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Sister Fidelma #7
The Monk Who Vanished
The disappearance of an elderly monk and a set of irreplacable relics from the Abbey of Imleach prompts feisty seventh-century Irish nun and advocate of the Brehon law courts Sister Fidelma to investigate. By the author of Hemlock at Vespers. Reprint.
336 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1999
43 people are currently reading
593 people want to read
About the author
Peter Tremayne
206 books471 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 87 reviews
December 31, 2018
The more I read this fascinating series that takes place in Ireland in the 600’s A.D., the more respect I have for the ancient Brehon Laws and their court systems.
Of course, it goes hand in hand that my respect for Sister Fidelma, a dálaigh who is highly qualified to deal with whatever legal – or illegal – situations come her way.
In this novel, the events are complicated because Sister Fidelma’s brother, King Colgú, is implicated in a conspiracy to discredit and revile an ancient enemy. Sister Fidelma, along with Brother Eadulf’s assistance, must find evidence to determine who bears responsibility for the terrors that seem to keep occurring.
Even while Sister Fidelma is investigating the main charges against her brother, more incidents keep occurring: a monk goes missing, some ancient and revered religious relics disappear, the township housing the abbey is mercilessly attacked, there are signs of horses and wagons where they should not be, a sacred tree is destroyed . . . and on it goes.
Sister Fidelma is sure that all of these incidents are related but, like an ancient game that is played with puzzle pieces, she is missing the one piece that will make all the others fall into place.
Time is running out. By law, there is only a 9-day period between an accusation and the Court, where Sister Fidelma and her counterpart will argue their cases in front of three judges.
This is a fast-paced and fascinating look at life in approx. 668 A.D., and as always, it is Sister Fidelma’s calm sense of reason and logic that help to gather the puzzle pieces from where they are scattered and begins to put them together.
I love these sojourns into ancient Ireland, and the enlightened legal system that encouraged people to live together amicably and in a respectful manner toward all. While the rest of Europe experienced what was called “The Dark Ages”, for Ireland, this was a “Time of Enlightenment”, and I am grateful to Peter Tremayne for bringing this historical period to life in a truly effective and entertaining series.
Of course, it goes hand in hand that my respect for Sister Fidelma, a dálaigh who is highly qualified to deal with whatever legal – or illegal – situations come her way.
In this novel, the events are complicated because Sister Fidelma’s brother, King Colgú, is implicated in a conspiracy to discredit and revile an ancient enemy. Sister Fidelma, along with Brother Eadulf’s assistance, must find evidence to determine who bears responsibility for the terrors that seem to keep occurring.
Even while Sister Fidelma is investigating the main charges against her brother, more incidents keep occurring: a monk goes missing, some ancient and revered religious relics disappear, the township housing the abbey is mercilessly attacked, there are signs of horses and wagons where they should not be, a sacred tree is destroyed . . . and on it goes.
Sister Fidelma is sure that all of these incidents are related but, like an ancient game that is played with puzzle pieces, she is missing the one piece that will make all the others fall into place.
Time is running out. By law, there is only a 9-day period between an accusation and the Court, where Sister Fidelma and her counterpart will argue their cases in front of three judges.
This is a fast-paced and fascinating look at life in approx. 668 A.D., and as always, it is Sister Fidelma’s calm sense of reason and logic that help to gather the puzzle pieces from where they are scattered and begins to put them together.
I love these sojourns into ancient Ireland, and the enlightened legal system that encouraged people to live together amicably and in a respectful manner toward all. While the rest of Europe experienced what was called “The Dark Ages”, for Ireland, this was a “Time of Enlightenment”, and I am grateful to Peter Tremayne for bringing this historical period to life in a truly effective and entertaining series.
January 26, 2022
Read this book in 2008, and its the 8th volume, chronologically wise, of the wonderful "Sister Fidelma" series.
The year is Ad 666, and in this tale Sister Fidelma and her companion, Brother Eadulf are sent to the Abbey of Imleach, because of the disappearance of an old monk and some very valuable relics.
The missing monk is of a great concern for the Abbey but the very valuable relics even more so, because they are the priceless holy relics of St Ailbe, the man who brought Christianity to the Irish Kingdom of Muman in the 5th Century, and baptized and converted its King and founded this famous Abbey.
These relics are the symbolization that peace and stability is ruling the Kingdom of Muman, and so when arriving at Imleach, Sister Fidelma, Brehon of the Irish Courts of Law, and Brother Eadulf set off in their quest to find the culprit behind the missing monk and mostof all the stolen valuable relics.
What is to follow is an intriguing and marvellous Irish mystery, in which Fidelma and Eadulf will have to deal with dark forces who are hampering their investigations, even by using murder, but still they will keep their path of observation and truth, and be determined in their search to find this manipulator and murderer, and after a superbly executed plot Sister Fidelma will be able in her own brilliant fashion to reveal the culprit behind all these heinous actions.
Highly recommended, for this is another brilliant addition to this great series, and that's why I like to call this episode: "A Magnificent Monk Mystery"!
The year is Ad 666, and in this tale Sister Fidelma and her companion, Brother Eadulf are sent to the Abbey of Imleach, because of the disappearance of an old monk and some very valuable relics.
The missing monk is of a great concern for the Abbey but the very valuable relics even more so, because they are the priceless holy relics of St Ailbe, the man who brought Christianity to the Irish Kingdom of Muman in the 5th Century, and baptized and converted its King and founded this famous Abbey.
These relics are the symbolization that peace and stability is ruling the Kingdom of Muman, and so when arriving at Imleach, Sister Fidelma, Brehon of the Irish Courts of Law, and Brother Eadulf set off in their quest to find the culprit behind the missing monk and mostof all the stolen valuable relics.
What is to follow is an intriguing and marvellous Irish mystery, in which Fidelma and Eadulf will have to deal with dark forces who are hampering their investigations, even by using murder, but still they will keep their path of observation and truth, and be determined in their search to find this manipulator and murderer, and after a superbly executed plot Sister Fidelma will be able in her own brilliant fashion to reveal the culprit behind all these heinous actions.
Highly recommended, for this is another brilliant addition to this great series, and that's why I like to call this episode: "A Magnificent Monk Mystery"!
December 22, 2018
Ik heb dit boek van mijn moeder geleend en over het algemeen hebben we redelijk dezelfde smaak. Dit boek vond ik ietwat tegenvallen. Ik had heel lang geen klik met het verhaal. Pas tegen het einde werd het echt interessant. Helaas iets te laat. Als het verhaal me eerder had kunnen boeien had ik het een ster meer gegeven.
June 3, 2012
Almost entertaining. The author's desire to educate about Irish history and culture sometimes gets in the way of the reader's enjoyment of the mystery. The "sidekick", Brother Eadulf, is very confusing...one minute so stupid you feel like screaming and the next full of simple insights. He is hard to believe in as a person. Therefore he is only a device that the author uses to push the story forward. Fidelma is no better...only she seems to have no faults.
March 27, 2020
rating: 3.5
Is Eadulf's personality changing, or did I misread him in the first couple of books? He seems to be more bungling and less sharp-witted. He,'s no longer a personality whose company Fidelma would seek. She dominates the duo and he follows along.
On page 189, there's a passage about a library:
Fidelma paused a moment to take in the atmosphere of the large room which comprised the abbey's library. She always felt pleasure at being in a library; it gave her a sense of being in touch with both past and future at the same time for here was the knowledge of the past being transmitted through the present to the scribes of the future.
Is Eadulf's personality changing, or did I misread him in the first couple of books? He seems to be more bungling and less sharp-witted. He,'s no longer a personality whose company Fidelma would seek. She dominates the duo and he follows along.
On page 189, there's a passage about a library:
Fidelma paused a moment to take in the atmosphere of the large room which comprised the abbey's library. She always felt pleasure at being in a library; it gave her a sense of being in touch with both past and future at the same time for here was the knowledge of the past being transmitted through the present to the scribes of the future.
July 14, 2021
Meh. This is a very workmanlike story by an author who is very definitely a historian first and a storyteller second (very....very distant second) 😬 I don't like authors who don't trust their readers to understand context clues, but instead feel the need to spell out every.single.thing about Dark Ages Ireland that is different from modern society. Holy info dumping, Batman!
The story is also way too complicated, with too many coincidences to be believable. The idea of reading 30 more books in this vein does not appeal to me, so I think I'll stop here.
The story is also way too complicated, with too many coincidences to be believable. The idea of reading 30 more books in this vein does not appeal to me, so I think I'll stop here.
September 25, 2021
“Without history, we will be condemned to remain children, not knowing who we are nor where we come from. Without knowing the past, we cannot hope to understand the present, and not understanding the present, we cannot shape a better future.”
January 18, 2020
One entertaining aspect of reading the Sister Fidelma series of books is how different books bring to my mind other authors, genres, etc. as something in Peter Tremayne's narrative progresses. In this case, it felt a bit more like one of those classic espionage thrillers with competing plotters, adventurers, and just odd characters mingle as the story progresses. Sister Fidelma - and others - trying to figure out whose doing what and why, and who is in on what side! We also see her a bit more physically active in this story, at least for a cleric/attorney!
December 21, 2020
Perhaps this book didn't keep my interest because it was the first of this series that I listened to instead of read. Or perhaps it had just been too long since I'd read any of them. There was so much time spent investigating, and so many characters involved, that perhaps my mind was just not quick enough. In any case, I did enjoy the earlier books and hope to take up the series again someday.
The audiobook was narrated by Caroline Lennon, who, as far as I know, did an excellent job with the pronunciations, and her timing was very good.
The audiobook was narrated by Caroline Lennon, who, as far as I know, did an excellent job with the pronunciations, and her timing was very good.
June 21, 2012
Originally published on my blog here in February 2000.
The latest Sister Fidelma mystery shows no real signs of improvement, having the same plot once again. This time the threat to her brother Colgu's throne is an all out assassination attempt in his capital at Cashel rather than a dark plot in the corners of the kingdom of Muman (better known by its Viking name of Munster). There are distinct signs of cheating, as when Fidelma looks at a sword and says that its use of animal teeth is a speciality of the art of one of the Irish kingdoms but she can't remember which one. Surely that's not the way that people remember things; she might more plausibly realise that there's something special about the sword but not be sure what it is.
All the real interest, all the character development, comes in the epilogue; at last something changes in her relationship with the Saxon Eadwulf; at last she might leave Muman and go somewhere new. But none of this is prepared; it all comes as a surprise. Thus, the next Sister Fidelma novel might be worth reading, but if it isn't I'll finally give up on the series.
The latest Sister Fidelma mystery shows no real signs of improvement, having the same plot once again. This time the threat to her brother Colgu's throne is an all out assassination attempt in his capital at Cashel rather than a dark plot in the corners of the kingdom of Muman (better known by its Viking name of Munster). There are distinct signs of cheating, as when Fidelma looks at a sword and says that its use of animal teeth is a speciality of the art of one of the Irish kingdoms but she can't remember which one. Surely that's not the way that people remember things; she might more plausibly realise that there's something special about the sword but not be sure what it is.
All the real interest, all the character development, comes in the epilogue; at last something changes in her relationship with the Saxon Eadwulf; at last she might leave Muman and go somewhere new. But none of this is prepared; it all comes as a surprise. Thus, the next Sister Fidelma novel might be worth reading, but if it isn't I'll finally give up on the series.
September 8, 2019
The Sister Fidelma series, which I'm reading chronologically, is awesome. Fidelma is a strong and admirable character. I respect her courage and wisdom, loyalty and logic; she's a perfect role model for young (and not-so-young) women.
The 7th Century Irish setting reveals a lot about the prominence of women in key roles of society, as well as the extensive personal freedom they possessed. Of course, that all went to Hell when the English invaded and forced their (among other things) misogynistic culture on the Irish.
A favorite passage:
"She always felt pleasure at being in a library; it gave her a sense of being in touch with both past and future at the same time for here was the knowledge of the past being transmitted through the present to the scribes of the future." page 161
The 7th Century Irish setting reveals a lot about the prominence of women in key roles of society, as well as the extensive personal freedom they possessed. Of course, that all went to Hell when the English invaded and forced their (among other things) misogynistic culture on the Irish.
A favorite passage:
"She always felt pleasure at being in a library; it gave her a sense of being in touch with both past and future at the same time for here was the knowledge of the past being transmitted through the present to the scribes of the future." page 161
July 21, 2019
At the start of this book, the prince of the ui fidgenti (eohnacht's arch enemies) comes to Cashel to sign a peace treaty with king Colgu. When they enter the city both prince and king are shot and wounded. Both parties accuse the other of betrayal and conspiracy. A court with 3 judges will decide who's guilty. Fidelma will plead for her brother and she and Eadulf start investigating. They find out that the sacred relic's of Mumans patron saint are stolen and that the monk guarding them has disappeared (not voluntarily according to the evidence). Are both cases linked? Is there a wider spread complot?
This time I didn't guess the culprit until the end, although I had suspicions against him/her at first, I dismissed them almost immediately.
This time I didn't guess the culprit until the end, although I had suspicions against him/her at first, I dismissed them almost immediately.
September 14, 2009
Another interesting instalment in the Sister Fidelma mysteries. This one moves the relationship between Fidelma and Eadulf forward by moving it backward. Their true feelings for each other are clarified, but neither is going to speak up. The mystery centers on the long-standing struggle for power between the King at Tara and its challengers and, again, between those who would have Roman Christianity rule all and those who are loyal to the Irish church.
June 8, 2021
I'll leave this as a review for all Sister Fidelma books.
A Sister Fidelma Drinking Game.
Take a shot every time:
- The murder turns out to be a matter of national security
- Sister Fidelma gets into a pissing contest (actually, take a *sip* every time this happens unless you're using these books to commit suicide by alcohol poisoning)
- The narrator remarks that Sister Fidelma NEVER gets into pissing contests
- Sister Fidelma is informed that an obviously incorrect solution is obviously correct
- Aedulf zigzags between comic relief and deus ex machina (another shot if the narrator remarks on the inconsistency)
- Someone yells during the obligatory court room tell-all scene at the end
- There is a long period of clunky exposition delivered by characters who are telling each other what they already know (one extra shot if one of the people expresses impatience at being told what they know, two extra shots if the words "as you know" appear)
- A classic source is quoted in both the original and in English translation in the same paragraph (another shot if someone says something like "I know how much you like quoting Latin, SISTER")
I also suspect Tremayne is significantly exaggerating the basic goodness/decency/equality/tolerance etc of Irish society at the time, or at least viewing what information we do have through rose-tinted lenses, but I still like Sister Fidelma in all her 90s grrlpower informed-flawlessness. I'm reading the entire series the way I'd binge NCIS or another procedural show.
For those who dislike the Gaelic names and terminology and wonder about the pronunciation, a significant part of the series is included with Audible Plus.
A Sister Fidelma Drinking Game.
Take a shot every time:
- The murder turns out to be a matter of national security
- Sister Fidelma gets into a pissing contest (actually, take a *sip* every time this happens unless you're using these books to commit suicide by alcohol poisoning)
- The narrator remarks that Sister Fidelma NEVER gets into pissing contests
- Sister Fidelma is informed that an obviously incorrect solution is obviously correct
- Aedulf zigzags between comic relief and deus ex machina (another shot if the narrator remarks on the inconsistency)
- Someone yells during the obligatory court room tell-all scene at the end
- There is a long period of clunky exposition delivered by characters who are telling each other what they already know (one extra shot if one of the people expresses impatience at being told what they know, two extra shots if the words "as you know" appear)
- A classic source is quoted in both the original and in English translation in the same paragraph (another shot if someone says something like "I know how much you like quoting Latin, SISTER")
I also suspect Tremayne is significantly exaggerating the basic goodness/decency/equality/tolerance etc of Irish society at the time, or at least viewing what information we do have through rose-tinted lenses, but I still like Sister Fidelma in all her 90s grrlpower informed-flawlessness. I'm reading the entire series the way I'd binge NCIS or another procedural show.
For those who dislike the Gaelic names and terminology and wonder about the pronunciation, a significant part of the series is included with Audible Plus.
March 3, 2025
Irland im 7. Jahrhundert: im Kloster Imleach werden die Reliquien des heiligen Ailbe aufbewahrt, die im Königreich Muman als wichtige Symbole gelten. Eines Nachts verschwinden sie und der Mönch, der für sie verantwortlich war. Zur gleichen Zeit wird auf Fidelmas Bruder und dessen Gast ein Anschlag verübt und die Ermittlungen in diesem Fall bringen Fidelma auch nach Imleach....
Bei den Geschichten um die Nonne Fidelma und ihren Gefährten Eadulf steht das Verbrechen im Vordergrund. Der Autor macht viele geschichtliche Anmerkungen, aber sie bilden nur den Hintergrund, deshalb auch meine Einordnung bei Krimis/Thriller.
Wie so oft kommt Fidelma eher zufällig zur Rolle der Ermittlerin, weil sie sich in der Nähe befand, als sich das Verbrechen ereignet. Sie findet schnell die ersten Hinweise und macht sich auf die Suche nach den Schuldigen, ohne sich von falschen Spuren in die Irre führen zu lassen. Diesen Part übernimmt der Engländer Eadulf, der eher vorsichtig und ein wenig behäbig ist. Gegenüber Fidelma wirkt er immer ein bisschen schwerfällig, aber die beiden ergänzen sich gut und können so den Fall auch diesmal lösen.
Wie Fidelma während den Ermittlungen bemerkt, verfolgt sie in dieser Geschichte nicht nur eine Spur, sondern eine Vielzahl von Spuren, oft verwirren. Dadurch wirkt die Geschichte verfahren und auch die Auflösung, zu der es während der Gerichtsverhandlung kommt, überzeugt mich nicht wirklich.
Bei den Geschichten um die Nonne Fidelma und ihren Gefährten Eadulf steht das Verbrechen im Vordergrund. Der Autor macht viele geschichtliche Anmerkungen, aber sie bilden nur den Hintergrund, deshalb auch meine Einordnung bei Krimis/Thriller.
Wie so oft kommt Fidelma eher zufällig zur Rolle der Ermittlerin, weil sie sich in der Nähe befand, als sich das Verbrechen ereignet. Sie findet schnell die ersten Hinweise und macht sich auf die Suche nach den Schuldigen, ohne sich von falschen Spuren in die Irre führen zu lassen. Diesen Part übernimmt der Engländer Eadulf, der eher vorsichtig und ein wenig behäbig ist. Gegenüber Fidelma wirkt er immer ein bisschen schwerfällig, aber die beiden ergänzen sich gut und können so den Fall auch diesmal lösen.
Wie Fidelma während den Ermittlungen bemerkt, verfolgt sie in dieser Geschichte nicht nur eine Spur, sondern eine Vielzahl von Spuren, oft verwirren. Dadurch wirkt die Geschichte verfahren und auch die Auflösung, zu der es während der Gerichtsverhandlung kommt, überzeugt mich nicht wirklich.
October 26, 2019
To date there are 31 Sister Fidelma mysteries available to be read. There is a book of novella's and short stories that came out in 2018, however the title is in German and I'm not sure without researching it at this time if it is available in other languages.
Here is where we get to the point where Fidelma and her companion Eadulf realize separately that they may have feelings for each other. Like any good Romeo and Juliet they don't acknowledge how they feel. A bit of young angst going on. This insight comes at the end of the book after an interesting cat and mouse game that involved several murders and a few red herrings. Nothing like unearthing a deadly spider in your favorite fruit.
This story falls at home and involves close family members in a plot to assassinate the current King of the 5 kingdoms. The plot kept me glued to the pages in hopes that Fidelma would give her outstanding how the plot unfolded that happens in almost every book at the end. That Mr. Treymayne adds that our two main characters are acknowledging a growing tenderness is a nice touch. I like that it came at the end of the book.
I stepped into Fidelma's world midway through the series, and yes I know if they get together or not. However you will have to read the series for yourself or wait to I get further into the books and see what unfolds.
Here is where we get to the point where Fidelma and her companion Eadulf realize separately that they may have feelings for each other. Like any good Romeo and Juliet they don't acknowledge how they feel. A bit of young angst going on. This insight comes at the end of the book after an interesting cat and mouse game that involved several murders and a few red herrings. Nothing like unearthing a deadly spider in your favorite fruit.
This story falls at home and involves close family members in a plot to assassinate the current King of the 5 kingdoms. The plot kept me glued to the pages in hopes that Fidelma would give her outstanding how the plot unfolded that happens in almost every book at the end. That Mr. Treymayne adds that our two main characters are acknowledging a growing tenderness is a nice touch. I like that it came at the end of the book.
I stepped into Fidelma's world midway through the series, and yes I know if they get together or not. However you will have to read the series for yourself or wait to I get further into the books and see what unfolds.
April 4, 2020
Schwester Fidelma wird von ihrem Bruder mit der Aufklärung eines Attentats auf ihn und einen anderen Stammesfürsten beauftragt. Eigentlich sollte bei der Zusammenkunft Frieden geschlossen werden, doch jetzt steht dieser auf dem Spiel und ein Krieg droht.
Im Zuge ihrer Aufklärung kommt Fidelma mit Eadulf auch ins Kloster Imleach, in dem nicht nur ein Bruder, sondern auch die wichtigsten Reliquien des Königreichs verschwunden sind. Nach und nach decken Fidelma und Eadulf ein verwirrendes Komplott auf, bei dem erst spät klar wird, wer Freund und wer Feind ist.
Peter Tremayne zeichnet in seinen Büchern ein gutes Bild Irlands im 7. Jahrhundert. Noch herrschen die irischen Führer nach altem Recht und auch die Kirche wird nach keltischem Recht geführt. Aber auch hier sind schon die Kämpfe mit der römischen Kirche immer wieder spürbar. der Konflikt der beiden Kirchen wird in Gestalt von Fidelma und Bruder Eadulf immer wieder veranschaulicht und so dem Leser verständlich gemacht.
Mir hat das Buch nach leichten Anfangsschwierigkeiten wieder viel Spaß gemacht. Die Erklärung des irischen Stammes- und Erbrechts war auf Grund der unglaublich vielen gälischen Namen einfach etwas viel. Aber danach ging es flott mit den Geschehnissen los und das Buch lies sich dann locker lesen. Als Leser konnte man gut miträtseln, was sich denn nun wirklich abgespielt hat. Ich war am Ende der festen Überzeugung zu wissen, wer hinter den Geschehnissen steckte und wurde dann doch noch vollkommen überrascht.
Von mir gibt es eine Leseempfehlung für diesen gut geschriebenen und spannenden historischen Krimi. Ich werde die Reihe weiter im Auge behalten und verfolgen.
Im Zuge ihrer Aufklärung kommt Fidelma mit Eadulf auch ins Kloster Imleach, in dem nicht nur ein Bruder, sondern auch die wichtigsten Reliquien des Königreichs verschwunden sind. Nach und nach decken Fidelma und Eadulf ein verwirrendes Komplott auf, bei dem erst spät klar wird, wer Freund und wer Feind ist.
Peter Tremayne zeichnet in seinen Büchern ein gutes Bild Irlands im 7. Jahrhundert. Noch herrschen die irischen Führer nach altem Recht und auch die Kirche wird nach keltischem Recht geführt. Aber auch hier sind schon die Kämpfe mit der römischen Kirche immer wieder spürbar. der Konflikt der beiden Kirchen wird in Gestalt von Fidelma und Bruder Eadulf immer wieder veranschaulicht und so dem Leser verständlich gemacht.
Mir hat das Buch nach leichten Anfangsschwierigkeiten wieder viel Spaß gemacht. Die Erklärung des irischen Stammes- und Erbrechts war auf Grund der unglaublich vielen gälischen Namen einfach etwas viel. Aber danach ging es flott mit den Geschehnissen los und das Buch lies sich dann locker lesen. Als Leser konnte man gut miträtseln, was sich denn nun wirklich abgespielt hat. Ich war am Ende der festen Überzeugung zu wissen, wer hinter den Geschehnissen steckte und wurde dann doch noch vollkommen überrascht.
Von mir gibt es eine Leseempfehlung für diesen gut geschriebenen und spannenden historischen Krimi. Ich werde die Reihe weiter im Auge behalten und verfolgen.
March 2, 2021
I've been reading the Fidelma mysteries in order over the last few weeks, and this is the first one I had trouble putting down. Once I got two-thirds through, I kept reading until the end. Because I still remembered earlier books, I had a strong suspicion who was behind the crimes, although I didn't know the actual perpetrator. I also wasn't surprised to see underground tunnels and secret passages again make an appearance. As usual, Fidelma solves the mystery and explains all in the end. I'm eager to keep on reading; the author seems to be improving with each new tale.
Some advice to those considering audio versions of these stories: I found the map and list of principle characters a necessity. So many people and places have similar names that I needed to refer to those pages regularly.
[spoiler alert] Over the last two books, I noticed that Eadulf seemed to be having troubles getting along with Fidelma. He also seemed to be more easily hurt or sickened, while Fidelma remains a distant superwoman. Only at the epilogue, when neither can bring themselves to admit their feelings to the other, when each is sure their affection is unrequited, did I realize what was beneath the surface. I assume their true feelings will come out when they are separated.
Some advice to those considering audio versions of these stories: I found the map and list of principle characters a necessity. So many people and places have similar names that I needed to refer to those pages regularly.
[spoiler alert] Over the last two books, I noticed that Eadulf seemed to be having troubles getting along with Fidelma. He also seemed to be more easily hurt or sickened, while Fidelma remains a distant superwoman. Only at the epilogue, when neither can bring themselves to admit their feelings to the other, when each is sure their affection is unrequited, did I realize what was beneath the surface. I assume their true feelings will come out when they are separated.
January 18, 2023
In this seventh installment, Fidelma seems to have come into her own. Tremayne doesn't need to remind us as often that she is a dalaigh, sister to the King, etc., etc. The mystery here has all the right ingredients: a robbery, an assassination plot, political intrigue, multiple locations, shady-but-not-really characters and wholesome-but-not-really characters. It was a good time, and I'll admit being a bit surprised at the end, which is a bonus! The violence seems to be greater than in previous books, but not particularly gory. The relationship between Fidelma and Eadulf grows (slowly) more complex, and there are good passages wherein Eadulf clearly has to grapple with the pagan ideas that inform and are present in medieval Irish Christianity (for some, it turns out), but Tremayne never gets too heavy-handed with the theological musings, so they are important bits of context, not the story itself. I still get mildly frustrated (as do some of the characters) with the final court/tribunal scene (in many of the books) wherein Fidelma relishes the slooooooooooow reveal, but there's enough elsewhere to make this a worthwhile and engaging read.
July 27, 2024
This book is the seventh in the Sister Fidelma series and follows the standard pattern. In this story, there is an apparent assassination attempt that fails and a missing monk that has disappeared along with some important relics. One of Cashel’s chief rivals for the kingship of Moen appears to be to blame and Fidelma must solve the mystery with her friend Eadulf. As with other Fidelma stories, this book is well-paced and the mystery is interesting and complex. The author nicely lays out the plot in a thoughtful way. I do find the characters a little bit wooden though, and Fidelma seems to be a 20th century Mainline Christian, with a very non-spiritual and secular view of life, thrust back into the Ireland of the 600s. In the end, however, despite its flaws, this book - and the series - is a great read.
August 4, 2017
Sister Fidelma is a witness when an attempted assassination is carried out on two of the kings in the area. She travels to a neighboring abbey to form a tribunal court to assess guilt and compensation for the crimes. She finds that Brother Moctha, the keeper of the sacred reliquary, has disappeared. To her dismay, one of the assassins who were killed in the former crime, seems to be that very Brother Mochta. She must find out who and why the crime was committed before the very kingdom falls. This was an excellent book. My only criticism would be that there is such a similarity in some of the names of characters that it is difficult to keep track of who is who. A good puzzle to be solved and, as usual, the story is excellent. A very good series.
July 12, 2020
Another very good sister fidelma mystery. It got pretty complicated to follow all that is going on and all of the characters but the author does a fairly good job of making it clear. The advantage for me is that I listen to them on Audible so I don't have to read all of the Irish words. I think hearing them spoken is easier. So the mystery is good and difficult to figure out which is a plus. Brother Adulf is getting annoying and I don't really understand the necessity of him as he doesn't seem particularly bright. I guess in a mystery it's important to have a sidekick to share information through. I just wish he was a brighter sidekick. But it doesn't matter because I love sister fidelma. She is brilliant and clever and also crowd and nippy. A well-rounded lawyer and nun.
September 26, 2021
This was an outstanding mystery! A real page turner!
I had the wrong "person" the whole time and was very surprised at the end in an exciting court room drama!
I really love the character Eadulf ("Noble Wolf"). He is such a creature of comfort who needs warm clothes, a fire, warm bed, food, and drink. These all night stake outs with Fidelma are quite hard on him.
It was also neat and fun that this book takes place in September and I read it in September.
Favorite passage:
"We are all of us condemned to solitude, Della,' she said, 'but some of our sheltering walls are merely our own skins and thus there is no door to exit from solitude into life. We are thus condemned to solitude for all our lives." -Fidelma to the town recluse
I had the wrong "person" the whole time and was very surprised at the end in an exciting court room drama!
I really love the character Eadulf ("Noble Wolf"). He is such a creature of comfort who needs warm clothes, a fire, warm bed, food, and drink. These all night stake outs with Fidelma are quite hard on him.
It was also neat and fun that this book takes place in September and I read it in September.
Favorite passage:
"We are all of us condemned to solitude, Della,' she said, 'but some of our sheltering walls are merely our own skins and thus there is no door to exit from solitude into life. We are thus condemned to solitude for all our lives." -Fidelma to the town recluse
September 4, 2022
Toto rozhodně není první knížka ze série, kterou jsem četla, ale první po delší době, takže jsem stihla zapomenout styl autora. Co se mi líbí je počáteční úvod do obecné situace Irska v dané době a přehled postav. Bohužel ten přehled postav je méně užitečný, pokud máte elektronickou podobu knihy, kdy tam snadno nejde nalistovat. Na druhou stranu těch postav není zdaleka tolik jako v jiných knížkách, které jsem v poslední době četla, takže se v tom dám dobře zorientovat.
Příběh sám o sobě je dobře napsaný a celkem dobře se čte, i když byly období, kdy jsem se lehce zasekla. Ale konec mě rozhodně zaujal a vlastně i zmátl. Kdo za tím byl mě napadlo celkem rychle, ale potom jsem začala o sobě pochybovat. Takže jak lehké je odhalit viníka nechám na každém čtenáři.
Příběh sám o sobě je dobře napsaný a celkem dobře se čte, i když byly období, kdy jsem se lehce zasekla. Ale konec mě rozhodně zaujal a vlastně i zmátl. Kdo za tím byl mě napadlo celkem rychle, ale potom jsem začala o sobě pochybovat. Takže jak lehké je odhalit viníka nechám na každém čtenáři.
February 13, 2018
In this 7th installment of the Sister Fidelma series, Fidelma's brother, the king, and the leader of another faction are both wounded in an assasination attempt when they gather to negotiate a peace agreement. To prevent war from breaking out, Fidelma must uncover a conspiracy. This story is well written and the plot is engaging and well executed. The author's devotion to including and defining ancient Irish terminolgy, however, almost destroys the story's continuity. A few phrases are interesting but Tremayne almost turns this book into a textbook.
September 17, 2018
In this Sister Fidelma mystery (#7), Sister Fidelma and her companion, the monk Eadulf, are trying to find out who was behind an assassination attempt on Fidelma’s brother, King of Cashel, and against the Prince of Cashel’s erstwhile enemies, the Ui Fidgente. The book has many twists and turns, and the ending is completely unexpected. Marvelous, despite the occasional tedium of yet again going through the relationships between the Roman Church and the Celtic Church! One of the best Sister Fidelma books I have read.
May 26, 2021
An exceptionally well-written mystery. I found it extremely difficult to pronounce in my head the Gaelic words, names, and places, but did appreciate the definitions of some Gaelic words. Fidelma and Eadulf are very similar to Doyle's Sherlock & Watson... and reminded me of Hiro and Father Mateo in Susan Spann's Shinobi Mysteries (another series I recommend).
Mr. Tremayne clearly did his research before delving into this tale. I'm very likely to read others in this series.
This is a great, quick-paced read -- a clean one, too: no gore, sex, nor foul language.
Mr. Tremayne clearly did his research before delving into this tale. I'm very likely to read others in this series.
This is a great, quick-paced read -- a clean one, too: no gore, sex, nor foul language.
August 25, 2019
Seventh in the series of Sister Fidelma mysteries. Because I love Irish history and because I love Celtic Christianity, I continue to learn about life in medieval Ireland and continue to enjoy these books. Peter Tremayne, an historian conveys daily life, Irish laws, and the conflict of Roman Catholicism with Celtic Christianity in an entertaining way. Although he has a tendency to repeat himself, as long as I'm learning and enjoying his books, I'll continue to read them.
December 28, 2020
Very complex and a good mystery. However, I agree with what Fidelma had stated at some point in the story about Eadulf: “Sometimes you point to the most obvious point that we have all overlooked. Other times you overlook the obvious which everyone else had accepted. You really are frustrating Eadulf.”
At some points I full-heartedly agree with that. But other than that the story was great.
At some points I full-heartedly agree with that. But other than that the story was great.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 28, 2021
I prefer the Eadulf in the later Fidelma books, as he seems more like a Watson to Fidelma's Sherlock here, as opposed to them being on more equal footing in the later books. But this was an entertaining read with an attempted assassination and stolen relics leading to the unwinding of a complex conspiracy.
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