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Sister Fidelma #32
The House of Death
Sister Fidelma returns in the thirty-second Celtic mystery by Peter Tremayne.
Ireland. AD 672. The Feast of Beltaine is approaching and the seven senior princes of the kingdom of Muman are gathering at Cashel to discuss King Colgu's policies. Just days before the council meets, Brother Conchobhar, the keeper of the sacred sword, is found murdered.
Sister Fidelma and her brother Colgú fear that the killer had been trying to steal the sword that symbolises the King's authority to rule. And as rumours begin to spread of an attempt to overthrow Colgú, news reaches Cashel that a plague ship has landed at a nearby port, bringing the deadly pestilence to its shores. Amid fear and panic, Fidelma, Eadulf and Enda must work together to catch a killer as the death toll starts to mount . . .
Ireland. AD 672. The Feast of Beltaine is approaching and the seven senior princes of the kingdom of Muman are gathering at Cashel to discuss King Colgu's policies. Just days before the council meets, Brother Conchobhar, the keeper of the sacred sword, is found murdered.
Sister Fidelma and her brother Colgú fear that the killer had been trying to steal the sword that symbolises the King's authority to rule. And as rumours begin to spread of an attempt to overthrow Colgú, news reaches Cashel that a plague ship has landed at a nearby port, bringing the deadly pestilence to its shores. Amid fear and panic, Fidelma, Eadulf and Enda must work together to catch a killer as the death toll starts to mount . . .
352 pages, Hardcover
Published September 7, 2021
32 people are currently reading
154 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 45 reviews
January 4, 2022
This intriguing Irish mystery is the 32nd volume of the amazing "Sister Fidelma" series.
At the beginning of the book you'll find a Celtic phrase, a Principal Characters list, and not to forget a very well-drawn map of Fidelma's world of 7th Century Muman (Munster), Ireland, also there's an Author's Note in which you can read important historical details concerning this great Irish mystery.
Storytelling is of a superb quality, all characters come vividly to life, the atmosphere and surroundings of Muman are wonderfully described by the author, and last but not least old Celtic names will play a very significant role within this astounding historical mystery.
The story is set in the year AD672, just before the time of Beltaine, the time of year where light takes over from darkness, and the days will get longer and nights shorter.
It all starts off with the murder of old Brother Conchobhar, apothecary and Keeper of the Sacred Sword and other relics, and all these sacred relics are now missing, just before the time of Beltaine when the seven princes of the Eóganacht come together to discuss the rule of King Colgú of Muman, brother of Fidelma, and finally decide if he's still capable to remain King for the coming year.
What is to follow is an intriguing and thrilling mystery, in which Fidelma, her Companion, Eadulf, and the Commander of the household guard, Enda, will need their wits and determination to penetrate the willpower and cunning of enemies of the Old Faith who want to create chaos and death, and these deadly conspirators who've collected support from several Princes have the upper-hand at first, but Fidelma, with the assistance from Eadulf and Enda, is finally able to entangle this web of treason and death, and reveal in a masterly fashion the master culprit and his accomplices behind all these upheaval and murders.
Highly recommended, for this is another top-class Sister Fidelma mystery to this awesome series, and that's why I want to call this wonderful episode: "A Glorious House Of Death Mystery"!
At the beginning of the book you'll find a Celtic phrase, a Principal Characters list, and not to forget a very well-drawn map of Fidelma's world of 7th Century Muman (Munster), Ireland, also there's an Author's Note in which you can read important historical details concerning this great Irish mystery.
Storytelling is of a superb quality, all characters come vividly to life, the atmosphere and surroundings of Muman are wonderfully described by the author, and last but not least old Celtic names will play a very significant role within this astounding historical mystery.
The story is set in the year AD672, just before the time of Beltaine, the time of year where light takes over from darkness, and the days will get longer and nights shorter.
It all starts off with the murder of old Brother Conchobhar, apothecary and Keeper of the Sacred Sword and other relics, and all these sacred relics are now missing, just before the time of Beltaine when the seven princes of the Eóganacht come together to discuss the rule of King Colgú of Muman, brother of Fidelma, and finally decide if he's still capable to remain King for the coming year.
What is to follow is an intriguing and thrilling mystery, in which Fidelma, her Companion, Eadulf, and the Commander of the household guard, Enda, will need their wits and determination to penetrate the willpower and cunning of enemies of the Old Faith who want to create chaos and death, and these deadly conspirators who've collected support from several Princes have the upper-hand at first, but Fidelma, with the assistance from Eadulf and Enda, is finally able to entangle this web of treason and death, and reveal in a masterly fashion the master culprit and his accomplices behind all these upheaval and murders.
Highly recommended, for this is another top-class Sister Fidelma mystery to this awesome series, and that's why I want to call this wonderful episode: "A Glorious House Of Death Mystery"!
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September 21, 2021I cannot fairly rate this book yet as I abandoned it for now. It was just so very wooden. I have read all the books in this series and really appreciated the background they gave me as I visited the sites in Ireland. So...I will have to revisit later and see if it was a mood I was in that failed me in reaching the joy I normally feel reading Fidelma.
August 15, 2023
Maybe it’s not a good idea to jump into a series of books with the 32nd book. But in the end it was just a murder mystery with fancy names and postulating princes!
October 6, 2023
I have read all Fidelma's mysteries because I love the setting and I used to love the main character. Unfortunately, little remains of the series' initial strengths. Fidelma's and Eadulf's relationship has lost any depth and dynamics. Fidelma's brother, King Colgu sits in his chamber with a frown or worried expression, the mystery is awkward and poorly executed, the dialogues stiff and full of unnecessary, shoehorned explanations about Irish laws and customs. I am probably masochist continuing to read these books.
September 21, 2021
House of Death
This was an excellent entry into the Sister Fidelma series. Multiple twists and turns throughout the story keep you guessing until the end.
This was an excellent entry into the Sister Fidelma series. Multiple twists and turns throughout the story keep you guessing until the end.
October 18, 2021
Warning: May contain spoilers.
This is a very poorly edited book. It contains garbled sentences and misspellings. For these, I blame the editor. For the rest, I blame Tremayne
Dialogue in the Fidelma series is often stiff, even formal, loaded with legal and theological terms and discussions. I expect that, as I expect the Gaelic words with explanations. Dialogue in The House of Death is uneven. There are too many awkward sentences and too many sentences which one must read two or three times to understand what Tremayne was trying to say. The book lacks the smooth flow of Tremayne’s usual prose style. It reads as if he rushed through it.
A conspiracy to overturn Colgu's kingship should make a good story line, but the conspiracy as developed isn't very interesting because it's not really the main focus of the investigation or the plot. Murders have been committed in an effort to conceal the conspiracy. Investigating these take up most of the story, but the connection between the deaths and the conspiracy is tenuous at best. It just doesn't work, in part because the motives of the murderer seem far-fetched: when we learn that the murderer is mad, the motives seem even more specious. The resolution of the mysteries, therefore, is very weak and not satisfying.
Fidelma is not her usual insightful self nor are her interrogations up to their normal standards. She doesn't seem to be into this investigation with the same crispness we expect. As a rule, she's an engaging character, but in this book, the character is flat and generally uninteresting. The last thirty pages, as Fidelma begins to close in on the conspirators and murderer, are interesting and pretty close to the standard I’m accustomed to in the Fidelma series, but the plot getting us to those last thirty pages seems to wander all over the place, in part because of the way in which Tremayne allows his inclusion of a fear of the Yellow Plague to disturb the flow.
The way Tremayne includes the Yellow Plague is that the conspirators try to use fear as a diversion, and it diverts the reader as much as the residents of Muman. It's weakly introduced into the conspirator's efforts to overthrow Colgu by being justification for the Deisi prince to justify closing the borders while amassing troops to aid in the overthrow. The use of the plague is not well integrated into the story line of murders and conspirators. The debate of the princes in an assembly in Colgu's court sounds too modern to describe the reaction and fear response of people in the 7th century. It's very much like an add-on, and it just doesn't work.
The House of Death is not a good book. If you are a Fidelma fan, skip this one. If you’ve not read the Fidelma series before, start with any of the others.
This is a very poorly edited book. It contains garbled sentences and misspellings. For these, I blame the editor. For the rest, I blame Tremayne
Dialogue in the Fidelma series is often stiff, even formal, loaded with legal and theological terms and discussions. I expect that, as I expect the Gaelic words with explanations. Dialogue in The House of Death is uneven. There are too many awkward sentences and too many sentences which one must read two or three times to understand what Tremayne was trying to say. The book lacks the smooth flow of Tremayne’s usual prose style. It reads as if he rushed through it.
A conspiracy to overturn Colgu's kingship should make a good story line, but the conspiracy as developed isn't very interesting because it's not really the main focus of the investigation or the plot. Murders have been committed in an effort to conceal the conspiracy. Investigating these take up most of the story, but the connection between the deaths and the conspiracy is tenuous at best. It just doesn't work, in part because the motives of the murderer seem far-fetched: when we learn that the murderer is mad, the motives seem even more specious. The resolution of the mysteries, therefore, is very weak and not satisfying.
Fidelma is not her usual insightful self nor are her interrogations up to their normal standards. She doesn't seem to be into this investigation with the same crispness we expect. As a rule, she's an engaging character, but in this book, the character is flat and generally uninteresting. The last thirty pages, as Fidelma begins to close in on the conspirators and murderer, are interesting and pretty close to the standard I’m accustomed to in the Fidelma series, but the plot getting us to those last thirty pages seems to wander all over the place, in part because of the way in which Tremayne allows his inclusion of a fear of the Yellow Plague to disturb the flow.
The way Tremayne includes the Yellow Plague is that the conspirators try to use fear as a diversion, and it diverts the reader as much as the residents of Muman. It's weakly introduced into the conspirator's efforts to overthrow Colgu by being justification for the Deisi prince to justify closing the borders while amassing troops to aid in the overthrow. The use of the plague is not well integrated into the story line of murders and conspirators. The debate of the princes in an assembly in Colgu's court sounds too modern to describe the reaction and fear response of people in the 7th century. It's very much like an add-on, and it just doesn't work.
The House of Death is not a good book. If you are a Fidelma fan, skip this one. If you’ve not read the Fidelma series before, start with any of the others.
October 12, 2021
Excellent Sister Fildema mystery.
September 18, 2021
Sister Fidelma series
I have enjoyed this entire series and recommend it to all. They are all well written and I love the historical setting
I have enjoyed this entire series and recommend it to all. They are all well written and I love the historical setting
February 26, 2022
I have been faithfully reading the Sister Fidelma series since the beginning, That is quite an achievement because this latest book is #32 in the series. For those who don't know Fidelma, she is a woman from Ancient Ireland (1st Century). Her brother is the king of his region, and Fidelma herself is a trained "Daleigh" - an advocate or lawyer. She always gets involved in solving very complex cases, and most of them are usually the result of a threat to her brother or his kingdom. This one is no different. Colgu is finishing his seventh year as King of Muman, and his rule will be undergoing a review by the princes in his kingdom. The book begins with the death of Colgu and Fidelma's mentor, the apothecary called Brother Conchobar. Before the end of the book a number of other deaths occur, and there is much discontent in Cashel where the king and his sister reside. Fidelma must sort it all out and determine who killed her mentor before the council vote which is being held to assess the worthiness of King Colgu. As always Tremayne's historical knowledge is front and foremost in this book, but my complaint with this book is that the book was too complicated and convoluted. It's difficult enough to follow the plot with all the Ancient Irish names and words, but in this book it is especially difficult. The cast of characters is huge and the suspect pool is practically bursting at the seams. I enjoy these books and I love Fidelma, and have enjoyed all the books in this series. I will still continue to comb through the new ones that Tremayne writes, but do hope that they are a little less confusing. It's not a book that you can read and take in if you don't give it your full attention.
December 25, 2021
Ireland. AD 672. The Feast of Beltaine is approaching and the seven princes of Muman are gathering at Cashel to discuss King Colgu's policies before he is anointed for another term. Then Brother Conchobhar, the keeper of the sacred sword, is found murdered, and evidence shows that the killer had been trying to steal the sword that symbolises the King's authority to rule. Rumours begin to spread of an attempt to overthrow Colgú and news reaches Cashel that a plague ship has landed at a nearby port, bringing the deadly pestilence to its shores. Amid the fear and panic, Fidelma, Eadulf and Enda must work together to catch a killer as the death toll starts to mount.
Another solid entry in one of my favorite series.
Another solid entry in one of my favorite series.
January 10, 2024
3.5 stars
I realise that starting on book 32 of a series is a mistake but in my defence a friend raved about the series and I spotted this second hand so thought I’d give it a go.
Sadly despite it ticking boxes for me (murder mystery, Brehon Law, Ireland) I found it clunky. The plot and pacing was good but there was far too much exposition in dialogue and telling rather than showing and shoving in of historical research rather than letting the story shine. I’ve a high tolerance for such things and am a history fan (and know plenty about the period and location) but it ruined the book for me. Judging by other reviews this is not reflective of series as a whole but if you want something better try the Oxford mysteries by Ann Swinfen or anything by Peter Ellis.
Or maybe start on book one?
I realise that starting on book 32 of a series is a mistake but in my defence a friend raved about the series and I spotted this second hand so thought I’d give it a go.
Sadly despite it ticking boxes for me (murder mystery, Brehon Law, Ireland) I found it clunky. The plot and pacing was good but there was far too much exposition in dialogue and telling rather than showing and shoving in of historical research rather than letting the story shine. I’ve a high tolerance for such things and am a history fan (and know plenty about the period and location) but it ruined the book for me. Judging by other reviews this is not reflective of series as a whole but if you want something better try the Oxford mysteries by Ann Swinfen or anything by Peter Ellis.
Or maybe start on book one?
December 4, 2022
When Colgu's beloved apothecary is found murdered Fidelma has to investigate. It couldn't come at a worst time. As Betaine approaches the seven princes of the kingdom are gathered to approve of Colgu's policies. A messenger comes and goes leaving a warning the plague has returned. As Fdelma uncovers the facts it does not become clearer. Eadulf returns from the abbey and he and Enda are with Fidelma in the search. Gorman is asked to serve again and guards are posted to guard the sword that is a symbol of kingship. The House of Death is another Sister Fidelma by Peter Tremayne. Eventually a whole plot is revealed and what a plot it is.
September 9, 2023
oh boy....we are two books away from the current end of the series. It took quite a while to read 32 of the 34 books available in the Sister Fidelma series. It really isn't the end unless the author dies, which would be unfortunate. Or they willingly stop writing which would be tragic.
I am a big fan of ancient history, especially if you can write a murder mystery into the mix. Makes you appreciate that life is not a difficult as it was then. And how modern times makes you long for simpler times. This storly line was very complicated and once again Colgu was at risk of being desposed. Which at some point may happen. Hopefully not anytime soon.
I am a big fan of ancient history, especially if you can write a murder mystery into the mix. Makes you appreciate that life is not a difficult as it was then. And how modern times makes you long for simpler times. This storly line was very complicated and once again Colgu was at risk of being desposed. Which at some point may happen. Hopefully not anytime soon.
July 18, 2022
Not the best Fidelma read. Lots of deaths and a confused trail that included actions by Fidelma at the end that were illogical - from a usually logical author. The killing of the ultimate culprits happened in a manner that, by authors logic, could lead to war and harm to Colgu's reputation. ie, only witnessed by Fildelma, Eadulf and Enda - Colgu's people. I wonder if Tremayne had a co-writer on this one? Another I recently read was also poor in what are usually tight details. Losing my interest in following this series, which I have read since book 1.
October 19, 2024
I usually really enjoy the Fidelma books, but in this one, Fidelma seemed to be in a bit of a mood and it took the shine off the story. She was often impatient and sometimes petty, even with friends and family, and lacked the sense of humour that usually balances her (rightful) assertiveness. I guess she was under a lot of pressure and hopefully will get back to her usual self in the next book.
Still, an interesting story, with insight into the world of Eire at the time, the way kings were validated and challenged, and the way the Old and New Ways existed alongside each other.
Still, an interesting story, with insight into the world of Eire at the time, the way kings were validated and challenged, and the way the Old and New Ways existed alongside each other.
September 13, 2021
It’s always nice to read a book with which you have history. It’s like seeing old friends again. After sharing 31other mysteries with Fidelma, I can finally say, I recognize Tremayne’s pattern, but that didn’t detract much from the pleasure of reading yet another mystery. After all, I’m still not tired of eating turkey at Thanksgiving, and I’ve had turkey every year for many more years than 31. An enjoyable read. Not cataclysmically great, but very satisfying.
February 22, 2022
In “The House of Death,” Fidelma of Cashel works furiously to solve a murder connected to a scheme to undermine her brother Colgú’s authority as King of Muman in 7th-century Ireland. Like most plots in Peter Tremayne’s very long-running series, this one is complicated and full of characters, some hard to remember. The story grinds more than races to its conclusion, but the author’s attention to the details of medieval life offers pleasures of its own.
May 18, 2022
This new installment of the series is somewhat different, in its resolution, from what Tremayne has accustomed us to.
Normally, it is during the end of the novel when Fidelma unravels the mysteries that have surrounded the plot in a display of insight and intelligence.
In this case the resolution of the mystery is much simpler, flatter.
That is why perhaps I liked it a little less than other novels.
Normally, it is during the end of the novel when Fidelma unravels the mysteries that have surrounded the plot in a display of insight and intelligence.
In this case the resolution of the mystery is much simpler, flatter.
That is why perhaps I liked it a little less than other novels.
January 16, 2022
Fidelma figures out the mystery, but there were several incongruities that baffled me. Among other things, why would she not know of a smith who lived only a short ride away from the castle?
I think this is the first time Fidelma didn't do the big reveal in front of a large audience.
I enjoy this series so I'll keep reading them even though this one wasn't my favorite.
I think this is the first time Fidelma didn't do the big reveal in front of a large audience.
I enjoy this series so I'll keep reading them even though this one wasn't my favorite.
April 22, 2022
Wow- I can't believe my friend LeKeshua and I have read the entire Sister Fidelma series! I have so enjoyed reading and discussing these books with her over the last few months.
This one was a little stressful with talk of a plague and isolation.
I was wrong about whodunnit but that's okay-- it was a great trip back to Dark Ages Ireland.
This one was a little stressful with talk of a plague and isolation.
I was wrong about whodunnit but that's okay-- it was a great trip back to Dark Ages Ireland.
February 7, 2023
I am a long time fan of Fidelma. However I usually end up confused over the names of the characters outside of Cashel. I am still not quite sure who the murderer and conspirators were in terms of who I read about earlier in the book. Nonetheless I enjoy reading each new volume in the series and look forward to more.
January 31, 2024
Four murders in as many days...One of the victims has appeared in several books of the series in a supporting role. He is, was, very close to Fidelma... A new conspiracy to oust her brother, and in this particular case it seems than it comes from within Calgu's kingdom...Betrayal, the power of symbols and ancient gods, and goddesses...A new outbreak of the plague...
March 29, 2022
Another great Sister Fidelma story, I love it the way Peter Tremayne brings ancient Ireland to life with his wonderful characters and descriptions. As usual the plot was full of twists and turns and his background knowledge is always impressive.
July 18, 2022
3.5, if I’m being honest.
To read a Sister Fidelma book is to read stilted but intelligent writing, words you can’t pronounce, and cracking good mysteries. This one is no exception. Kept me guessing till the end.
To read a Sister Fidelma book is to read stilted but intelligent writing, words you can’t pronounce, and cracking good mysteries. This one is no exception. Kept me guessing till the end.
February 26, 2023
The house of death is Fidelma’s home – the king’s stronghold at Cashel. It turns out that there are caves under the great rock that have the reputation of being an entrance to the Otherworld. Fidelma is at her prickly best as the plot grows ever more convoluted.
November 27, 2025
A fascinating historical mystery with a lot of ancient Irish culture and politics. As always, I enjoy Fidelma's detecting process. This could have used a bit tighter editing. I felt like we were reminded of facts too often that had already been shared - the reason for 4 instead of 5 stars.
November 15, 2021
It’s not the best installment, in my opinion; but, I appreciate the longevity of this series and the author’s prowess in providing so many different plots and such long character arcs.
November 23, 2021
Amazing as usual!
March 18, 2022
A usual fidelma mystery where you have no idea what is going on but you keep going
March 31, 2022
One of the best Fidelma mysteries I've read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews