What do you think?
Rate this book
Sister Fidelma #11
Smoke in the Wind
Sister Fidelma and her companion Brother Eadulf are on their way to visit the new Archbishop of Canterbury, when their ship is blown off course and they land on the coast of the Welsh kingdom of Dyfed. They are given hospitality by King Gwlyddien and Abbot Tryffin of the Abbey of Dewi Sant, and are asked if they would help to solve the mystery of how the entire monastic community of the Abbey, including the King's eldest son, could vanish into thin air. It's not long before the trail leads to deaths and treachery in high places and Fidelma and Eadulf are faced with a sinister and baffling puzzle.
369 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2001
40 people are currently reading
465 people want to read
About the author
Peter Tremayne
219 books480 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
April 18, 2019
”Fear comes from uncertainty. You have to be certain. Seneca wrote that where fear is, happiness has deserted that place.”
In early 2007 when I first discovered this series, a couple of things became notable. First, the series was, of course, smaller then. There were 15 books at that time; currently there are double that. The second is that it became fairly obvious that this is one series where it is vital that the books be read in order, which I didn’t do. I started well into the series and despite my best intentions, I read whatever I could find whenever and wherever I could find them.
I still enjoyed immensely the 8 novels from this series that I found back then, but the lack of availability at the time was a stumbling block and I felt I was missing a lot. I definitely was. Now that these novels are available as eBooks, and I have started from the actual beginning, my level of appreciation has increased exponentially.
In this novel, the author’s notes are once again tailored to the specific story being told. At the end of the last book, Brother Eadulf must return to Canterbury with reports and messages for his superiors, and Sister Fidelma decides to go with him. At the beginning of this book, their ship is caught in a horrific storm, Brother Eadulf suffers a head injury, and both the ship and Brother Eadulf limp into port in what is now Wales. Actually, Brother Eadulf was carried off the ship as he was still unconscious.
In the author’s notes, we are given a concise and well-written history lesson on Wales, how its Celtic peoples are closer to the Irish Celtic peoples in both law, politics, and spirituality than they are to the Angles and Saxons who drove them out of the rich farmlands of the south and east, and pressed them ever further into the northwest. We also discover which parts of modern Wales are represented in this story and some information on their ancient kingships as well. There is even a pronunciation guide for the Welsh language, and another one for the ancient Irish language as well as other fascinating bits of information.
While they await another ship that can take them to their destination in Kent (in the land of the Saxons), Sister Fidelma and Brother Eadulf are presented with two different mysteries and are determined to solve them. To be exact, Sister Fidelma is determined and Brother Eadulf is more apprehensive. As a Saxon himself, he feels the ages old imprint of hatred for ‘his’ people by the Britons (the Celtic people), plus he is having his own crisis of Faith trying to temper his in-born Saxon feelings toward the Britons.
This novel does not bring Sister Fidelma and Brother Eadulf any closer to Canterbury, although once I realized this series is truly a series of ‘linked novels’, my educated guess is that Canterbury will be the setting for the next novel. I can’t wait!
In early 2007 when I first discovered this series, a couple of things became notable. First, the series was, of course, smaller then. There were 15 books at that time; currently there are double that. The second is that it became fairly obvious that this is one series where it is vital that the books be read in order, which I didn’t do. I started well into the series and despite my best intentions, I read whatever I could find whenever and wherever I could find them.
I still enjoyed immensely the 8 novels from this series that I found back then, but the lack of availability at the time was a stumbling block and I felt I was missing a lot. I definitely was. Now that these novels are available as eBooks, and I have started from the actual beginning, my level of appreciation has increased exponentially.
In this novel, the author’s notes are once again tailored to the specific story being told. At the end of the last book, Brother Eadulf must return to Canterbury with reports and messages for his superiors, and Sister Fidelma decides to go with him. At the beginning of this book, their ship is caught in a horrific storm, Brother Eadulf suffers a head injury, and both the ship and Brother Eadulf limp into port in what is now Wales. Actually, Brother Eadulf was carried off the ship as he was still unconscious.
In the author’s notes, we are given a concise and well-written history lesson on Wales, how its Celtic peoples are closer to the Irish Celtic peoples in both law, politics, and spirituality than they are to the Angles and Saxons who drove them out of the rich farmlands of the south and east, and pressed them ever further into the northwest. We also discover which parts of modern Wales are represented in this story and some information on their ancient kingships as well. There is even a pronunciation guide for the Welsh language, and another one for the ancient Irish language as well as other fascinating bits of information.
While they await another ship that can take them to their destination in Kent (in the land of the Saxons), Sister Fidelma and Brother Eadulf are presented with two different mysteries and are determined to solve them. To be exact, Sister Fidelma is determined and Brother Eadulf is more apprehensive. As a Saxon himself, he feels the ages old imprint of hatred for ‘his’ people by the Britons (the Celtic people), plus he is having his own crisis of Faith trying to temper his in-born Saxon feelings toward the Britons.
This novel does not bring Sister Fidelma and Brother Eadulf any closer to Canterbury, although once I realized this series is truly a series of ‘linked novels’, my educated guess is that Canterbury will be the setting for the next novel. I can’t wait!
January 27, 2022
Read this book in 2009, and its the 12th volume, chronologically, of the wonderful "Sister Fidelma" series.
The year is probably now AD 667, after their last exploits at the court of the King Laigin and Brother Eadulf's narrow escape with death, Sister Fidelma and Brother Eadulf are on their way to visit the new Archbishop of Canterbury.
When their ship is blown off course, they will land on the coast of the Welsh Kingdom of Dyfed.
Given hospitality by King Gwlyddien and Abbot Tryffin of the Abbey of Dewi Sant, Sister Fidelma and Brother Eadulf are asked for their help in solving the mystery of the disappearance of the entire community of the Abbey, including the King's eldest son.
During their investigations they will meet with treachery and deaths and high places, and its sure for Sister Fidelma and Brother Eadulf that they are dealing with highly dangerous oponents.
What is to follow is an intriguing and sinister Irish/Welsh mystery, in which Sister Fidelma and Brother Eadulf will have to go to any length to solve this puzzle of treachery and death, and after some twists and turns, followed by an amazingly executed plot, they will be able to reveal the culprit(s) behind these treacherous actions and deaths.
Highly recommended, for this is another superb addition to this tremendous series, and that's why I like to call this episode: "A Compelling Smoke In The Wind"!
The year is probably now AD 667, after their last exploits at the court of the King Laigin and Brother Eadulf's narrow escape with death, Sister Fidelma and Brother Eadulf are on their way to visit the new Archbishop of Canterbury.
When their ship is blown off course, they will land on the coast of the Welsh Kingdom of Dyfed.
Given hospitality by King Gwlyddien and Abbot Tryffin of the Abbey of Dewi Sant, Sister Fidelma and Brother Eadulf are asked for their help in solving the mystery of the disappearance of the entire community of the Abbey, including the King's eldest son.
During their investigations they will meet with treachery and deaths and high places, and its sure for Sister Fidelma and Brother Eadulf that they are dealing with highly dangerous oponents.
What is to follow is an intriguing and sinister Irish/Welsh mystery, in which Sister Fidelma and Brother Eadulf will have to go to any length to solve this puzzle of treachery and death, and after some twists and turns, followed by an amazingly executed plot, they will be able to reveal the culprit(s) behind these treacherous actions and deaths.
Highly recommended, for this is another superb addition to this tremendous series, and that's why I like to call this episode: "A Compelling Smoke In The Wind"!
November 12, 2014
I checked a bunch of books from this series out from the library this weekend. I keep telling myself I must make it a standard practice to read the first chapter of any book before I take it home (at least, being from the library, I didn't lose any money on this). And the reason is exactly for books like these!
Such a wonderful premise for a book series, I should love it! I really wanted to love it! I was even starting to think about which ones I might purchase. Historical-fiction, mystery, set in seventh century Ireland/England, right up my alley! But it is so poorly executed by this author. I tried several of the books just to make sure I wasn't judging the entire lot unfairly in case the first one was a fluke. It wasn't.
The author seems to have really done his homework on the history, and I don't doubt it's impeccably researched, but the writing is so bad! Major case of tell-don't-show and as-you-know-Bob's. I read a chapter or two in each one, and then they were all set back to go straight back to the library. Life is too short to waste on bad writing! Fortunately I had checked out a back up!
Such a wonderful premise for a book series, I should love it! I really wanted to love it! I was even starting to think about which ones I might purchase. Historical-fiction, mystery, set in seventh century Ireland/England, right up my alley! But it is so poorly executed by this author. I tried several of the books just to make sure I wasn't judging the entire lot unfairly in case the first one was a fluke. It wasn't.
The author seems to have really done his homework on the history, and I don't doubt it's impeccably researched, but the writing is so bad! Major case of tell-don't-show and as-you-know-Bob's. I read a chapter or two in each one, and then they were all set back to go straight back to the library. Life is too short to waste on bad writing! Fortunately I had checked out a back up!
May 17, 2025
I really wanted to like this one more than I did. The Sister Fidelma mysteries are broadly similar to Ellis Peters' Brother Cadfael mysteries (most of which I adore), except the sleuth is a nun instead of a monk, and the general setting is seventh-century Ireland instead of twelfth-century England. Add in the particular setting of "Smoke in the Wind", the Welsh kingdom of Dyfed (whose modern counterpart I know very well, right down to individual villages mentioned in the narrative) and I was ready for a good time. It turned out to be...underwhelming. I found the historical setting to be creaky, and occasionally downright incorrect in its details. I didn't find the main characters of Sister Fidelma and Brother Eadulf compelling, and the plot took a little too long to get moving. The main villains and secondary mystery were actually interesting, but it took more than half the book to really engage with either. There were also occasional absurdities like Sister Fidelma paraphrasing maxims of Sherlock Holmes. There was more than a germ of a really interesting book in this book, with medieval political intrigue, ethnic conflict, hidden identities, and family tragedy, but it didn't quite stick the landing.
October 19, 2020
southwest of what is now Wales (this story is not set in Ireland)
If this were the first title in the series that a reader happened to pick up, they'd probably not read any more. The first third of the book is fairly 'dense,' instructing the reader while introducing the mystery. Readers who already know something about early English history would have a better appreciation of the story.
The resolution of the mystery is complex.
I liked Eadulf more when he was first introduced. His character has weakened.
If this were the first title in the series that a reader happened to pick up, they'd probably not read any more. The first third of the book is fairly 'dense,' instructing the reader while introducing the mystery. Readers who already know something about early English history would have a better appreciation of the story.
The resolution of the mystery is complex.
I liked Eadulf more when he was first introduced. His character has weakened.
April 11, 2021
Sister Fidelma and Brother Eadulf are on route to Canterbury when their ship seeks shelter from a storm in a Welsh port.
Of course, there is a mystery and a murder to occupy their thoughts and days as they wait for another ship to continue their journey.
Of course, there is a mystery and a murder to occupy their thoughts and days as they wait for another ship to continue their journey.
October 17, 2021
This was outstanding! A real page turner! I love that it takes place around Samhain (Halloween in Ancient Celtic lands) and we read it around Halloween in modern times.
So many mysteries. I really had no idea how deep prejudice went against neighboring tribes and groups in the British Isles during the Dark Ages- so much so that the prejudice could be manipulated in order for fellow rivals to try to overtake their neighbors making it look like the dreaded Saxon raiders.
Favorite Quotes:
"You might have a transitory power by virtue of your friends with bows, but you are not the law. The law is a more sacred thing than the sword which you carry. As for fear, fear is not a passion which makes for virtue. It weakens the judgement."
"Publilius Syrus said that there is no safety in gaining the favour of an enemy."
"Morality is not often defined by the will of the majority."
"An enemy can be perceived as well as real."
So many mysteries. I really had no idea how deep prejudice went against neighboring tribes and groups in the British Isles during the Dark Ages- so much so that the prejudice could be manipulated in order for fellow rivals to try to overtake their neighbors making it look like the dreaded Saxon raiders.
Favorite Quotes:
"You might have a transitory power by virtue of your friends with bows, but you are not the law. The law is a more sacred thing than the sword which you carry. As for fear, fear is not a passion which makes for virtue. It weakens the judgement."
"Publilius Syrus said that there is no safety in gaining the favour of an enemy."
"Morality is not often defined by the will of the majority."
"An enemy can be perceived as well as real."
February 7, 2011
the two main characters sniped at each other the whole book, and not in a witty amusing way. it just got tiring, as did the non-artful way of putting in facts about the time-period -- i felt like the author was a historian first, story-teller second. i mean, it wasn't awful, but I did push thru the book quickly just to be done sooner.
November 9, 2013
Love Fidelma and Eadulf, but I fear I will be an old(er) woman before they truly get together. Perhaps I should read faster.
I also liked the interaction between Eadulf and the Saxons. Interesting mystery some of which was pretty well telegraphed.
Certainly entertaining.
I also liked the interaction between Eadulf and the Saxons. Interesting mystery some of which was pretty well telegraphed.
Certainly entertaining.
December 7, 2014
ho hum. . .This book focuses a lot more on Eadulf which is a nice change but Fidelma is starting to wear on my nerves.
July 12, 2015
My first Sister Fidelma mystery. Interesting! I need to start at the beginning of the series.
October 22, 2017
Sister Fidelma’s 10th major investigation (it’s the 11th book, but one is short stories) finds her in a village in south-west Wales grappling with death, a perplexingly empty religious community and the strange goings-on of an outlaw band. She and Brother Eadulf, en route to Canterbury so he can report back to his, Roman, church, are caught in a storm, put ashore in Porth Clais and stay on to allow Eadulf to recover from an injury incurred during the storm. Along the way the local king hears of their presence and of Fidelma’s status so recruits them to investigate the missing community members while a local lawgiver investigates the killing of a young woman in a nearby village.
Soon, they find themselves tangled up in a conspiracy and treason, close to death on more than one occasion, reliant on the goodwill of locals and their willingness to speak truthfully, and piecing together two decades of twists and turns. All this, as is so often the case with Tremayne, leads to a court-room scene, gambles and hunches that pay off, and what seemed mystifying and perplexing gradually coming clear as more information falls into place.
Tremayne’s tales are not all that complex or demanding but they are delightfully satisfying in the manner of a good police procedural (as these are, allowing for the structures of 7th century Irish law and politics (or, in this case, Welsh). Throughout this tale Fidelma and Eadulf grow closer as their personal relationship has shifted already from close companionship to something more romantic, and here they find themselves bickering as if testing the limits of that as yet undeveloped romance.
It is just ideal for a lazy Sunday afternoon.
Soon, they find themselves tangled up in a conspiracy and treason, close to death on more than one occasion, reliant on the goodwill of locals and their willingness to speak truthfully, and piecing together two decades of twists and turns. All this, as is so often the case with Tremayne, leads to a court-room scene, gambles and hunches that pay off, and what seemed mystifying and perplexing gradually coming clear as more information falls into place.
Tremayne’s tales are not all that complex or demanding but they are delightfully satisfying in the manner of a good police procedural (as these are, allowing for the structures of 7th century Irish law and politics (or, in this case, Welsh). Throughout this tale Fidelma and Eadulf grow closer as their personal relationship has shifted already from close companionship to something more romantic, and here they find themselves bickering as if testing the limits of that as yet undeveloped romance.
It is just ideal for a lazy Sunday afternoon.
March 12, 2023
I was truly on the fence about this one. I'm keeping it for the Historical Note that prefaces the book and serves as a Welsh and Irish pronunciation guide--absolutely terrific. I loved the multicultural aspect of the story: Saxon, Welsh, Irish and as usual, the historical context is robust and well-explained. What failed me here was the mystery itself. Perhaps there were too many strands. The typical Fidelma exposé was a bit too contrived--she seemed to have a lot of historical knowledge about specific people's lives and I'm not sure where it all came from. There are several murderers and I thought the more nuanced ideas of "culpability" added a lot. But the story did not really hold my interest because I had a hard time keeping track of who or what I was supposed to care about. That said, the last chapter or so seemed to pick up speed and focus, and I enjoyed Fidelma's dramatic "reveal" more than I usually do. Tremayne teases a bit more out of the relationship between Fidelma and Eadulf here too, but fully ignores it at times unless it is convenient. Eadulf struggles with his own identity as a Saxon in this story, and that provides a really nice bit of character definition, but Fidelma's struggles were not wholly convincing, even when explained at the end in the Epilogue.
August 27, 2020
Tribal conflicts are interesting as well as complex. Each Sister Fidelma story covers a small slice of life in the 7th century. Countries were still territories for much of Europe. Clans and tribes ruled a large portion of landscape usually with a lot of intrigue that you think at first glance would be home with the Monarchy. f
The relationship between Fidelma and Eadolf is changing. They are still unsure of how the other feels in terms of a long term relationship and this current story tests their bonds in new ways. Since I found the series much later than the book I finished. I am aware of where they stand in later books. You will have to read them to find out.
The story takes place in Wales which at the time was not welcoming to Saxon's. It was a territory split in 3 and prone to warring factions. Eadolf being Saxon, and Fidelma being from a different country doesn't make them very welcome. Instead of a single mystery there are several that are all tied together. Several tragedies come to light that didn't need to happen. My favorite part is when Fidelma holds a law court and explains how she figures out the mystery.
The relationship between Fidelma and Eadolf is changing. They are still unsure of how the other feels in terms of a long term relationship and this current story tests their bonds in new ways. Since I found the series much later than the book I finished. I am aware of where they stand in later books. You will have to read them to find out.
The story takes place in Wales which at the time was not welcoming to Saxon's. It was a territory split in 3 and prone to warring factions. Eadolf being Saxon, and Fidelma being from a different country doesn't make them very welcome. Instead of a single mystery there are several that are all tied together. Several tragedies come to light that didn't need to happen. My favorite part is when Fidelma holds a law court and explains how she figures out the mystery.
June 7, 2021
Binge Reading
Ok, I admit it: I’m obsessive. As a young teen, I’d read Nancy Drew Mysteries back to back under covers with a flashlight. I’m now 68, and it’s now been about two weeks since my friend recommended the Sister Fidelma Mysteries. I’m going to download book 12 when I finish this review.
Coming to the series with my only serious historical knowledge of 7th Century Ireland gleaned from Netflix’s “The Last Warrior,” I was at a disadvantage, but thanks to Tremayne’s background in the epilogues and prefaces and his interwoven explanations within the books, I’m learning. It also helps that I have easy access to the World Wide Web as I read via my Kindle and phone. I have accessed ancient maps and histories.
Each Sister Fidelma book Carries me away, riding plots filled with red herrings and misadventures. I haven’t yet figured a whole mystery by the end of any of the books when Fidelma (and now Edulf) chronical their explanations. I’m starting to see a faint light of recurrence pattern, so perhaps I’ll get better at figuring it all out by book 30.
Until then I continue to enjoy a merry chase through early Christendom, appreciating especially Fidelma’s preference for secular law over ecclesiastical dogma.
And now….back to my binging (the Roku wonders what’s happened to me). 😁
Ok, I admit it: I’m obsessive. As a young teen, I’d read Nancy Drew Mysteries back to back under covers with a flashlight. I’m now 68, and it’s now been about two weeks since my friend recommended the Sister Fidelma Mysteries. I’m going to download book 12 when I finish this review.
Coming to the series with my only serious historical knowledge of 7th Century Ireland gleaned from Netflix’s “The Last Warrior,” I was at a disadvantage, but thanks to Tremayne’s background in the epilogues and prefaces and his interwoven explanations within the books, I’m learning. It also helps that I have easy access to the World Wide Web as I read via my Kindle and phone. I have accessed ancient maps and histories.
Each Sister Fidelma book Carries me away, riding plots filled with red herrings and misadventures. I haven’t yet figured a whole mystery by the end of any of the books when Fidelma (and now Edulf) chronical their explanations. I’m starting to see a faint light of recurrence pattern, so perhaps I’ll get better at figuring it all out by book 30.
Until then I continue to enjoy a merry chase through early Christendom, appreciating especially Fidelma’s preference for secular law over ecclesiastical dogma.
And now….back to my binging (the Roku wonders what’s happened to me). 😁
March 25, 2019
A great book with many twists and shows Eadulf in a land aganist Saxons that is dangerous for him.
There is no safety in trying to make a friend of one’s enemy.
-Peter Tremayne (Smoke in the Wind p 21)
The law is a more sacred thing than the sword which you carry. As you fear, fear is not a passion that makes for virtue. It weakens the judgment…
-Peter Tremayne (Smoke in the Wind p 83)
The sea was cruel and had no charity. Yet without the sea man would be insignificant for the sea was like a great road between peoples and without contact with one another men would be isolated and there would be no progress between them. But the sea was patient, watching and waiting and ready, like a murderer on a dark night, hiding in an unilluminated lane with a knife to strike at the unexpected moment.
-Peter Tremayne (Smoke in the Wind p 208)
https://nicolewbrown.blogspot.com/201...
There is no safety in trying to make a friend of one’s enemy.
-Peter Tremayne (Smoke in the Wind p 21)
The law is a more sacred thing than the sword which you carry. As you fear, fear is not a passion that makes for virtue. It weakens the judgment…
-Peter Tremayne (Smoke in the Wind p 83)
The sea was cruel and had no charity. Yet without the sea man would be insignificant for the sea was like a great road between peoples and without contact with one another men would be isolated and there would be no progress between them. But the sea was patient, watching and waiting and ready, like a murderer on a dark night, hiding in an unilluminated lane with a knife to strike at the unexpected moment.
-Peter Tremayne (Smoke in the Wind p 208)
https://nicolewbrown.blogspot.com/201...
August 17, 2024
Another historical mystery series that I enjoy. It's fascinating to read about how much "power" Fidelma holds over even kings and lords, not only because of her lineage but because of her education and training. I'm still more than a bit fuzzy about the history of the time (7th century Ireland), but I know enough to realize when someone is in a difficult place because of it.
I enjoyed seeing more of Brother Eadulf in this book, even though his heritage put him - and by default, Fidelma - in danger more than once. They work well together, though, so they were able to extricate themselves every time.
There were puzzles and murders to solve in this book, and everything got quite complicated really quickly. When I thought I had it worked out, the next chapter proved me wrong, so I gave up and just followed along as Fidelma and Eadulf continued their investigations. I wasn't surprised when the solution was revealed, nor by the motive, but I would not have been able to come to that conclusion on my own.
The next book from this series is in my Audible library, and I hope to listen to it soon, perhaps before the end of the year.
I enjoyed seeing more of Brother Eadulf in this book, even though his heritage put him - and by default, Fidelma - in danger more than once. They work well together, though, so they were able to extricate themselves every time.
There were puzzles and murders to solve in this book, and everything got quite complicated really quickly. When I thought I had it worked out, the next chapter proved me wrong, so I gave up and just followed along as Fidelma and Eadulf continued their investigations. I wasn't surprised when the solution was revealed, nor by the motive, but I would not have been able to come to that conclusion on my own.
The next book from this series is in my Audible library, and I hope to listen to it soon, perhaps before the end of the year.
June 15, 2018
Another solid read in this series. A bit more snark between our fearless duo than usual. Baby doesn’t really factor into their lives it seems.
The usual formulaic mystery here. Murders abound, false trails, misinformation and lies...they get to the truth and the readers get a nice wrap up monologue at the end. There’s a nice bit of history in these pages - often spoon fed to us in “an explanation to someone not from these lands!”. Fidelma is her red-haired, kick-ass self - I secretly think she might be a 7th century Irish version of Lara Croft with her sleuthing, photographic memory and ninja warrior skills!!
Still these are good stories to listen to. Mystery, crime, history...all good stuff!!
The usual formulaic mystery here. Murders abound, false trails, misinformation and lies...they get to the truth and the readers get a nice wrap up monologue at the end. There’s a nice bit of history in these pages - often spoon fed to us in “an explanation to someone not from these lands!”. Fidelma is her red-haired, kick-ass self - I secretly think she might be a 7th century Irish version of Lara Croft with her sleuthing, photographic memory and ninja warrior skills!!
Still these are good stories to listen to. Mystery, crime, history...all good stuff!!
May 18, 2023
Oh this was a really good one!! Enjoyed this one greatly. Very thrilling scenario, cleverly built up. We only get small pieces of the whole puzzle thrown at us bit by bit. Some things might have been a bit stretching the luck of our protagonists, but all in all a really great mystery, nice chemistry between the two, a witty investigation. Surprises and suspension at every corner and a grand big revelation in the end. And best of all.. all the Welsh place names and lore!! Wonderful. Enjoyed that very much.
May 30, 2022
This was the first book of this series that I read. The series was highly recommended by an acquaintance. After reading this book, I will never trust another recommendation from them. The characters were wooden, and when they weren't being hypersensitive to imagined slights, they were sneering and snapping at one another. So much sneering. Or being tall and beautiful and clever, but gosh, Fidelma, why would your Saxon companion be uneasy in a setting in which hatred for Saxons is rife? Ugh.
April 17, 2024
Promising start and solid mystery there, but it becomes apparent this is basically a rehash of at least two previous books. Fidelma is deeply annoying in this one, while Eadulf is actually extremely sympathetic. The characters are somewhat strong and that's to its benefit, but this didn't feel particularly Welsh to me. The conflating of Welsh and Irish traditions at All Hallows is troubling. Going to continue the series, regardless.
March 14, 2025
Eadulf and Fidelma are travelling once more when their ship hits a storm and they have an unscheduled stop, they hear tales of a religious order who have disappeared and go to investigate but along the way they learn of a young girl who has been murdered and witness mob justice first hand. Throw in being captured by outlaws, a political conspiracy to be rid of a king and a boat full of saxons who may be easy to blame and shake and we have this tangled web of the spider.
Read
February 13, 2020Sister Fidelma is an amazing detective, especially given the resources available to her in the mid seventh century CE. This time she has been asked to look into why a monastic community in the kingdom of Dyfed, now part of Wales, is empty. While she and Eadulf undertake this quest, they encounter allegations of rape, murder, and suspected pillaging. The intricate plot was neatly resolved.
April 17, 2021
It was good to see Eadulf being useful, but I really didn't like this book as much as earlier volumes. The plot was too convoluted, there were too many coincidences, and so many characters with similar names that I had to keep interrupting my reading to check the cast list. Of course Fidelma explained everything at the end, but I'll probably take a break from her Celtic mysteries for a while.
September 4, 2022
Ačkoli si myslím, že by autor ještě mohl zapracovat na svém písemném projevu, detektivka je čtivá a její rozzuzlení rozhodně není jednoduché. Část hádanky mi došla, nicméně další část již ne. Rozhodně se od knížky nedá čekat snadné předložení faktů, ale spíše je potřeba hodně nad některými souvislosti přemýslet a hledat i malé důkazy.
January 28, 2024
At the beginning the book didn’t exactly capture my attention, because it had to much description but when I come to read about the vanishing of the brethren this is when I became intrigued by this book. The more I read the more I like this book, while there is one mystery a murder occurred and the circumstances of it are quite strange…There are unexpected turns in the book which I like a lot.
July 15, 2018
Where is the smoke coming from?
Who has caused it and can this mystery be solved?
Follow this series from book one all the way through!
If I had the room for more bookcases and someone to build them I would put this series on it as well as the series that I have with Terry Brooks.
Who has caused it and can this mystery be solved?
Follow this series from book one all the way through!
If I had the room for more bookcases and someone to build them I would put this series on it as well as the series that I have with Terry Brooks.
April 3, 2020
FANTASTIC
Despite three mistakes which were uncaught typos, I was totally absorbed. When being absorbed was so painful, my mind would flash- “they will not die”. Then I would get absorbed again.
Despite three mistakes which were uncaught typos, I was totally absorbed. When being absorbed was so painful, my mind would flash- “they will not die”. Then I would get absorbed again.
February 13, 2025
Another spell binder. A who done it with three separate but connected criminal enterprises with murders, treason and fomenting of rebellion. Once again a surprise ending. Next to be read, The Haunted Abbot but that will be after several other books on top of the pile.
October 18, 2025
The author, Tremayne, has this uncanny way of leaving each story hanging so that you can't wait to read the next book! I have had to put off several other books because I just couldn't wait to find out what happens next!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews