fetched. I recommend reading from start of series. I like Roman era stories but I think anyone who likes mysteries will like.

What about Simon Vance’s performance did you like?

Excellent

Excellent series

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I tend to listen to non-fiction more than fiction, but I am thoroughly engaged by these novels.

I have (via their websites) nagged both Ms. Downie and Mr. Vance about the release of the audio version of her latest Ruso novel. It is well worth the wait! I enjoy this series so very much -- I have listened to Medicus and Terra Incognita many times.

I find the protagonists delightfully drawn, and the secondary characters unique and very engaging.
I missed Albanus in this one, though...his eagerness and simplicity are a wonderful foil for Ruso's cynicism and weariness.

The environmental background is delightfully portrayed. I felt the dry heat of southern Gaul and, with Tilla, found myself wishing for the cool, moist air of Britannia. Her conclusions about the nature of "civilization" are spot on.

Mr. Vance's narration is a perfect match for these characters. I can't imagine anyone else doing Ruso. He captures Ruso's gruff manner as well as his well-hidden empathy and heart. In this book he gives well-nuanced voice to the new characters introduced into Ruso's world. I especially enjoyed the tone of his interpretation of Marcia, Ruso's half-sister. He gives her just the right touch of adolescent whining, pouting and rebellion!

"Gods above!" I rate this as a 5 for sheer enjoyment.



Well worth the wait!

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