Ruth Downie is a celebrated author, born and raised in the picturesque West Country of North Devon, England. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English, but her career took an unexpected turn when she discovered her passion for writing. Known for her mystery & thriller and historical fiction books, Downie is best known for her Medicus Investigation series. Her writing journey began during a family vacation, where she came up with the concept for the series, which features the Roman Army medic Gaius Petreius Ruso and his British partner Tilla.
Downie's works are a delightful blend of history, mystery, and humor. She has written nine novels in the Medicus Investigation series, with the latest addition being a novella titled "Prima Facie." The first four books in the series have had two titles, but Downie has since simplified the naming convention for the rest of the series. Some of the books' British versions have different titles than their American counterparts, which can be confusing for readers. However, Downie has clarified the titles for her readers' convenience.
In addition to her Medicus Investigation series, Downie has collaborated with other authors on various projects. She was a contributor to "A Year of Ravens: a novel of Boudica's rebellion" in 2015 and "Rubicon," the Historical Novel Society's collection of Roman-era short stories, in 2019. She also wrote "The Bear and the Wolf," a short story of love and danger on Rome's northern border, with SJA Turney in 2017.
Downie's writing is informed by her love for archaeology, and she enjoys wielding an archaeological trowel. She has a fascination with the past and enjoys uncovering the mysteries of history. However, she clarifies that she is not the same person as the RS Downie who writes medical textbooks, and none of the medical advice in her books should be followed. Roman and Greek doctors were known to prescribe some questionable remedies, such as donkey dung and boiled cockroaches. Downie currently resides in Devon, England, with her husband, a fine view, and too many cats.