Read: 22 June, 2011A pregnant Iceni woman, a descendent of the fearsome Boudica, bursts into Britain's procurator's office claiming that her husband has been murdered and did not steal the tax money. Ruso, freshly back from Gaul and in need of work - any work - takes on the job of investigator. What he uncovers exposes the delicate peace between Rome and even the most "civilized" British tribes.
The Ruso series is written in a fairly straightforward and often humorous style. Ruso's (and occasionally Tilla's) commentary is injected into the narrative to give the series a sort of deadpan comedic element that is just so very British. But despite its similarity to other series, such as Ellis Peters's Cadfael, Caveat Emptor lacks much of the innocence. There is a hopelessness to the series, a reminder that justice is not always served and that desired outcomes are not always possible.
Caveat Emptor is similar enough to the rest of the series to satisfy the fan, while different enough to stand on its own merits. Downie has proven that she is not to be a "one hit wonder," and is more than capable of creating a sustainable series.
The mystery itself is good enough, but the best part of Downie's work is the characterisations. Main characters, like Ruso and Tilla (and even Valens) are complex and distinctive, likeable despite their many flaws. Side characters are similar enough to archetypes to be recognizable, but they provide a lovely illusion of unexplored depth.
This is another great addition to the series and I look forward to reading the next one!
Other books in the Gaius Ruso series:
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