Dancing With Demons

Sister Fidelma #18

by Dancing With Demons

Sister Fidelma must investigate the murder of the High King himself and by doing so risk civil war, in Peter Tremayne's brilliant new novel in the popular series. When Sechnussach, High King of Ireland, is found dead in his bedchamber with his throat cut, all clues seem to suggest an all-too-obvious prime suspect. Dubh Duin, the chieftain of the clan Cinel Cairpre, was found with the murder weapon in his hand when the High King's guards entered the royal chamber, before taking his own life. The Chief Brehon of Ireland asks Sister Fidelma to investigate and find out what possible motives could have driven Dubh Duin to assassinate the High King. Her investigations reveals an intricate web of conspiracy and deception that threatens to unbalance the five kingdoms and send them spiralling into a violent and bloody civil war and religious conflict...

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Historical Mystery, Historical, Fiction, Ireland, Medieval

274 pages, Hardcover

First published September 6, 2007

Reviews

[Jaline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Each novel I have read in this series (this one is #18) reinforces for me why this is one of my all-time favourite series. The combination of history (as in, 668 A.D. in this story), a strong and logic-driven female lead who is a ‘religieuse’, a dálaigh, a wife, mother, sister to a King of one of the Five Kingdoms of Ireland, and an altogether fascinating person.

Noted for their complex plots and sub-plots, the books in this series are definitely written to be read in order. The story of Sister Fidelma and her side-kick (and counter-balance) Brother Eadulf evolves over time and this one deals with the suspicious death of the High King in Tara. An engaging story told by an expert in ancient Irish history – and the historian can write.

[Clemens Schoonderwoert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this book in 2007, and its the 19th volume, chronologically, of the marvellous "Sister Fidelma" series.

In this tale Sister Fidelma will get the hard task to investigate the death of the High King of Ireland, Sechnussach, when he's found with his throat cut, and his probably would be assassin, Dubh Duin, found with the murder weapon in his hand.

But before they can arrest this same Dubh Duin, he will take his own life and put the whole of Ireland in turmoil.

The Chief Brehon of Ireland will ask Sister Fidelma, a Dalaigh in the courts of Brehon Law, to investigate the motives behind this assassination of the High King, for that action will certainly have repercussions to the whole of Ireland.

What Sister Fidelma will discover while investigating this case is a web of conspiracy and deception, and its so serious that it certainly can disrupt the stability of the Five Kingdoms, and send them spiralling at worst into total civil war and religious conflict.

What is to follow is an intriguing and gripping Irish mystery, in which Sister Fidelma excels herself by breaking these layers of conspiracy and bringing the people responsible for this conspiracy and death to book before the Chief Brehon, so that these conspirators can be convicted according to Irish Brehon Law.

Highly recommended, for this is another marvellous addition to this superb series, and that's why I like to call this episode: "A Glorious Dancing With Demons"!

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of the Sister Fidelma novels I've read and certainly enjoyable, with its share of excitement and plot twists. I can see why this series is so popular.
This one investigates the murder of the High King of Ireland. Is the culprit a man found at the bedside of the murdered man, who has killed himself? Called upon to find his motivation the heroine uncovers a religious conspiracy of which the suicide is a participant.

[Robin · Rating 2 out of 5]

When is this man going to write Fidelma and Eadulf as flesh and blood people who have a real relationship. Learning about 7th-century Ireland and the culture has usually made this series worth reading despite the lack of fully realized characters, but this one just lay flat on the page.

[Sunsy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Die Geschichte Irlands ist faszinierend, und auch der Werdegang der Christianisierung. Nicht wenige Hürden galt es da zu überwinden, es muss einige Katastrophen gegeben haben, denn warum sollte man plötzlich an einen anderen Gott glauben, wenn man doch seine eigenen Götter bereits hatte? Nicht immer ging das kampflos vonstatten.

Peter Tremayne nimmt dies zum Anlass für dieses Buch, webt aber eine spannende Kriminalgeschichte drumherum, die Fidelma und Eadulf zu enträtseln haben. Natürlich stellt sich Vieles anders dar, als es tatsächlich ist, Informationen werden zurückgehalten und verschleiert, und die beiden geraten in höchste Not, bevor sie alles erkennen und aufdecken können.

Fast alle gesponnenen Fäden werden entwirrt, nur einer scheint noch offen: Der alte Mann mit den alten wertvollen Münzen und dem Halsschmuck, der in einer Herberge offensichtlich eines natürlichen Todes starb – hat er etwas mit den späteren Begebenheiten zu tun? Handelte es sich tatsächlich um einen Druiden der alten Religion?

Spannend geschrieben mit vielen Informationen, gälischen Begriffen und dem gewissen Etwas hat mir das Buch sehr gut gefallen. Ich gebe 09/10 Punkte.

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[Suburbangardener · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tremayne is like a magician; he diverts the reader's attention from the central mystery with adventure and fascinating insights into the history and culture of ancient Ireland. In this latest book, he examines the tensions between the followers of the "Old Faith" and the increasing popularity of the "New Faith" in light of Rome's growing influence on Irish culture and laws.

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

This particular installment of the Sister Fidelma series digs into the tensions between the "old ways" and the "New Faith" with much more detail than the previous books. While occasionally tedious to hear it explained via audiobook, the additional context adds a complexity and richness to the world of Fidelma that is more than just Druids vs. Christians. The plot, however, is very slow, and the reveal (in typical Fidelma fashion) takes almost 40 minutes in the audiobook. The motive itself does provide some twists and turns, but the answer to "whodunnit" was so complex and full of weird afterthoughts that I wasn't that interested in the end. This is often the case when there's an "obvious" murderer at the outset -- in this case Dubh Duin, chieftain of the clan Cinél Cairpre, who cannot unfortunately provide any defense or otherwise since he seems to have taken his own life after seemingly killing the High King Suchnussach in his bedroom. All is, as you might guess, not what it seems. This is the situation in which Fidelma finds herself.

Happily, in terms of character development, we start to see an increase in Fidelma's self-awareness, particularly of her treatment of Eadulf, who also seems to be coming more into his own.

[Steve Pillinger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fidelma is called in as an impartial outsider to solve the mystery of the assassination of the High King at Tara (since those who would otherwise investigate all belong to different factions of the same clan).

A slightly too-intricate plot this time: the climax is good, but not very satisfying, with umpteen different people ending up sharing responsibility for the murder.

Also, there was the disappointment of finding Eadulf relegated to his former subservient self after the more sensitive approach of 'The Leper's Bell' (which I had just finished, skipping vols. 16 & 17 in the series which I'd read out of order a year or two ago…) Questions like the King of Muman's, "Will you be taking Eadulf?", followed soon after by Fidelma going to "tell" him that they would be going to Tara, I felt to be quite unnecessary.

[Doris Mahala · Rating 5 out of 5]

O. M. G.!!
I would love to meet Mr. Tremayne!
I am writing a novel which has many different settings, countries, tribes, and chieftains.
I would have never thought of the settings that he has put Sister Fidelma and her husband in again.
I have cried, routed, gasped for air.
Yup, I have another recommendation for this series.
I do believe this is the only series that I have ever given every book a 5-star review.
I hope that I will one day to be as good as this author and every other author I have been reading.
Now, Mr. Tremayne or anyone else out there who is an author/writer who knows what it is like to lose something that is part of their trade of enjoyment as well as their commerce.
I have lost my laptop to a technical problem and must be replaced and all of my writing will be replaced from the old to the new just as soon as I can.

[Greg Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall the mystery was good. Convoluted, but it worked and the mythological angle was actually pretty fun in this one whereas in the past it has been somewhat lacking. Saying up front this is a why done it, not a who done it, is misleading as hell, but fun. My big complaint is, from the beginning, Fidelma's reaction to the Old Religion is completely out of character to how she has acted in literally every book it has come up prior to this. She has never been an antagonist when facing down druids, pagans, or even Saxons, and she has gotten onto Eadulf for making comments she herself makes here when faced down with crazy old crones and cults. It put me off the mystery though I was rather excited for it from the beginning. Still one of the better ones, but the formula has worn thin at this point.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Number 18 in the Sister Fidelma series by Peter Tremayne is yet another master mystery adventure in ancient Ireland. Not long ago I came upon a book of his stories in a second hand book store and had to find more of his books. That started me on this series and I am hooked on it. I don't bother about trying to pronounce the Irish words, and names of places. I do enjoy the author's knowledge of the period as it is new to me. The legal system, and equality of women back then is admirable. So civilized! (What happened to it?) Best of all are the brilliantly written mysteries that challenge this feisty Sister Fidelma.

[Darlene Karalash · Rating 3 out of 5]

This title was one of the contenders in the local library contest: Jewel or Junk?
What an unusual setting for a “who dunnit?”, namely 669 CE Ireland. This was my first sampling of one of the “Sister Fidelma Mysteries” written by Peter Tremayne. I probably wouldn’t go out of my way to read another one, because crime novels are not my preferred genre. I did, however, enjoy the informative historical descriptions of seventh century Ireland and was intrigued by the divisive effects that the widespread adoption of Catholicism had on the existing Pagan beliefs-the more things change, the more they stay the same!

[Donegal · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my most favourite books ever, a present by my son for which I will be forever grateful . There is everything I love avbout mystery and history: I am a big fan of Ireland and its past and myths. here, we are deep into this; history and legends, the conflict between the new faith and the old ways are beautifully describes. I wish we could go back to the Church of Saint Columba , much more modern than the Roman Church, what's more women in Ireland used to have more rights than today in some countries! I learned a lot and wish I had a time machine ....

[Alayne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first time I have read anything by this author and I very much enjoyed it. My main quibbles are that it would have been very helpful to have had a map of 7th century Ireland, and that a glossary of terms and a guide to pronunciation would have been wonderful. There was a bit too much repetition of information as if Tremayne had forgotten that he had already explained something (sometimes several times) before. Apart from that, I will be looking for more books by Peter Tremayne.

[Nance Roepke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again Peter Tremayne has written a complex mystery with plenty of possible villains. He gives clues but makes it difficult to sort through all the evidence to determine the culprit. But Sister Fidelma doesn't have that difficulty, she always finds her man or woman. Sometimes Sister Fidelma's sharp tongue and Brother Aedulph's dense ineptitude are annoying but generally speaking the books are excellent.

[Jim Purcell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of challenges for Sister Fidelma as she is requested to review the murder of the High King. What first seems obvious with the apparent killer, dead by suicide at the victim's bedside soon becomes strangely questionable. Fiudelma's quest for truth challenges the obvious and her legal mindset and adroit pursuit for the truth lead to very different conclusions.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are 15 books left in the series and Peter Tremayne doesn't show any signs of stopping. Which is a good thing, I really like reading about anciet Ireland and its quirks. However, the books do get a bit more twisted the further into the series I get.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another title in this series that kept me reading too late at night. I'm glad that I don't have to remember all the ancient history, because it's new to me every time. There are also too many unfamiliar names, but again, I still enjoy the books.

[Boston64329 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another good mystery created by Peter Tremayne using the Sister Fidelma character. this one seemed more convoluted but in the end was solved by Sister Fidelma. The connection of the conspirators was lost on them and me as the reader.

[Melinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love this series. Love Fidelma. This was a great mystery with loads of historically based info. I believe this murder actually happened....great stuff

[Terry · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting story and characters but the telling was rather wooden and there was too much attempt to use old celtic words.

[Deborah Terrill · Rating 2 out of 5]

The plots have become too predictable

[Rick Scully · Rating 3 out of 5]

The mystery is well told, but I found it distracting to have every Gallic/Irish term defined by whichever character was speaking. Sometimes the same term will be explained/defined more than once.

[Michael Wojciehoski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Regicide, conspiracies, old religions.

[Katheyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

TBA

[Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Complex, tense, engaging, the best Fidelma novel I've read so far.

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read

This mystery had much history of ancient Ireland. I liked that. It is a good, solid cozy mystery.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good one about that moment in time when Christianity and paganism were vying for the top spot.

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating journey into medieval Ireland. In this mystery, sister Fidelma and her husband Eadulf travel to Tara to solve the murder of the High King, and prevent a war in the process.

[Martina Sartor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Irlanda, Anno Domini 669. Siamo agli albori del cristianesimo in Irlanda, dove fino a due secoli prima e all’arrivo di San Patrizio dominava l’Antica Fede, la religione dei druidi. Questa nuova avventura di sorella Fidelma è strettamente connessa con la religione, con il cambiamento avvenuto nella società nel passaggio alla nuova fede cristiana. A Tara, capitale dell’Irlanda, Sechnussach, Re Supremo dell'isola, viene ritrovato cadavere con la gola squarciata, e Dubh Duin, il capo del clan Cinél. viene trovato sulla scena del crimine con l'arma del delitto in mano. Dubh Duin ammette la sua colpa e inaspettatamente si toglie la vita. Sorella Fidelma di Cashel, la monaca-investigatrice creata da Tremayne, viene chiamata sul posto a capire il perché di quanto successo, a scoprire quella verità della citazione iniziale. Con lei c’è il fedele Eadulf, ora diventato suo compagno di vita. Fidelma inizia ad indagare e a interrogare le persone che erano sul posto. Ognuno sembra nascondere un mistero, per prima la Vecchia Mer, che minaccia Fidelma di terribili catastrofi se non tornerà all’antica fede. Altri personaggi sembrano legati alle antiche credenze, soprattutto a quelle più cruente e sanguinarie, connesse anche con sacrifici umani. Sono solo giochi di potere fra i vari clan dell’isola o qualcosa di più personale si nasconde nella morte del re?
“L’ambizione è un diavolo che fa marcire il cuore e la mente. Invita il misero residuo di umanità a danzare con lui e, se la danza riesce, non ha che un guadagno, un potere e una fama effimeri, prima di sprofondare nell’oblio della tomba.”
Fidelma ed Eadulf rischieranno la vita prima di riuscire ad arrivare a una verità inaspettata che solo nel finale concitato viene pienamente rivelata.
Ancora una volta Tremayne mostra doti di grande storiografo, oltre che di grande narratore e giallista. Il rapporto dell’antica Fede con la nuova, l’arrivo del Cristianesimo in Irlanda, la sua connessione con la società del tempo vengono ampiamente spiegati attraverso il racconto. Unica difficoltà, per me, i nomi irlandesi più difficili da memorizzare.