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Sister Fidelma #16
Master of Souls
In January of 668 A.D., Fidelma of Cashel - sister to the king of Muman, an advocate of the Brehon law courts and a religieuse in the Celtic Church - is called to investigate the brutal murder of Abbess Faife and the mysterious disappearance of six young female religieuse accompanying her on a short pilgrimage away from her abbey. When Sister Fidelma and her husband, Brother Eadulf, arrive they find that there has been another death under mysterious circumstances, one of the senior scholars of the abbey has been bludgeoned to death. These two seemingly unrelated deaths - and the further mysteries of the trade ship lured to its doom on the rocky western shore of Ireland and the rumored figure of "The Master of Souls" wrecking havoc and raising rebellion - combine to create on the the most perplexing mysteries ever faced by the redoubtable Fidelma.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2005
50 people are currently reading
496 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 61 reviews
September 14, 2019
Ireland, mid-century of the 600’s, a system of laws that was so sophisticated and balanced for all people that it has yet to find its contemporary system when it comes to fairness and human rights straight across the board.
In this novel, an evil person who Brother Eadulf had witnessed dying in a previous novel has somehow returned. The way he carried out his nastiness and drove people from their homes while robbing them of all they possessed is exactly the same. He dressed the same and his underlings called him “Master”.
Sister Fidelma and Brother Eadulf become involved in solving one mystery that leads to two others all occurring simultaneously. As is Sister Fidelma’s method, she patiently follows the threads in this badly-knotted ball of wool – and all of them appear to lead in a similar direction, even though their beginnings are far apart.
This series continues to grow more fascinating with each outing, and the complexity of the stories adds to the suspense while it allows us to learn more of ancient Ireland, her laws, and her people.
This is one of the most entertaining – and informative – series I have ever read, and as always I am eager to begin the next.
In this novel, an evil person who Brother Eadulf had witnessed dying in a previous novel has somehow returned. The way he carried out his nastiness and drove people from their homes while robbing them of all they possessed is exactly the same. He dressed the same and his underlings called him “Master”.
Sister Fidelma and Brother Eadulf become involved in solving one mystery that leads to two others all occurring simultaneously. As is Sister Fidelma’s method, she patiently follows the threads in this badly-knotted ball of wool – and all of them appear to lead in a similar direction, even though their beginnings are far apart.
This series continues to grow more fascinating with each outing, and the complexity of the stories adds to the suspense while it allows us to learn more of ancient Ireland, her laws, and her people.
This is one of the most entertaining – and informative – series I have ever read, and as always I am eager to begin the next.
January 29, 2022
Read this book in 2007, and its the 17th volume, chronologically, of the wonderful "Sister Fidelma" series.
In this mystery a merchant ship is wrecked on the coast of Ireland, while around the same time an abbess is slaughtered, six other religieuse are abducted, and an ageing scholar is murdered at the Abbey of Ard Fhearta.
Several rumours are already spreading about the possible rise from the dead by the evil Uaman the Leper, Lord of the Passes, or who is spreading this death and corruption across the land.
Sent by her brother, King Colgú of Muman, Sister Fidelma and her companion, Brother Eadulf, are heading towards Ard Fhearta, but that Abbey and its surrounding lands belong to the Uí Fidgente, the blood enemies to the KIngdom of Muman.
And so in this treacherous place Sister Fidelma and Brother Eadulf must make their most dangerous investigations, and come with the answers about the question who's behind all these atrocities and what is the link.
What is to follow is an intriguing and thrilling Irish mystery, in which Sister Fidelma and Brother Eadulf will excel themselves in finding answers while being in peril from all sides, but still after some twists and turns, followed by an superbly executed plot, they will be able to reveal the master culprit behind these deadly actions.
Highly recommended, for this is another splendid addition to this great series, and that's why I like to call this episode: "A Marvellous Master Of Souls"!
In this mystery a merchant ship is wrecked on the coast of Ireland, while around the same time an abbess is slaughtered, six other religieuse are abducted, and an ageing scholar is murdered at the Abbey of Ard Fhearta.
Several rumours are already spreading about the possible rise from the dead by the evil Uaman the Leper, Lord of the Passes, or who is spreading this death and corruption across the land.
Sent by her brother, King Colgú of Muman, Sister Fidelma and her companion, Brother Eadulf, are heading towards Ard Fhearta, but that Abbey and its surrounding lands belong to the Uí Fidgente, the blood enemies to the KIngdom of Muman.
And so in this treacherous place Sister Fidelma and Brother Eadulf must make their most dangerous investigations, and come with the answers about the question who's behind all these atrocities and what is the link.
What is to follow is an intriguing and thrilling Irish mystery, in which Sister Fidelma and Brother Eadulf will excel themselves in finding answers while being in peril from all sides, but still after some twists and turns, followed by an superbly executed plot, they will be able to reveal the master culprit behind these deadly actions.
Highly recommended, for this is another splendid addition to this great series, and that's why I like to call this episode: "A Marvellous Master Of Souls"!
July 30, 2020
So many conflicting feelings about Sister Fidelma books. On the one hand, I love the setting in 7th century Ireland. I learn something in every book about a place and time which I knew little about without this series. It can be a little overwhelming to follow place names and genealogy, and there is too much of it, but it’s always educational. The mysteries are also good. There are several threads that come together at the end. I like the Law and Order format where Fidelma exposes the culprits in a courtroom setting at the end. This book carries on these positives.
What has bothered me throughout the series are the characters of Fidelma and Eadulf. She is insufferable to almost everyone. She knows it all and refuses to accept anyone else’s opinion. All the other characters have to be written in a matter that makes her look superior. She is especially abusive to Eadulf. I’ve always thought of him as a stand in for the reader - the foreigner who asks the questions about the local culture that the reader might have. He’s accomplished in education and religion. But he’s treated so poorly by the author. Why is he always the confused one whose being silenced by Fidelma? On the first page where he appears in the book, he’s whining. He’s sea sick when no one else is. He forgets to ask the right questions when he is given a detective task, so he is the blunt of snickers. This is especially disappointing in this book because in the previous book, The Leper’s Bell, he has a successful adventure where he’s brave and smart. Why has he been regressed in this one? In The Leper’s Bell, Fidelma is introspective and recognizes her need to be more appreciative of Eadulf, but that doesn’t carry over to even one book. I was truly disappointed.
The plot is a good continuation of the last book, but I can’t recommend it with the characters as written.
What has bothered me throughout the series are the characters of Fidelma and Eadulf. She is insufferable to almost everyone. She knows it all and refuses to accept anyone else’s opinion. All the other characters have to be written in a matter that makes her look superior. She is especially abusive to Eadulf. I’ve always thought of him as a stand in for the reader - the foreigner who asks the questions about the local culture that the reader might have. He’s accomplished in education and religion. But he’s treated so poorly by the author. Why is he always the confused one whose being silenced by Fidelma? On the first page where he appears in the book, he’s whining. He’s sea sick when no one else is. He forgets to ask the right questions when he is given a detective task, so he is the blunt of snickers. This is especially disappointing in this book because in the previous book, The Leper’s Bell, he has a successful adventure where he’s brave and smart. Why has he been regressed in this one? In The Leper’s Bell, Fidelma is introspective and recognizes her need to be more appreciative of Eadulf, but that doesn’t carry over to even one book. I was truly disappointed.
The plot is a good continuation of the last book, but I can’t recommend it with the characters as written.
October 30, 2014
I have to say, I was a little bored with this one. Mainly because the villain and setting were so strikingly similar to the book immediately previous. And I had the suspects narrowed down to two (one correct) near the very beginning and for the right reasons.
On another note, I wish to point out something that has nothing to do with the book although information in the Sister Fidelma series brought the fact to my attention. It concerns the troscud. Does anybody remember Bobby Sands and Francis Hughes, the two IRA men who died in prison during hunger strikes? I followed the drama in the newspapers here (it was 1981 and I was in high school at the time). I was very interested and sympathetic to what was happening. However, their actions have taken on new significance for me. Did they declare a troscud? If so, it was never explained in the American press as an ancient Irish rite of redress against grievances. Whether you agree or disagree with Sands is not the point of this commentary. I'm just saying it certainly adds a most interesting layer to the actions of the two men. In the Sister Fidelma books, we see two very different reactions to the troscud. When the old man declares a troscud in "The Haunted Abbot", he is ignored because the person it is directed against does not hold the rite in any sort of esteem. Sort of like the British government and Bobby Sands. Thus, the hunger strike fails in its objective. In this book, "Master of Souls", Fidelma threatens Mac Faosma with a troscud. Being of the same culture and holding the old Irish rite sacred, he acquiesces to her demands almost instantly.
It certainly adds another layer to the story of Sands and Hughes. I would love to know if they actually declared a troscud. If any one knows, can you let me know? Thanks.
On another note, I wish to point out something that has nothing to do with the book although information in the Sister Fidelma series brought the fact to my attention. It concerns the troscud. Does anybody remember Bobby Sands and Francis Hughes, the two IRA men who died in prison during hunger strikes? I followed the drama in the newspapers here (it was 1981 and I was in high school at the time). I was very interested and sympathetic to what was happening. However, their actions have taken on new significance for me. Did they declare a troscud? If so, it was never explained in the American press as an ancient Irish rite of redress against grievances. Whether you agree or disagree with Sands is not the point of this commentary. I'm just saying it certainly adds a most interesting layer to the actions of the two men. In the Sister Fidelma books, we see two very different reactions to the troscud. When the old man declares a troscud in "The Haunted Abbot", he is ignored because the person it is directed against does not hold the rite in any sort of esteem. Sort of like the British government and Bobby Sands. Thus, the hunger strike fails in its objective. In this book, "Master of Souls", Fidelma threatens Mac Faosma with a troscud. Being of the same culture and holding the old Irish rite sacred, he acquiesces to her demands almost instantly.
It certainly adds another layer to the story of Sands and Hughes. I would love to know if they actually declared a troscud. If any one knows, can you let me know? Thanks.
February 4, 2016
Fidelma and Eadulf have abandoned their infant again to solve the murder of an Abbess, only to find another murder and lots more going on. Eadulf is back to having to watch his mouth or Fidelma will glare at him. Conri, the Ui Whatsis who now accepts the peace between his people and Fidelma's brother, the king, is helping as the Abbess was his aunt. But there are those at the abbey who support the rebellion, making things difficult. And the murdered scholar was some sort of horn dog. Abbeys were apparently different in those days. He was married to one woman and then having an affair with a very young one.
Enjoyed it and will look for the next.
Enjoyed it and will look for the next.
June 1, 2016
You gotta love Sister Fidelma! She's a tough cookie in ancient Ireland who is educated and can take care of herself. She's a Catholic nun, but is married in the old Irish tradition with a young son. She's also a lawyer and a siter of the king. With her partner, Brother Eadulf, she solves the most complicated mysteries & crimes. You learn a lot while reading these stories and I can never figure out the endings. This one kept me guessing right up till the end. There's corruption in all government and not even the church is perfect -- or safe.
March 30, 2020
I really enjoy when new and different areas of Irish law are played out in the Sister Fidelma stories. I also enjoy that the author writes a complex mystery that needs to be untangled. As I have said before, by book16 or whatever this one is, I want to see what happens to the characters.
March 20, 2009
I always learn a little history & I enjoy the mystery as well.
July 17, 2011
Can't get enough of Sister Fidelma.
January 4, 2012
Sister Fidelma - what's not to like? However the emphasis on Scottish Gaelic becomes tedious.
Read
April 28, 2019These books still aren’t very well written, but I’m here for it if he wants to discuss manuscript culture in early medieval Ireland.
May 25, 2024
I do recommend NOT studying the list of principal characters too closely before reading the book, although I don't know that it really spoiled much for me. This volume picks up after the events The Leper's Bell, and the series as a whole seems to have more continuity now. Unfortunately, my own read of The Leper's Bell was a good long time ago, so I probably should have reread it...it isn't totally necessary, but I would have had a stronger connection to some of the characters, such as Gannica. I'll leave off too much plot description because it could very easily lead to spoilers, but the political strife between the Uí Fidgente and Cashel continues, despite the fragile peace under Donennach.
On the whole, the character development continues to mature. Tremayne uses Fidelma and Eadulf to show varying perspectives on Christianity--Fidelma is tolerant of the old ways, making space for "finding God in his own way" (203) in deference to the proud Pagan Gáeth. Eadulf, on the other hand, has the fervor of a young convert, and tends to be judgmental and one-dimensional in his thinking (occasionally).
I was particularly interested in some continuity of what seemed to be minutiae. Tremayne revisits a chant "Regem regnum rogamus in nostris sermonibus" which is sung in two languages to a "Gallic" chant melody, and this same song also appears in The Monk who Vanished, supposedly composed by one Colmán moccu Clusaif/mac Uí Clusaim who helped his people during the threat of the Yellow Plague. I was unable to find an actual historical person by this name, but my guess is that there is a model here for Tremayne. These little details, however, keep me coming back for more. I've started a list of concordances that I may turn into a wiki at some point.
The copyediting and editing is still not great, however (some library patron took to the copy I read with a pencil, thankfully). We also get unnecessary repetition, such as when we are told "Eadulf, who knew something of the healing arts..." (193) when that has already been on display earlier in the book. There does seem to be a little less repetition of Fidelma's status as a dalaigh, qualified to the level of anruth, and when she can sit in the presence of a king, etc. etc within a single volume now, so that is an improvement.
The development was slow in this one, but things get moving rather quickly once Fidelma, Conrí, and Eadulf set sail for an island. The details regarding the scriptorium and copying are interesting, and there are some more colorful characters including Slébéne, chief of the Corco Duibhne. I'm very glad that Conrí, who we first meet in Badger's Moon, I believe, seems to have a returning presence in the series. He is one of the more complex characters in the narrative of the Uí Fidgente.
Overall a really good installment and I'll looking forward to learning more as the political intrigue is bound to return.
On the whole, the character development continues to mature. Tremayne uses Fidelma and Eadulf to show varying perspectives on Christianity--Fidelma is tolerant of the old ways, making space for "finding God in his own way" (203) in deference to the proud Pagan Gáeth. Eadulf, on the other hand, has the fervor of a young convert, and tends to be judgmental and one-dimensional in his thinking (occasionally).
I was particularly interested in some continuity of what seemed to be minutiae. Tremayne revisits a chant "Regem regnum rogamus in nostris sermonibus" which is sung in two languages to a "Gallic" chant melody, and this same song also appears in The Monk who Vanished, supposedly composed by one Colmán moccu Clusaif/mac Uí Clusaim who helped his people during the threat of the Yellow Plague. I was unable to find an actual historical person by this name, but my guess is that there is a model here for Tremayne. These little details, however, keep me coming back for more. I've started a list of concordances that I may turn into a wiki at some point.
The copyediting and editing is still not great, however (some library patron took to the copy I read with a pencil, thankfully). We also get unnecessary repetition, such as when we are told "Eadulf, who knew something of the healing arts..." (193) when that has already been on display earlier in the book. There does seem to be a little less repetition of Fidelma's status as a dalaigh, qualified to the level of anruth, and when she can sit in the presence of a king, etc. etc within a single volume now, so that is an improvement.
The development was slow in this one, but things get moving rather quickly once Fidelma, Conrí, and Eadulf set sail for an island. The details regarding the scriptorium and copying are interesting, and there are some more colorful characters including Slébéne, chief of the Corco Duibhne. I'm very glad that Conrí, who we first meet in Badger's Moon, I believe, seems to have a returning presence in the series. He is one of the more complex characters in the narrative of the Uí Fidgente.
Overall a really good installment and I'll looking forward to learning more as the political intrigue is bound to return.
August 12, 2025
The description of this book by Peter Tremayne is absolutely true to form. It was a book I could not put down and was totally engrossing. I couldn't pronounce some of the names, but there were many twists and turns and attractive characters, at a time when women were allowed to train for law (at a time when the 'new faith' Christianity made it possible for women to refuse marriage and become religious sisters. Fidelma, whilst direct and assertive, uncovers the thread of some abducted sisters from a local abbey and the princess, destined to marry her brother, the local king thread by thread and the conspirators are slowly revealed in a forensic way, amidst questioning of other local rulers and attacks. Such an exciting read involved my reading into the night! Learning some of the aspects of the old religion of Ireland was interesting, as well as Fidelma's tolerance of them, if they were good people. I disagree with Peter Tremayne on some aspects of his championing of Pelagianism at this time. It was a popular belief from a humanistic point of view, but it was problematic. Pelagius lived in Rome but was a Briton and not any sort of clergyman, monk or priest and wrote his own ideas, disputing the new Faith doctrines, and St David in Wales as well as St German, who visited Britain to explain the problems had to deal with this belief which questioned Petrine authority. No sister of brother of the faith would have endorsed this. Nevertheless religious did marry at this time and the structure of the book was so exciting and -I could not put it down!
June 13, 2021
Tremayne had me once again with this cozy #16. At this point, I can usually figure out one of the two or three mysteries that intertwine in each of his novels, but I have yet to get them all. As a result, I'm still on the binge-scene with these Sister Fidelma mysteries.
In this episode, I particularly like the way the term Master of Souls is used, and the grounded idea that all wars need funding and wars fund local economy. Nasty reminder of reality.
Fidelma's character no longer repels me. She has become a tad-bit more sensitive to Eadulf. Still, she is dogmatic and insistent about protocols as a dalaigh, and she throws her legal weight around liberally--not to mention her weight as sister of the king. That still annoys me, but then I keep reminding myself that I thought Pirot was exorbitantly conceited, but that never stopped me from reading a Christie novel.
If I didn't respect reading so much, I'd worry about this binge. It's actually quite costly since I can't get the books from the local libraries nor on Libby; nonetheless, I'm moving forward.
In this episode, I particularly like the way the term Master of Souls is used, and the grounded idea that all wars need funding and wars fund local economy. Nasty reminder of reality.
Fidelma's character no longer repels me. She has become a tad-bit more sensitive to Eadulf. Still, she is dogmatic and insistent about protocols as a dalaigh, and she throws her legal weight around liberally--not to mention her weight as sister of the king. That still annoys me, but then I keep reminding myself that I thought Pirot was exorbitantly conceited, but that never stopped me from reading a Christie novel.
If I didn't respect reading so much, I'd worry about this binge. It's actually quite costly since I can't get the books from the local libraries nor on Libby; nonetheless, I'm moving forward.
March 11, 2025
This series gets better with each book. Sister Fidelma is an advocate for the Irish legal system as well as the sister of the king. She and her husband, Brother Ealaugh are tasked with looking into the murder of the sister in charge of the nuns at a monastery and the abduction of five sisters in her care. Upon arrival at the monastery they are told that an older (venerable) brother, an academic, was murdered two days before they arrived. No one is actually lying to Fidelma but they certainly are withholding vital information.
My library is missing many of the books in the series so I was surprised to learn that Sister Fidelma had married and had a child. The series has loads of great information on the early days of the Christian church in Ireland. My only complaint is that there are way too many pithy sayings. These books are written by Peter Ellis of Cadfael fame.
My library is missing many of the books in the series so I was surprised to learn that Sister Fidelma had married and had a child. The series has loads of great information on the early days of the Christian church in Ireland. My only complaint is that there are way too many pithy sayings. These books are written by Peter Ellis of Cadfael fame.
November 12, 2021
This is the first book in the series that I have read that I feel you have to have read the previous book. This is almost a continuation of "The Leper's Bell" and takes place just a few weeks after.
I just love visiting these old abbeys and their libraries!
A favorite passage: "There has been too much destruction of knowledge simply because someone else disagrees with it. In a civilised world, there is room for all knowledge and the truth will eventually emerge triumphant over prejudice. If we do not believe that, there is no hope for us. We might as well resort to living as wild animals."
I just love visiting these old abbeys and their libraries!
A favorite passage: "There has been too much destruction of knowledge simply because someone else disagrees with it. In a civilised world, there is room for all knowledge and the truth will eventually emerge triumphant over prejudice. If we do not believe that, there is no hope for us. We might as well resort to living as wild animals."
July 26, 2018
Did the evil Uman die?
Will the evil Uman return from the Otherworld?
Is someone alive who is related to Uman unknown to Fiedlima and Eaudulf going to surprise them in a future book?
If you can not or do not have the series from book #1 in this series then you need to go to the library and grab book 1. If you love the Galic/Celtic community/history with the theme of "who done it" this whole series is a must.
Mr.Tremayne has yet to disappoint me.
Will the evil Uman return from the Otherworld?
Is someone alive who is related to Uman unknown to Fiedlima and Eaudulf going to surprise them in a future book?
If you can not or do not have the series from book #1 in this series then you need to go to the library and grab book 1. If you love the Galic/Celtic community/history with the theme of "who done it" this whole series is a must.
Mr.Tremayne has yet to disappoint me.
December 15, 2020
I checked to see how far I am from the end, was excited to see there is a 2020 release. I'm 17 books from the end, there is a way to go which brings me much excitement.
The further we get in the series the more complicated the story line becomes. An old nemesis rises from the ashes of a confrontation that forged a fragile peace. The mystery has many paths and Fidelma and her companions need to figure out who and why. But also battle the difference's between the factions of the new faith.
The further we get in the series the more complicated the story line becomes. An old nemesis rises from the ashes of a confrontation that forged a fragile peace. The mystery has many paths and Fidelma and her companions need to figure out who and why. But also battle the difference's between the factions of the new faith.
July 28, 2024
This is probably the best Fidelma I have read so far (a friend lends them to me), but why did he not get someone to check his Latin? This is not the worst in the series for this, as there's not that much Latin in it, but if you are going to make a book title central to the story, then it is a good idea to check that you've got it right. In the unlikely event of anyone relevant reading this review, it's "gerendam" not "geredam". Thank you.
January 7, 2025
I wanted to like this one because connecting it to a villain from the previous book in a fascinating way was a solid set-up, and I literally thought last book he would have made a cool recurring villain, but then this book comes along with bad misleads, too many set pieces that feel contrived and unnecessary, and unconvincing motive or plot or murder or really anything, and just like? Is this where Sister Fidelma is going from here?
February 9, 2025
A ship has run aground, an abbess has been killed, the nuns traveling with her disappeared and an elderly scholar has been killed. Although at peace, some members of the Ui Figente seem to be rebellious, several scholarly text are missing and destroyed. It is up to Fidelma, with Aedulf's help, to understand these mysteries and weave them into a single tapestry.
This is book 16 in the Sister Fidela mysteries.
This is book 16 in the Sister Fidela mysteries.
April 12, 2022
This was a very perplexing mystery in an exceptionally wonderful series! I am so hooked on Sister Fidelma! Peter Tremayme is such a great historian and I love on the info on Ancient Ireland (7th C) and it is nicely interwoven into the complex plot. Well done!
December 30, 2022
Very disappointed. Looked forward to reading this but found the characters flat, there was no tension and the unnecessary use of Gaelic terms when there was a perfectly good English equivalent bordered on pretentious.
January 30, 2018
Perfect! As usual.
March 18, 2019
Engaging story but lots of typos and punctuation errors.
May 5, 2019
Wow!!! Loved it
November 16, 2020
A great series to read I love it
Super read for any one interested in historical fiction. This is a real Page Turner from beginning to the end
Super read for any one interested in historical fiction. This is a real Page Turner from beginning to the end
December 19, 2020
Excellent one in the series.
January 24, 2021
Political intrigue, sedition, deja vu?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews