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Sister Fidelma #20
The Dove of Death
In A.D. 670, an Irish merchant ship is attacked by a pirate vessel off the southern coast of the Breton peninsula. Merchad, the ship's captain, and Bressal, a prince from the Irish kingdom of Muman, are killed in cold blood after they have surrendered. Among the other passengers who manage to escape the slaughter are Fidelma of Cashel and her faithful companion, Brother Eadulf.
Once safely ashore, Fidelma, sister to the King of Muman and an advocate of the Brehon law courts is determined to bring the killers to justice, not only because her training demands it but also because one of the victims was her cousin. The only clue to the killer's identity is the symbol of the dove on the attacking ship's sails, a clue that leads her on a dangerous quest to confront the man known as The Dove of Death.
Once safely ashore, Fidelma, sister to the King of Muman and an advocate of the Brehon law courts is determined to bring the killers to justice, not only because her training demands it but also because one of the victims was her cousin. The only clue to the killer's identity is the symbol of the dove on the attacking ship's sails, a clue that leads her on a dangerous quest to confront the man known as The Dove of Death.
369 pages, Hardcover
First published October 29, 2009
64 people are currently reading
512 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 71 reviews
January 30, 2022
Read this book in 2009, and its the 21st volume, chronologically, of the wonderful "Sister Fidelma" series.
Its the year AD 670, and after the Council at Autun, Sister Fidelma and her companion, Brother Eadulf, are returning home on an Irish merchant ship, when it is attacked off the Breton coast.
In this vicious attack Fidelma's cousin, a Prince of the Kingdom of Muman ( Munster), Murchad, after surrendering is murdered in cold blood, but narrowly escaping with their lives are Sister Fidelma and Brother Eadulf.
Once on the Breton coast Sister Fidelma will seek justice for the murder on her cousin and with the help of Brother Eadulf will start this investigation, determined to get the truth and bring justice to the killers.
What is to follow is a gripping Irish/Breton mystery, in which Sister Fidelma, with the faithful help from Brother Eadulf, and with all her energy she will set out to resolve this case, and after sifting the evidence, followed by a superbly executed plot, she will be able to find the killers and bring them to justice.
Highly recommended, for this is another terrific addition to this great series, and that's why I like to call this episode: "A Brilliant Dove Of Death"!
Its the year AD 670, and after the Council at Autun, Sister Fidelma and her companion, Brother Eadulf, are returning home on an Irish merchant ship, when it is attacked off the Breton coast.
In this vicious attack Fidelma's cousin, a Prince of the Kingdom of Muman ( Munster), Murchad, after surrendering is murdered in cold blood, but narrowly escaping with their lives are Sister Fidelma and Brother Eadulf.
Once on the Breton coast Sister Fidelma will seek justice for the murder on her cousin and with the help of Brother Eadulf will start this investigation, determined to get the truth and bring justice to the killers.
What is to follow is a gripping Irish/Breton mystery, in which Sister Fidelma, with the faithful help from Brother Eadulf, and with all her energy she will set out to resolve this case, and after sifting the evidence, followed by a superbly executed plot, she will be able to find the killers and bring them to justice.
Highly recommended, for this is another terrific addition to this great series, and that's why I like to call this episode: "A Brilliant Dove Of Death"!
March 4, 2017
Mysteries are not my favorite genre. But, I'll try anything for book club. Once I got past the first few pages which were filled with difficult names and history about which I was unfamiliar and uninterested, the action started. The story was engaging enough to keep me reading. I just had to gloss over many of the names and religious details. I liked Sister Fidelma--she was fun and intelligent. I'm not sure how my book club members selected this one out of the 27 novels in the series but I enjoyed the settings on the boats, islands, and mainland.
June 3, 2021
Wie gewohnt ist dieser Roman wieder gespickt mit sehr viel Wissen, historischen Tatsachen, dennoch viel Fantasie und enthält zudem jede Menge Wendungen und zum Schluss die gekonnte Auflösung des Falles, die selbst mich überrascht hat, wenn ich auch nicht vollkommen falsch mit meiner Vermutung lag.
Der Autor ist Historiker und eben auf dieses Gebiet spezialisiert, doch zu einem hervorragenden Schriftsteller gehört mehr als nur Wissen, und genau dieses bestimmte Knowhow hat Peter Tremayne. Nun schon so viele Male lässt er uns Teile seines großen Wissensschatzes erfahren, indem er eine Kriminalgeschichte darum webt, die nie einfach ist. Nur so dahingeworfene Bemerkungen inmitten eines Gesprächs erweisen sich plötzlich als überaus bedeutsam, während die Befragungen meist vollkommen im Sande verlaufen. Erst nach und nach ergibt sich ein Bild, meist geraten Schwester Fidelma und ihr Ehemann Eadulf selbst in größte Bedrängnis, und das erhöht natürlich das Spannungslevel.
Leider gibt es auch hier wieder längere Passagen, gerade am Anfang, die eher langatmig sind. Aber das kenne ich ja schon. Wir werden in die besondere Situation der Story eingestimmt, erfahren schon mal das Eine oder Andere, und letztendlich gehört auch dies zu einem großen runden Ganzen.
Mir persönlich hat Band 19 der Reihe also trotz der Längen sehr gut gefallen. Ich gebe 09/10 Punkte.
https://sunsys-blog.blogspot.com/2021...
Der Autor ist Historiker und eben auf dieses Gebiet spezialisiert, doch zu einem hervorragenden Schriftsteller gehört mehr als nur Wissen, und genau dieses bestimmte Knowhow hat Peter Tremayne. Nun schon so viele Male lässt er uns Teile seines großen Wissensschatzes erfahren, indem er eine Kriminalgeschichte darum webt, die nie einfach ist. Nur so dahingeworfene Bemerkungen inmitten eines Gesprächs erweisen sich plötzlich als überaus bedeutsam, während die Befragungen meist vollkommen im Sande verlaufen. Erst nach und nach ergibt sich ein Bild, meist geraten Schwester Fidelma und ihr Ehemann Eadulf selbst in größte Bedrängnis, und das erhöht natürlich das Spannungslevel.
Leider gibt es auch hier wieder längere Passagen, gerade am Anfang, die eher langatmig sind. Aber das kenne ich ja schon. Wir werden in die besondere Situation der Story eingestimmt, erfahren schon mal das Eine oder Andere, und letztendlich gehört auch dies zu einem großen runden Ganzen.
Mir persönlich hat Band 19 der Reihe also trotz der Längen sehr gut gefallen. Ich gebe 09/10 Punkte.
https://sunsys-blog.blogspot.com/2021...
February 2, 2022
Interesting adventures. My favorite character was the Greek Apothecary.
July 29, 2014
It had been awhile since I read a book in this series, and I quite enjoyed this one. Fidelma and Eadulf are on their way home from the Council (from the last book) when their ship is attacked by pirates. Fidelma's cousin, who is acting as envoy from her brother, the King of Muman, is brutally murdered along with the ship's captain, a long-time friend. Fidelma and Eadulf jump overboard in an attempt to escape and are rescued by a monk from a nearby abbey who is traveling from one small island to another.
Their rescue is fraught with mystery when murder and mayhem ensue, of course all tied in with the pirates who killed Fidelma's cousin. She has sworn to obtain justice for her cousin and country, so despite some language barriers, she and Eadulf quickly become embroiled in the investigation.
Their rescue is fraught with mystery when murder and mayhem ensue, of course all tied in with the pirates who killed Fidelma's cousin. She has sworn to obtain justice for her cousin and country, so despite some language barriers, she and Eadulf quickly become embroiled in the investigation.
September 30, 2017
This was a thoroughly enjoyable work of historical fiction. The mystery was engaging and intriguing throughout the story, while the history behind this novel was fascinating. The description of the various complex societies in existence of the time informed me of something of which I was previously totally unaware.
The educational aspect of this book was occasionally overdone. Dialogue was subverted to give historical background to the story which, while interesting, did lead to the conversation being somewhat stilted on occasion. In addition, it there were times when characters’ inner thoughts were explained ‘out loud’ to the reader, where subtler suggestion would have been better. However, it was still an entertaining and enlightening introduction to Sister Fidelma, and I am sure I will read more books in the series.
The educational aspect of this book was occasionally overdone. Dialogue was subverted to give historical background to the story which, while interesting, did lead to the conversation being somewhat stilted on occasion. In addition, it there were times when characters’ inner thoughts were explained ‘out loud’ to the reader, where subtler suggestion would have been better. However, it was still an entertaining and enlightening introduction to Sister Fidelma, and I am sure I will read more books in the series.
May 8, 2018
Sensacional nueva entrega de esta saga.
En esta ocasión Fidelma y Eadulf se enfrentan a un ataque pirata que les llevará a resolver un enrevesado misterio, en un contexto lleno de intriga y de acción.
Mantiene esta saga la frescura inicial (algo relamente sorprendente siendo esta la vigésima entrega), manteniendo unos personajes, una ambientación y unas histórias muy bien definidas e interesantes.
La única pega que le pongo es el desmesurado empeño que pone Tremayne en aclarar determinados aspectos de los personajes que, a estas alturas de la saga, son ya demasiado (excesiva y sobradamente) conocidos por todos y que, en caso de que no fuera así, tampoco aportan nada a la trama.
Aún así, gran novela de intriga y misterio.
En esta ocasión Fidelma y Eadulf se enfrentan a un ataque pirata que les llevará a resolver un enrevesado misterio, en un contexto lleno de intriga y de acción.
Mantiene esta saga la frescura inicial (algo relamente sorprendente siendo esta la vigésima entrega), manteniendo unos personajes, una ambientación y unas histórias muy bien definidas e interesantes.
La única pega que le pongo es el desmesurado empeño que pone Tremayne en aclarar determinados aspectos de los personajes que, a estas alturas de la saga, son ya demasiado (excesiva y sobradamente) conocidos por todos y que, en caso de que no fuera así, tampoco aportan nada a la trama.
Aún así, gran novela de intriga y misterio.
May 27, 2024
My first look at Peter Treymayne's work.
I enjoyed the book and the slow revealing of the perpetrators and their motivations.
The main character is a strong intelligent woman and in that time period that would have been unique and I really liked that.
The only thing I found wanting was some affection between the main character and her husband. That's just my opinion and desire. I realize that they are religious and perhaps public displays of affection was frowned upon at the time. However, the main character was so independent and somewhat rebellious - being affectionate would have added to her character.
Other than that, I was pleased that there wasn't any religion in a book about religious orders and I recommend.
I enjoyed the book and the slow revealing of the perpetrators and their motivations.
The main character is a strong intelligent woman and in that time period that would have been unique and I really liked that.
The only thing I found wanting was some affection between the main character and her husband. That's just my opinion and desire. I realize that they are religious and perhaps public displays of affection was frowned upon at the time. However, the main character was so independent and somewhat rebellious - being affectionate would have added to her character.
Other than that, I was pleased that there wasn't any religion in a book about religious orders and I recommend.
September 16, 2019
Another odd conjunction of intriguing scholarly background--set in 670, English Channel region, using the old spellings, Celtic culture bumping up the newly imported Benedictine establishment--with characters that are mostly two-dimensional. Sister Fidelma and her husband Eadulf, he a monk, she in an order, but also sister to the king of one of Ireland's sections and a top-class lawyer. It's OK to be married and in priestly orders in Ireland. Not so much off the coast of Brittany. Lots of murders, lots of thinking hard about who might be the perpetrator(s). For such a long series, I expected more.
February 9, 2025
When returning home, Fidelma and Eadulf board a ship along with Fidelma's cousins and diplomat. Then the ship is attacked by pirates and her cousin killed, she and Eadulf jump overboard and find themselves rescued by a monk and taken to an island.
Fidlema is duty-bound to find her cousin's killer, with few clues other than the ship's cat and odd comings and goings, she strings together a large collection of seemingly unrelated facts to not only discover the killer, but to uncover a conspiracy to seize power.
This is book 18 is Peter Tremayne's series of Sister Fidelma. The series still holds my attention, this story is well-told and enjoyable.
Fidlema is duty-bound to find her cousin's killer, with few clues other than the ship's cat and odd comings and goings, she strings together a large collection of seemingly unrelated facts to not only discover the killer, but to uncover a conspiracy to seize power.
This is book 18 is Peter Tremayne's series of Sister Fidelma. The series still holds my attention, this story is well-told and enjoyable.
November 22, 2018
This 7th century medieval mystery is one of the most exciting of the Sister Fidelma series with it's pirates and battles at sea, involving an intricate series of murders that are puzzled-out by Fidelma and Eadulf.
I am a huge fan of Peter Tremayne's series, and have read two dozen of them, with the next books waiting on my TBR pile.
The writing is brilliant. Tremayne is an expert in this area, and I've learned a great deal about that period of history from these books. I give it all five stars because I enjoyed the book immensely!
I am a huge fan of Peter Tremayne's series, and have read two dozen of them, with the next books waiting on my TBR pile.
The writing is brilliant. Tremayne is an expert in this area, and I've learned a great deal about that period of history from these books. I give it all five stars because I enjoyed the book immensely!
December 7, 2020
This is the 20th book in the series and I have read them all except for the book of short stories. So it is hard to say anything new. I obviously like the series a great deal or I wouldn't have read 19 books. Fidelma is a great character and the mysteries are usually pretty difficult to figure it out. I do find Aedulf a bit annoying and not an adequate foil for fidelma Beard but that is a little quibble about their characters and generally speaking I like the novels. This one was good as always.
March 28, 2020
I have loved everyone of this books. An Irish woman, sister to the King, trained as a lawyer, a nun and a married woman. She travels Ireland, England, Brittany and has been to Rome. She uses her mind to resolve murders, kidnappings thefts and piracy. This installment dealt with pirates, who attacker her ship and murdered a kinsman. She is determined to resolve the murder and digs up an assassination plot. A great read. Highly recommend the series.
June 18, 2018
This book was very educating in regards to the history of early England. As with all of these books, I usually need to look up terms in order to follow the storyline. It was refreshing to see that Sister Fidelma struggled to understand as well. I also found it interesting that all the women in this story are very underestimated by the men....
January 7, 2022
This was really good, as my reading speed of 3 days attests to. A compelling mystery and I didn’t guess who the orchestrator was, which is always good. Great period detail and well drawn characters. So this is another huge series I’ll be starting from the beginning. And all from chancing across a discarded library book that I took a punt on.
August 14, 2025
Another great murder mystery. There were some pretty strong clues who was involved but not who committed which crime. There was a big miss leading clue at the end just before everything is solved.
A pretty serious discussion on a potential arms race and ultimate weapon of its time. I think Tremayne got his feeling about mass distruction very well stated.
A pretty serious discussion on a potential arms race and ultimate weapon of its time. I think Tremayne got his feeling about mass distruction very well stated.
May 21, 2018
One exciting journey
An exciting tale that takes one on a journey to different places and new people. The complexities of human nature are so entwined. Read and enjoy a different country and way of life. With two amazing people.
An exciting tale that takes one on a journey to different places and new people. The complexities of human nature are so entwined. Read and enjoy a different country and way of life. With two amazing people.
September 13, 2018
This is the only thing that I will say about this book!
There is a clue at the very beginning and I was stupid!
I missed it!
Very surprised and not surprised!
One very small person who has a very large impact!
There is a clue at the very beginning and I was stupid!
I missed it!
Very surprised and not surprised!
One very small person who has a very large impact!
February 17, 2019
Traveling abroad, our heroes succeed again
Not understanding nor speaking the language, proves no deterrent to solving another mystery to our brilliant Irish couple. Guaranteed enjoyment.
Not understanding nor speaking the language, proves no deterrent to solving another mystery to our brilliant Irish couple. Guaranteed enjoyment.
October 14, 2019
Great mystery. I think I like the political mysteries better than the ecclesiastical mysteries. As always, this was a complex story with many historical details. Fidelma and Eadulf are great sleuths even when they are handicapped by not understanding the local language.
June 5, 2021
Good to be back!
Some years ago I discovered the Sister zFidelma books and eead them all in paperback. Then I stopped for some reason. It us good to come back to the later ones in ebook format.
Some years ago I discovered the Sister zFidelma books and eead them all in paperback. Then I stopped for some reason. It us good to come back to the later ones in ebook format.
July 9, 2021
I feel like he pulled a rabbit out of a hat. Surprisingly weak character development, awkward name similarities (Boric - Budic, Maelcar - Macliau), the whole Greek-fire red herring...just not as much fun as predecessors.
October 27, 2024
Enjoyable Tale
The author never disappoint.
The characters are believable and maintain their personality through out the story.
Because of the number of characters don't start the tale unless you have time to read a large portion of the book.
The author never disappoint.
The characters are believable and maintain their personality through out the story.
Because of the number of characters don't start the tale unless you have time to read a large portion of the book.
December 28, 2018
Another excellent piece of historical story telling.
Read
June 30, 2019Minotaur, do you truly not have copy-editors?
September 23, 2019
Well done. The story is well plotted and fast paced. Fidelma isn't quite so arrogant in this one.
February 24, 2021
One of the better books in the series. Fratricide, regicide, betrayals all in Briton.
Read
May 6, 2022I am unsettled by the relationship between Fidelma and Eadulf. It's almost traditional male/female roles reversed and diminishes both of them.
October 25, 2022
As Fidelma a travels home she has a clash with some violent pirates led by a masked figure.
Yet another mystery for Fidelma to solve.
Will she ever make it back to Ireland?
Yet another mystery for Fidelma to solve.
Will she ever make it back to Ireland?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews