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Sister Fidelma #23
The Seventh Trumpet
670 AD. The body of an unknown young noble is found murdered not far from Cashel. The only clue to his identity is the emblem he was wearing – the emblem of the ruling house of the neighbouring kingdom of Laigen. When King Colgú of Cashel sends his sister, Fidelma, and her companion, Eadulf, to investigate, they are propelled into one of their most dangerous and perplexing mysteries. They find themselves struggling with a tangled skein of murder and intrigue; a bewildering conspiracy and, moreover, physical jeopardy.
Is the eruption of violence that has broken out in the west of the kingdom connected? Who is the fanatical figure who leads the violence, claiming to have been summoned by "the seventh angel" to drive the "impure of faith" from the land? What is the mystery that connects the dead noble, a murdered alcoholic priest, and a menacing abbot who has built his abbey into a military fortress rather than a religious community? What evil stirs out of the shadowy Gleann na nGeilt, the Glen of Lunatics? Fidelma herself becomes the victim of abduction and it is up to Eadulf to find and save her from imminent death. Should he beware of the attractive Princess of the Éile or her neighbours, the Osraige, a border people with a reputation for being untrustworthy? Who is the handsome young poet who seems to be a key to bringing together the strands of a complex plot to overthrow the Eóghanacht ruling house of Muman of which Fidelma’s brother is the head? This is one of Fidelma’s most baffling investigations yet.
Is the eruption of violence that has broken out in the west of the kingdom connected? Who is the fanatical figure who leads the violence, claiming to have been summoned by "the seventh angel" to drive the "impure of faith" from the land? What is the mystery that connects the dead noble, a murdered alcoholic priest, and a menacing abbot who has built his abbey into a military fortress rather than a religious community? What evil stirs out of the shadowy Gleann na nGeilt, the Glen of Lunatics? Fidelma herself becomes the victim of abduction and it is up to Eadulf to find and save her from imminent death. Should he beware of the attractive Princess of the Éile or her neighbours, the Osraige, a border people with a reputation for being untrustworthy? Who is the handsome young poet who seems to be a key to bringing together the strands of a complex plot to overthrow the Eóghanacht ruling house of Muman of which Fidelma’s brother is the head? This is one of Fidelma’s most baffling investigations yet.
384 pages, Hardcover
First published July 5, 2012
47 people are currently reading
500 people want to read
About the author
Peter Tremayne
206 books473 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 67 reviews
February 27, 2022
Read this book in 2012, and its the 23rd volume, chronologically, of the wonderful "Sister Fidelma" series.
Ireland, the year AD 670, and in the Kingdom of Muman the body of a murdered young noble is found, but the noble's identity emblem claims him to be from the neighbouring Kingdom of Laigin, that's to the East of Muman.
Sister Fidelma and Brother Eadulf are sent by King Colgú of Muman to investigate this murder, and soon enough they will encounter various dangers themselves.
At first they will encounter a fanatical figure claiming to be summoned by "the seventh angel", to remove the"impure of faith" from the land, while soon enough they will have also to struggle with cases of intrigue and murder.
Several threads are connecting somehow to an Abbey that is being ruled by a menacing Abbot within a kind of fortress, and when Sister Fidelma is abducted to that dreadful place, it will come to Brother Eadulf to rescue her from certain death.
What is to follow is an intriguing and thrilling Irish mystery, in which Sister Fidelma, and in this tale especially now Brother Eadulf, will excel themselves by solving this mystery with determination and grit, and after a very exciting and superbly executed plot the mystery will be solved in a most satisfactory fashion by Brother Eadulf and Sister Fidelma.
Highly recommended, for this is another excellent addition to this magnificent series, and that's why I like to call this episode: "A Fabulous Seventh Trumpet"!
Ireland, the year AD 670, and in the Kingdom of Muman the body of a murdered young noble is found, but the noble's identity emblem claims him to be from the neighbouring Kingdom of Laigin, that's to the East of Muman.
Sister Fidelma and Brother Eadulf are sent by King Colgú of Muman to investigate this murder, and soon enough they will encounter various dangers themselves.
At first they will encounter a fanatical figure claiming to be summoned by "the seventh angel", to remove the"impure of faith" from the land, while soon enough they will have also to struggle with cases of intrigue and murder.
Several threads are connecting somehow to an Abbey that is being ruled by a menacing Abbot within a kind of fortress, and when Sister Fidelma is abducted to that dreadful place, it will come to Brother Eadulf to rescue her from certain death.
What is to follow is an intriguing and thrilling Irish mystery, in which Sister Fidelma, and in this tale especially now Brother Eadulf, will excel themselves by solving this mystery with determination and grit, and after a very exciting and superbly executed plot the mystery will be solved in a most satisfactory fashion by Brother Eadulf and Sister Fidelma.
Highly recommended, for this is another excellent addition to this magnificent series, and that's why I like to call this episode: "A Fabulous Seventh Trumpet"!
January 22, 2013
"I think we need to inform the Bishop."
"Do you think it's wise to inform the Bishop?"
"Yes. I think it is wise to inform the Bishop."
"Why do you think it is wise to inform the Bishop?"
"The Bishop will believe me because I saved him from the nun with the poisoned apple several books ago. That is why I think it is wise to inform the Bishop."
"Ah yes, I remember the book with the nun and the poisoned apple. Silly me. He's *that* Bishop. That is why it is wise to inform the Bishop. When do you want to inform the Bishop?"
"I think it is wise to inform the Bishop now."
"So you are going to inform the Bishop now."
"No, I cannot go because of this thing that happened in book 18."
"Ahhh yes I remember what happened in book 18. You are so clever for realising that you cannot go and inform the Bishop. But who can go to inform the Bishop if not you?"
"You can go and inform the Bishop , even though you cannot ride very well."
"What a clever idea! I will ride out badly and inform the Bishop. I am going now. Off to inform the Bishop, riding very badly. Here we are at the Bishop's house which is called a teach Easpaig in this strange tongue of theirs. Teach Easpaig means house of the Bishop In Old Irish. I remember now. Fidelma told me that in Book 3 when we saved this very Bishop from that nun with the poisoned apple. Hello there Bishop - Do you remember Fidelma? She saved you from the nun with the poisoned apple several books ago."
"Ahhh yes! I remember Fidelma who saved me from the nun with the poisoned apple several books ago. Why do you ask?"
"She thought it wise that you should be informed of something now."
Why does she send you to inform me of this thing? Why did she not come herself to my teach Easpaig? Are you a Saxon? You sound like a Saxon."
"I am not a Saxon, I am an Angle. Do you remember this thing that happened in Book 18?"
"OHH The thing in book 18. Yes. Now I know why she could not come in person. That is why she sent you to inform me instead. She is so clever. What is this thing she has sent you to inform me of?"
"I am going to tell you now."
[Informs Bishop]
"Well that was a thing indeed! Fidelma was so clever sending you to inform me of this thing. I remember how she saved me from the nun with the poisoned apple. Please thank her for me, for this new thing, and the nun with the apple as well, good Saxon."
"I will inform her that you have been informed and that you thank her for informing you and you remember the nun with the poisoned apple. I am an Angle."
"Thank you again for informing me. I know that must have been hard for you because you ride so badly."
"Thank you for thanking me Bishop. I will now and tell Fidelma what I have said."
"Yes go now my good Saxon."
"Going. Leaving the "teach Easpaig" Riding back badly....
Hello Fidelma. I am now back from informing the Bishop. He remembers you fondly for saving him from the nun with the poisoned apple three books ago."
"I am so glad he remembers me. So you informed him?"
Yes I informed him, but he was concerned that you were not able to go in person but he understood your reasons when I reminded him of what happened in Book 18."
"I am glad you informed him and he understood the reasons."
"You are so wise Fidelma. What are we going to do next?"
"I think we should inform the Princess."
"Do you think it's wise to inform the Bishop?"
"Yes. I think it is wise to inform the Bishop."
"Why do you think it is wise to inform the Bishop?"
"The Bishop will believe me because I saved him from the nun with the poisoned apple several books ago. That is why I think it is wise to inform the Bishop."
"Ah yes, I remember the book with the nun and the poisoned apple. Silly me. He's *that* Bishop. That is why it is wise to inform the Bishop. When do you want to inform the Bishop?"
"I think it is wise to inform the Bishop now."
"So you are going to inform the Bishop now."
"No, I cannot go because of this thing that happened in book 18."
"Ahhh yes I remember what happened in book 18. You are so clever for realising that you cannot go and inform the Bishop. But who can go to inform the Bishop if not you?"
"You can go and inform the Bishop , even though you cannot ride very well."
"What a clever idea! I will ride out badly and inform the Bishop. I am going now. Off to inform the Bishop, riding very badly. Here we are at the Bishop's house which is called a teach Easpaig in this strange tongue of theirs. Teach Easpaig means house of the Bishop In Old Irish. I remember now. Fidelma told me that in Book 3 when we saved this very Bishop from that nun with the poisoned apple. Hello there Bishop - Do you remember Fidelma? She saved you from the nun with the poisoned apple several books ago."
"Ahhh yes! I remember Fidelma who saved me from the nun with the poisoned apple several books ago. Why do you ask?"
"She thought it wise that you should be informed of something now."
Why does she send you to inform me of this thing? Why did she not come herself to my teach Easpaig? Are you a Saxon? You sound like a Saxon."
"I am not a Saxon, I am an Angle. Do you remember this thing that happened in Book 18?"
"OHH The thing in book 18. Yes. Now I know why she could not come in person. That is why she sent you to inform me instead. She is so clever. What is this thing she has sent you to inform me of?"
"I am going to tell you now."
[Informs Bishop]
"Well that was a thing indeed! Fidelma was so clever sending you to inform me of this thing. I remember how she saved me from the nun with the poisoned apple. Please thank her for me, for this new thing, and the nun with the apple as well, good Saxon."
"I will inform her that you have been informed and that you thank her for informing you and you remember the nun with the poisoned apple. I am an Angle."
"Thank you again for informing me. I know that must have been hard for you because you ride so badly."
"Thank you for thanking me Bishop. I will now and tell Fidelma what I have said."
"Yes go now my good Saxon."
"Going. Leaving the "teach Easpaig" Riding back badly....
Hello Fidelma. I am now back from informing the Bishop. He remembers you fondly for saving him from the nun with the poisoned apple three books ago."
"I am so glad he remembers me. So you informed him?"
Yes I informed him, but he was concerned that you were not able to go in person but he understood your reasons when I reminded him of what happened in Book 18."
"I am glad you informed him and he understood the reasons."
"You are so wise Fidelma. What are we going to do next?"
"I think we should inform the Princess."
November 6, 2018
4 Stars
This was good book to read. I would maybe read it again. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone.
This was good book to read. I would maybe read it again. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone.
December 18, 2013
Twenty-third in the Sister Fidelma historical mystery series set in ancient Ireland with the newly released Fidelma.
My Take
Holy cats! It's a convoluted story, and it didn't seem to matter how often I re-read sections. I simply couldn't grasp all the twists and turns in this. Part of the problem is the ancient Irish names as well as the tangled alliances that run throughout this story. Yet another part is the lack of clues I could follow. Too many great leaps of imagination with little foundation as with Bran Finn and the couple visiting Ailgesach. As if Tremayne knew what was happening and forget to let us in on it, although it could well be that I was overwhelmed, inundated by rumors.
As fascinating as this was, it would have been even more interesting if I hadn't spent so much time scrambling to figure out what was happening. It definitely was tense with all the questions that are raised about Cashel's allies! The disguised, the monks who are not, all the secrets awash and swirling throughout, and my own lack of knowledge of the Bible and the seventh trumpet...it was too much.
Fortunately, the individual moments of drama are exciting enough to intrigue. Kidnappings, Prisoner of Zenda-like escapes, chases by river and field, slave rebellion, raiding attacks and battles, and familial plotting.
I also have a quibble about Fidelma being this stupid about the Abbey of Chaemóc. It's not within her character to not consider the negatives, although it definitely does fit within her arrogance.
I do love this series. It's a complex relationship between Fidelma and Eadulf, and while I love the strength of Fidelma's character, I don't always love her. She can be quite arrogant at times and unfeeling of Eadulf. What truly pulls me in to this series is the equality for women, the culture, and the laws of ancient Ireland---ooh, mama, these laws are so detailed and so strict! And it's their strictness, the detail to which the laws drill down that makes this land appear so fair. Sure there are things about Ireland I don't like, but I'm sure I'd find something to dislike anywhere I went (or read!). I suspect that part of my enthrallment is that the culture and laws are so much the antithesis of what I think of today's Ireland. Especially these days with the IRA and all the stupidness of the religious battles. No, this ancient Ireland is not perfect. It has many of the same problems we experience today with isolated towns ignored, greed, and the desire for power are as at home then as they are today, still, I'd love to see Tremayne's Ireland return with Irish governance. Ah well…
There's also the cleanliness! Definitely not what one expects of a time period within what historians have called the Dark Ages! This particular story goes into the hospitals and the rules surrounding them as well as the roads. Heck, we'd be lucky to have a healthcare set-up like this! Certainly better and easier to enroll in than Obamacare!
The Story
No longer a religieuse, Fidelma is at loose ends, having lost her bid for the position she did desire, and Eadulf is angry over her decisions. Luckily, for Fidelma and Eadulf anyway, several suspicious murders distract the inquisitive Fidelma.
Rumors of a band of raiders laying waste to the countryside run rampant, questions are raised as to loyalties, and Fidelma is kidnapped!
The Characters
Lady Fidelma of Cashel is King Colgú's sister, a dáilaigh, an advocate of the law, who holds the degree of anruth, the second highest degree in the land. She is also the king's personal adviser. Brother Eadulf is an Angle and Fidelma's husband with expertise in medicine. Muirgen is their son's, Alchú's, nursemaid. Aonbharr is Fidelma's horse.
Gormán is one of the Nasc Niadh, a Warrior of the Golden Collar, one of the elite bodyguards of the Kings of Muman. A man extra blessed for having overcome all that he has. Della is his mother. Enda and Aidan are also of the king's bodyguards. Caol is the commander of Colgú's elite bodyguard and one of the best military strategists in Cashel. Dego will escort the bishop back to Imleach and continue with a mission to the Uí Fidgente.
Abbot Ségdae is the Bishop of Imleach, the premier prelate of the kingdom of Muman. Finguine mac Cathail is the tánaiste, the heir apparent, a distant cousin from the Eóghanacht Áine branch of the family.
Drón, Lord of Gabrán in Osraige, and his daughter, the dim-witted Dúliath, are arranging a marriage. Ailill is cousin to Fidelma and Colgú and foster son to Drón.
Those associated with Fraigh Dubh
Saer is a woodworker who takes care of the building; Sétna is a woodsman. Brother Ailgesach is a drunkard, having spent too much time at the Glen of Lunatics. Fedach Glas is the tavern/hostel as well as the name of the tavernkeeper. Grella is his wife. Brother Biasta claims to be Ailgesach's cousin.
Echna is the ferryman; Enán is his son.
Durlus Éile
Lady Gelgéis, the Princess of the Éile, rules in Durlus Éile and should be an ally of Colgú's. Gobán is a blacksmith and loyal to Gelgéis. Leathlobhair is a leper with good eyesight. Spealáin is the lady's steward. Diag is her bishop. Tormeid is a warrior of the Uí Duach, former rulers of Osraige.
Bran Finn is the new Prince of the Déisi Muman. The Glen of Lunatics is administered by the abbey of Imleach which cares for those whose minds are unhinged. Lady Étain of An Dún is the whacked-out leader of the raiders.
Torna is a wandering bard with some skills, mourning the loss of his beloved Muirne. Sedna is the Chief Brehon at Tara while High King Cenn Faelad is its ruler.
The princes of the the Uí Fidgente are always agitating against Muman. Prince Donennach is their ruler.
Abbey of Chaemóc
The abbey, which is under Tuaim Snámha, Prince of the Osraige, has evolved greatly in a few years and is now led by Abbot Cronán, a.k.a., Lord of the Gleann an Ghuail. Brother Anfudán is its very young steward and Cronán's nephew. Brother Sillán is his son. Ségnat is a daer-fuidir, a hostage, used as a slave. It also seems to have been the Abbey of Liath Mór, somehow. Now it is Dún Muirne.
Tóla is a farmer who makes a grisly find. Cainnear is his wife. I think Cúu Faoil is the name of his dog. Breac is his son. Brehon Áedo is the new Chief Brehon of the kingdom.
A céta is a company of 100 warriors; a cath is a battalion of 3,000. Should more be required, a sluaghadh , a hosting, is called from amongst the people.
The Osraige accept the Kings of Muman as their overlords. Máele Tuile is the King of Laigin; Fianamail is his son. They are preparing to attack Muman despite the bórama fine.
The Cover
The cover has a purplish burgundy background, veined like marble with a Celtic knotwork border on the sides and another framing a square inset depicting a collage of events within the story: a dog, a bloody sword, a stream, and a castle on a hill.
The title is code, for when The Seventh Trumpet is blown, all hell will rain down.
My Take
Holy cats! It's a convoluted story, and it didn't seem to matter how often I re-read sections. I simply couldn't grasp all the twists and turns in this. Part of the problem is the ancient Irish names as well as the tangled alliances that run throughout this story. Yet another part is the lack of clues I could follow. Too many great leaps of imagination with little foundation as with Bran Finn and the couple visiting Ailgesach. As if Tremayne knew what was happening and forget to let us in on it, although it could well be that I was overwhelmed, inundated by rumors.
As fascinating as this was, it would have been even more interesting if I hadn't spent so much time scrambling to figure out what was happening. It definitely was tense with all the questions that are raised about Cashel's allies! The disguised, the monks who are not, all the secrets awash and swirling throughout, and my own lack of knowledge of the Bible and the seventh trumpet...it was too much.
Fortunately, the individual moments of drama are exciting enough to intrigue. Kidnappings, Prisoner of Zenda-like escapes, chases by river and field, slave rebellion, raiding attacks and battles, and familial plotting.
I also have a quibble about Fidelma being this stupid about the Abbey of Chaemóc. It's not within her character to not consider the negatives, although it definitely does fit within her arrogance.
I do love this series. It's a complex relationship between Fidelma and Eadulf, and while I love the strength of Fidelma's character, I don't always love her. She can be quite arrogant at times and unfeeling of Eadulf. What truly pulls me in to this series is the equality for women, the culture, and the laws of ancient Ireland---ooh, mama, these laws are so detailed and so strict! And it's their strictness, the detail to which the laws drill down that makes this land appear so fair. Sure there are things about Ireland I don't like, but I'm sure I'd find something to dislike anywhere I went (or read!). I suspect that part of my enthrallment is that the culture and laws are so much the antithesis of what I think of today's Ireland. Especially these days with the IRA and all the stupidness of the religious battles. No, this ancient Ireland is not perfect. It has many of the same problems we experience today with isolated towns ignored, greed, and the desire for power are as at home then as they are today, still, I'd love to see Tremayne's Ireland return with Irish governance. Ah well…
There's also the cleanliness! Definitely not what one expects of a time period within what historians have called the Dark Ages! This particular story goes into the hospitals and the rules surrounding them as well as the roads. Heck, we'd be lucky to have a healthcare set-up like this! Certainly better and easier to enroll in than Obamacare!
The Story
No longer a religieuse, Fidelma is at loose ends, having lost her bid for the position she did desire, and Eadulf is angry over her decisions. Luckily, for Fidelma and Eadulf anyway, several suspicious murders distract the inquisitive Fidelma.
Rumors of a band of raiders laying waste to the countryside run rampant, questions are raised as to loyalties, and Fidelma is kidnapped!
The Characters
Lady Fidelma of Cashel is King Colgú's sister, a dáilaigh, an advocate of the law, who holds the degree of anruth, the second highest degree in the land. She is also the king's personal adviser. Brother Eadulf is an Angle and Fidelma's husband with expertise in medicine. Muirgen is their son's, Alchú's, nursemaid. Aonbharr is Fidelma's horse.
Gormán is one of the Nasc Niadh, a Warrior of the Golden Collar, one of the elite bodyguards of the Kings of Muman. A man extra blessed for having overcome all that he has. Della is his mother. Enda and Aidan are also of the king's bodyguards. Caol is the commander of Colgú's elite bodyguard and one of the best military strategists in Cashel. Dego will escort the bishop back to Imleach and continue with a mission to the Uí Fidgente.
Abbot Ségdae is the Bishop of Imleach, the premier prelate of the kingdom of Muman. Finguine mac Cathail is the tánaiste, the heir apparent, a distant cousin from the Eóghanacht Áine branch of the family.
Drón, Lord of Gabrán in Osraige, and his daughter, the dim-witted Dúliath, are arranging a marriage. Ailill is cousin to Fidelma and Colgú and foster son to Drón.
Those associated with Fraigh Dubh
Saer is a woodworker who takes care of the building; Sétna is a woodsman. Brother Ailgesach is a drunkard, having spent too much time at the Glen of Lunatics. Fedach Glas is the tavern/hostel as well as the name of the tavernkeeper. Grella is his wife. Brother Biasta claims to be Ailgesach's cousin.
Echna is the ferryman; Enán is his son.
Durlus Éile
Lady Gelgéis, the Princess of the Éile, rules in Durlus Éile and should be an ally of Colgú's. Gobán is a blacksmith and loyal to Gelgéis. Leathlobhair is a leper with good eyesight. Spealáin is the lady's steward. Diag is her bishop. Tormeid is a warrior of the Uí Duach, former rulers of Osraige.
Bran Finn is the new Prince of the Déisi Muman. The Glen of Lunatics is administered by the abbey of Imleach which cares for those whose minds are unhinged. Lady Étain of An Dún is the whacked-out leader of the raiders.
Torna is a wandering bard with some skills, mourning the loss of his beloved Muirne. Sedna is the Chief Brehon at Tara while High King Cenn Faelad is its ruler.
The princes of the the Uí Fidgente are always agitating against Muman. Prince Donennach is their ruler.
Abbey of Chaemóc
The abbey, which is under Tuaim Snámha, Prince of the Osraige, has evolved greatly in a few years and is now led by Abbot Cronán, a.k.a., Lord of the Gleann an Ghuail. Brother Anfudán is its very young steward and Cronán's nephew. Brother Sillán is his son. Ségnat is a daer-fuidir, a hostage, used as a slave. It also seems to have been the Abbey of Liath Mór, somehow. Now it is Dún Muirne.
Tóla is a farmer who makes a grisly find. Cainnear is his wife. I think Cúu Faoil is the name of his dog. Breac is his son. Brehon Áedo is the new Chief Brehon of the kingdom.
A céta is a company of 100 warriors; a cath is a battalion of 3,000. Should more be required, a sluaghadh , a hosting, is called from amongst the people.
The Osraige accept the Kings of Muman as their overlords. Máele Tuile is the King of Laigin; Fianamail is his son. They are preparing to attack Muman despite the bórama fine.
The Cover
The cover has a purplish burgundy background, veined like marble with a Celtic knotwork border on the sides and another framing a square inset depicting a collage of events within the story: a dog, a bloody sword, a stream, and a castle on a hill.
The title is code, for when The Seventh Trumpet is blown, all hell will rain down.
August 19, 2018
The Seventh Trumpet is a very nice story. I had no experience with this series, nor did I know it was a series, and picked it up mainly due to the fact it was a mystery set in Ancient Ireland (roughly 600 something C.E.).
The detective in this story is Sister Fidelma of Cashel. She is a dalaigh or an advocate of the law courts of 7th Century Ireland. I really liked her character. She is a positive example of a strong woman character without devolving into the mary-sue like tropes often used by many current authors. She is intelligent and knows the law. She uses a logical reasoning to deduce outcomes and I respect that. I also like the fact that her husband, Eadulf an Angle often mistaken for a Saxon, is a herbalist and healer. Their backgrounds combine them into an excellent investigative team.
Fidelma is investigating the death of a nobleborn messenger in the woods of Cashel. This investigation leads her to a variety of adventures and locations. Fiedlma's brother is Colgu, King of Muman. As the mystery deepens she finds a plot to overthrow Colgu. Who is involved and who stands to profit draws in a diverse cast of potential villains from other kingdoms to nefarious Abbots running a fortress monastery. More than this I shall not spoil as this was a good mystery.
But what made this story excellent is the hidden gems about 7th Century Ireland. From the internal politics to the explanations of medical lore and the fairly complex and robust set of legal protections in place. The mystery of the story stays till the end. Even when you think you may have solved the mystery, the ending will get you. It's a Sherlock Holmes style thriller set in 7th Century Ireland.
I will most certainly try to get more books in this series. Hihgly recommend for any fan of mystery thrillers and anyone who likes accurate Historical settings in their fiction.
The detective in this story is Sister Fidelma of Cashel. She is a dalaigh or an advocate of the law courts of 7th Century Ireland. I really liked her character. She is a positive example of a strong woman character without devolving into the mary-sue like tropes often used by many current authors. She is intelligent and knows the law. She uses a logical reasoning to deduce outcomes and I respect that. I also like the fact that her husband, Eadulf an Angle often mistaken for a Saxon, is a herbalist and healer. Their backgrounds combine them into an excellent investigative team.
Fidelma is investigating the death of a nobleborn messenger in the woods of Cashel. This investigation leads her to a variety of adventures and locations. Fiedlma's brother is Colgu, King of Muman. As the mystery deepens she finds a plot to overthrow Colgu. Who is involved and who stands to profit draws in a diverse cast of potential villains from other kingdoms to nefarious Abbots running a fortress monastery. More than this I shall not spoil as this was a good mystery.
But what made this story excellent is the hidden gems about 7th Century Ireland. From the internal politics to the explanations of medical lore and the fairly complex and robust set of legal protections in place. The mystery of the story stays till the end. Even when you think you may have solved the mystery, the ending will get you. It's a Sherlock Holmes style thriller set in 7th Century Ireland.
I will most certainly try to get more books in this series. Hihgly recommend for any fan of mystery thrillers and anyone who likes accurate Historical settings in their fiction.
July 24, 2021
With each storyline the murders become more complicated, the twists and turns along with the intrigue more realistic. I am 10 away from the current end of the series, not that the series will end unless Mr. Treymayne dies. But the last book was published in 2020. I'm unlikely to read the next 10 books before the end of the year.
I'm going to try to do this without spoilers, it will be a bit vague. I want you to read the story to understand why Colgu does what he does. It took some thought to understand why.
Fidelma has left the life of a reigous and is focusing on being a lawyer in 7th century Ireland. Her brother Colgu the King of Muman is contemplating getting married. Fidelma does not like this woman and can't quite put her finger on why. Meantime a young man is found murdered on a local property and the mystery of who he is, why he is there, additional murders and attempted assinations begin in earnest. A plot emerges to overthrow the king of Muman, another tribe tries to flex it's muscles and twist at the end brings it all together.
It's a twisted plot that takes the entire story line to unravel. And in the end we find that several people where involved in a plot to remove Colgu as king of Muman. This involved bringing back a character that I had thought was safely out of the picture. The end game happened when Colgu revealed to Fidelma why the marriage wouldn't go forward. I can understand why she missed that particular part. I wouldn't have seen it either.
I'm going to try to do this without spoilers, it will be a bit vague. I want you to read the story to understand why Colgu does what he does. It took some thought to understand why.
Fidelma has left the life of a reigous and is focusing on being a lawyer in 7th century Ireland. Her brother Colgu the King of Muman is contemplating getting married. Fidelma does not like this woman and can't quite put her finger on why. Meantime a young man is found murdered on a local property and the mystery of who he is, why he is there, additional murders and attempted assinations begin in earnest. A plot emerges to overthrow the king of Muman, another tribe tries to flex it's muscles and twist at the end brings it all together.
It's a twisted plot that takes the entire story line to unravel. And in the end we find that several people where involved in a plot to remove Colgu as king of Muman. This involved bringing back a character that I had thought was safely out of the picture. The end game happened when Colgu revealed to Fidelma why the marriage wouldn't go forward. I can understand why she missed that particular part. I wouldn't have seen it either.
October 16, 2021
Should be a five but trying to sort out people and place names makes for a difficult read, though in my case, a difficult listen. The names sound so similar that it was distracting and confusing.
I’m all for authenticity but the use of these obscure names is just dumb. The reader shouldn’t have to work so hard to understand what’s going on.
I’m all for authenticity but the use of these obscure names is just dumb. The reader shouldn’t have to work so hard to understand what’s going on.
October 26, 2025
Highly recommend the audiobooks with Caroline Lennon reading. I have noticed over time some of the words and names have changed pronunciation.
September 30, 2016
In the year AD 670, to solve a murder, you can't rely on DNA. There are no video records of people walking through town. There is only observation and calculation. Fidelma has recently left the religious to focus on lawyer-ing. Like Jessica Fletcher, nobody should travel with her because death follows her like slime follows a snail. This time there is an issue with an alcoholic priest and an abbey that seems to be more fortress than monastery.
February 23, 2014
This book put me in mind of Susanna Gregory's medieval tales of her Monk & sleuth, Bartholomew. Love Fidelma! Sister to the king in medieval Ireland.in this book she heads out as dailaigh-an advocate of the Brehon law courts, to investigate a murder of a Nobel on neighboring farmland, which leads her on a journey to discover his identity as well as his killer. Her and her husband, along with two warriors set out and as they search it becomes a dangerous journey filled with more questions than answers. I plan to read more about this character & her courageous life.
July 5, 2021
After reading 20 Sister Fidelma Mysteries in a row (I skipped the two short story collections), I am well aware of the plot structure Tremayne uses to develop his stories. I know there will be a murder, then two or three other murders related to the first, a frustration point where the "threads" doesn't seem to come together, and then the ah-ha where Fidelma knows it all. And, of course the end is always a pedantic monologue where she recaps the action and then the makes known the villain. This style is not unique. It follows the old Agatha Christie mystery format.
Like Agatha Christie's Poirot, Fidelma is complete with irritating personality traits. Her companion Eadulf sticks by her only because he realizes he loves her and understands she needs his steadfast patience in order to accomplish the impeccable sleuthing that she does. Two things allow me to tolerate her. First, she is an example of how strong women might have developed had the Christian faith (and other male-dominated religious/social institutions) undercut women as they tried to emerge in the Early Middle Ages (476-1450 AD). Second, Tremayne weaves historical detail of the period including geography, politics, theology, and law. This is so strongly infused writing the story line, that any irritation of formulaic structure or character idiosyncrasies moves to that proverbial back burner. So, I continue onward.
I do find myself skipping the repeated reminders of Fidelma's excellent horse-womanship and her special training the the art of self defense and even some repeated family tree explanation, but I also understand that some people are not obsessive about reading a series of books in order, so I fully understand Tremayne's need to tell readers again about those details. I do find it amusing that he pretty much copies and pastes those explanations from his earlier books. I am relieved that the first rendition was good enough to plop it in elsewhere.
This episode was engaging. I did stay up until the wee-hours of the morning to finish the conclusion, so obviously, I'm still sold on this series. I have only nine episodes to go, and I find myself slowing my pace so I can remain with Fidelma, Eadulf, Gorman, Colgu and the others for as long as I can.
On to book #23, Atonement of Blood: A Mystery of Ancient Ireland.
Like Agatha Christie's Poirot, Fidelma is complete with irritating personality traits. Her companion Eadulf sticks by her only because he realizes he loves her and understands she needs his steadfast patience in order to accomplish the impeccable sleuthing that she does. Two things allow me to tolerate her. First, she is an example of how strong women might have developed had the Christian faith (and other male-dominated religious/social institutions) undercut women as they tried to emerge in the Early Middle Ages (476-1450 AD). Second, Tremayne weaves historical detail of the period including geography, politics, theology, and law. This is so strongly infused writing the story line, that any irritation of formulaic structure or character idiosyncrasies moves to that proverbial back burner. So, I continue onward.
I do find myself skipping the repeated reminders of Fidelma's excellent horse-womanship and her special training the the art of self defense and even some repeated family tree explanation, but I also understand that some people are not obsessive about reading a series of books in order, so I fully understand Tremayne's need to tell readers again about those details. I do find it amusing that he pretty much copies and pastes those explanations from his earlier books. I am relieved that the first rendition was good enough to plop it in elsewhere.
This episode was engaging. I did stay up until the wee-hours of the morning to finish the conclusion, so obviously, I'm still sold on this series. I have only nine episodes to go, and I find myself slowing my pace so I can remain with Fidelma, Eadulf, Gorman, Colgu and the others for as long as I can.
On to book #23, Atonement of Blood: A Mystery of Ancient Ireland.
July 17, 2023
Dieser Fall von Fidelma, Schwester des Königs von Muman, ist ganz schön verworren. Die Ereignisse überschlagen sich, und sogar Fidelma selbst gerät in schreckliche Lebensgefahr. Lange Zeit war absolut nicht abzusehen, wie alles zusammenhängt, ob die verschiedenen Ereignisse überhaupt etwas miteinander zu tun haben und was zu tun ist, damit nichts Schlimmeres geschieht. Wem kann man noch trauen? Wer sagt die Wahrheit, und wer verschleiert sie?
Fast schon spielerisch lernen wir Leser mehr über das alte Irland, seine Gesetze und Rechtsprechung und freuen uns einmal mehr, dass auch Fidelmas Ehemann Eadulf wieder mit von der Partie ist. Zusammen sind sie einfach ein unschlagbares Team. Zwei besondere Ermittler in dem historischen Irland. Wirklich eine fantastische Kombination.
Es ist erstaunlich, wie fortschrittlich Irland damals bereits war, wie umfassend die Gesetze, und wie sie durchgesetzt wurden. Auch, wer an die Macht kam, also zum König gekrönt wurde, das war nicht einfach nur der leibliche Sohn!?
Wieder ein tolles Buch und nur wegen der Längen und vielen losen Enden über lange Zeit ein Buch, das teilweise externe Motivation benötigt 😉 - Von mir gibt es 83/100 bzw. 08/10 Punkte.
https://sunsys-blog.blogspot.com/2023...
Fast schon spielerisch lernen wir Leser mehr über das alte Irland, seine Gesetze und Rechtsprechung und freuen uns einmal mehr, dass auch Fidelmas Ehemann Eadulf wieder mit von der Partie ist. Zusammen sind sie einfach ein unschlagbares Team. Zwei besondere Ermittler in dem historischen Irland. Wirklich eine fantastische Kombination.
Es ist erstaunlich, wie fortschrittlich Irland damals bereits war, wie umfassend die Gesetze, und wie sie durchgesetzt wurden. Auch, wer an die Macht kam, also zum König gekrönt wurde, das war nicht einfach nur der leibliche Sohn!?
Wieder ein tolles Buch und nur wegen der Längen und vielen losen Enden über lange Zeit ein Buch, das teilweise externe Motivation benötigt 😉 - Von mir gibt es 83/100 bzw. 08/10 Punkte.
https://sunsys-blog.blogspot.com/2023...
March 25, 2018
A Sister Fidelma mystery is never simple. What starts off as a simple crime of murder invariably leads deeper into a many-faceted mystery, often with more than one dead body. The Seventh Trumpet is no different. What I find most enjoyable about the books is that one discovers fascinating facts about Irish history and culture in the seventh century. The fact that Peter Tremayne is the pen name of an Irish historian makes this less surprising, but he manages to do it without seeming pedantic. One soon learns that the Irish society of that time was very different from what we would expect. In many ways, it was more modern than our own times. The Irish Church is an integral part of the story but the differences between Celtic Catholicism and Roman Catholicism will be a revelation to many readers.
One disappointment I have, though, is that Tremayne uses many Irish words and predominantly Irish place name spellings. It would be helpful if a pronunciation guide and/or glossary were included (or even a footnote for pronunciation); some of the early books had one but some of the words and letter combinations get forgotten from book to book over time.
One disappointment I have, though, is that Tremayne uses many Irish words and predominantly Irish place name spellings. It would be helpful if a pronunciation guide and/or glossary were included (or even a footnote for pronunciation); some of the early books had one but some of the words and letter combinations get forgotten from book to book over time.
May 15, 2017
Murders, impostors, conspirators, kidnappings, slavery, betrayals, insurrections, religious fanatacism and outright madness -- there's enough to keep you busy in this story! Of course, as your read, you continue to let the author educate you on the complex legal system of ancient Ireland (c. 670 AD). Fidelma (formerly Sister Fidelma), a daleigh anruth (second-highest level of judge advocate) and her husband Brother Eadulf become deeply involved in a widespread conspiracy -- not as conspirators, but as sleuths and victims -- to unseat her brother King Colgu, one of the five kings of Ireland at that time. There are many other victims, too, and several conspirators, as they eventually discover. Before the end of the story, the whole kingdom seems threatened, as warriors ride to battle. Get busy, this story awaits you!
June 6, 2018
Magnífica entrega de esta sensacional saga, en la que una compleja trama para destronar al rey de Mumán, Colgú, se fragua en alianza con diversos clanes fronterizos.
Quizá sea esta la novela con más acción y más intensa emocionalmente en lo que respecta al rey Colgú (hermano de Fidelma) quien ha tenido un papel muy secundario a lo largo de toda la saga.
También es de destacar el papel de Eadulf que adquiere una consistencia mayor, complementándose con Fidelma y no siendo un casual apoyo o mero espectador, como nos tenía acostumbrados Tramyne.
Lo que cansa mucho es el exceso de explicaciones sobre las habilidades de Fidelma o Eadulf, pero se entiende que están destinadas a lectores noveles en esta saga.
Quizá sea esta la novela con más acción y más intensa emocionalmente en lo que respecta al rey Colgú (hermano de Fidelma) quien ha tenido un papel muy secundario a lo largo de toda la saga.
También es de destacar el papel de Eadulf que adquiere una consistencia mayor, complementándose con Fidelma y no siendo un casual apoyo o mero espectador, como nos tenía acostumbrados Tramyne.
Lo que cansa mucho es el exceso de explicaciones sobre las habilidades de Fidelma o Eadulf, pero se entiende que están destinadas a lectores noveles en esta saga.
February 18, 2018
Can't decide on 3 0r 4 stars. The first part was gripping, but then it slowed down a bit. It's frustrating that the characters here don't see things that are very obvious to the reader. There also seems to be more emphasis on the geography and various tribes and clans than in books in this series. However, it's a really nice comfortable book for when you want to relax after a long day (and don't want to sit in front of the TV).
If you haven't read any of the Sister Fidelma series, you should definitely read 3 or 4 of them (probably earlier ones). Especially interesting to those who like Ellis Peter's Cadfael series.
If you haven't read any of the Sister Fidelma series, you should definitely read 3 or 4 of them (probably earlier ones). Especially interesting to those who like Ellis Peter's Cadfael series.
November 6, 2018
What is the Seventh Trumpet and where will it lead?
What will happen to Fidelma who by the way is no longer "Sister Fidelma"
Will they be able to stop all of the mayhem?
This is another of Peter Tremaynes mysteries that is a must read if you are a fan of this type of story.
I am so "glad" and at the same time "frustrated" with myself!
Why am I so inclined to attaching myself to authors who write fantasy, Celtic mystery "fictional historical or just plain fictional" who write 20+ novels.
I love Tremayne, Brooks, Knaack, Marillier, etc.
If you pick up a book of this series Please, Please start with book one.
What will happen to Fidelma who by the way is no longer "Sister Fidelma"
Will they be able to stop all of the mayhem?
This is another of Peter Tremaynes mysteries that is a must read if you are a fan of this type of story.
I am so "glad" and at the same time "frustrated" with myself!
Why am I so inclined to attaching myself to authors who write fantasy, Celtic mystery "fictional historical or just plain fictional" who write 20+ novels.
I love Tremayne, Brooks, Knaack, Marillier, etc.
If you pick up a book of this series Please, Please start with book one.
September 3, 2021
This is the first of this series that I have read. I found it very confusing, set in 7th century Ireland there were lots of place names and people's names that were completely unfamiliar, I hadn't a clue how to pronounce any of them. There were constantly phrases in italics in 7th century Irish, is this necessary? Why not just use the modern equivalent? Obviously the author is an expert on this period but surely he cannot expect readers to understand this. Otherwise it was a fairly ordinary historical murder mystery very along the same lines as Cadfael but not as good.
November 3, 2025
These are light and easy stories. The final solution to the crimes of murder and treason take some time to be told. I've had my suspicions but they were twists in the story to miss lead.
I have been thinking that Fidelma seems a bit too disdainful of Edulf. Disdainful is not the right word but she sometimes treats him and others as not thinking correctly or speaking out of turn but she also does treat/think of him as helpful as he has given her alternatives to finding the solution of the crimes.The negative seems to be happening more that the positive.
I have been thinking that Fidelma seems a bit too disdainful of Edulf. Disdainful is not the right word but she sometimes treats him and others as not thinking correctly or speaking out of turn but she also does treat/think of him as helpful as he has given her alternatives to finding the solution of the crimes.The negative seems to be happening more that the positive.
August 21, 2021
Sometimes with Sister Fidelma, my patience gets somewhat stretched, happily in this installment one is taken into the story and only when the culprit is apprehended, civil war is prevented and injustice is revenged, one notices that 400 pages have come and gone. I surely want to try the next one, which is a good thing because I recently bought 4 consecutive installments in a thrift shop 'Atonement in blood', here I come
August 5, 2018
Fairly typical of this extremely long-lived series, it features Fidelma of Cashel (no longer Sister Fidelma, as she has left the religious life to concentrate on her position as a daleigh (lawyer). She and her husband Brother Eadulf get wrapped up in political wrangling between clans when they set out to investigate a murder of an unknown nobleman found in a stream near Cashel.
February 6, 2019
More historical fiction at its best. Ireland AD 670. Fidelma and Eadulf are commissioned by Colgu to investigate the death of an unidentified nobleman found in a creek. What begins as a murder investigation escalates into the discovery of widespread conspiraces and armies preparing for war.
This is number 23 of the Sister Fidelma series, and I can't wait to read number 24.
This is number 23 of the Sister Fidelma series, and I can't wait to read number 24.
June 18, 2019
I haven’t read a Sister Fidelma story for some time. Brilliant as ever! All the twists and turns and yet she is able to draw the threads together and discover the solution. This time there is more to the mystery because she uncovers a conspiracy.
And now I shall have to search out others I haven’t read! Maybe reread the whole lot?
And now I shall have to search out others I haven’t read! Maybe reread the whole lot?
December 19, 2020
2.5. This series typically has a number of characters and a lot of possible culprits and is sometimes confusing and convoluted. But this one what's the worst. I really had trouble keeping track of all the characters and the places and the threads of the story.
January 28, 2019
Gripping!!
Gripping, convoluted and unputdownable, as ever. Peter Tremayne is at his best in this tale of ambition, power and greed.
Gripping, convoluted and unputdownable, as ever. Peter Tremayne is at his best in this tale of ambition, power and greed.
January 30, 2020
Well plotted but a little repetitive toward the end. Thankfully, Fidelma's Perry Mason moment was more concise in this one.
February 24, 2022
I would like for Colgu's storyline to develop more after this book.
October 14, 2022
Good book for those who have read previous offerings in the series. Don’t want to give out spoilers, but it is great to see Eadulf acknowledged for his myriad contributions!
August 29, 2024
For the first time in my recollection of reading this series, I was confused by the names. Still a good resolution. 3.5 stars.
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