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Sister Fidelma #2
Shroud for the Archbishop
Wighard, Archbishop designate of Canterbury, has been found dead, garrotted in his chambers in Rome's Lateran Palace in the autumn of A.D. 664. His murderer seems apparent to all, since an Irish religieux was arrested by the palace guards as he fled Wighard's chamber, but the monk denies responsibility for the crime, and the treasures missing from Wighard's chambers are nowhere to be found. The bishop in charge of affairs at the Lateran Palace suspects a political motive and is wary of charging someone without independent evidence. So he asks Sister Fidelma of the Celtic Church to look into Wighard's death. Fidelma (an advocate of the Brehon Court), working with Brother Eadulf of the Roman Church, quickly finds herself with very few clues, too many motives, a trail strewn with bodies--and very little time before the killer strikes again.
304 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published September 1, 1996
96 people are currently reading
961 people want to read
About the author
Peter Tremayne
206 books473 followersPeter Berresford Ellis (born 10 March 1943) is a historian, literary biographer, and novelist who has published over 90 books to date either under his own name or his pseudonyms Peter Tremayne and Peter MacAlan. He has also published 95 short stories. His non-fiction books, articles and academic papers have made him acknowledged as an authority on Celtic history and culture. As Peter Tremayne, he is the author of the international bestselling Sister Fidelma mystery series. His work has appeared in 25 languages.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 187 reviews
December 28, 2017
At the end of the first book in this series, we find both Sister Fidelma and Brother Eadulf sent on separate missions to Rome. Fidelma is to deliver important messages from Ireland’s rulers and religious orders, while Eadulf is there to accompany and interpret for the new archbishop-designate of Canterbury.
The Lateran Palace houses all the highest-placed guests to the Bishop of Rome himself, so when a murder takes place there, it becomes a high priority to solve it. Since the main suspect also happens to be an Irish monk, Rome’s officials are afraid this will cause a war to break out between the Saxons and the Irish on their home turf, which would then tear apart the fragile fabric of the newly fashioned religious conciliation under Rome.
This is a fascinating story, not just because Sister Fidelma and Brother Eadulf are once again teamed up to seek the truth of the murder, but also because of the glimpses offered of Rome itself in the mid-600’s. Woven into this main story is interesting information regarding the second destruction of the Great Library of Alexandria, and many other historical pieces that now have a context where before they were more isolated incidents for me.
I confess that I have a great fascination for historical fiction that is well-done – and – I also love reading mysteries that are well-done. No doubt this series satisfies both of those reading enjoyments for me. I think I just became re-addicted to this series in my attempt to fill in the early gaps I missed previously.
I also love quotes – and this book has several to contemplate. Many of these quotes are still in use these many centuries later, and for a good reason: they are little nuggets and nutshells of truth. I am looking forward to my next adventure with these strong, interesting, talented, and intelligent characters leading the way.
The Lateran Palace houses all the highest-placed guests to the Bishop of Rome himself, so when a murder takes place there, it becomes a high priority to solve it. Since the main suspect also happens to be an Irish monk, Rome’s officials are afraid this will cause a war to break out between the Saxons and the Irish on their home turf, which would then tear apart the fragile fabric of the newly fashioned religious conciliation under Rome.
This is a fascinating story, not just because Sister Fidelma and Brother Eadulf are once again teamed up to seek the truth of the murder, but also because of the glimpses offered of Rome itself in the mid-600’s. Woven into this main story is interesting information regarding the second destruction of the Great Library of Alexandria, and many other historical pieces that now have a context where before they were more isolated incidents for me.
I confess that I have a great fascination for historical fiction that is well-done – and – I also love reading mysteries that are well-done. No doubt this series satisfies both of those reading enjoyments for me. I think I just became re-addicted to this series in my attempt to fill in the early gaps I missed previously.
I also love quotes – and this book has several to contemplate. Many of these quotes are still in use these many centuries later, and for a good reason: they are little nuggets and nutshells of truth. I am looking forward to my next adventure with these strong, interesting, talented, and intelligent characters leading the way.
July 28, 2016
Same issues I had with the first book in the series, but this time on steroids. Tremayne is absolutely owning his setting --- this time Rome in 665, where Fidelma and Brother Eadmus have journeyed to see to the blessing of Wighard, Archbishop of Canterbury. The city becomes a major player in the archbishop's subsequent murder. The "mystery" is terrible, and the solution --- though not some of the subplots, which are too complicated/boring to bother with --- is so obvious that anyone who reads mysteries much will spot it without too much trouble. But in the slog to the Get Every Suspect in the Room denouement that Tremayne seems to favor, you do get terrific descriptions of the buildings and districts of period Rome, as well as some insights as to how the early medieval Church functioned.
But . . . Tremayne lost me when Fidelma was attacked and demonstrated early medieval Irish judo techniques to beat her foe. So not only is she the smartest person in the room all of the time, incredibly feminist and Irish proto-nationalist all of the time, Fidelma has wicked Emma Peel fighting moves? By the next book I expect her to have heat vision. Look, I get that the Irish saved civilization (note my last name). But Sister Fidelma could apparently have done it all by herself. Oh, did I mention? Of course, Fidelma is hot, hot, hawt! Monks, Roman soldiers, you name it, they want to possess her, making her an early medieval Irish Judy Tenuta.
If you can put up with the silly plots, the series appears to be worth it for the settings. I don't know if I can.
But . . . Tremayne lost me when Fidelma was attacked and demonstrated early medieval Irish judo techniques to beat her foe. So not only is she the smartest person in the room all of the time, incredibly feminist and Irish proto-nationalist all of the time, Fidelma has wicked Emma Peel fighting moves? By the next book I expect her to have heat vision. Look, I get that the Irish saved civilization (note my last name). But Sister Fidelma could apparently have done it all by herself. Oh, did I mention? Of course, Fidelma is hot, hot, hawt! Monks, Roman soldiers, you name it, they want to possess her, making her an early medieval Irish Judy Tenuta.
If you can put up with the silly plots, the series appears to be worth it for the settings. I don't know if I can.
January 25, 2022
Read this book in 2006, and its the 2nd volume of the wonderful "Sister Fidelma" series.
The year is AD 664, after their exploits at the Synod of Whitby, Sister Fidelma and brother Eadulf find themselves at the Lateran Palace in Rome.
In this Lateran Palace, Wighard, Archbishop designate of Canterbury has been found dead, garrotted in his chambers.
Arrested is an Irish Religieux, but this monk denies the murder, and the treasures that Wighard had with him are lost.
The Bishop in charge of affairs in the Lateran Palace calls in the independent help of Sister Fidelma of the Celtic Church, and so she starts to investigate this hideous murder but still with the assistance of Brother Eadulf of the Roman Church.
With very few clues, a lot of motives and more dead bodies following, Fidelma and Eadulf must dig deep into their minds to outwit this very cunning killer.
What is to follow is an intriguing and thrilling mystery, in which Fidelma and Eadulf will have to go to any length to stop this killer from murdering more people, and after some twists and turns, followed by a superbly executed plot they will be able to reveal the culprit of these gruesome murders.
Highly recommended, for this is another tremendous addition to this great series, and that's why I like to call this episode: "A Marvellous Sister Fidelma Sequel"!
The year is AD 664, after their exploits at the Synod of Whitby, Sister Fidelma and brother Eadulf find themselves at the Lateran Palace in Rome.
In this Lateran Palace, Wighard, Archbishop designate of Canterbury has been found dead, garrotted in his chambers.
Arrested is an Irish Religieux, but this monk denies the murder, and the treasures that Wighard had with him are lost.
The Bishop in charge of affairs in the Lateran Palace calls in the independent help of Sister Fidelma of the Celtic Church, and so she starts to investigate this hideous murder but still with the assistance of Brother Eadulf of the Roman Church.
With very few clues, a lot of motives and more dead bodies following, Fidelma and Eadulf must dig deep into their minds to outwit this very cunning killer.
What is to follow is an intriguing and thrilling mystery, in which Fidelma and Eadulf will have to go to any length to stop this killer from murdering more people, and after some twists and turns, followed by a superbly executed plot they will be able to reveal the culprit of these gruesome murders.
Highly recommended, for this is another tremendous addition to this great series, and that's why I like to call this episode: "A Marvellous Sister Fidelma Sequel"!
December 24, 2022
664-ieji, Roma. Britų dvasininkas Wighardas atvyksta į Romą, kur bus paskirtas į Kenterberio arkivyskupo postą. Atvyksta ne tuščiomis rankomis – atveža nemažai vertingų dovanų. Wighardą į Romą atlydi ir brolis Eadulfas. Tuo pat metu į Amžinąjį Miestą atvyksta ir sesuo Fidelma, tiesa, visai su kita užduotimi. Bet tai, kad jai ir Eadulfui išpuolė tuo pat metu būti Romoje, galime pavadinti likimo pirštu, mat jųdviejų gebėjimų čia prireiks.
Wighardas randamas pasmaugtas, brangios dovanos prapuolė. Tiesa, sargyba sulaikė airių vienuolį, sprukusį iš nužudytojo kambario. Laterano rūmų valdytojas vyskupas kreipiasi į Fidelmą ir Eadulfą, užsirekomendavusius Whitby sinodo metu. Tegul juodu patvirtina, kad tas airių vienuolis kaltas ir bet kokio politinio skandalo bus išvengta. Tačiau Fidelma abejoja, kad viskas taip paprasta.
Deja, Eadulfas, kuris nuolat bukėjo pirmosios knygos eigoje, stabdo toliau. Ir tai gadina bendrą įspūdį. Todėl vėl trys iš penkių, bet gerokai skystesni.
Wighardas randamas pasmaugtas, brangios dovanos prapuolė. Tiesa, sargyba sulaikė airių vienuolį, sprukusį iš nužudytojo kambario. Laterano rūmų valdytojas vyskupas kreipiasi į Fidelmą ir Eadulfą, užsirekomendavusius Whitby sinodo metu. Tegul juodu patvirtina, kad tas airių vienuolis kaltas ir bet kokio politinio skandalo bus išvengta. Tačiau Fidelma abejoja, kad viskas taip paprasta.
Deja, Eadulfas, kuris nuolat bukėjo pirmosios knygos eigoje, stabdo toliau. Ir tai gadina bendrą įspūdį. Todėl vėl trys iš penkių, bet gerokai skystesni.
February 12, 2019
I read this book for the Book For All Seasons group challenge to read a book reflecting our ethnic background- since my family is Irish-American (among other things), I figured I’d revisit the Sister Fidelma mysteries. I read the first many years ago, so picked up with this the second in the series, which actually takes place in Rome.
Fidelma is not just an Irish nun, she is also sister to a king and trained in Brehon law, the legal system of ancient Ireland. I find this series interesting because of the exhaustive historical research into Dark Ages Ireland, but also into the differences between the early Irish church and the Roman church- women like Fidelma had more power and authority. The three stars are because of the author’s dry style - he clearly knows his period, and the puzzle is interesting and well-done, but the pace is rather glacial. I will try another in the series to see if this improves, since I like Fidelma as a character and find the historical aspect fascinating, but there are several other historical religious series out there (Cadfael, Frevisse, Athelstan) that weave an exciting mystery with humor and entertaining pacing.
Anyway, in this case Fidelma is in Rome with Saxon Brother Eadulf and a party from England, when the archbishop-designate, Wighard, is found strangled. An Irish monk is arrested for the crime. The Roman powers that be don’t want conflict between the Saxon and Irish churches over the murder, so they ask Fidelma and Eadulf to investigate together to avoid any suspicion of collusion over the Saxon death, possibly by an Irishman’s hands. The two friends investigate, as they did in the first in the series (Absolution by Murder), and clearly have a connection, but it goes on too long, and slowly (for my taste). The reveal at the end is drawn out.
Fidelma is not just an Irish nun, she is also sister to a king and trained in Brehon law, the legal system of ancient Ireland. I find this series interesting because of the exhaustive historical research into Dark Ages Ireland, but also into the differences between the early Irish church and the Roman church- women like Fidelma had more power and authority. The three stars are because of the author’s dry style - he clearly knows his period, and the puzzle is interesting and well-done, but the pace is rather glacial. I will try another in the series to see if this improves, since I like Fidelma as a character and find the historical aspect fascinating, but there are several other historical religious series out there (Cadfael, Frevisse, Athelstan) that weave an exciting mystery with humor and entertaining pacing.
Anyway, in this case Fidelma is in Rome with Saxon Brother Eadulf and a party from England, when the archbishop-designate, Wighard, is found strangled. An Irish monk is arrested for the crime. The Roman powers that be don’t want conflict between the Saxon and Irish churches over the murder, so they ask Fidelma and Eadulf to investigate together to avoid any suspicion of collusion over the Saxon death, possibly by an Irishman’s hands. The two friends investigate, as they did in the first in the series (Absolution by Murder), and clearly have a connection, but it goes on too long, and slowly (for my taste). The reveal at the end is drawn out.
May 23, 2020
664 d.C. Siamo all'inizio del cristianesimo in Irlanda e nei Regni Sassoni, e la chiesa è ancora in via di formazione.
In particolare, i sassoni hanno appena deciso di seguire la regola di Roma anziché quella di Colomba, e adesso sono a Roma per far nominare dal Santo Padre il nuovo arcivescovo designato di Canterbury, Whigard.
Sorella Fidelma di Kildare si trova a viaggiare con i sassoni verso Roma, dove vuole far ottenere la benedizione papale per la sua regola.
In quel periodo la castità non era obbligatoria per gli ecclesiastici, anche se chi aderiva alla regola di Roma doveva rispettarla, per lo meno se aspirava ad alte cariche. E questa è una questione fondamentale nel caso che Fidelma si troverà ad affrontare.
Come importante è anche il fatto che gli arabi, che si sono convertiti da pochi decenni alla nuova religione di Maometto, dominano l'Egitto (dove c'è Alessandria con la sua biblioteca).
Quando Whigard viene assassinato, il vescovo Gelasio, il nomenclator di Sua Santità, chiede a Fidelma di indagare, dato che è una dálaigh, ovvero un difensore della legge (una sorta di procuratore dei giorni nostri), coadiuvata da Eadulf, un monaco sassone che già l'ha affiancata in un altro caso di omicidio.
Tra morti misteriose, furti e strani pezzi di papiro ritrovati, Fidelma svolgerà le sue indagini camminando tra le vie della Roma del VII secolo, una Roma diversissima da quella che siamo abituati a vedere sia nei romanzi con ambientazione storica anteriore che posteriore.
Tremayne compie una mirabile ricostruzione storica della chiesa agli albori e della Città Eterna.
Un vero peccato che le case editrici italiane combinino sempre pasticci con le serie. Questo volume, che è il secondo della serie, è stato pubblicato come quarto, mentre il primo non è stato pubblicato affatto, anche se, chiaramente, ci sono alcuni riferimenti al primo caso risolto da Fidema con Eadulf.
In particolare, i sassoni hanno appena deciso di seguire la regola di Roma anziché quella di Colomba, e adesso sono a Roma per far nominare dal Santo Padre il nuovo arcivescovo designato di Canterbury, Whigard.
Sorella Fidelma di Kildare si trova a viaggiare con i sassoni verso Roma, dove vuole far ottenere la benedizione papale per la sua regola.
In quel periodo la castità non era obbligatoria per gli ecclesiastici, anche se chi aderiva alla regola di Roma doveva rispettarla, per lo meno se aspirava ad alte cariche. E questa è una questione fondamentale nel caso che Fidelma si troverà ad affrontare.
Come importante è anche il fatto che gli arabi, che si sono convertiti da pochi decenni alla nuova religione di Maometto, dominano l'Egitto (dove c'è Alessandria con la sua biblioteca).
Quando Whigard viene assassinato, il vescovo Gelasio, il nomenclator di Sua Santità, chiede a Fidelma di indagare, dato che è una dálaigh, ovvero un difensore della legge (una sorta di procuratore dei giorni nostri), coadiuvata da Eadulf, un monaco sassone che già l'ha affiancata in un altro caso di omicidio.
Tra morti misteriose, furti e strani pezzi di papiro ritrovati, Fidelma svolgerà le sue indagini camminando tra le vie della Roma del VII secolo, una Roma diversissima da quella che siamo abituati a vedere sia nei romanzi con ambientazione storica anteriore che posteriore.
Tremayne compie una mirabile ricostruzione storica della chiesa agli albori e della Città Eterna.
Un vero peccato che le case editrici italiane combinino sempre pasticci con le serie. Questo volume, che è il secondo della serie, è stato pubblicato come quarto, mentre il primo non è stato pubblicato affatto, anche se, chiaramente, ci sono alcuni riferimenti al primo caso risolto da Fidema con Eadulf.
December 27, 2014
Shroud for the Archbishop is second in the Sister Fidelma mystery series. A good friend loaned me her copy even though I wasn’t really looking for any more books. My friend said she knew I would love Sister and she was right.
To get an idea of Fidelma’s character, think Irish female Brother Cadfeael* five centuries earlier. Sr. Fidelma is witty, smart and living in the How the Irish Saved Civilization time period, the 7th century—pretty much considered the ‘Dark Ages’ everywhere in Europe except in Ireland. It’s been awhile since I read Thomas Cahill’s history and though I don’t recall women having quite the freedom and authority which author Peter Tremayne portrays, it makes for an excellent story.
In Shroud Fidelma has traveled to Rome with a combined English/Irish group. Mystery aside, the book is interesting just for the cultural socio-religious historical observations and machinations. How accurate they are, I can't say, but they make for some interesting speculation!
Looking forward to reading others in this series.
*Popular character in series by author Ellis Peters
To get an idea of Fidelma’s character, think Irish female Brother Cadfeael* five centuries earlier. Sr. Fidelma is witty, smart and living in the How the Irish Saved Civilization time period, the 7th century—pretty much considered the ‘Dark Ages’ everywhere in Europe except in Ireland. It’s been awhile since I read Thomas Cahill’s history and though I don’t recall women having quite the freedom and authority which author Peter Tremayne portrays, it makes for an excellent story.
In Shroud Fidelma has traveled to Rome with a combined English/Irish group. Mystery aside, the book is interesting just for the cultural socio-religious historical observations and machinations. How accurate they are, I can't say, but they make for some interesting speculation!
Looking forward to reading others in this series.
*Popular character in series by author Ellis Peters
January 8, 2020
rating: 3.5
I do enjoy these mysteries, which may not be fairly reflected by my ratings. Sister Fidelma is a credible character and someone I'd like to know. Sometimes I stumble on the religious history, but by the end of the book, I'm aware that I've learned something. I suspect that as I read more in this series, I'll appreciate what I've learned.
p 187: Pride in office without competence is as much a sin as competence without confidence.
I do enjoy these mysteries, which may not be fairly reflected by my ratings. Sister Fidelma is a credible character and someone I'd like to know. Sometimes I stumble on the religious history, but by the end of the book, I'm aware that I've learned something. I suspect that as I read more in this series, I'll appreciate what I've learned.
p 187: Pride in office without competence is as much a sin as competence without confidence.
September 29, 2020
Light on the mystery. As several reviewers have pointed out, it was an identical formula to the first volume in the series. I do wish the author had taken Sister Fidelma and her 7th century setting to a genre other than the murder mystery. He's not the most gifted mystery author, but I enjoy the historical setting. I'm just beginning to delve into Celtic expressions of Christianity, so this dovetailed nicely with concurrent reads like Esther de Waal's The Celtic Way of Prayer. These novels are hugely pro-Celtic, partially anti-Rome, and always willing to display Irish superiority in their egalitarian society. Fidelma is also a firecracker, always going off on someone about the higher ways of the Celts, but she can be diplomatic when it suits her needs.
These books have got to be getting better, because new installments are still being published after 20 years. There are some darlings that a wise editor should have cut. "Fidelma cajoled contritely" was a humorous favorite. I recall doing a writing exercise in 8th grade on dialogue that urged us against overuse of adverbs...perhaps I pay too much attention to them because of it, or these books need a dose of this medicine.
I think I will continue with this series, giving up hope on the mystery part and instead relishing the religious history, and the commonalities I share with Fidelma, being a woman in a man's world, fourteen centuries later.
These books have got to be getting better, because new installments are still being published after 20 years. There are some darlings that a wise editor should have cut. "Fidelma cajoled contritely" was a humorous favorite. I recall doing a writing exercise in 8th grade on dialogue that urged us against overuse of adverbs...perhaps I pay too much attention to them because of it, or these books need a dose of this medicine.
I think I will continue with this series, giving up hope on the mystery part and instead relishing the religious history, and the commonalities I share with Fidelma, being a woman in a man's world, fourteen centuries later.
May 4, 2021
This is the 3rd Sister Fidelma book I have tried to read. I barely finished this one. I find Sr. Fidelma's snobbery to be quite grating. This one is set in Rome and she's quite full of herself and her personal knowledge about how things really should be (i.e. not so religious) and how "real" religious people should act. All the books I have tried feel very anacronistic and forced. A protestant mindset in the middle ages. Is there some way to show how religious people or male leaders are hypocrites or misogynistic? Then the author will find a way to stick it into one of his books.
February 15, 2023
"Shroud for the Archbishop" by Peter Tremayne is a captivating historical mystery set in 7th century Ireland. With richly drawn characters and a vividly detailed setting, Tremayne skillfully transports readers to a time of political intrigue and religious upheaval. The intricate plot, combined with the author's deep knowledge of the era, makes for a thoroughly engrossing read. A must-read for fans of historical fiction and mystery genres.
December 15, 2015
En esta segunda entrega de la monja detective, Tremayne va perfilando más el carácter de los personajes que comenzó a dibujar en la primera novela.
Sor Fidelma va adquiriendo protagonismo en detrimento de Eadulf, quien se va convirtiendo progresivamente en un mero espectador/acompañante de la inteligente protagonista.
No se caracterizan estas novelas por el poder de deducción lógica sino porque van presentando los hechos con la cadencia suficiente como para que se vayan desentrañando los misterios por si solos, lo cuál hace que no pueda considerarse un thriller policíaco.
En cualquier caso son novelas cortas, entretenidas y de fácil lectura, que consiguen entretener y enganchar al lector.
Sor Fidelma va adquiriendo protagonismo en detrimento de Eadulf, quien se va convirtiendo progresivamente en un mero espectador/acompañante de la inteligente protagonista.
No se caracterizan estas novelas por el poder de deducción lógica sino porque van presentando los hechos con la cadencia suficiente como para que se vayan desentrañando los misterios por si solos, lo cuál hace que no pueda considerarse un thriller policíaco.
En cualquier caso son novelas cortas, entretenidas y de fácil lectura, que consiguen entretener y enganchar al lector.
January 31, 2019
Sister Fidelma is in Rome on a mission to Pope Vitalian, and is pleased to meet her old friend Eadulf. Eadulf is part of the entourage of Wighard, the next Archbishop of Canterbury, who is there to be appointed formally by the Pope. However, before long Wighard is murdered and the expensive gifts brought for the Pope have been stolen. An Irish priest is believed to be the culprit, but he has escaped. Wary of reigniting conflict between the Saxon, Roman and Irish Churches, Bishop Gelasius asks Fidelma and Eadulf to investigate the crime.
Interesting mystery with a strong plot and sympathetic characters. Fidelma's forthrightness and intelligence make her an appealing protagonist, and the relationship with Eadulf is quite charming, although he does not contribute as much to the investigation as in the previous book. The book is well-researched and there is a wealth of information about 7th century Rome, but this isn't always integrated well into the narrative and it can read a bit like a textbook or lecture.
3.5 stars, I like this series and its setting and will continue reading on.
Interesting mystery with a strong plot and sympathetic characters. Fidelma's forthrightness and intelligence make her an appealing protagonist, and the relationship with Eadulf is quite charming, although he does not contribute as much to the investigation as in the previous book. The book is well-researched and there is a wealth of information about 7th century Rome, but this isn't always integrated well into the narrative and it can read a bit like a textbook or lecture.
3.5 stars, I like this series and its setting and will continue reading on.
November 19, 2020
Не знаех какво да очаквам от книгата, затова и бях очарована, допадна ми и ми напомни по стил Агата Кристи и днешните криминални разследвания, само че пренесени през 664 г. в Рим. Сестра Филомена е силна героиня, ирландка и наследница на древните келти. В своята родина тя е адвокат, владее няколко езика и за Средновековието е една от малкото жени с такава власт. Умее да разплита загадки, има логичен ум, в същото време е справедлива, защитава се не само с думи, поставя хората на мястото им, владее теософските спорове и е красива. Заедно с абат Адолф тя ще трябва да разплете кой е убил архиепископа и е откраднал съкровището му. Ще излязат наяве много тайни, старателно укривани, а Фиделма ще очарова един римски тесерарий. Описан е Средновековен Рим, живота и бита на хората. Препоръчвам я на любителите на исторически криминални романи и на почитателите на Николай Пенчев и неговите Старобългарски загадки.
October 16, 2025
This is the second in a series and I should have read that one first, but I came across this one for free while traveling and thought it wouldn't hurt to give it a try. The historical stuff is really good and seems very accurate. The murder victim in the novel was a real person who went to Rome in 665 or so to be confirmed Archbishop of Canterbury, but he died before he was confirmed. There's not much known about him, and I think it's clever to use a historical character as your murder victim. It's a pretty good book. Some instances of word misuse, like "sewing" instead of "sowing" and "formerly" instead of "formally." I find that a bit distracting. It was fun to read it while traveling through France, Switzerland, Germany, and Luxembourg, and while visiting a lot of Catholic churches. Sounds like religious history at that time was pretty exciting!
October 31, 2017
A slow-moving and lecturey follow-up to the first book, with characters less dimensional. Fidelma is insufferable in her perfection here, Eadulf has become idiotic, and the only tolerable character is the young Furius Licinius. The first was so good I was startled at how slowly this moved, and how suspicious I was of the history from sheer boredom. Still a good mystery, if a bit too convoluted, and I'll keep going, but I hope Fidelma returns to her less smug self next time.
January 31, 2020
This was a fun an entertaining read, the second in a very long series of novels featuring the fictional nun of the 7th century, Sister Fidelma, the Miss Marple of her time.
Unlike the first, which was set in the wilds of England after the Romans had withdrawn, this one is set in decaying, but still awesome, Rome.
There are twists and turns a-many, quite sufficient to keep the reader guessing, but also an evocative portrayal of what that long-ago Rome would have looked -- and smelled! -- like, and that was a trip in itself.
The names of many of the principal characters are hard enough to pronounce while reading silently, since so many of them hail from Celtic and Anglo-Saxon backgrounds.
For mystery lovers and history buffs alike!
Unlike the first, which was set in the wilds of England after the Romans had withdrawn, this one is set in decaying, but still awesome, Rome.
There are twists and turns a-many, quite sufficient to keep the reader guessing, but also an evocative portrayal of what that long-ago Rome would have looked -- and smelled! -- like, and that was a trip in itself.
The names of many of the principal characters are hard enough to pronounce while reading silently, since so many of them hail from Celtic and Anglo-Saxon backgrounds.
For mystery lovers and history buffs alike!
August 17, 2021
This was so good! I learned a lot about the early years (30 years after Muhammad's death) of the clash between Islam and Christianity and some of the reasons why. Very interesting.
I also learned some more about some of the debates going on in the 7th century Church including holidays, relics, celibacy, and other issues.
I really love the character Sister Fidelma!
I enjoyed reading and discussing this with my friend.
I also learned some more about some of the debates going on in the 7th century Church including holidays, relics, celibacy, and other issues.
I really love the character Sister Fidelma!
I enjoyed reading and discussing this with my friend.
April 4, 2019
Smug. Annoyed. Outraged. Sneering. Irritable. Enraged. I understand that these are murder mysteries but does anyone have any joy in their life?
I do appreciate the history, but give us some cheer once in awhile.
Will try one more. And if it’s the same completely gloomy and negative people, that’s it. Fidelma, I’m talking to you
I do appreciate the history, but give us some cheer once in awhile.
Will try one more. And if it’s the same completely gloomy and negative people, that’s it. Fidelma, I’m talking to you
January 1, 2022
I love that this rich series set in 666AD Ireland gives a glimpse of Roman life in this book. I find the amount of research of Irish ancient laws, a young church and conflicts that arise absolutely fascinating. An excellent Narrator—20+ books may not be enough!
November 8, 2017
A bit too descriptive, but I found the mystery interesting. Will likely read another in the series
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October 2, 2024Abandoned with prejudice on page 36.
This book uses chloroform for ink. Gads is it boring.
This book uses chloroform for ink. Gads is it boring.
June 15, 2017
While the history in the book is really interesting, the story just seemed to go on and on and on... <><
March 10, 2018
Solid mystery, which benefits from the attention it pays to historical detail. There are perhaps one too many twists in the plot towards the end, and the conclusion bears a strong resemblance to that of the first book in the series.
September 27, 2014
I keep looking at glowing reviews for this book and thinking, "Man, I wish I were you."
This is a book set in the far reaches of history, in a land of beautiful scenery and rampant history going on everywhere. We have a fiery Irish sister who not only solves crimes, but does so with the highest authority. The lady can speak on a level with kings. Lots of people lie, almost as many die. Everything is crammed into about the space of three or four days.
So why was I so consistently bored?
It has to be a problem of presentation. The tone is very dry, and I felt no difference between reading this and skimming a heavy textbook. Although characters do emote, the style is almost strictly 100% TELL. A lot of reviews bring up Show-Don't-Tell, but they usually don't explain what they mean. Telling, even when an emotion is involved, renders the information flat. "Fidelma was astonished." Knowing how she felt is not the same as seeing how she felt. Showing the same would look more like this: "Fidelma staggered back a step, one hand half-raised to her heart."
That almost never happens. And I think the reason is easily ascertained by examining another problem with the book: treating readers like idiots. Granted, the author knows more than probably anyone else who will ever read this book. But he doesn't encourage, facilitate, or even allow inference. The worst culprit is this gem:
I didn't know what a screpall was before Fidelma used the word. But her usage of it made it pretty clear that it meant MONEY. Not only was no further information necessary, the manner in which it was given is ridiculous. That kind of thing runs rampant throughout. This kind of information should be a seamless part of the story, not jarring insertions of research notes.
The murder mystery itself may be a decent, forensics mystery, but having the correct formula with some good twists isn't enough. The world is too starkly presented and the characters somehow manage to have absolutely no voice. At all. I didn't think you could even do that.
I want so much to like these books, and all I get out of them is tired and bewildered. I remember someone once complaining to me of the weakness in the setting of the first book, but this one was really bad. All I remember are the cockroaches at that one boarding house and that the catacombs were massively disappointing.
This is a book set in the far reaches of history, in a land of beautiful scenery and rampant history going on everywhere. We have a fiery Irish sister who not only solves crimes, but does so with the highest authority. The lady can speak on a level with kings. Lots of people lie, almost as many die. Everything is crammed into about the space of three or four days.
So why was I so consistently bored?
It has to be a problem of presentation. The tone is very dry, and I felt no difference between reading this and skimming a heavy textbook. Although characters do emote, the style is almost strictly 100% TELL. A lot of reviews bring up Show-Don't-Tell, but they usually don't explain what they mean. Telling, even when an emotion is involved, renders the information flat. "Fidelma was astonished." Knowing how she felt is not the same as seeing how she felt. Showing the same would look more like this: "Fidelma staggered back a step, one hand half-raised to her heart."
That almost never happens. And I think the reason is easily ascertained by examining another problem with the book: treating readers like idiots. Granted, the author knows more than probably anyone else who will ever read this book. But he doesn't encourage, facilitate, or even allow inference. The worst culprit is this gem:
"...If a man dare kiss, or even touch a woman against her will, by law of the Fenechus he can be fined two hundred and forty silver screpall."
Eadulf knew that the screpall was one of the main Irish coins that were circulated.
I didn't know what a screpall was before Fidelma used the word. But her usage of it made it pretty clear that it meant MONEY. Not only was no further information necessary, the manner in which it was given is ridiculous. That kind of thing runs rampant throughout. This kind of information should be a seamless part of the story, not jarring insertions of research notes.
The murder mystery itself may be a decent, forensics mystery, but having the correct formula with some good twists isn't enough. The world is too starkly presented and the characters somehow manage to have absolutely no voice. At all. I didn't think you could even do that.
I want so much to like these books, and all I get out of them is tired and bewildered. I remember someone once complaining to me of the weakness in the setting of the first book, but this one was really bad. All I remember are the cockroaches at that one boarding house and that the catacombs were massively disappointing.
November 10, 2014
Earlier this fall, I discovered Cora Harrison's Burren Mysteries (about a woman judge in Medieval Ireland who solves mysteries and falls in love with the king, etc). I finished these and encouraged Goodreads-style reader's advisory from the public librarian types. The problem* with reader's advisory is that you often have to trust the reviews and "advise" readers toward books you've never read. I would imagine this generally works out fine.
This time it did NOT work out fine**. The Sister Fidelma mysteries seem like a good choice, since they are also about a nun in ancient/medieval Ireland who solves mysteries and falls in love with one of her fellow monks (apparently that was cool back then). They seem like such a good choice that I gave the first book Absolution by Murder the benefit of the doubt despite (HERE ARE THE SPOLIERS) the eeeeevil lustful Lesbian killer. I mean, I suppose it was fairly well done, and how many books are there about women who solve mysteries in pre-colonial Ireland?!
Then I came to book two, slightly skeptical but ready for more fun. This time (MORE SPOILERS), I encountered the eeeeevil followers of "Mahomet." I get that Peter Tremayne is choosing groups who would have realistically been viewed as society's villains during the time he was writing about. However, there's gotta be a way to be true to history without making your readers cringe. At first, I gave him the benefit of the doubt and just figured the books a bit "outdated"...but seriously, these were written in the 1990s, not the 1890s.
I might, believe it or not, give this series one more try. On an airplane or something. With a later book. However: in addition to the above, these don't actually seem to take place in Ireland (Sister Fidelma being your ancient equivalent of a modern 20-something backpacker?), *and* the mystery kind of gets explained all of a sudden by Fidelma at the end. No additional points for either of those.
*Here I go dispensing opinions about RA despite never once having advised readers on leisure reading in my professional life. I advise panicky undergrads, mostly.
**Carrie, can I just be clear I am NOT giving you a hard time for the rec? I think this is somewhat hilarious.
This time it did NOT work out fine**. The Sister Fidelma mysteries seem like a good choice, since they are also about a nun in ancient/medieval Ireland who solves mysteries and falls in love with one of her fellow monks (apparently that was cool back then). They seem like such a good choice that I gave the first book Absolution by Murder the benefit of the doubt despite (HERE ARE THE SPOLIERS) the eeeeevil lustful Lesbian killer. I mean, I suppose it was fairly well done, and how many books are there about women who solve mysteries in pre-colonial Ireland?!
Then I came to book two, slightly skeptical but ready for more fun. This time (MORE SPOILERS), I encountered the eeeeevil followers of "Mahomet." I get that Peter Tremayne is choosing groups who would have realistically been viewed as society's villains during the time he was writing about. However, there's gotta be a way to be true to history without making your readers cringe. At first, I gave him the benefit of the doubt and just figured the books a bit "outdated"...but seriously, these were written in the 1990s, not the 1890s.
I might, believe it or not, give this series one more try. On an airplane or something. With a later book. However: in addition to the above, these don't actually seem to take place in Ireland (Sister Fidelma being your ancient equivalent of a modern 20-something backpacker?), *and* the mystery kind of gets explained all of a sudden by Fidelma at the end. No additional points for either of those.
*Here I go dispensing opinions about RA despite never once having advised readers on leisure reading in my professional life. I advise panicky undergrads, mostly.
**Carrie, can I just be clear I am NOT giving you a hard time for the rec? I think this is somewhat hilarious.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 9, 2014
This is the second book in this sister Fidelma series, set in AD 664, in Rome where the sister has been sent on a mission to get an item from Killdare, Ireland blessed. A group of Saxon's are there, including her friend Brother Eadulf, as one of their own, Wighard, is to become Archbishop of Canterbury. However, Wighard is found murdered in his room, and an Irish monk is accused, and the bishop in charge, has heard of how the sister and her friend have solved the crisis in Northumbria and ask them to put their stamp of approval on the culprit that has been arrested. Sister Fildelma agrees to investigate the matter to "find the truth", she does not feel they have enough evidence, and the items stolen at the time of the murder have not been found. Again her and Eaduff are lead on a dangerous path that leads them from the catacombs to the Arabian slum area of the city. In working with Eaduff again, she is torn between their differences, and the unmistakable feeling of closeness she shares with him. This series is very well written, you are taken back in time, and all unfamiliar terms and places are explained, no dictionary needed.
October 20, 2019
The concept is great, but it's the only thing about this book that I enjoyed. Despite being written to have no flaws and always be right, Fidelma isn't very likable. Early in the book, she called her sidekick an idiot, which really put me off. Even though he's supposed to be the love interest, she never seems to like or respect him much. I agree with her beliefs much more than those of the people around her, but she can be rather disrespectful to them at times. It might not be so bothersome if the book wasn't somewhat outdated. It is difficult to give it a pass when we're supposed to like the main character for never giving the other characters one.
The mystery was okay. The author did a good job of scattering hints throughout the story. The ending was a little too much of a dump of information, espescially because they were going over everything they had discovered over the course of the book. The writing style generally was pedantic. It felt like the author thought we needed to have every single thing explained to us and couldn't use context to figure out the meaning of anything related to the setting.
The mystery was okay. The author did a good job of scattering hints throughout the story. The ending was a little too much of a dump of information, espescially because they were going over everything they had discovered over the course of the book. The writing style generally was pedantic. It felt like the author thought we needed to have every single thing explained to us and couldn't use context to figure out the meaning of anything related to the setting.
September 11, 2013
Better than the first book in the series, which is promising. Although, so far, these "mysteries of ancient Ireland" have been set in Whitby, England, and Rome, the protagonist seems to be heading back to Ireland for the third book. Tremayne is sometimes overly eager to show what an unconventional woman Sister Fidelma is, but perhaps her character, which shows great promise, will settle into itself with additional entries in the series. The plot is a good one and the setting and history are great.
March 27, 2015
Revisiting another favorite series. I love all the history, especially dealing with the conflict between the Irish Church and the Roman faction. Fidelma is a brilliant character, and through her we learn so much about life, culture, and religion in mid-seventh century Ireland. This book is set in Rome where many Irish and Saxon clerics have journeyed for the celebration of the new Archbishop of Canterbury. Of course, there is murder and mystery in the politics, and Fidelma and Brother Eadulf are put to work once again. Great story!
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