Buried Too Deep By Jane Finnis
It’s Spring in 98 AD and to the Oak Tree mansio arrives a wagon bearing the mortally-wounded body of a local farmer. He has been attacked by swordsmen, his family are in danger and he hints that Aurelia Marcella’s sister and her family are at risk too. Aurelia sends for her twin brother Lucius, an Imperial investigator, and both embark on a journey to the coast. As well as assessing the danger for their sister Albia, Lucius is also to investigate a shipwreck which involves a huge amount of money.
Soon, they are immersed in the bitter feud between native farmers and Roman settlers, the inroads made by Gaulish pirates and the rumour of lost treasure; treasure which may also be linked to their dead Centurion father. Everyone has something to hide, everyone has high emotions and soon Aurelia, Albia and Lucius are drawn to emotional confrontations, discovering that they have family secrets and issues too.
Once again, Jane Finnis has produced a compelling, entertaining novel about Aurelia Marcella and Roman Yorkshire. Without lecture, she brings Roman Britain to life and, with much skill, presents a thrilling mystery, family secrets and the persuit of a treasure which may - or may not - exist. The characterisations are firm and have believable motives and emotions, especially in the protagonists. Her ability to evoke the hard yet appealing landscape is demonstrated by her use of effective description which manages to do much with few words. This book is a fine third in the series and certainly leaves the reader wanting more.
Buried Too Deep by Jane Finnis.
Publ. Poisoned Penn Press, 2008.
ISBN: 978-1-59058-399-9 (Hardback)
Verdict: A charming, compelling mystery which is highly enjoyable to read.
