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Sister Fidelma #8
Act of Mercy
During a pilgrimage from Ireland to the Shrine of St. James in Spain, a pilgrim disappears overboard, leaving a blood-stained robe behind, and Fidelma of Cashel sets out to uncover the truth before the ship reaches the shrine and the killer can vanish forever. Reprint.
336 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1999
38 people are currently reading
596 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 76 reviews
January 29, 2019
In this novel, we learn more about Sister Fidelma’s background – particularly incidents that happened when she was eighteen that nearly de-railed her education and thus her future as a dálaigh of the courts.
We learn about the ancient game of immán which appears to be sort of like polo without horses, or perhaps more accurately (due to the shape and size of the ash sticks used), like hockey without ice. And we learn about the social environment of Sister Fidelma’s youth and how it affected her personally.
As mentioned in another review of a book in this series, Ireland in the 7th century and for centuries before and afterward was, as the author states, “a feminist paradise”. The laws, both religious and secular were completely equal for women and men alike. It was not until the Church in Rome began its reforms in the 4th century that this began to change, although the changes were several centuries in the making – or rather, the overtaking.
As the author also notes, during the centuries under Brehon law, women and men enjoyed a degree of equality that was unmatched by anything existing in the western world prior or since. These laws not only found suitable ways to punish the guilty (usually financial compensation paid by the guilty to the injured party), but the repercussions for false allegations were as severe if not more so.
That is one aspect of our legal system today that is definitely in need of reform, in my humble opinion. With no consequences for those who make false accusations, we end up with a lop-sided and inaccurate legal system where no-one really benefits except for the legal system itself, and those involved in being supported by it.
This 8th novel in the series takes place on board a ship as Sister Fidelma and several others make pilgrimage to Iberia (Santiago de Compostela) and the Holy Shrine of St. James. There is an interesting part in the Author’s Notes about St. James, the first apostle to become a martyr in the new faith (he was killed in Palestine in A.D. 42), and how his body made its way from there to the Iberian Peninsula.
During the voyage from Ireland to Iberia, they run into storms, pirates, and someone who is intent on murder. A ship’s Captain is the ruler of his floating domain and he ‘seconds’ Sister Fidelma to investigate a murder, and also many other suspicious incidents on board the ship. There is even an incident where they land at a small Island for provisions and a break from the rolling seas, and Sister Fidelma confronts the fact that Brehon law does not apply in other countries. International law is not something that even exists yet.
The plot, sub-plots, and characters in this novel are, as always in this series, fascinating. The writing is vivid and kept me tapping the pages to find out what was going to happen. With 90% of the book aboard a ship, I also learned much about ancient navigation and life at sea. I also felt immense respect for the author who kept the pace at a full-sail clip within the confines of the sea vessel and a limited amount of characters.
This book does end with a cliff-hanger because at the end, there is an urgent message for Sister Fidelma from her brother, the King of Cashel. Fortunately, I will be able to read about how it unfolds next month in the 9th book of this series.
We learn about the ancient game of immán which appears to be sort of like polo without horses, or perhaps more accurately (due to the shape and size of the ash sticks used), like hockey without ice. And we learn about the social environment of Sister Fidelma’s youth and how it affected her personally.
As mentioned in another review of a book in this series, Ireland in the 7th century and for centuries before and afterward was, as the author states, “a feminist paradise”. The laws, both religious and secular were completely equal for women and men alike. It was not until the Church in Rome began its reforms in the 4th century that this began to change, although the changes were several centuries in the making – or rather, the overtaking.
As the author also notes, during the centuries under Brehon law, women and men enjoyed a degree of equality that was unmatched by anything existing in the western world prior or since. These laws not only found suitable ways to punish the guilty (usually financial compensation paid by the guilty to the injured party), but the repercussions for false allegations were as severe if not more so.
That is one aspect of our legal system today that is definitely in need of reform, in my humble opinion. With no consequences for those who make false accusations, we end up with a lop-sided and inaccurate legal system where no-one really benefits except for the legal system itself, and those involved in being supported by it.
This 8th novel in the series takes place on board a ship as Sister Fidelma and several others make pilgrimage to Iberia (Santiago de Compostela) and the Holy Shrine of St. James. There is an interesting part in the Author’s Notes about St. James, the first apostle to become a martyr in the new faith (he was killed in Palestine in A.D. 42), and how his body made its way from there to the Iberian Peninsula.
During the voyage from Ireland to Iberia, they run into storms, pirates, and someone who is intent on murder. A ship’s Captain is the ruler of his floating domain and he ‘seconds’ Sister Fidelma to investigate a murder, and also many other suspicious incidents on board the ship. There is even an incident where they land at a small Island for provisions and a break from the rolling seas, and Sister Fidelma confronts the fact that Brehon law does not apply in other countries. International law is not something that even exists yet.
The plot, sub-plots, and characters in this novel are, as always in this series, fascinating. The writing is vivid and kept me tapping the pages to find out what was going to happen. With 90% of the book aboard a ship, I also learned much about ancient navigation and life at sea. I also felt immense respect for the author who kept the pace at a full-sail clip within the confines of the sea vessel and a limited amount of characters.
This book does end with a cliff-hanger because at the end, there is an urgent message for Sister Fidelma from her brother, the King of Cashel. Fortunately, I will be able to read about how it unfolds next month in the 9th book of this series.
January 27, 2022
Read this book in 2009, and its the 9th volume, chronologically, of the amazing "Sister Fidelma" series.
Its Autumn in the year is late AD 666, and Sister Fidelma sets out on a pilgrimage to reflect on her life of commitment towards her religious life as well as her relationship with the Saxon monk, Brother Eadulf.
Sister Fidelma embarks on a ship to go to their destination when one of the pilgrims is washed overboard.
Was it an accident or was it murder, because of the blood-stained robe that is found aboard, which is a question for Sister Fidelma to solve on this pilgrimage to the Holy Shrine.
During her investigations she's watch from all sides on board the ship, but not until thy almost reach the Holy Shrine that the truth is uncovered by Sister Fidelma.
What is to follow is an amazing Irish mystery, in which Sister Fidelma excels in her wit and determination to discover the truth and reveal the culprit in her own intelligent and remarkable fashion.
Highly recommended, for this is another terrific addition to this great series, and that's why I like to call this episode: "A Magnificent Act Of Mercy"!
Its Autumn in the year is late AD 666, and Sister Fidelma sets out on a pilgrimage to reflect on her life of commitment towards her religious life as well as her relationship with the Saxon monk, Brother Eadulf.
Sister Fidelma embarks on a ship to go to their destination when one of the pilgrims is washed overboard.
Was it an accident or was it murder, because of the blood-stained robe that is found aboard, which is a question for Sister Fidelma to solve on this pilgrimage to the Holy Shrine.
During her investigations she's watch from all sides on board the ship, but not until thy almost reach the Holy Shrine that the truth is uncovered by Sister Fidelma.
What is to follow is an amazing Irish mystery, in which Sister Fidelma excels in her wit and determination to discover the truth and reveal the culprit in her own intelligent and remarkable fashion.
Highly recommended, for this is another terrific addition to this great series, and that's why I like to call this episode: "A Magnificent Act Of Mercy"!
June 30, 2020
Ik was al een stuk verder in deze serie, maar dit boek was lange tijd niet beschikbaar in de bib en ik kreeg het pas eerder deze week te pakken.
Fidelma vertrekt op pelgrimstocht naar Santiago de Compostella om een balans op te maken van haar leven. Ze wil haar gevoelens voor de Saks Eadulf onderzoeken en is zelfs niet meer zeker dat ze een geestelijke wil blijven., ook al mochten die destijds nog trouwen.
Aan boord van het schip zijn ook een aantal andere pelgrims uit het koninkrijk Ulaidh. Tot haar verbazing is een van hen haar ongelukkig afgelopen jeugdliefde Cian. Hij raakte gewond als lijfwacht van de opperkoning en is nu monnik geworden. De eerste nacht aan boord staat er al een stevige storm en wordt er een non over boord geslagen. Dat wordt aangenomen toch. Maar de zuster in kwestie was zwaar zeeziek en weigerde eerder om aan dek te komen. De scheepsjongen vindt haar gescheurd habijt met een bloedvlek. Wat Fidelma dan nog niet weet, maar de lezer wel, is dat er voor het vertrek ook al een non werd vermoord. Ze staat voor een moeilijke opdracht. Dan zijn er nog de gevaren door Saksische piraten, zware zeestormen en verraderlijke kusten met riffen en rotsen.
Zoals gewoonlijk staat er ook nu weer een handige namenlijst en een kaartje van zuid-Ierland vooraan in het boek. Ook krijgen we een aantal verhalen en legenden te lezen, interpretaties van Bijbelteksten en heilige geschriften en de nodige informatie over zeilen in de 7de eeuw.
Ik wil ook een eervolle vermelding geven aan Luchtighern (Muizenmeester), een heroïsche kat. Miauw.
Fidelma vertrekt op pelgrimstocht naar Santiago de Compostella om een balans op te maken van haar leven. Ze wil haar gevoelens voor de Saks Eadulf onderzoeken en is zelfs niet meer zeker dat ze een geestelijke wil blijven., ook al mochten die destijds nog trouwen.
Aan boord van het schip zijn ook een aantal andere pelgrims uit het koninkrijk Ulaidh. Tot haar verbazing is een van hen haar ongelukkig afgelopen jeugdliefde Cian. Hij raakte gewond als lijfwacht van de opperkoning en is nu monnik geworden. De eerste nacht aan boord staat er al een stevige storm en wordt er een non over boord geslagen. Dat wordt aangenomen toch. Maar de zuster in kwestie was zwaar zeeziek en weigerde eerder om aan dek te komen. De scheepsjongen vindt haar gescheurd habijt met een bloedvlek. Wat Fidelma dan nog niet weet, maar de lezer wel, is dat er voor het vertrek ook al een non werd vermoord. Ze staat voor een moeilijke opdracht. Dan zijn er nog de gevaren door Saksische piraten, zware zeestormen en verraderlijke kusten met riffen en rotsen.
Zoals gewoonlijk staat er ook nu weer een handige namenlijst en een kaartje van zuid-Ierland vooraan in het boek. Ook krijgen we een aantal verhalen en legenden te lezen, interpretaties van Bijbelteksten en heilige geschriften en de nodige informatie over zeilen in de 7de eeuw.
Ik wil ook een eervolle vermelding geven aan Luchtighern (Muizenmeester), een heroïsche kat. Miauw.
August 25, 2013
Sister Fidelma’s 8th outing takes us into a world of jealousy, murder, revenge as well as ecclesiastical doubt in the staple of the murder mystery – the confined cast in a confined space. Unlike Christie, this is not a country house in the home counties but a 7th century pilgrimage from Ardmore to Santiago de Compostella, via navigational adventures in the Scilly Islands and Ushant. As well as the murder, there are pirates and treacherous seas; this has all the marks of a good adventure.
As with all of Tremayne’s novels there is a solid historical basis and a sound underpinning of the tensions and rivalries between the Roman and Celtic churches, and in this case the deep seated tensions over asceticism and celibacy that become the most high profile of the differences. More prosaically, Fidelma is without her foil, Brother Eadulf – part of her reason for joining the pilgrimage is to review her feelings for Eadulf and her contradictory feelings over obligations to the law and the faith. These are resolved through the investigation of the ship board murders, and the tensions in the band of pilgrims centred on lust and jealousy.
Unlike many procedurals, this series does not rely on the enigmatic powers of the investigator as it does dogged pursuit – Tremayne’s Brehon nun is more empiricist than enigmatic, with a powerful liberal modern outlook that is, paradoxically, entirely consistent with ancient Irish law. It is refreshing to see the accumulation of evidence, with just a little sharp insight, as the key player in detective fiction.
True to his genre, Tremayne has given us an engaging, enjoyable murder mystery. Thoroughly good fun.
As with all of Tremayne’s novels there is a solid historical basis and a sound underpinning of the tensions and rivalries between the Roman and Celtic churches, and in this case the deep seated tensions over asceticism and celibacy that become the most high profile of the differences. More prosaically, Fidelma is without her foil, Brother Eadulf – part of her reason for joining the pilgrimage is to review her feelings for Eadulf and her contradictory feelings over obligations to the law and the faith. These are resolved through the investigation of the ship board murders, and the tensions in the band of pilgrims centred on lust and jealousy.
Unlike many procedurals, this series does not rely on the enigmatic powers of the investigator as it does dogged pursuit – Tremayne’s Brehon nun is more empiricist than enigmatic, with a powerful liberal modern outlook that is, paradoxically, entirely consistent with ancient Irish law. It is refreshing to see the accumulation of evidence, with just a little sharp insight, as the key player in detective fiction.
True to his genre, Tremayne has given us an engaging, enjoyable murder mystery. Thoroughly good fun.
August 16, 2013
I love Sister Fidelma novels but I really missed Brother Eadulf in this story. While Sister Fidelma is on a pilgrimage and trying to sort out her life; does she want remain a religieux or just a dalaigh, does she have deeper feeling for Brother Eadulf or is it platonic, when she runs in to her long-ago lover who spurned her. With multiple murders and very suspicious fellow pilgrims she sifts through the clues and (as always) solves the murder mystery. The story was good and takes place mostly aboard a ship taking her and her fellow travelers to a famous shrine in Iberia. As usual, I can never figure out “who dun it” and love how it makes such logical sense when the reveal happens. I am hoping that Brother Eadulf is back with the next installment.
May 20, 2020
Fidelma of Cashel balanced against the taffrail of the ship, watching the coastline bobbing away behind it with surprising speed.
How to balance the places of Eadulf, the law, and religion in her life -- that's Fidelma's dilemma and her reason for setting off on this pilgrimage. To her surprise, she also ends up resolving her actions of ten years earlier. She doesn't, however, give much thought to Eadulf, but of course, this book covers only the voyage; maybe now, that she's landed, she'll be able to focus on her feelings.
I enjoyed the attention to the weather, which would play a major role on a week-long ocean voyage.
p 33 Although Fidelma, like most women of her class, kept her fingernails carefully cut and rounded, for it was considered shameful to have ragged nails, she did not go so far as those who put crimson dye on them. Nor did she use, as some did, the juice of black or blue berries to darken her eyebrows or paint her eyelids. Nor did she heighten the natural colors of her cheeks by using dye extracted from the sprigs and berries of the elder tree to make an artificial blush. She was careful about her personal toiletry without disguising her natural features.
- This bit of domestic history answers questions I hadn't yet asked.
How to balance the places of Eadulf, the law, and religion in her life -- that's Fidelma's dilemma and her reason for setting off on this pilgrimage. To her surprise, she also ends up resolving her actions of ten years earlier. She doesn't, however, give much thought to Eadulf, but of course, this book covers only the voyage; maybe now, that she's landed, she'll be able to focus on her feelings.
I enjoyed the attention to the weather, which would play a major role on a week-long ocean voyage.
p 33 Although Fidelma, like most women of her class, kept her fingernails carefully cut and rounded, for it was considered shameful to have ragged nails, she did not go so far as those who put crimson dye on them. Nor did she use, as some did, the juice of black or blue berries to darken her eyebrows or paint her eyelids. Nor did she heighten the natural colors of her cheeks by using dye extracted from the sprigs and berries of the elder tree to make an artificial blush. She was careful about her personal toiletry without disguising her natural features.
- This bit of domestic history answers questions I hadn't yet asked.
September 28, 2021
This was an outstanding mystery. It takes place on a ship sailing from Ireland to Spain. I learned a lot about sailing in the mid-700's A.D.
Favorite Passage:
In speaking of the New Faith's intrusion into the law system, Fidelma says the following: "Because it is a teaching of vengeance and not an act of justice. Our laws call for justice, not revenge. Juvenal said that vengeance is merely a joy to narrow, sick and petty minds. Blood cannot be washed out by blood. We must seek compensation for the victims and rehabilitation of the wrong-doer. Unless we do so we may enter in to a continuing cycle of vengeance and blood will continually flow. Those who make their laws a curse shall surely suffer from those same laws."
Favorite Passage:
In speaking of the New Faith's intrusion into the law system, Fidelma says the following: "Because it is a teaching of vengeance and not an act of justice. Our laws call for justice, not revenge. Juvenal said that vengeance is merely a joy to narrow, sick and petty minds. Blood cannot be washed out by blood. We must seek compensation for the victims and rehabilitation of the wrong-doer. Unless we do so we may enter in to a continuing cycle of vengeance and blood will continually flow. Those who make their laws a curse shall surely suffer from those same laws."
December 14, 2021
The shipboard setting was interesting and added suspense to this complex murder case.
December 31, 2022
Every time I read a book from this series, I marvel at how much respect women had in the 7th century - far more than in today's "more civilized" society. I can't imagine how an all-male ship's crew in today's world would react if a woman - especially a "religious" woman - were to tell them what to do. I highly doubt it would be handled the way it was in this book.
I really like Sister Fidelma and the way she does *not flaunt her relationship to the king (he's her brother!). She's educated and fair, and thinks things through before making decisions. I missed some of the usual cast of characters in this book, but because of how this book ended, I know at least some of them will be back in the next book.
I liked the way the ship's captain and some of his crew were so willing to explain what they were doing and why to Fidelma, and I learned a lot about navigation and sailing while listening to this, which is an added bonus.
Due to the locked room nature of the murder, there weren't many suspects to consider, but the person who was ultimately revealed to be the killer was near the top of my list almost from the moment the character was introduced. The motive was a bit of a surprise, though it probably shouldn't have been.
I really like Sister Fidelma and the way she does *not flaunt her relationship to the king (he's her brother!). She's educated and fair, and thinks things through before making decisions. I missed some of the usual cast of characters in this book, but because of how this book ended, I know at least some of them will be back in the next book.
I liked the way the ship's captain and some of his crew were so willing to explain what they were doing and why to Fidelma, and I learned a lot about navigation and sailing while listening to this, which is an added bonus.
Due to the locked room nature of the murder, there weren't many suspects to consider, but the person who was ultimately revealed to be the killer was near the top of my list almost from the moment the character was introduced. The motive was a bit of a surprise, though it probably shouldn't have been.
October 30, 2014
I really liked this book. We get a chance to delve into Sister Fidelma's past and really see what makes her tick. I also liked the setting aboard ship. Different. I think this book gives the reader the most in depth look at Sister Fidelma's character thus far. I love her even more! My only complaint. I guessed the culprit and her reasons from the get go. But, as I said, the broadening window onto Fidelma's character overrode any other deficiencies.
Oh, I do have one other complaint, not just with this book, though it's most obvious here. Why do some mystery writers with recurring characters fudge the ages so blatantly? (Anne Perry is also guilty of this infraction). It's especially annoying in this series because we are given Sister Fidelma's birth year in the foreword (636). So, if it is now the autumn of 666, she would be 30 or approaching 30. A matter of simple mathematics. But the author continues to make statements that insinuate she is barely 28. Impossible! I finally changed the lines "ten years ago" (which were repeated multiple times in regards to her relationship with Cian) to "twelve years ago" in my head. Very annoying!
Oh, I do have one other complaint, not just with this book, though it's most obvious here. Why do some mystery writers with recurring characters fudge the ages so blatantly? (Anne Perry is also guilty of this infraction). It's especially annoying in this series because we are given Sister Fidelma's birth year in the foreword (636). So, if it is now the autumn of 666, she would be 30 or approaching 30. A matter of simple mathematics. But the author continues to make statements that insinuate she is barely 28. Impossible! I finally changed the lines "ten years ago" (which were repeated multiple times in regards to her relationship with Cian) to "twelve years ago" in my head. Very annoying!
April 17, 2016
One of the better ones of this series I've read for a while. I was close to quitting, tired of the on-again-off-again of Fidelma's feelings for Eadulf, especially given the crappy things she regularly says about him and the somewhat lame character the author had made him into in the last book or two. And i didn't really enjoy the character of Fidelma herself anymore. She was just so self satisfied and above everyone else. This book was a refreshing change. It was a nice view inside the character, showing her as much more well-rounded and finally tackling the mystery of her past and the damage her prior love affair had caused. It was a nice character study as well as a good mystery. Too bad the ending has her rushing back to save Eadulf. They could use more time apart, as could I. I despair they shall only go back to the way they were before, since Eadulf is of the Roman church and therefore believes in celibAcy. It seems to me any romance is permanently doomed between the two, especially if she just goes back to disparaging him and seeking herself superior.
November 26, 2018
Review: Act of Mercy has been the best of the Sister Fidelma Mystery Series. The twists & turns of the mystery kept me guessing until the very end. I fell in love with double masted tall ships much like The Barnacle Goose. Just a simple command & the ship moves with ease. The pilgrimage to the Shrine of St. James in Iberia. (Spain) is so familiar. I've had friends who have taken this very pilgrimage called The Way from France to the Shrine of St James. And lastly, the references to the early King of Tara (Ui Neill) and related to Fidelma sister to the High King of Cashel/Tara. My husband & sons carry the marker of Ui Neill on their male Y chromasone. I don't know when I've enjoyed a book so much as Act of Mercy. Murder, Mayhem, and Lunacy all wrapped up in one book. Bravo. My undivided attention went to solving the case with Sister Fidelma.
October 26, 2011
I'm reading my way through all of the books in the Sister Fidelma series. I love historical fiction because this is how history should be both learned and experienced by readers. Instead of dry facts and dates books like these help to show what life was like for those peoples of the past and how specific forces impacted their lives. We can never know exactly what they experienced but we are pulled into their world, their time.
Suggestion to potential readers...read these books in order beginning at book #1. Otherwise you will miss the subtle personality and emotional changes experienced by Sister Fidelma. No more hints...find out for yourself :)
Suggestion to potential readers...read these books in order beginning at book #1. Otherwise you will miss the subtle personality and emotional changes experienced by Sister Fidelma. No more hints...find out for yourself :)
January 25, 2016
Esta nueva entrega de las aventuras de Sor Fidelma se desarrolla en el interior de un navío en alta mar.
Sorprende Tremayne por el dominio de los conceptos y elementos de la navegación antigua, además de por el desarrollo de una trama, nada predecible, en un entorno tan reducido y poco dado a grandes sorpresas.
Los personajes de esta novela expresan unos perfiles muy definidos y bien incardinados en la trama que se desarrolla.
Lo cierto es que ha sido una grata sorpresa encontrarme con esta novela de thriller policíaco y aventuras.
Magnífica saga.
Sorprende Tremayne por el dominio de los conceptos y elementos de la navegación antigua, además de por el desarrollo de una trama, nada predecible, en un entorno tan reducido y poco dado a grandes sorpresas.
Los personajes de esta novela expresan unos perfiles muy definidos y bien incardinados en la trama que se desarrolla.
Lo cierto es que ha sido una grata sorpresa encontrarme con esta novela de thriller policíaco y aventuras.
Magnífica saga.
March 26, 2015
Sister Fidelma has undertaken a pilgrimage alone to contemplate her life with Eadulf and with the religious life. Aboard ship she meets her former lover Cian, an oft mentioned previous young love, it is not a pleasant reunion. When a sister goes overboard and a bloody robe is found in her cabin, Fidelma starts investigating. Lots of dirty secrets and harbored ill well are uncovered. Fidelma has to root out the evil that haunts the ship.
July 15, 2018
Sister Fidelma has gone on another pilgrimage and she has suffered storms of every kind and has had many attempts on her life and when she finally reached the end of her travels now with the cryptic letter from her brother, the King of Muman, will she be able to return home faster than she was able to travel to the last leg of her travel?
Will her companion be given Mercy?
Not going to answer.
You must read!
Will her companion be given Mercy?
Not going to answer.
You must read!
March 8, 2013
Ein historischer Kriminalroman um Schwester Fidelma, die Nonne und Anwältin bei Gericht. Dies ist das 8. Buch der Reihe und auch wieder genauestens recherchiert.
Meine Rezension dazu könnt ihr in meinem Blog lesen.
Meine Rezension dazu könnt ihr in meinem Blog lesen.
December 7, 2014
So all the books do have an ongoing background story but it is not necessary to read them in order and Tremayne always summarizes plot points established in earlier books but for the first time this one ended with a cliffhanger!!!!
Really?!?!? In book 8?
Now I am going to have to read them in order so I don't ruin the anticipation.
Really?!?!? In book 8?
Now I am going to have to read them in order so I don't ruin the anticipation.
May 17, 2015
An interesting story, again. It was nice to hear something of the life of Fidelma before she became a dalaigh to the Brehon Court of Ireland. We learn something about a love affair!!!
A bit like "Murder on the Orient Express" as all happens on a boat and all passengers could be the murder....
A bit like "Murder on the Orient Express" as all happens on a boat and all passengers could be the murder....
November 13, 2017
A departure from the other mysteries as Sister Fidelma is without the monk to help her solve the crime and she is undergoing a crisis of faith and trying to figure out her feelings for the monk.
http://nicolewbrown.blogspot.com/2015...
http://nicolewbrown.blogspot.com/2015...
January 23, 2019
On land or at sea, Fidelma is the most resourceful investigator. Great read!
January 13, 2020
I'm not a fan of boats or boating. This mystery that takes place on ship the entire novel was a bit tough to read at times. However, it's one of the rare instances that I figured out the murderer before the end of the book.
Fidelma is on a pilgrimage to sort out her feelings for her Saxon friend Eadulf. She is conflicted and they left things unsaid at the end of the last book. To make sense of her feelings for Eadulf and whether she wants to pursue a possible relationship she joins a group of pilgrims heading to Iberia to a shrine of St. John. She also encounters a man Cain that she was involved with just as she was entering adult hood. It did not end well and she carried unresolved thoughts towards Cain.
During this cruise several of the pilgrims meet an untimely death and it's up to Fidelma to figure out who the murderer is.
One of the characters compares their little group to the seven deadly sins. I found it apropos.
Fidelma is on a pilgrimage to sort out her feelings for her Saxon friend Eadulf. She is conflicted and they left things unsaid at the end of the last book. To make sense of her feelings for Eadulf and whether she wants to pursue a possible relationship she joins a group of pilgrims heading to Iberia to a shrine of St. John. She also encounters a man Cain that she was involved with just as she was entering adult hood. It did not end well and she carried unresolved thoughts towards Cain.
During this cruise several of the pilgrims meet an untimely death and it's up to Fidelma to figure out who the murderer is.
One of the characters compares their little group to the seven deadly sins. I found it apropos.
September 8, 2024
Een zeer duidelijke kaft dit het verhaal weer geeft.
De juiste titel.
Een verhaal op een zeilschip in 666.
De schrijver geeft in de inleiding een kort geschiedkundige info.
Tijdens het verhaal soms ook hier en daar maar dat is niet storend.
Op schip zijn 10 pelgrims, 4 mannen en zes vrouwen.
Zuster Fidelma, gediplomeerde functionaris van het Ierse rechtssysteem, is ook aan boord.
Vrij kort na het vertrek, gebeurd er een vreemde zaak.
Storm er zou iemand overboord gegaan zijn.
Het gekke is dat deze persoon iets later vermoord gevonden zal worden in de kajuit.
Voor zuster Fidelma een raadsel.
Tijdens de reis krijgt men ook nog te maken met een storm en piraten.
Dus een afwisseling van thriller en verhaal.
Spannend en boeiend.
Historisch zeer goed gedocumenteerd vlot geschreven misdaadverhaal.
De juiste titel.
Een verhaal op een zeilschip in 666.
De schrijver geeft in de inleiding een kort geschiedkundige info.
Tijdens het verhaal soms ook hier en daar maar dat is niet storend.
Op schip zijn 10 pelgrims, 4 mannen en zes vrouwen.
Zuster Fidelma, gediplomeerde functionaris van het Ierse rechtssysteem, is ook aan boord.
Vrij kort na het vertrek, gebeurd er een vreemde zaak.
Storm er zou iemand overboord gegaan zijn.
Het gekke is dat deze persoon iets later vermoord gevonden zal worden in de kajuit.
Voor zuster Fidelma een raadsel.
Tijdens de reis krijgt men ook nog te maken met een storm en piraten.
Dus een afwisseling van thriller en verhaal.
Spannend en boeiend.
Historisch zeer goed gedocumenteerd vlot geschreven misdaadverhaal.
July 27, 2024
This book was a pleasant surprise.
I only occasionally read mysteries and I'm not always a fan of historical fiction. Being a History major I sometimes get irritated by historical fiction. I know I shouldn't but sometimes... Also I'm of Irish decent so I was worried I might get embarassed by characterization and such. But I need not have worried. PT did a good job of making the characters human, and not steriotypes which was a relief.
That said it was a fun little mystery taking place in a part of the world little talked about even in history books. From an acedemic viewpoint I had no complaints about the historical background or the civil politics of old Eire and it was nice to see some light focused on women outside the Roman and Greek world. There wasn't much said about the squabbles between the Celtic and Roman church at that time but maybe that comes up in other books. All in all not bad. No pretentious complaints from my side here.
This is the first and only book I have read in the Sister Fidelma series and if I see another kicking about I would certainly read it, just for fun.
Recommended for history and mystery lovers.
I only occasionally read mysteries and I'm not always a fan of historical fiction. Being a History major I sometimes get irritated by historical fiction. I know I shouldn't but sometimes... Also I'm of Irish decent so I was worried I might get embarassed by characterization and such. But I need not have worried. PT did a good job of making the characters human, and not steriotypes which was a relief.
That said it was a fun little mystery taking place in a part of the world little talked about even in history books. From an acedemic viewpoint I had no complaints about the historical background or the civil politics of old Eire and it was nice to see some light focused on women outside the Roman and Greek world. There wasn't much said about the squabbles between the Celtic and Roman church at that time but maybe that comes up in other books. All in all not bad. No pretentious complaints from my side here.
This is the first and only book I have read in the Sister Fidelma series and if I see another kicking about I would certainly read it, just for fun.
Recommended for history and mystery lovers.
January 25, 2021
Another intriguing mystery from the Sister Fidelma series. I am binge reading the series - there's a mere 30 in total. As each book enlarges upon the last, the reader learns more of this enigmatic woman of strength and determination. In this particular tale, we learn a bit of Sister Fidelma's past illuminating choices that could have derailed her scholarly pursuits.
Tremayne does not disappoint in his myriad of characters and tangled storylines that Sister Fidelma invariably untangles with precision.
Between the frequent Latin quotes and the celtic language, I am learning a lot!
Tremayne does not disappoint in his myriad of characters and tangled storylines that Sister Fidelma invariably untangles with precision.
Between the frequent Latin quotes and the celtic language, I am learning a lot!
June 2, 2021
Sister Fidelma is back! This time she is on a sea journey with a group of religious pilgrims, including Cian, a man from her past. The planned peaceful journey quickly turns deadly thanks to storm-tossed seas and a murderer in their midst. Fidelma gets to work solving the crime only to find she is also an intended victim! This was an enjoyable mystery that gives the reader a glimpse into the younger Fidelma's life and a glance into her future. Tremayne fans (like me!) will enjoy this tale of ancient Ireland immensely.
April 17, 2025
Sister Fidelma embarks on a pilgrimage, in the late autumn of A.D. 666, to contemplate her commitment to Ireland’s Celtic Church and her relationship to the Saxon monk Eadulf. On board a ship bound for the Shrine of St. James in Iberia, she encounters an Ian, her fist love, who deserted her ten years ago. His sudden presence reminds her of a past she’d rather forget.
A fellow traveler disappears, apparently washed overboard by rough weather. With the appearance of a bloodstained robe, leads Fidelma with seeing Cian again, to wonder whether a murderer has accompanied her on the voyage.
A fellow traveler disappears, apparently washed overboard by rough weather. With the appearance of a bloodstained robe, leads Fidelma with seeing Cian again, to wonder whether a murderer has accompanied her on the voyage.
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September 25, 2018Sister Fidelma sets sail for Spain on a pilgrimage. She is stunned to find that her former lover Cian is also a passenger on the ship. As in all Sister Fidelma mysteries, there is a murder to solve. I found this book to be a bit boring. There were too many religious platitudes, which slowed the momentum. I also missed the presence of Brother Eadulf, Sister Fidelma’s friend. However, unlike other Sister Fidelma mysteries, it ends on quite a cliffhanger!
January 19, 2021
This was my first Sister Fidelma novel. I'm not sure if I chose badly or this is representative of the series. I guess I'm used to Cadfael but I really couldn't warm to Sister Fidelma at all. Every conversation she had seemed to be a barrage of questions and there was little in the way of respite. Maybe that was because it was set in the confines of a ship. Not sure if I'll try another this has put me off a bit.
May 31, 2022
I have found Peter Tremayne’s Sister Fidelma mysteries wonderful in the past, learning about the feminist culture and education in Ireland in mid-seventh century Ireland. Not only was it a center of great learning, but women studied and could become, like Fidelma, advocates at the ancient courts of law. But this was the least interesting of all I’ve read in the series, taking place mostly onboard a ship, and with less of the fascinating Celtic history as some of the others.
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