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Sister Fidelma #19
Le Concile des maudits
En l'an 670, un conseil hostile à l'Eglise celte, rassemblant les leaders des confessions de toute l'Europe occidentale est organisé en France. Dans ce climat empreint de mysticisme, l'inimitié bat son plein. Quand le chef délégué d'Hibernia est assassiné... Conseillère de la délégation irlandaise, Fidelma mène l'enquête, qui, très vite, se transforme en un sinistre puzzle.
355 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2008
About the author
Peter Tremayne
217 books488 followersPeter Berresford Ellis (born 10 March 1943) is a historian, literary biographer, and novelist who has published over 90 books to date either under his own name or his pseudonyms Peter Tremayne and Peter MacAlan. He has also published 95 short stories. His non-fiction books, articles and academic papers have made him acknowledged as an authority on Celtic history and culture. As Peter Tremayne, he is the author of the international bestselling Sister Fidelma mystery series. His work has appeared in 25 languages.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
January 29, 2022
Read this book in 2008, and its the 20th volume, chronologically, of the superb "Sister Fidelma" series.
Its the year AD 670, and the Council of Autun is to meet to discuss about serving the final devastating blow to the Celtic Church.
Soon a conflict will erupt between the two delegates, and this conflict will result in the death of the chief delegate of Hibernia, and the whole Council in danger.
As soon as Sister Fidelma and her companion, Brother Eadulf arrive in Autun, they will act as advisors for the Irish delegation, but soon enough they will discover a certain hate between the autocratic Bishop Leodegar and the malignant abbess, Mother Audofleda.
Soon enough a web of sinister intrigue will spread along this Council, soon followed when a box with a priceless reliquary is stolen, the disappearance of women and children and the rumours of slave trade this Council is in full uproar.
What is to follow is an intriguing and magnificent mystery, in which Sister Fidelma and brother Eadulf are doing their utmost to entangle this web of deceit and murder, and in doing so they will encounter some dangerous moments themselves, but in the end after sifting the evidence and using their wits and cunning, and so finally find out the truth, Sister Fidelma will be able to deal with this matter and reveal the culprit behind these deadly actions of betrayal and power.
Highly recommended, for this is another tremendous addition to this magnificent series, and that's why I like to call this series: "A Captivating Council Of The Cursed"!
Its the year AD 670, and the Council of Autun is to meet to discuss about serving the final devastating blow to the Celtic Church.
Soon a conflict will erupt between the two delegates, and this conflict will result in the death of the chief delegate of Hibernia, and the whole Council in danger.
As soon as Sister Fidelma and her companion, Brother Eadulf arrive in Autun, they will act as advisors for the Irish delegation, but soon enough they will discover a certain hate between the autocratic Bishop Leodegar and the malignant abbess, Mother Audofleda.
Soon enough a web of sinister intrigue will spread along this Council, soon followed when a box with a priceless reliquary is stolen, the disappearance of women and children and the rumours of slave trade this Council is in full uproar.
What is to follow is an intriguing and magnificent mystery, in which Sister Fidelma and brother Eadulf are doing their utmost to entangle this web of deceit and murder, and in doing so they will encounter some dangerous moments themselves, but in the end after sifting the evidence and using their wits and cunning, and so finally find out the truth, Sister Fidelma will be able to deal with this matter and reveal the culprit behind these deadly actions of betrayal and power.
Highly recommended, for this is another tremendous addition to this magnificent series, and that's why I like to call this series: "A Captivating Council Of The Cursed"!
February 17, 2010
I learn and am reminded of so much history from reading this series, and what could be more fascinating that the early history of Ireland and its neighbors?! The characters and places are so real that I find myself THERE with Fidelma and her Saxon companion Eadulf as they travel over the 5 kingdoms and beyond to solve mysteries. In this one, set in what is now France, the reader experiences the controversial time in early Christianity around 670 when the Church first began to require and enforce celibacy. Prior to that, many married couples were involved in religious orders. This change occurred over a matter af time and not everywhere at once. The mystery covers a historically documented event where former wives and children of male religious figures were sold into slavery.
March 14, 2026
When an important council of church bishops meet in the town of Autun and hosted at the abbey by a Bishop who follows the new rules about celibacy, more than a difference of agreement explodes among the representatives. Fidelma and Eadulf’s detecting skills are needed once again. Peter Tremayne has moved the locale of this latest and brought in a broader scope of history beyond Ireland’s shores for my reading pleasure.
Council of the Cursed is the nineteenth installment in a long historical mystery series set in Ancient Ireland, featuring a brilliant and unique detecting team of an Irish princess trained in law and also a religious of the Christian faith and her counterpart husband is a Saxon law investigator and Brother of the New faith.
Fidelma and Eadulf were following the bishop of her brother’s kingdom to be a law advisor for the bishop in case matters of Irish law were important in the deliberations, but on arrival in Autun, they are swiftly reassigned to investigate the murder of one delegate of the council who was found near two other council delegates- who happened to have violently argued not long before.
The murder is shocking, but Fidelma and Eadulf are not in the abbey long before they sense a dark atmosphere there. Bishop Leodegar, a Burgundian aristocrat recently appointed bishop of the abbey has instituted drastic changes so that celibacy is required of all who choose to remain in the work of the abbey. He’s forced men with wives and families to divorce and put them aside and for walls to block off the women’s side of the abbey from the men’s and put a stern female abbess in charge of them. Some left, but many have stayed, wholly committing to the change- or so it seems on the surface. Fidelma, to conduct her inquiry, has to have special dispensation from Leodegare to have guest quarters on the male side and interview all involved or witnessing the incidents that lead to the murder.
And, then there is the local history of the land changing hands as it has been conquered by each new rising power leaving a seething issue of past wrongs under a surface acceptance making political intrigue playing a role in matters.
But, there’s more… one of the brothers at the abbey acts as the scribe and is one of Fidelma’s witnesses. He has a secret- he still keeps clandestine contact with one of the sisters on the other side of the abbey in the women’s side- and, something has happened to her the night of the murder. Fidelma determines to check into this mystery, too.
The dark miasma of evil is real and danger lurks in the shadows of Autun Abbey for Fidelma and Eadulf as their investigation makes someone who has killed once determine they are a threat.
Council of the Cursed was fascinating as its set in what is modern day France, the province of Burgundy. The history of the area from the Roman conquering of Gaul to that point in the seventh century when much is still unsettled and volatile- even the Catholic church is in turmoil as East and West church are at odds which is part of this Council of churches around the western European area meeting at this abbey.
My heart broke for those families who were torn apart- and then to have to be under such hard autocratic rulers who were more interested in power and rising to gain more power than in their supposed faith.
Fidelma and Eadulf were superb as always. Love the way their different personalities interact with each other and when working on their case. She sure was something when confronting those bullying leaders there and I was cheering her on. I thought they were both smart in how they worked this case and loved tracking with them as they gathered testimonies and evidence. Loved the build of tension, the exciting moments, and the big climax.
The series remains strong and fresh this many installments in. Definitely recommend to the historical mystery lovers.
My full review will post at Books of My Heart on 3.8.26
Council of the Cursed is the nineteenth installment in a long historical mystery series set in Ancient Ireland, featuring a brilliant and unique detecting team of an Irish princess trained in law and also a religious of the Christian faith and her counterpart husband is a Saxon law investigator and Brother of the New faith.
Fidelma and Eadulf were following the bishop of her brother’s kingdom to be a law advisor for the bishop in case matters of Irish law were important in the deliberations, but on arrival in Autun, they are swiftly reassigned to investigate the murder of one delegate of the council who was found near two other council delegates- who happened to have violently argued not long before.
The murder is shocking, but Fidelma and Eadulf are not in the abbey long before they sense a dark atmosphere there. Bishop Leodegar, a Burgundian aristocrat recently appointed bishop of the abbey has instituted drastic changes so that celibacy is required of all who choose to remain in the work of the abbey. He’s forced men with wives and families to divorce and put them aside and for walls to block off the women’s side of the abbey from the men’s and put a stern female abbess in charge of them. Some left, but many have stayed, wholly committing to the change- or so it seems on the surface. Fidelma, to conduct her inquiry, has to have special dispensation from Leodegare to have guest quarters on the male side and interview all involved or witnessing the incidents that lead to the murder.
And, then there is the local history of the land changing hands as it has been conquered by each new rising power leaving a seething issue of past wrongs under a surface acceptance making political intrigue playing a role in matters.
But, there’s more… one of the brothers at the abbey acts as the scribe and is one of Fidelma’s witnesses. He has a secret- he still keeps clandestine contact with one of the sisters on the other side of the abbey in the women’s side- and, something has happened to her the night of the murder. Fidelma determines to check into this mystery, too.
The dark miasma of evil is real and danger lurks in the shadows of Autun Abbey for Fidelma and Eadulf as their investigation makes someone who has killed once determine they are a threat.
Council of the Cursed was fascinating as its set in what is modern day France, the province of Burgundy. The history of the area from the Roman conquering of Gaul to that point in the seventh century when much is still unsettled and volatile- even the Catholic church is in turmoil as East and West church are at odds which is part of this Council of churches around the western European area meeting at this abbey.
My heart broke for those families who were torn apart- and then to have to be under such hard autocratic rulers who were more interested in power and rising to gain more power than in their supposed faith.
Fidelma and Eadulf were superb as always. Love the way their different personalities interact with each other and when working on their case. She sure was something when confronting those bullying leaders there and I was cheering her on. I thought they were both smart in how they worked this case and loved tracking with them as they gathered testimonies and evidence. Loved the build of tension, the exciting moments, and the big climax.
The series remains strong and fresh this many installments in. Definitely recommend to the historical mystery lovers.
My full review will post at Books of My Heart on 3.8.26
June 18, 2021
That Sister Fidelma is kind of a bitch. She get pissy if she is contradicted and says she doesn’t want to exploit her relationship to her brother the king (but seems to actually care). She and her husband are summoned to investigate a murder at an abbey where there are some serious changes in how the Church operates.
February 14, 2021
Bücher von Peter Tremayne aus der Schwester Fidelma-Reihe haben Kult-Status. Sie offenbaren ein großes Wissen über die Kelten, aber auch Geschehnisse außerhalb Irlands in Verbindung mit immer mindestens einem Mord, der ganz und gar nicht einfach zu erklären ist und der besonderen Gaben der beiden Eheleute Fidelma und Eadulf bedürfen.
In diesem Buch, das in Burgund spielt, haben es die beiden ganz und gar nicht leicht. Sie werden auf verschiedenste Weise behindert und geraten mehr als einmal in höchste Bedrängnis. Auch ist der Fall äußerst verzwickt und auch mit anderen Vorkommnissen verbunden, die zunächst nichts mit dem Mord gemein zu haben scheinen.
Dieses Mal, obwohl vom Thema her äußerst interessant und meist spannend, waren für mich persönlich gerade eingangs zu viele Längen vorhanden. Es dauerte, bis ich hinein fand, darum gebe ich 08/10 Punkte.
https://sunsys-blog.blogspot.com/2021...
In diesem Buch, das in Burgund spielt, haben es die beiden ganz und gar nicht leicht. Sie werden auf verschiedenste Weise behindert und geraten mehr als einmal in höchste Bedrängnis. Auch ist der Fall äußerst verzwickt und auch mit anderen Vorkommnissen verbunden, die zunächst nichts mit dem Mord gemein zu haben scheinen.
Dieses Mal, obwohl vom Thema her äußerst interessant und meist spannend, waren für mich persönlich gerade eingangs zu viele Längen vorhanden. Es dauerte, bis ich hinein fand, darum gebe ich 08/10 Punkte.
https://sunsys-blog.blogspot.com/2021...
March 8, 2018
Another exciting adventure for Sister Fidelma and Brother Eadulf, but this time they are in 670 Burgundy, where Fidelma's status is not what it is in her native land, nor does she have the protection of her status to keep her safe. Peter Tremayne's historical tale drops her into dangers where murders abound and attempts are made on her life in a sinister Abbey where no one is to be trusted. Tremayne brings into this book the selling of wives and children of religious men into slavery as a means of establishing the new rules of celibacy. As the new church order under Rome took over, it was a convenient and prosperous way of solving the problem of what to do with all of those wives and children who had been permitted by the early church. This bit of history doesn't get taught in Sunday school classes.
May 26, 2015
Another one of those books that I really wanted to finished, but couldn't bring myself to. Maybe it's because its the nineteenth of a series and the version I had didn't give me any indication that this was the case. As an avid reader of historical fiction, I couldn't get past the fact that the descriptions and the dialouge felt more like lines from a textbook than a novel. IF I wanted that, I could go get a history book.
December 26, 2016
This is the second of the Sister Fidelma books I've read - I can't recall the title of the first, even with a listing of all the series - which is a clue. They are OK, and if I come across another by happenstance I will probably read it if I have nothing else to read - more for the 1st Century Ireland background than for the story itself.
I thought the plot in this overly complicated and contrived, and the pace too slow.
I thought the plot in this overly complicated and contrived, and the pace too slow.
December 8, 2009
I love these mysteries, they still keep me guessing, and I learn something also. They may lead me to become a heretic, as they deal with the early Christian church and some of the stupid ideas that were promoted and eventually adopted.
March 10, 2025
The historical backdrop for this installment is the Council of Autun (in present-day France)-- c. 670-- that was convened under Bishop Leodegarius (Leodegar) to regulate the implementation of Benedictine Rule. The Bishop is a character in the story. Most significantly, a central area of focus was banning the compatres (special companions/spouses) for monks, a practice we know from Fidelma was still accepted in Ireland (Hibernia), although not without challenge. In the historical note, Tremayne defends his interpolation of wives of clerics being sold into slavery, albeit citing much later actions by Popes Leo IX and Urban II.
Some of the characters felt a bit overwritten -- the imperious Abbess Audofleda and Lady Beretrude, especially. Valretrade, on the other hand, often faded into the scenery, which was unfortunate given her role in the story.
However, this particular volume excelled in parsing regional differences not just in beliefs, but also customs, not just between Celtic regions and France, but even Franks vs. Burgunds. King Clotaire (aka King Clothar III) is another historical figure, who Tremayne only gives voice to toward the end, but it is effective.
Returning characters include Abbot Segdae, and from the previous book, Verbas of Peqini, who some may recall did not part company with Fidelma on good terms.
The mystery itself follows a fairly common formula (used several times in the series) wherein Fidelma is called to investigate a murder that seems obvious, but is not in the least (hence, a story). The reveal at the end was blissfully short relative to Fidelma's usual dramatic and drawn out conclusions, and Tremayne seems to be getting more comfortable in allowing the main protagonists (we can include Eadulf, sometimes) to be in harm's way as the series progresses.
Some of the characters felt a bit overwritten -- the imperious Abbess Audofleda and Lady Beretrude, especially. Valretrade, on the other hand, often faded into the scenery, which was unfortunate given her role in the story.
However, this particular volume excelled in parsing regional differences not just in beliefs, but also customs, not just between Celtic regions and France, but even Franks vs. Burgunds. King Clotaire (aka King Clothar III) is another historical figure, who Tremayne only gives voice to toward the end, but it is effective.
Returning characters include Abbot Segdae, and from the previous book, Verbas of Peqini, who some may recall did not part company with Fidelma on good terms.
The mystery itself follows a fairly common formula (used several times in the series) wherein Fidelma is called to investigate a murder that seems obvious, but is not in the least (hence, a story). The reveal at the end was blissfully short relative to Fidelma's usual dramatic and drawn out conclusions, and Tremayne seems to be getting more comfortable in allowing the main protagonists (we can include Eadulf, sometimes) to be in harm's way as the series progresses.
November 10, 2019
I have not read any sister Fidelma mysteries in a while, and saw this in the library and picked it up. I have missed some of the stories between the last of the books I had read, and this book. That did not matter, as the stories are written in such a way that you are able to read each book individually.
What I absolutely love about reading these books is the fact that through the story you learn of ecclesiatical events - the councils are part of the developing story of Christianity in Europe.
This book involves the death of a representative who has arrived for the Council before it opens. Sister Fidelma and Brother Eadwulf are given the task to investigate. The view is that either of two representatives are guilty and the pressure is on to decide the guilty party quickly, but Sister Fidelma is very much an independent woman, and after one or two attempts to get her out of the picture, helps set up an exciting reveal.
Peter Tremayne's style of writing may annoy some, but I love the amount that I learn and the fact that it takes me to research more each time I read one of these books.
What I absolutely love about reading these books is the fact that through the story you learn of ecclesiatical events - the councils are part of the developing story of Christianity in Europe.
This book involves the death of a representative who has arrived for the Council before it opens. Sister Fidelma and Brother Eadwulf are given the task to investigate. The view is that either of two representatives are guilty and the pressure is on to decide the guilty party quickly, but Sister Fidelma is very much an independent woman, and after one or two attempts to get her out of the picture, helps set up an exciting reveal.
Peter Tremayne's style of writing may annoy some, but I love the amount that I learn and the fact that it takes me to research more each time I read one of these books.
November 9, 2021
With fleshed out characters and a complicated plot, this may be the best book in the Sr. Fidelma series to date! Fidelma is asked to attend a meeting of Bishops being held outside of her own country. Of course Eadulf goes with her and the pair meet new ideas and people don’t understand exactly who Fidelma is or how strong Eadulf belief in justice and truth can be! Everyone from the arrogant and grumpy Abbess to the local bishop and the regional ‘Prince’ have something to hide or an ulterior motive. And people are suffering because of it!
I’m trying hard not to give anything away, but if you are a Sr. Fidelma fan this is a must read. If you are not a fan yet but are looking for an entertaining, can’t-put-it-down historical mystery, this is the one!
I’m trying hard not to give anything away, but if you are a Sr. Fidelma fan this is a must read. If you are not a fan yet but are looking for an entertaining, can’t-put-it-down historical mystery, this is the one!
March 13, 2021
As a plot-driven intellectual puzzle it was OK, and it was interesting for its exposure of yet another atrocity in Europe's tangled religious history. But the writing was pedestrian, the dialogue wooden, and none of the characters felt three-dimensional. Plus there were some aspects of the plot that irritated me. This was the first Sister Fidelma story I've read; I'm not eager to pick up another.
June 20, 2021
One of the very best aspects of this series is how Tremayne chronicles the spread of the Roman Catholic Church which today is crippled by the seeds it planted as far back as the 7th Century. I understand this is fiction, but Tremayne has grounded it in history, so Sister Fidelma Mysteries serve a dual purpose: pleasure and instruction.
Book 19 is full of plot twists and turns. I found myself chastising the Roman Church—and shaking my head in pure disgust. But, When all was revealed, it was still fun to go back and find the little clues that step-stoned to the final solution. This was another enjoyable read. On to #20.
Book 19 is full of plot twists and turns. I found myself chastising the Roman Church—and shaking my head in pure disgust. But, When all was revealed, it was still fun to go back and find the little clues that step-stoned to the final solution. This was another enjoyable read. On to #20.
January 25, 2026
A proper return to form and a fairly good mystery besides, though you could figure it out if you were paying attention. I did not expect a detour into French and especially Burgundian history but it was a fun diversion, complete with Saxons, Armoricans, and more. Fidelma is in her usual autistic state, Eadulf is a mostly competent Watson this time around, and the side characters are mostly enjoyable or absolutely abominable with little middle ground, in ways that were somewhat surprisingly one-sided. The epilogue was a nice touch, basically saying that the author had no intention of further Frankish adventures, and that's just as well.
June 23, 2021
Like almost all its predecessors, this book is literate, informative, mysterious, and most of all, fun.
A reader begins to expect certain tropes in Fidelma mysteries, it's true. At the same time, the historical placement of the stories gives the author, a genius writer and historian, the stage on which to produce a peerless period drama.
Definitely worth a second reading, this book engages and enthralls.
A reader begins to expect certain tropes in Fidelma mysteries, it's true. At the same time, the historical placement of the stories gives the author, a genius writer and historian, the stage on which to produce a peerless period drama.
Definitely worth a second reading, this book engages and enthralls.
December 2, 2020
Another good one. Complex, lots of possible culprits and a very bright woman. I do have to say that throughout the book I kept thinking of Doug Emhoff. Will he be in the shadow of Kamala Harris his whole life as Aedulf is in Fidema's shadow? Don't all the feminists attack me for that statement. I think it is wonderful when a woman is strong in her own right. I just always feel that Aedulf is too weak. I want Fidelma to have a stronger foil.
April 11, 2021
As Rome continues to inflict its unrealistic thoughts on how relgious houses are run. This causes conflict withing the different countries that don't always agree with Rome. There is a big leap in time with the ending of this novel. And I hope that Fidelma got the break that she had been longing for.
April 26, 2018
Es, sin duda, este uno de las mejores novelas de la saga. Con una trama sumamente interesante cuenta además con escenas de acción, a las que no nos tiene acostumbrados Tremayne.
Vibrante e intensa y con una historia bien desarrollada.
Vibrante e intensa y con una historia bien desarrollada.
July 4, 2018
I love the Sister Fidelma series of historical mysteries set in the world of the Celtic church before it became subsumed by the Roman creeds. If you like the Cadfael books of Ellis Peters then you will enjoy these, although set about 500 years earlier.
September 13, 2018
Will the council decide the follow their own beliefs?
Will the council stay alive or will they die along with Fidelma or is Sister Fidelma even still where she belongs?
Read on to find out if she makes it back home to Cashel.
Will the council stay alive or will they die along with Fidelma or is Sister Fidelma even still where she belongs?
Read on to find out if she makes it back home to Cashel.
October 10, 2019
One could take a class on Western Church History and not learn as much as one can learn by reading the books in the Sister Fidelma series. This book finds Fidelma in France and again she is asked to solve a mystery. I enjoy the mystery and the historical details.
August 3, 2025
Another convoluted multiple murder mystery and side stories. You sometimes get a sense who the perpetuator of the crimes are and then are thrown off track. Only to find you amy have been partially correct but haven't discovered all that has transpired.
February 14, 2019
A Mystery Solved
Another convoluted story,skillfully solved by our beloved Sister. I continue to be entranced, entertained and educated by Peter Tremayne. enjoy
Another convoluted story,skillfully solved by our beloved Sister. I continue to be entranced, entertained and educated by Peter Tremayne. enjoy
Read
June 19, 2019He continues to need a Latin proofreader.
April 2, 2021
Could be four, didn’t like the long chapters. Lots of history, betrayals and old friends.
May 18, 2021
Another winner. Not many in the series left. My only gripe is with the names.
July 7, 2021
Brilliant
What a great read. I just love these books the characters of Fidelma and Edulf. I'm looking forward to the next book.
What a great read. I just love these books the characters of Fidelma and Edulf. I'm looking forward to the next book.
April 26, 2022
A Hibernian delegate at an important theological council is murdered. Can Sister Fidelma discover his murderer so the theological deliberations can continue?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews