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Sister Fidelma #36
Grave of the Lawgiver
The thirty-sixth mystery in Peter Tremayne's long-standing and much-loved series, featuring 7th-century Irish super-sleuth Sister Fidelma.
The year is AD 673. Fidelma accompanies Eadulf to his hometown, Seaxmund's Ham in the Kingdom of the East Angles, to be greeted with the shocking news that Eadulf's uncle, Athelnoth, the lawgiver, has been murdered and his house burnt down. And Eadulf's younger sister is missing.
The locals accuse Fidelma and Eadulf of the crimes, and Fidelma's safety is threatened by the first council of the bishops and kings of the Angles and Saxons, who wish to expel all Hibernian missionaries and teachers from the kingdoms.
Against this opposition, Fidelma and Eadulf must unite to solve one of their most complex mysteries yet.
Praise for the Sister Fidelma
'The background detail is brilliantly defined . . . wonderfully evocative' The Times
'A challenging and unusual but deeply satisfying and enjoyable historical thriller' Booklist
'Tremayne expertly incorporates historical and legal details of the time into the suspenseful plot. This impressive volume bodes well for future series entries' Publishers Weekly
The year is AD 673. Fidelma accompanies Eadulf to his hometown, Seaxmund's Ham in the Kingdom of the East Angles, to be greeted with the shocking news that Eadulf's uncle, Athelnoth, the lawgiver, has been murdered and his house burnt down. And Eadulf's younger sister is missing.
The locals accuse Fidelma and Eadulf of the crimes, and Fidelma's safety is threatened by the first council of the bishops and kings of the Angles and Saxons, who wish to expel all Hibernian missionaries and teachers from the kingdoms.
Against this opposition, Fidelma and Eadulf must unite to solve one of their most complex mysteries yet.
Praise for the Sister Fidelma
'The background detail is brilliantly defined . . . wonderfully evocative' The Times
'A challenging and unusual but deeply satisfying and enjoyable historical thriller' Booklist
'Tremayne expertly incorporates historical and legal details of the time into the suspenseful plot. This impressive volume bodes well for future series entries' Publishers Weekly
384 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 17, 2025
About the author
Peter Tremayne
227 books492 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 - 21 of 21 reviews
April 6, 2026
This superb historical mystery is the 36th volume of the amazing "Sister Fidelma" series.
At the beginning of the book you'll notice a text taken from Proverbs 27:20 by Jerome, fourth century, a list of principal Characters, as well as a list of Places and Rivers featuring in this story, and not to forget a well-drawn map of the Kingdom of the Angles AD673.
The author's storytelling is excellent, the historical details are thoroughly and wonderfully researched and superbly used in this medieval mystery, while all characters come splendidly to life in this tale about family tragedy and murder.
This series has now entered the year AD673, and Sister Fidelma and her husband Brother Eadulf are heading back to Eadulf's hometown of Seaxmund's ham in the Kingdom of the Angles, only to be greeted with the news about the death of Eadulf's uncle Athelnoth the Lawgiver and the disappearance of his young sister Wulfrun.
At first Fidelma and Eadulf will be taken prisoner, but once circumstances have settled down and they are guests of the local thane called Beornwulf with King Eadwulf's adviser Werferth in tow after having attended an important Witan about the religion of Rome, they start to investigate the death of Athelnoth, and will soon meet with reluctance by the local people to help them in any way possible, but not long after starting their investigations they will encounter more deaths, that will have a certain link with each other.
What is to follow is an intriguing and sublime historical mystery, with some important religious debate and decisions made in the background, but after some twists and turns, and ending with a brilliantly constructed plot, Sister Fidelma will be able to reveal the culprits and circumstances of all the deaths that have occurred, putting more misery into her husband Eadulf's troubled mind, but eventually he will overcome his troubles and will happily remain with Fidelma.
Very much recommended, for this another brilliant addition to one of my favourite series, and that's why I like call this episode: "A Tremendous Sister Fidelma Mystery"!
At the beginning of the book you'll notice a text taken from Proverbs 27:20 by Jerome, fourth century, a list of principal Characters, as well as a list of Places and Rivers featuring in this story, and not to forget a well-drawn map of the Kingdom of the Angles AD673.
The author's storytelling is excellent, the historical details are thoroughly and wonderfully researched and superbly used in this medieval mystery, while all characters come splendidly to life in this tale about family tragedy and murder.
This series has now entered the year AD673, and Sister Fidelma and her husband Brother Eadulf are heading back to Eadulf's hometown of Seaxmund's ham in the Kingdom of the Angles, only to be greeted with the news about the death of Eadulf's uncle Athelnoth the Lawgiver and the disappearance of his young sister Wulfrun.
At first Fidelma and Eadulf will be taken prisoner, but once circumstances have settled down and they are guests of the local thane called Beornwulf with King Eadwulf's adviser Werferth in tow after having attended an important Witan about the religion of Rome, they start to investigate the death of Athelnoth, and will soon meet with reluctance by the local people to help them in any way possible, but not long after starting their investigations they will encounter more deaths, that will have a certain link with each other.
What is to follow is an intriguing and sublime historical mystery, with some important religious debate and decisions made in the background, but after some twists and turns, and ending with a brilliantly constructed plot, Sister Fidelma will be able to reveal the culprits and circumstances of all the deaths that have occurred, putting more misery into her husband Eadulf's troubled mind, but eventually he will overcome his troubles and will happily remain with Fidelma.
Very much recommended, for this another brilliant addition to one of my favourite series, and that's why I like call this episode: "A Tremendous Sister Fidelma Mystery"!
December 7, 2025
This series is one of my favorites. This 36th book of the series is very satisfying as Fidelma finally visits the birthplace of her husband. They are met with tragic news on arrival as the home where he grew up is burned and his sister is missing. A challenging home visit!
Library Loan
Library Loan
January 16, 2026
Apologies to the Fidelma fans but this series needs to end. For most of this book Fidelma is extremely unlikable. She's petulant and entitled. One gets the feeling Tremayne doesn't like her any more. She's back to form in the last couple of chapters, at least. The plot isn't bad but the book isn't well written. There is a lot of repetition. It is really sad when a well crafted series is allowed to die a slow and painful death instead of stopping when the writing is still good. Let's hope the next book puts this series to rest.
October 7, 2025
It’s great to see Fidelma and crew again…
It’s hard to believe that Peter Tremayne’s Sister Fidelma series is in its 36th book, and that means I’m really old! I remember picking up the first dozen or so books in this series in paperback, on business trips to the UK in the 1990s, since they were almost unavailable in the US. Then I more-or-less lost track of the series for a while, picking it back up only when there started to be occasional sales on the e-book titles. But I still maintained my love for Fidelma and her crew, even making my husband stop by Cashel when we were on (you guessed it) a business trip to Ireland. And the visit was well worth it. Although the buildings/ruins that remain date from a few centuries later, you can still sit on top of the big hill and daydream of Fidelma’s time to your heart’s content. I guess I’ve nattered on long enough, though, and this is supposed to be a book review and not a travelogue. So here goes:
Grave of the Lawgiver has all of the elements that I’ve loved throughout the decades: Fidelma’s sharp wits and clear thinking; some nicely-measured doses of Irish history, both political and religious; great Author’s Notes; sharp writing; and, of course, the mysteries to solve. However, these elements seem just teeny bit out of proportion in Grave. Don’t get me wrong – Grave is totally enjoyable, and I read it nearly straight through, in only two sittings. But it felt as if the tale had just a bit too much history (can't believe I'm saying that), even though momentous things were happening, both in Ireland and around Europe. And also a bit too much of Eadulf’s angst - at times, I just wanted to tell him to get over it. And maybe a tad too little of the underlying mystery: the murder of Eadulf’s uncle, who is the Lawgiver of the title, and the disappearance of Eadulf’s younger sister. So…if you are new to the series with this book – be aware that it’s a little more wordy than normal, and give at least one more book a try. And if, like me, you already love the series, you’ll still feel right at home.
If I could knock ½ a star off just for this single book, I would. But since I can’t, I’m rounding up to five stars, because overall the stories and the series are still awesome. And finally, my thanks go to Severn House and NetGalley for my advance review copy.
It’s hard to believe that Peter Tremayne’s Sister Fidelma series is in its 36th book, and that means I’m really old! I remember picking up the first dozen or so books in this series in paperback, on business trips to the UK in the 1990s, since they were almost unavailable in the US. Then I more-or-less lost track of the series for a while, picking it back up only when there started to be occasional sales on the e-book titles. But I still maintained my love for Fidelma and her crew, even making my husband stop by Cashel when we were on (you guessed it) a business trip to Ireland. And the visit was well worth it. Although the buildings/ruins that remain date from a few centuries later, you can still sit on top of the big hill and daydream of Fidelma’s time to your heart’s content. I guess I’ve nattered on long enough, though, and this is supposed to be a book review and not a travelogue. So here goes:
Grave of the Lawgiver has all of the elements that I’ve loved throughout the decades: Fidelma’s sharp wits and clear thinking; some nicely-measured doses of Irish history, both political and religious; great Author’s Notes; sharp writing; and, of course, the mysteries to solve. However, these elements seem just teeny bit out of proportion in Grave. Don’t get me wrong – Grave is totally enjoyable, and I read it nearly straight through, in only two sittings. But it felt as if the tale had just a bit too much history (can't believe I'm saying that), even though momentous things were happening, both in Ireland and around Europe. And also a bit too much of Eadulf’s angst - at times, I just wanted to tell him to get over it. And maybe a tad too little of the underlying mystery: the murder of Eadulf’s uncle, who is the Lawgiver of the title, and the disappearance of Eadulf’s younger sister. So…if you are new to the series with this book – be aware that it’s a little more wordy than normal, and give at least one more book a try. And if, like me, you already love the series, you’ll still feel right at home.
If I could knock ½ a star off just for this single book, I would. But since I can’t, I’m rounding up to five stars, because overall the stories and the series are still awesome. And finally, my thanks go to Severn House and NetGalley for my advance review copy.
July 23, 2026
The story opens with Fidelma and Eadulf arriving in Anglo-Saxon England. Eadulf is most eager to be back in Seaxmund-Ham. He wishes to see his uncle Athelnoth and younger sister Wulfrun. When they arrive the find Athelnoth and his servant have been murdered and his house burned with them inside. Wulfrun is missing. There is the ongoing problem of the church in Rome wanting dominance and doing away with anything else. Fidelma is uncomfortable in this unfamiliar place. They go searching for what happened and who murdered Athelnoth and his servant and to find Wulfrun. Aided by a Childhood friend of Eadulf, the thane and the head of the king's bodyguard along with Brother Ator who claimed he was to marry Wulfrunthey get conflicting insights. In addition The couple have been having difficulties. Eadulf has never felt at home in Cashel, he still feels like an outsider. He feels guilty leaving his family for the new faith. Fidelma tells him as soon as the mystery is solved and Wulfrun found she is going home to Cashel and their son Alchu. In Grave of the Lawgiver the mystery is solved. Does Eadulf stay or return to Cashel Peter Tremayne tells you at the very end what will be.
October 27, 2025
Soy tremendamente fan de esta saga y leo con ansia cada nueva entrega, pero lamentablemente he de decir que esta nueva entrega me ha aburrido de una manera extraordinaria. Páginas y páginas plagadas de nombres que no hacen sino confundir y que no aportan nada a la trama, tan sólo dejar constancia del conocimiento del autor sobre la historia y la etimología de las palabras en su contexto histórico.
La trama tenía una buena premisa, pero el desarrollo narrativo es tan extenso y difuso que se pierde en nimiedades que luego no conducen a ningún sitio.
Los personajes principales están desdibujados. Fidelma pierde presencia y está como ausente durante toda la novela. Eadulf anda perdido en sus sentimientos y toda su preocupación es que nadie le reconoce en su tierra natal, cuando lo ciertamente importante es que ha perdido a su tío, asesinado, y su hermana (de la que nunca se había oído hablar) ha desaparecido.
Y eso por no hablar del desenlace, que resulta no solo precipitado sino ciertamente absurdo.
Una lástima, de verdad.
La trama tenía una buena premisa, pero el desarrollo narrativo es tan extenso y difuso que se pierde en nimiedades que luego no conducen a ningún sitio.
Los personajes principales están desdibujados. Fidelma pierde presencia y está como ausente durante toda la novela. Eadulf anda perdido en sus sentimientos y toda su preocupación es que nadie le reconoce en su tierra natal, cuando lo ciertamente importante es que ha perdido a su tío, asesinado, y su hermana (de la que nunca se había oído hablar) ha desaparecido.
Y eso por no hablar del desenlace, que resulta no solo precipitado sino ciertamente absurdo.
Una lástima, de verdad.
August 20, 2025
Not my favourite book of the saga. It felt a little disjointed and contrived.
I am an avid reader of the Sister Fidelma books ( having read all previous). I preordered this book and was excited to read.
As always, the two protagonists characters were well developed. The historical references were accurate and well woven into the book and the settings were well described.
However, the plot felt contrived. We were introduced to a sister of Eadulf that had never been mentioned before. There were several threads that were not resolved in a satisfactory manner and a murderer that we never actually met.
I will continue to read subsequent books as I have really enjoyed most of the saga. For me, this was one of the weakest books so far and I will pause before preordering the next one.
I am an avid reader of the Sister Fidelma books ( having read all previous). I preordered this book and was excited to read.
As always, the two protagonists characters were well developed. The historical references were accurate and well woven into the book and the settings were well described.
However, the plot felt contrived. We were introduced to a sister of Eadulf that had never been mentioned before. There were several threads that were not resolved in a satisfactory manner and a murderer that we never actually met.
I will continue to read subsequent books as I have really enjoyed most of the saga. For me, this was one of the weakest books so far and I will pause before preordering the next one.
February 28, 2026
I think I may have missed a book or two in the series. These are hard to get from the library. Most likely they are not high on the patron list for reads. Which means that the books are not likely to be ordered for the library.
Here Eadulf and Fidelma are back in the land of the Angles hoping to see Eadulf's Uncle and sister. Unfortunately, his Uncle and servant are dead and his sister is missing. Also Eadulf seems to have an internal crisis going on that may impact his marriage to Fidelma.
The most interesting thing about this particular installment is not the ongoing internal crisis that Eadulf is facing, or the fact that Fidelma is not a fan of this country. But that his sister through some strange twist of genetics turns out to be a sociopath which you don't normally see in historical novels of the murder-mystery genre.
Here Eadulf and Fidelma are back in the land of the Angles hoping to see Eadulf's Uncle and sister. Unfortunately, his Uncle and servant are dead and his sister is missing. Also Eadulf seems to have an internal crisis going on that may impact his marriage to Fidelma.
The most interesting thing about this particular installment is not the ongoing internal crisis that Eadulf is facing, or the fact that Fidelma is not a fan of this country. But that his sister through some strange twist of genetics turns out to be a sociopath which you don't normally see in historical novels of the murder-mystery genre.
October 11, 2025
#36 and Tremayne still can think up interesting mysteries and use them (or maybe it's vice versa) to illuminate life in Britain and Ireland in the 600's. As one reviewer noted, quite a bit of angst for Eadulf but then i have not been in his situation of voluntarily so to speak of abandoning family and culture. Then too, he is getting on towards 40, which would definitely be middle aged in those times and so a life retrospective is not out of line. And also true, Fidelma is not the easiest person to live with at times. Still, a very good mystery and complicated by the politics (civil and religious).
January 22, 2026
Fidelma accompanies Eadulf to Seaxmund's Ham in the Kingdom of the East Angles, to visit his family and the land of his birth, only to discover that his uncle has been murdered, his younger sister has disappeared, and the house they lived in has been burned to the ground - thus setting the stage for an investigation and final solution that will prove very emotional and life-changing for them both.
August 30, 2025
Wait for each new book in the series
I really enjoy how the author intertwines mystery with history. I have learned a lot about the Irish Catholic Church versus the Roman Catholic Church. It is a part of Church history I did not know until I started reading this series. Thank you for another great story in the Fidelma and Eadalf saga.
I really enjoy how the author intertwines mystery with history. I have learned a lot about the Irish Catholic Church versus the Roman Catholic Church. It is a part of Church history I did not know until I started reading this series. Thank you for another great story in the Fidelma and Eadalf saga.
August 31, 2025
Great mystery and history, too
This story is excellent if you love solving a mystery. Even though solving the mystery is fun, the history about during the time of Fidelma and the depiction of trying to work out a relationship with someone you love and understanding the impact your upbringing has on that relationship. This is a complex and very enjoyable book!
This story is excellent if you love solving a mystery. Even though solving the mystery is fun, the history about during the time of Fidelma and the depiction of trying to work out a relationship with someone you love and understanding the impact your upbringing has on that relationship. This is a complex and very enjoyable book!
November 11, 2025
Not sure why I continue to read these books because I find Sister Fidelma such an unlikeable character. This being said, she was much better this time, since she was in a more supplicant role and her usual domineering and irascible nature was somewhat more suppressed. This made for a much more enjoyable book.
January 8, 2026
I have loved this series but it has gone on much too long and I wasn't even able to finish this one.
February 7, 2026
might be best if this haul
March 30, 2026
Peter Tremayne mixes Irish history with a good mystery.
July 4, 2026
I really enjoy this series! This was the first in the series where I think I knew who did it early early or suspected strongly very early. Good book.
September 10, 2026
This book had a lot of the problems that plague this series but I did enjoy the new locale for a change!
May 3, 2026
I was right about the culprit who committes 1 out of the 5 murders. Nice and suspenseful story from the beginning to the end. Quite emotional too and I think the change of the setting really helped.
July 15, 2025
I thank NetGalley and Headline for an advance reader copy of Grave of the Lawgiver. All opinions and comments are my own.
Read Grave of the Lawgiver for a continuation of the Fidelma and Eadulf story, and as addition to the series. Other than that, it’s pretty much just a convoluted and lengthy recap of early church history. Taking Fidelma away from home doesn’t do her any favors, and it’s evident in the pages of this book.
There is a murder mystery here, but the “action” pretty much takes place off-stage. Eventually, we have to be content with a scene whereby Fidelma Explains It All; unhappiness and disturbed minds have been present since time immemorial, as Grave of the Lawgiver shows. The story here is interesting for the history buffs in the crowd, but slow-going for mystery fans.
Read Grave of the Lawgiver for a continuation of the Fidelma and Eadulf story, and as addition to the series. Other than that, it’s pretty much just a convoluted and lengthy recap of early church history. Taking Fidelma away from home doesn’t do her any favors, and it’s evident in the pages of this book.
There is a murder mystery here, but the “action” pretty much takes place off-stage. Eventually, we have to be content with a scene whereby Fidelma Explains It All; unhappiness and disturbed minds have been present since time immemorial, as Grave of the Lawgiver shows. The story here is interesting for the history buffs in the crowd, but slow-going for mystery fans.
June 29, 2025
This wasn't as good as I expected it to be with others in the series being much better. I found it repetitive, with lots of explanations repeated more than once unnecessarily. I understand that a lot of it was due to the difference in languages between some of the characters, but it felt like padding in places. There were a lot of characters to remember which at times I found confusing. Other readers might not find that. The story itself was interesting with the local lawgiver being killed and his niece going missing. Eadulf and Fidelma arrived home just afterwards and undertook an investigation in to what had happened which led them through different territories.
I was sent an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I was sent an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews