GET OUT OR DIE

In Finnis's lively debut, a Roman historical set in northern Britain in 91 A.D., ill-fated legionnaires contend with a ruthless band of guerrillas seeking to rid their homeland of unwanted occupiers. Tensions run high as headless bodies begin appearing along the roadways of remote Brigantia, the adopted home of plucky Aurelia Marcella and her sister Albia, who are keepers of the Oak Tree Mansio, an inn catering to the elite of the empire's "raw new province." Crudely carved discs bearing the title's ominous words are hung on each new corpse, and the same menacing phrase mysteriously appears on Aurelia's barn shortly before a savage nighttime attack by the "Shadow-men," a rebel group believed to be led by a Roman turncoat. Suspenseful and at times comical, the story rambles on to a somewhat predictable conclusion, yet Aurelia is engaging as the resourceful narrator-turned-detective who almost single-handedly identifies the traitor in their midst. A surfeit of characters with names both Roman and Druid can be confusing, but the plot is timely as conquerors seek to impose civilization on a barbarian culture that doesn't appreciate the new roads and government or the increase in commerce. Lots of sacrifices, both human and animal, make this one for the strong of stomach. (Dec. 19)

Forecast: Readers looking for escapist fare had best keep away, given the many parallels to the current situation in Iraq. Those who favor mysteries with contemporary relevance will take up the slack.