What do you think?
Rate this book
Sister Fidelma #30
Blood in Eden
An outsider's life hangs in the balance when Sister Fidelma decides she must intervene to expose the real culprit behind the horrific slaughter of a local family.
Ireland, AD 671. The hamlet of Cloich�n is said to be a veritable Eden, with its prosperous farms and close-knit, friendly community. But after a local farmer, his wife and two sons are murdered, a fanatical new priest orders the villagers to lynch the man accused of the crime. The only evidence they hold against him is the fact that he is a stranger to their land. Searching for accommodation on their journey home to Cashel, Sister Fidelma and Brother Eadulf arrive at Cloich�n just in time to save the man's life. Fidelma is determined that the villagers must give the newcomer a fair trial. But there is to be more bloodshed in Eden and more lives will be lost.
Danger and mayhem disrupt this once sleepy and trusting hamlet. In this vivid portrayal of a medieval time, the webs of intrigue begin to unravel, friends become enemies, and no one knows who to trust....
Ireland, AD 671. The hamlet of Cloich�n is said to be a veritable Eden, with its prosperous farms and close-knit, friendly community. But after a local farmer, his wife and two sons are murdered, a fanatical new priest orders the villagers to lynch the man accused of the crime. The only evidence they hold against him is the fact that he is a stranger to their land. Searching for accommodation on their journey home to Cashel, Sister Fidelma and Brother Eadulf arrive at Cloich�n just in time to save the man's life. Fidelma is determined that the villagers must give the newcomer a fair trial. But there is to be more bloodshed in Eden and more lives will be lost.
Danger and mayhem disrupt this once sleepy and trusting hamlet. In this vivid portrayal of a medieval time, the webs of intrigue begin to unravel, friends become enemies, and no one knows who to trust....
352 pages, Paperback
First published July 11, 2019
37 people are currently reading
322 people want to read
About the author
Peter Tremayne
208 books477 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 58 reviews
August 13, 2019
This amazing mystery is the 30th volume of the wonderful "Sister" Fidelma series from the author, Peter Tremayne, which is the fiction pseudonym of, Peter Berresford Ellis.
At the beginning of the book you'll be presented with a phrase taken from Genesis 3-24 from Jerome, 4th Century, also there's a great list of Principal Characters who're featuring in this thrilling story, as well as a well-drawn map of Fidelma's World of Muman (Munster) in the 7th Century AD, and not to forget a very well detailed Author's Note, where an important change in Irish Society, concerning law of property and female inheritance, is wonderfully explained and which is superbly implemented within this gripping mystery.
Storytelling is of a top-notch quality from this author, all characters come vividly to life within this fascinating mystery, and the surroundings and everyday life in this historical period of medieval Ireland are beautifully pictured and described in a most astounding fashion.
This book starts off in the year AD 672, in the month of Mi Faoide (February), which is regarded in 7th Century Ireland as "the month of sleep or rest", and from this point Sister Fidelma and her companion/husband Brother Eadulf will start their next investigation.
This mystery begins when Sister Fidelma and Brother Eadulf rescue a man accused of murdering a local farmer from the hands of a new priest, Brother Gadra, in the hamlet of Cloichin, which is supposed to be a veritable Garden of Eden, with the only evidence being that that he's a stranger to their land.
Fidelma saves the man's life so he can face a fair trial, when all of a sudden more blood is shed and more lives are lost due to the priest's manipulations, and in doing so long-standing friends become new-found enemies and nobody seems to trust each other anymore.
And so a delicate case for Sister Fidelma and Brother Eadulf, and when they begin to start digging into this web of intrigue and murder they are intend to find the serpent behind all this unrest, mayhem and murder, and after quite some dangerous encounters, followed by an exciting plot they will be able to expose the devious culprit(s) and bring him to justice to face his rightful and deserved punishment by the Chief Brehon.
Highly recommended, for this episode is another very welcome edition of this great series, and that's why I like to call this 30th outing: "Superb "Sister" Fidelma, The Irish Queen Of Sleuthing"!
At the beginning of the book you'll be presented with a phrase taken from Genesis 3-24 from Jerome, 4th Century, also there's a great list of Principal Characters who're featuring in this thrilling story, as well as a well-drawn map of Fidelma's World of Muman (Munster) in the 7th Century AD, and not to forget a very well detailed Author's Note, where an important change in Irish Society, concerning law of property and female inheritance, is wonderfully explained and which is superbly implemented within this gripping mystery.
Storytelling is of a top-notch quality from this author, all characters come vividly to life within this fascinating mystery, and the surroundings and everyday life in this historical period of medieval Ireland are beautifully pictured and described in a most astounding fashion.
This book starts off in the year AD 672, in the month of Mi Faoide (February), which is regarded in 7th Century Ireland as "the month of sleep or rest", and from this point Sister Fidelma and her companion/husband Brother Eadulf will start their next investigation.
This mystery begins when Sister Fidelma and Brother Eadulf rescue a man accused of murdering a local farmer from the hands of a new priest, Brother Gadra, in the hamlet of Cloichin, which is supposed to be a veritable Garden of Eden, with the only evidence being that that he's a stranger to their land.
Fidelma saves the man's life so he can face a fair trial, when all of a sudden more blood is shed and more lives are lost due to the priest's manipulations, and in doing so long-standing friends become new-found enemies and nobody seems to trust each other anymore.
And so a delicate case for Sister Fidelma and Brother Eadulf, and when they begin to start digging into this web of intrigue and murder they are intend to find the serpent behind all this unrest, mayhem and murder, and after quite some dangerous encounters, followed by an exciting plot they will be able to expose the devious culprit(s) and bring him to justice to face his rightful and deserved punishment by the Chief Brehon.
Highly recommended, for this episode is another very welcome edition of this great series, and that's why I like to call this 30th outing: "Superb "Sister" Fidelma, The Irish Queen Of Sleuthing"!
August 10, 2019
This thirtieth Sister Fidelma rocks! I have read them all and every now and then I would find things that irritated me. Not so this time around. There are no little irksome battles between Fidelma and Eadulf, no lording it over lesser beings with legal status and being sister of the King exclamations. It is Fidelma at her best with Eadulf at her side. I think it is the best book of the series.
AD671 - Fidelma and Eadulf are traveling back to Cashel and arrive in a small settlement where a crowd has gathered where they are about to hang a man. Whilst Fidelma manages to stop this mob action, it is only the first of many murderous acts.
It is up to them to investigate what has led up to the unsettled atmosphere in this region and they will not quit until all is solved.
There are so many interesting historical references if you are into Ancient Irish law, particularly property law, as well as religious influences that this book should prove to be very satisfying.
Library Loan- Brand New Book! I got there first, a first!
AD671 - Fidelma and Eadulf are traveling back to Cashel and arrive in a small settlement where a crowd has gathered where they are about to hang a man. Whilst Fidelma manages to stop this mob action, it is only the first of many murderous acts.
It is up to them to investigate what has led up to the unsettled atmosphere in this region and they will not quit until all is solved.
There are so many interesting historical references if you are into Ancient Irish law, particularly property law, as well as religious influences that this book should prove to be very satisfying.
Library Loan- Brand New Book! I got there first, a first!
August 26, 2022
Found this story to be a very heavy read
May 20, 2021
Der mittlerweile 31. Band in der Schwester Fidelma-Reihe, einer Nonne und Anwältin im Irland des 7, Jahrhunderts. Ich habe noch keinen Band dieser Reihe gelesen, obwohl er auf meiner Liste steht, aber ich bin neugierig, wie der Beginn der Reihe ist.
Hier handelt es sich um verschiedene Verbrechen in dem kleinen Dorf Chloichin, in dem Fidelma zufällig einen vermeintlichen Mörder vor dem Galgen rettet und im weiteren Verlauf verschiedene Verbrechen vor Ort aufklären muss, wobei sie den Schultheiß unterstützt und von einem sturen Bruder des neuen christilichen Glaubens bekämpft wird. Begleitet wird sie von ihrem Partner Eadulf, der als Arzt und "Dr. Watson" herhält.
Als Krimi ganz interessant, obwohl sich das Buch manchmal zieht, mit den vielen Chrakteren und den juristischen und historischen Erklärungen, die es etwas langatmig machen. Hier merkt man den Historiker im Autor.
Fidelma ist eine selbstbewusste Frau, die aber manchmal zu besserwisserisch daherkommt. Die Themen, die behandelt werden, sind interessant, wenn auch vielleicht etwas zu ausladend. Auch ist das Ende etwas plötzlich. Ich werde aber trotzdem eines der ersten Bücher, vielleicht im originalen Englisch, lesen.
Danke an den Verlag und Netgalley DE für ein Ebook-Rezensionsexemplar im Austausch gegen eine ehrliche Rezension.
Hier handelt es sich um verschiedene Verbrechen in dem kleinen Dorf Chloichin, in dem Fidelma zufällig einen vermeintlichen Mörder vor dem Galgen rettet und im weiteren Verlauf verschiedene Verbrechen vor Ort aufklären muss, wobei sie den Schultheiß unterstützt und von einem sturen Bruder des neuen christilichen Glaubens bekämpft wird. Begleitet wird sie von ihrem Partner Eadulf, der als Arzt und "Dr. Watson" herhält.
Als Krimi ganz interessant, obwohl sich das Buch manchmal zieht, mit den vielen Chrakteren und den juristischen und historischen Erklärungen, die es etwas langatmig machen. Hier merkt man den Historiker im Autor.
Fidelma ist eine selbstbewusste Frau, die aber manchmal zu besserwisserisch daherkommt. Die Themen, die behandelt werden, sind interessant, wenn auch vielleicht etwas zu ausladend. Auch ist das Ende etwas plötzlich. Ich werde aber trotzdem eines der ersten Bücher, vielleicht im originalen Englisch, lesen.
Danke an den Verlag und Netgalley DE für ein Ebook-Rezensionsexemplar im Austausch gegen eine ehrliche Rezension.
April 21, 2020
Quite a good book though not one of the best in the series; perhaps I have read too many of them.
As usual the differences between the old (druidical) faith, the New Faith (Celtic Christianity) and the Christianity coming out from Rome are well explored. Fascinationg stuff.
I found it strange though that faced with a man they have just saved from being lynched Eadulf did not mention or reflect on his own similar experience. He was shown to "wince" at a reminder of something less horrific but because longer enduring possibily more painful.
Neither Fidelma nor Eadulf came across with their full personalities in as much depth as in previous books. I wonder if the author is getting a tad tired of them. The book seemed a bit bland compared to previous ones. Something was, for me, lacking in this tale.
Still a reasonable story though and a worthwhile read.
As usual the differences between the old (druidical) faith, the New Faith (Celtic Christianity) and the Christianity coming out from Rome are well explored. Fascinationg stuff.
I found it strange though that faced with a man they have just saved from being lynched Eadulf did not mention or reflect on his own similar experience. He was shown to "wince" at a reminder of something less horrific but because longer enduring possibily more painful.
Neither Fidelma nor Eadulf came across with their full personalities in as much depth as in previous books. I wonder if the author is getting a tad tired of them. The book seemed a bit bland compared to previous ones. Something was, for me, lacking in this tale.
Still a reasonable story though and a worthwhile read.
February 26, 2022
I would love to have had Tremayne as a history professor (he is one!). Sister Fidelma gets caught up in the murder of a family. She arrives in a small village as the village priest is leading a mob to hang the suspect, an itinerant man with black skin. As is typical with Tremayne's mysteries, is filled with history of seventh century Ireland, especially the role of the influence of Rome on the traditional religion of the area. Also woven in to the story is history of "property rights." Not only is the plot compelling, but the book is filled with history from a time few of us know about. One of Tremayne's best. Highly recommended.
July 7, 2021
This was my first Sister Fidelma novel and will probably be the last. I enjoy historical fiction, including "detective" novels, but there was far too much legal detail, and stilted conversations about ancient Irish law. I also found the use of SI (Metric) units for distance to be jarring, when Tremayne went great lengths to inform us of Irish by-laws, he could surely have discovered ancient Irish units of measurement. It was especially jarring to have characters use the units in speech.
Also jarring was the use of the word "corn", which is an Old English word which meant grain. Any grain. So on page 178 when Tremaine has Ballgel describing the merchant Taithtech dealing in "corn, oats and wheat", there appears to be an inference that he's dealing in maize, centuries before its introduction to the Old World in the Columbian Exchange. Furthermore, maize is not grown in Ireland today for human consumption because of the unsuitable climate. If Tremayne meant corn as "any grain" the oats and wheat were superfluous.
While it was a passable whodunnit, the stilted conversations and endless legal lectures were somewhat boring. In some ways Tremayne reminded me of David Weber, who also has stilted conversations and pages of explanations but at least he has exciting bits to make up for it, and the technicalities of weaponry is far more interesting than ancient Irish law.
Not one of my more enjoyable reads this year.
Also jarring was the use of the word "corn", which is an Old English word which meant grain. Any grain. So on page 178 when Tremaine has Ballgel describing the merchant Taithtech dealing in "corn, oats and wheat", there appears to be an inference that he's dealing in maize, centuries before its introduction to the Old World in the Columbian Exchange. Furthermore, maize is not grown in Ireland today for human consumption because of the unsuitable climate. If Tremayne meant corn as "any grain" the oats and wheat were superfluous.
While it was a passable whodunnit, the stilted conversations and endless legal lectures were somewhat boring. In some ways Tremayne reminded me of David Weber, who also has stilted conversations and pages of explanations but at least he has exciting bits to make up for it, and the technicalities of weaponry is far more interesting than ancient Irish law.
Not one of my more enjoyable reads this year.
November 15, 2020
Vor 6 Jahren habe ich das letzte Buch der Reihe um Schwester Fidelma und Bruder Eadulf gelesen und vollkommen verpasst, dass inzwischen 14 Fortsetzungen erschienen sind, bis ich durch Zufall den 31. Band über NetGalley.de anfragen konnte. Jetzt ist natürlich klar, dass ich die noch nicht gelesenen Bände in den nächsten Monaten mit in meine Leseliste einbauen werde.
Was mich an den Büchern des Historikers so fasziniert, ist zum einen die ungeheure Sachkenntnis des Lebens im 7. JH in Irland, aber wohl auch der ganzen Welt, des Glaubens mit all seinen Änderungen durch Konzile in Rom, des Rechtssystems in so unendlich vielen Facetten und der Gälischen Begriffe (die ich natürlich nicht beherrsche, aber den Klang einfach liebe).
Der Autor hat einen ganz unverwechselbaren geschliffenen Schreibstil und gibt seiner Protagonistin Fidelma eine Selbstsicherheit mit auf den Weg, die diese eben nicht als Schwester des Königs, sondern als dálaigh in Würde und mit einer Kombinationsgabe ausübt, die sie zu einer brillanten Detektivin macht. Der junge Schulheiß in dem vorliegenden Fall kommt mit seiner fast unumstößlich vorgefertigten Meinung nicht so gut weg, lernt aber von der manchmal etwas genervten Fidelma unbedingt dazu.
Der Fall ist verzwickt, wartet mit einigen Wendungen auf, und zum Schluss löst Schwester Fidelma einer Miss Marple gleich vor versammelter Mannschaft diesen gordischen Knoten auf und entlarvt den Übeltäter.
Ein ganz wunderbares Buch. Und nach der langen Zeit der Lesepause habe ich es begrüßt, dass Vieles gerade Schwester Fidelma betreffend erklärt wurde, das ich eigentlich längst wusste, aber mein Gedächtnis so auffrischen konnte. Liest man allerdings alle Bücher nacheinander, könnte dies als störend empfunden werden.
Zwei Pluspunkte gehen an den Verlag: Zum einen haben auch nach den vielen Jahren der Veröffentlichung die Cover immer noch die gleiche Gestaltung und somit Wiedererkennungswert. Und das Korrektorat hat ein großes Lob verdient, denn ich habe nur einen einzigen Fehler entdeckt. Das war so erfrischend für meine Lese-Seele, dass ich das Buch sehr genossen habe.
Ich gebe 09/10 Punkte und freue mich demnächst auf Band 17 :)
https://sunsys-blog.blogspot.com/2020...
Was mich an den Büchern des Historikers so fasziniert, ist zum einen die ungeheure Sachkenntnis des Lebens im 7. JH in Irland, aber wohl auch der ganzen Welt, des Glaubens mit all seinen Änderungen durch Konzile in Rom, des Rechtssystems in so unendlich vielen Facetten und der Gälischen Begriffe (die ich natürlich nicht beherrsche, aber den Klang einfach liebe).
Der Autor hat einen ganz unverwechselbaren geschliffenen Schreibstil und gibt seiner Protagonistin Fidelma eine Selbstsicherheit mit auf den Weg, die diese eben nicht als Schwester des Königs, sondern als dálaigh in Würde und mit einer Kombinationsgabe ausübt, die sie zu einer brillanten Detektivin macht. Der junge Schulheiß in dem vorliegenden Fall kommt mit seiner fast unumstößlich vorgefertigten Meinung nicht so gut weg, lernt aber von der manchmal etwas genervten Fidelma unbedingt dazu.
Der Fall ist verzwickt, wartet mit einigen Wendungen auf, und zum Schluss löst Schwester Fidelma einer Miss Marple gleich vor versammelter Mannschaft diesen gordischen Knoten auf und entlarvt den Übeltäter.
Ein ganz wunderbares Buch. Und nach der langen Zeit der Lesepause habe ich es begrüßt, dass Vieles gerade Schwester Fidelma betreffend erklärt wurde, das ich eigentlich längst wusste, aber mein Gedächtnis so auffrischen konnte. Liest man allerdings alle Bücher nacheinander, könnte dies als störend empfunden werden.
Zwei Pluspunkte gehen an den Verlag: Zum einen haben auch nach den vielen Jahren der Veröffentlichung die Cover immer noch die gleiche Gestaltung und somit Wiedererkennungswert. Und das Korrektorat hat ein großes Lob verdient, denn ich habe nur einen einzigen Fehler entdeckt. Das war so erfrischend für meine Lese-Seele, dass ich das Buch sehr genossen habe.
Ich gebe 09/10 Punkte und freue mich demnächst auf Band 17 :)
https://sunsys-blog.blogspot.com/2020...
January 17, 2026
I am torn about this one. As usual, this Sister Fidelma is easy on the brain, with all the Fidelma-isms you'd expect, with the fascinating historical Irish background, and the continuous struggle of the old Ireland traditions having to face the onset of constantly evolving rules of the New Faith. There are interesting details on different text of Brehon laws, which, as Fidelma laments, keep getting more complicated as it is getting influenced by christianity and interference attempts from Rome (reflections on the emergence of private property in Ireland in particular, as well as the continued pressure of imposing the Penitentials over the laws of the Brehon), as well as how the Bible and the theological views have been modelled, council after council, moving away from the original christian views. This is also the return to a more “traditional” murder mystery, away from any tiring Uí Fidgenti conspiracy against Colgú, that were becoming more prevalent in previous volumes.
But for the long-time reader of Fidelma mysteries, this one is really lacking in depth from its main characters' perspective. Fidelma is surprisingly tame (even at times ignorant) when it comes to rebuking the views of the christian priest trying to impose the Penitentials – which, for a former religieuse who knew the Bible inside out in early books and could argue at length on specifics of the Bible, is quite frustrating. Eadulf also has a very tangential presence, squeaking from the sidelines that “we should probably get some armed forces on the ground now, right?” and the old “I am not a Saxon, I am an Angle” joke, until finally, by some Deus Ex Machina twist, Enda and co. happen to turn up. His last role then consists of being the witness required to validate one of Fidelma's flaky arguments during the proceedings. Also, clearly some unresolved issues, such as Blinne's husband's debt, or the burning down of Béoán and Cáemell's tavern, which leaves the reader wondering...
Ireland is visibly a society in mutation, under assault from the New Faith, and this is fascinating to see, book after book. But the character development is disappointing, to say the least, and it feels like the series is getting out of breath.
(Also, not sure if this is the e-book version, but I am noticing more and more editorial issues in the books, typos and inconsistencies, like wrong characters mentioned, e.g. a “Brother Rumann” instead of “Brother Solam”)
But for the long-time reader of Fidelma mysteries, this one is really lacking in depth from its main characters' perspective. Fidelma is surprisingly tame (even at times ignorant) when it comes to rebuking the views of the christian priest trying to impose the Penitentials – which, for a former religieuse who knew the Bible inside out in early books and could argue at length on specifics of the Bible, is quite frustrating. Eadulf also has a very tangential presence, squeaking from the sidelines that “we should probably get some armed forces on the ground now, right?” and the old “I am not a Saxon, I am an Angle” joke, until finally, by some Deus Ex Machina twist, Enda and co. happen to turn up. His last role then consists of being the witness required to validate one of Fidelma's flaky arguments during the proceedings. Also, clearly some unresolved issues, such as Blinne's husband's debt, or the burning down of Béoán and Cáemell's tavern, which leaves the reader wondering...
Ireland is visibly a society in mutation, under assault from the New Faith, and this is fascinating to see, book after book. But the character development is disappointing, to say the least, and it feels like the series is getting out of breath.
(Also, not sure if this is the e-book version, but I am noticing more and more editorial issues in the books, typos and inconsistencies, like wrong characters mentioned, e.g. a “Brother Rumann” instead of “Brother Solam”)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 16, 2024
I would personally say 3.5 stars. I liked it, but there were few things, which I found annoying. Mainly I guess Gadra and how behaviour was annoying me to no end, altough I know such behaviour could happen. And did happen. Also at times I felt like the story was bit stalling and getting bit more and more complicated. Having said that, you are in for several surprises, twists and turns, some which I did not expect. But I was able to guess who was behind the murder of the family and what would be the motive. I would say more, but I would like to avoid spoilers in this review.
What I find fascinating is the law system in Ireland at that time and how it was structured, but at the time of this book, it seems it was already changing, and not sure if was for the best. You could feel it how they went against Fidelma at some point, although they knew of her position, both as a legal representative, and a sister to the king.
I liked Fidelma's and Eadulf's relationship and it seems I missed some, a lot, of books in the series, so I may have some catching to do!
Overall, I enjoyed it and I can recommend the book.
What I find fascinating is the law system in Ireland at that time and how it was structured, but at the time of this book, it seems it was already changing, and not sure if was for the best. You could feel it how they went against Fidelma at some point, although they knew of her position, both as a legal representative, and a sister to the king.
I liked Fidelma's and Eadulf's relationship and it seems I missed some, a lot, of books in the series, so I may have some catching to do!
Overall, I enjoyed it and I can recommend the book.
March 13, 2021
Closer to a 4.5. Even though there was not a lot of action, certainly not as much as in some of the other books in the series, I enjoyed the mental puzzle of this mystery. The only thing keeping the rating to a four instead of a five were the long-winded explanations of law in the dialogue.
I stayed engrossed while reading "Blood in Eden" throughout and enjoyed putting together the clues with Fidelma. Of the numerous unlikable characters, Brother Gadra was the worst. I wish Fidelma did not run across these fanatical, foaming at the mouth religieux so often. I'd love to read two Sister Fidelma books in a row without one of these crazy men.
I thought the epilogue was especially poignant, Fidelma lamenting the changes coming to her land (and history proves she was right to worry). She also raises a good point about religious texts and teaching, that so much has been changed by men over the years, the original intent has been lost to a depressing degree.
I stayed engrossed while reading "Blood in Eden" throughout and enjoyed putting together the clues with Fidelma. Of the numerous unlikable characters, Brother Gadra was the worst. I wish Fidelma did not run across these fanatical, foaming at the mouth religieux so often. I'd love to read two Sister Fidelma books in a row without one of these crazy men.
I thought the epilogue was especially poignant, Fidelma lamenting the changes coming to her land (and history proves she was right to worry). She also raises a good point about religious texts and teaching, that so much has been changed by men over the years, the original intent has been lost to a depressing degree.
January 8, 2021
3.5 stars
This is my first Sister Fidelma novel, though I had read a short story before. Tremayne writs in clear prose and is very good at setting a scene. Despite the sometimes difficult names and terms, it is very easy to follow what is going on and who is who.
The set up for the mystery is good, and Fidelma is the right blend of really smart but not too smart. She clearly has flaws, which is appreciated. I also enjoyed her interplay with her husband.
The ultimate resolution isn't entirely satisfying, but then again few mysteries have great endings. I'm not sure it was really possible for the reader to figure out whodunnit unless they happened to be deeply familiar with ancient Ireland's law of succession, other than by guessing. Regardless, this was an enjoyable way to pass the time and I plan to read other books in the series.
This is my first Sister Fidelma novel, though I had read a short story before. Tremayne writs in clear prose and is very good at setting a scene. Despite the sometimes difficult names and terms, it is very easy to follow what is going on and who is who.
The set up for the mystery is good, and Fidelma is the right blend of really smart but not too smart. She clearly has flaws, which is appreciated. I also enjoyed her interplay with her husband.
The ultimate resolution isn't entirely satisfying, but then again few mysteries have great endings. I'm not sure it was really possible for the reader to figure out whodunnit unless they happened to be deeply familiar with ancient Ireland's law of succession, other than by guessing. Regardless, this was an enjoyable way to pass the time and I plan to read other books in the series.
March 14, 2021
I love this series, the history, the language...I always feel I learn alot after one of these books. This one made me feel abit nervous though as I start to see the inevitable creep of the Roman Christianity into the Irish version.
It just made me a little sad to watch the version of Fidelma the book portrays - this strong independent educated intelligent stubborn woman - and know there will be fewer and fewer of her as the church sends women to the back pew (metaphorically speaking), in some cases till the 21st century. That means we are seeing in the Fidelma books the start of 14 centuries of women (for the most part) not being treated as equals, as lesser.
I praise the author for putting all this research and knowledge into these books , for without them I don’t think I’d ever have known that women and men were so “equal” in the 7th century.
It just made me a little sad to watch the version of Fidelma the book portrays - this strong independent educated intelligent stubborn woman - and know there will be fewer and fewer of her as the church sends women to the back pew (metaphorically speaking), in some cases till the 21st century. That means we are seeing in the Fidelma books the start of 14 centuries of women (for the most part) not being treated as equals, as lesser.
I praise the author for putting all this research and knowledge into these books , for without them I don’t think I’d ever have known that women and men were so “equal” in the 7th century.
February 23, 2020
Fidelma and Eadulf are returning home when they come across a village about to hang a stranger, without a trial. The village is rich farmland and called eden. The two start to put together the story of what happened. The stranger is accused of murdering a rich farmer and his family. Fidelma feels something is not right. The farmer was kind to the couple despite the fact that he had no work for them why would he kill them? There's another death eventually and a lynching, a possible attack on Fidelma. Blood In Eden brings out the laws of inheritance and land owning in ancient Ireland. Peter Tremayne has Fidelma and Eadulf on the case and she will not give up until the truth is out. Really enjoyed this one.
May 29, 2022
A family is brutally killed and Fidelma and Eadulf intervene to prevent a lynching. Little has changed over the centuries in the village of Cliochin and there has never been an unnatural death in the villagers’ memory. However, with the coming of Christianity, their lives have begun to change. Like many of the books in this series, the basic tension is between the Christianity brought to Ireland by Patrick, that is in harmony with the values of the ancient laws, and the harsh interpretation of the religion that the Roman church is trying to impose. Added to that are some very complicated laws on inheritance of property. The research is impressive and the author brings 7th century Ireland to life.
February 6, 2024
Fidelma and Eadulf arrive in a village, where there has been no violent crime in living memory, just in time to stop a violent mob from hanging a dark skinned man. They later find out that a powerful and wealthy farmer and his family have been murdered. The villagers led by an intolerant priest claim they know who the culprit is and tried to take the law into their own hands. But there's more to it than meets the eye, and Fidelma thinks there's a diabolical mind at work. This prejudiced, despicable priest has enthralled the village into believing his preachings of hatred and retribution and the new Roman law of penitentials. During the investigation three more murders are committed and a couple of unsuccesful attempts, one of them on Fidelma.
October 25, 2019
POSSIBLE SPOILERS
I greatly enjoy Peter Tremayne's Sister Fidelma series. However, there is an issue of genetics that bothers me about "Blood in Eden." There's a great emphasis on one character's very non-Irish complexion. Since we are told that this character's ancestors have been in Ireland for generations AND arrived with no women of their own, there is no way that a different skin color could have been maintained. The only women they could have married were Irish and after a couple of generations the descendants of the original foreigners would look exactly like their fellow native Irish.
I greatly enjoy Peter Tremayne's Sister Fidelma series. However, there is an issue of genetics that bothers me about "Blood in Eden." There's a great emphasis on one character's very non-Irish complexion. Since we are told that this character's ancestors have been in Ireland for generations AND arrived with no women of their own, there is no way that a different skin color could have been maintained. The only women they could have married were Irish and after a couple of generations the descendants of the original foreigners would look exactly like their fellow native Irish.
October 13, 2021
After thirty adventures back in time to seventh century Ireland, the Fidelma series continues to mystify, excite, and amaze me.
Medieval villagers who know how to tame the land and survive harsh conditions without the benefit of an education are sometimes misdirected and ruled by emotions rather than reason.
In this story, the misdirection comes from an unscrupulous fanatical priest who turns an edenic village into a murderous mob that even the unflappable Fidelma cannot deal with. As the brutal deaths increase, so do the suspects, leaving one to think that Fidelma will not be able to sort it out.
Medieval villagers who know how to tame the land and survive harsh conditions without the benefit of an education are sometimes misdirected and ruled by emotions rather than reason.
In this story, the misdirection comes from an unscrupulous fanatical priest who turns an edenic village into a murderous mob that even the unflappable Fidelma cannot deal with. As the brutal deaths increase, so do the suspects, leaving one to think that Fidelma will not be able to sort it out.
August 12, 2020
Another great mystery!
I enjoy the Sister Fidelma mysteries because they are good stories and I also get to learn a lot about Ancient Ireland's customs and laws. This story and me guessing. I don't want to ruin it for everyone else. Let's just say, I had a difficult time putting it down. If you are e a fan of this series, you will enjoy this book. If you would like to learn about Ancient Ireland in a more enjoyable way, then start with the first book in the xeries , sit back and enjoy the adventures. The title of the first book is ABSOLUTION BY MURDER.
I enjoy the Sister Fidelma mysteries because they are good stories and I also get to learn a lot about Ancient Ireland's customs and laws. This story and me guessing. I don't want to ruin it for everyone else. Let's just say, I had a difficult time putting it down. If you are e a fan of this series, you will enjoy this book. If you would like to learn about Ancient Ireland in a more enjoyable way, then start with the first book in the xeries , sit back and enjoy the adventures. The title of the first book is ABSOLUTION BY MURDER.
February 15, 2023
I may be tiring of The Adventures of Lady Fidelma, or the author may be tiring of churning out one episode after another, year after year.
I must admit that my interest waned upon reading the Author's Note, placed, perhaps not well placed, at the beginning of the book. Once I read that one of Tremayne's goals was to substantiate the existence of the ancient Irish laws, I feared that I was in for a rather complicated, if not boring, tome. I was right.
One thing is sure - I will be taking an extended sabbatical from Tremayne, Fidelma, and ancient Ireland. I shall return.
I must admit that my interest waned upon reading the Author's Note, placed, perhaps not well placed, at the beginning of the book. Once I read that one of Tremayne's goals was to substantiate the existence of the ancient Irish laws, I feared that I was in for a rather complicated, if not boring, tome. I was right.
One thing is sure - I will be taking an extended sabbatical from Tremayne, Fidelma, and ancient Ireland. I shall return.
June 21, 2022
Some interesting debates and threads to follow as usual in this series. Yet the story is not as good as some and there are loose threads at the end. The way that Sr Fidelma dealt with one problematic character does not appear to follow her usual logic. This book has differences from the others in Fidelma's confidence to handle the people involved, and that is brought up by the author near the end but the reader is left a bit puzzled. At least I am.
August 21, 2023
Apt Title
Tremayne lands another hit. The author often describes the growing conflict between the Celtic Church and the Roman Church and how our heroine has to deal with those factors in her investigation. And without giving too much away, even without this religious conflict, humans have always argued over something. Fidelma and Eadulf must discover the real reason who truly set everything into motion of the blood bath in Eden.
Tremayne lands another hit. The author often describes the growing conflict between the Celtic Church and the Roman Church and how our heroine has to deal with those factors in her investigation. And without giving too much away, even without this religious conflict, humans have always argued over something. Fidelma and Eadulf must discover the real reason who truly set everything into motion of the blood bath in Eden.
December 3, 2019
One of the best in the series, which follow one another in chronological order, although this particular mystery can stand on its own. It takes place in 671 CE, when Fidelma and Eadulf are on their way back to Cashel and seeking accommodations for the night, and enter a village just in time to save a man's life from a lynch mob.
May 29, 2020
After a disappointing previous entry, this one was a "classic" Fidelma mystery: I enjoyed it quite a lot, although I found the motivation of the killer a bit forced, all things considering. Still, one of the better books in the series!
August 18, 2020
Set in ancient Ireland, the book tells the story of how Fidelma, lawyer and princess, solves multiple crimes and exonerates the innocent using observation and deduction. I find it interesting how ancient Ireland allowed women to practice professions that were later closed to women.
September 8, 2021
I am a long time fan of the Sister Fidelma mysteries. Love the detailed depiction of life in
medieval Ireland and the twists and turns that occur as this brilliant woman solves murders and assures justice under the ancient legal system.
medieval Ireland and the twists and turns that occur as this brilliant woman solves murders and assures justice under the ancient legal system.
October 23, 2021
Have read a few of this series and found this particular book long and tedious.Too many explanations of Irelands past history which seemed to go on for ages.Will not read another as they are becoming long winded.
February 16, 2022
I did not realize this was #30 in a series. I picked it up because it billed itself as "A Mystery of Ancient Ireland." I will not be looking to read 1-29. Overly didactic. Who investigates a murder and only comes very late to the question "Who stands to gain?"
April 6, 2022
This one was really interesting- dealing with genealogies, skin tone, inheritance rights (women could inherit), a fanatic charismatic priest, and just general dark ages Ireland.
It's so fascinating that the Abbeys held all those genealogies.
It's so fascinating that the Abbeys held all those genealogies.
January 10, 2023
Another terrific outing for Fidelma of Cashel and her husband Eadulf. A whole family murdered in a village, a traveller about to be hanged for the murders, a religious fanatic - get set for another romp in 7th century Ireland.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews