Review: Get Out or Die

Get Out or Die Amazon US HC Amazon Canada HC
Jane Finnis
Class/Genre: Mystery Historical Woman Main Character Amateur Sleuth
Series: Aurelia Marcella
Poisoned Pen Press, 2003, 348 pgs., $24.95

Back we go to ancient days of the Roman Empire. It's a heady time when the reach of the Legions of Rome cover the known world. The setting is Britain where the quarrelsome tribes of the island have been largely subjugated. But now there appears to be an unusual level of unrest in the land. Author Jane Finnis takes the interesting approach to this historical novel by placing us in the hands of a Roman colonist, a woman who has come to Britain to establish a life, and a successful one at that, managing an inn in the new province.

Her name is Arellia Marcella and the time is 91 A.D. She cannot, of course, own the property, but her brother seems to be constantly off on adventures of his own around the island so she and her half- sister Albia are there to make a go of things. They are admirable characters, possessing large measures of good sense, a flair for adventure of their own and the will and ability to interact with the male members of the town council and their own slaves, servants and passing travelers in positive and interesting ways.

Finnis draws the reader quickly into the story and charms us with the two young women who are the center of this novel. Her matter- of-fact use of language and circumstance keeps us inside the story. A mysterious traveler is found beaten and nearly dead outside the gates of the establishment. The more Arellia and Albia learn about him, the more questions are raised. A string of vicious murders now occurs in the province and it appears a leader calling himself the Shadow of Death is trying to rouse the native tribes in a revolt against Roman authority. Finnis does a nice job of balancing sympathy for the rebels against the understandable concerns of the authorities who are all Latin citizens of Rome.

The Shadow of Death has apparently decreed death for all Romans. They are repeatedly warned to leave Britain or die. The death of travelers on the roads naturally reduces travel and causes economic concern for Arellia.

The pace of the book works well, welded as it is to the time and the limitations of travel. The writing is excellent and the characters are interesting. Late plot twists are carefully handled and surprises are there to be savored. One hopes for further adventures of this young, vibrant inn-keeper in ancient Britain.

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Carl Brookins - RAM

Book Review: Get Out or Die