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Sister Fidelma #13
Badger's Moon
In October of 667 A.D., Fidelma of Cashel - sister to the one of kings of Ireland, a religieuse of the Celtic Church, and an advocate of the Brehon courts - is struggling with her most challenging role yet, that of mother to her infant son Alchu. So it is with mixed feelings that she receives the summons from Abbot Brogan. There have been a series of shocking murders that have terrorized the villagers near the Abbey of Finbarr; three young girls have been violently slaughtered - one per month of the night of the full moon, the most recent only days before during the badger's moon, October's full moon. The villagers are angrily demanding answers from the abbey, who are housing three visitors from faraway--strangers who the villagers believe are behind the gruesome murders. As a respected Brehon, Fidelma, along with her companion Brother Eadulf, is dispatched by her brother the king to restore order to the panicked village and investigate the killings. But time is running out and Fidelma must act quickly, uncovering the complicated truth before the next full moon comes and the lunatic killer strikes again.
290 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2003
58 people are currently reading
484 people want to read
About the author
Peter Tremayne
206 books474 followersPeter Berresford Ellis (born 10 March 1943) is a historian, literary biographer, and novelist who has published over 90 books to date either under his own name or his pseudonyms Peter Tremayne and Peter MacAlan. He has also published 95 short stories. His non-fiction books, articles and academic papers have made him acknowledged as an authority on Celtic history and culture. As Peter Tremayne, he is the author of the international bestselling Sister Fidelma mystery series. His work has appeared in 25 languages.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
June 25, 2019
The Badger’s Moon. In ancient times it was so named for a myth proclaiming that the moon was so bright, the badger chose that night to dry the reeds for its bedding by its light.
In this story, it is during the Badger’s Moon that a young woman is found to have been viciously murdered – the third young woman, and each during a full moon. Is this the work of a lunatic? One who is uncontrollably seized by violence during the full moon? Or, is something more sinister afoot.
Sister Fidelma and Brother Eadulf are called upon to investigate the murders as the people of the town threaten to attack the abbey where three dark-skinned strangers are in residence and whose arrival coincided with the first murder.
A young boy finds a nugget of fool’s gold on a roadway near an ancient, worked-out mine. But is it fool’s gold or the real thing? And how do these incidents, along with the many other suspicious occurrences tie-in to the murders?
As always, Peter Tremayne weaves ancient folklore throughout these stories. In the 7th century A.D., people are not yet so far removed from the old ways and many, even while embracing the New Faith, keep the myths and lore alive. Even the Saints are not impervious to taking actions based on fear and superstition, and we learn of one prominent example in this book.
My fascination with the ancient stories and lore of the Celts – even the myths – goes back for as long as I can remember. These novels satisfy that fascination and create a hunger for even more.
In this story, it is during the Badger’s Moon that a young woman is found to have been viciously murdered – the third young woman, and each during a full moon. Is this the work of a lunatic? One who is uncontrollably seized by violence during the full moon? Or, is something more sinister afoot.
Sister Fidelma and Brother Eadulf are called upon to investigate the murders as the people of the town threaten to attack the abbey where three dark-skinned strangers are in residence and whose arrival coincided with the first murder.
A young boy finds a nugget of fool’s gold on a roadway near an ancient, worked-out mine. But is it fool’s gold or the real thing? And how do these incidents, along with the many other suspicious occurrences tie-in to the murders?
As always, Peter Tremayne weaves ancient folklore throughout these stories. In the 7th century A.D., people are not yet so far removed from the old ways and many, even while embracing the New Faith, keep the myths and lore alive. Even the Saints are not impervious to taking actions based on fear and superstition, and we learn of one prominent example in this book.
My fascination with the ancient stories and lore of the Celts – even the myths – goes back for as long as I can remember. These novels satisfy that fascination and create a hunger for even more.
January 28, 2022
Read this book in 2008, and its the 14th volume, chronologically, of the amazing "Sister Fidelma" series.
In this tale at first three young girls were slaughtered on three successive full moons in the Kingdom of Muman.
This terror will haunt the land of Muman, and three dark strangers from the land of Aksum (Ethiopia), guests at the Abbey of Finbarr, are soon the ideal scapegoats for the panic-stricken mob.
Sister Fidelma and Brother Eadulf are sent there to restore order in that Abbey, and start investigating this case of the mutilations of young girl's bodies.
Soon enough several suspects will come to the forefront besides the three dark strangers, for there's also the ageing Laig, a hermit-like apothecary, who has instructed the three victims about the power and magic of the moon.
What other sinister truths are there hidden in this land of magic and murder, that's something Sister Fidelma and Brother Eadulf will have to find out in their own resolute way, while investigating these heinous crimes.
What is to follow is a fantastic and thrilling Irish mystery, in which Sister Fidelma and Brother Eadulf, although their relationship is fragile at the moment, are doing their utmost to solve these brutal cases, and after sifting the evidence and entangling the threads of this web of death, Sister Fidelma will be able to reveal the culprit behind these terrible murders.
Highly recommended, for this is another tremendous addition to this great series, and that's why I like to call this episode: "A Brilliant Badger's Moon!
In this tale at first three young girls were slaughtered on three successive full moons in the Kingdom of Muman.
This terror will haunt the land of Muman, and three dark strangers from the land of Aksum (Ethiopia), guests at the Abbey of Finbarr, are soon the ideal scapegoats for the panic-stricken mob.
Sister Fidelma and Brother Eadulf are sent there to restore order in that Abbey, and start investigating this case of the mutilations of young girl's bodies.
Soon enough several suspects will come to the forefront besides the three dark strangers, for there's also the ageing Laig, a hermit-like apothecary, who has instructed the three victims about the power and magic of the moon.
What other sinister truths are there hidden in this land of magic and murder, that's something Sister Fidelma and Brother Eadulf will have to find out in their own resolute way, while investigating these heinous crimes.
What is to follow is a fantastic and thrilling Irish mystery, in which Sister Fidelma and Brother Eadulf, although their relationship is fragile at the moment, are doing their utmost to solve these brutal cases, and after sifting the evidence and entangling the threads of this web of death, Sister Fidelma will be able to reveal the culprit behind these terrible murders.
Highly recommended, for this is another tremendous addition to this great series, and that's why I like to call this episode: "A Brilliant Badger's Moon!
May 2, 2016
#13 Goodreads? Fit? I've read a couple of these over the years, and found them to be generally enjoyable, but ultimately individually forgettable - kind of in the Cadfael mode where there didn't appear to be much character development, and everything is tied up nicely at the end of the book - and the reader just goes with it as the whodunnit is revealed.
So having checked now, I think there have been seven or eight books between the last one I read and this one - and nothing beyond an off-page baby for the book (conveniently away to stop having to have Sister Fidelma and Eadulf sodding knackered and their authority dunted by the size of the bags under their eyes, robes covered in puke or stopping half way through a sentence aware you had no idea where you were going with it.
While it would amuse me, that would be a fairly rubbish book though.
Anyway, this was what I thought - fine. No more, no less. I'll forget it in a few weeks, but found it easy reading and diverting - exactly what I was looking for. The history is good, and there are some good facts (not well hidden under 'explanatory to the furriner' usually, but pretty much forgiveable). An easy reading series - in an interesting time/location with Ireland 7th century intriguing, unchallenging, which sometimes is exactly what you were looking for.
So having checked now, I think there have been seven or eight books between the last one I read and this one - and nothing beyond an off-page baby for the book (conveniently away to stop having to have Sister Fidelma and Eadulf sodding knackered and their authority dunted by the size of the bags under their eyes, robes covered in puke or stopping half way through a sentence aware you had no idea where you were going with it.
While it would amuse me, that would be a fairly rubbish book though.
Anyway, this was what I thought - fine. No more, no less. I'll forget it in a few weeks, but found it easy reading and diverting - exactly what I was looking for. The history is good, and there are some good facts (not well hidden under 'explanatory to the furriner' usually, but pretty much forgiveable). An easy reading series - in an interesting time/location with Ireland 7th century intriguing, unchallenging, which sometimes is exactly what you were looking for.
July 14, 2021
This time readers get to spend more time in Fidelma and Eadulf's heads, as she suffers from postpartum depression and he worries about her changed disposition. Again I was bothered by the gap between that this novel and the previous one, as Badger's Moon begins when the baby is a month old so we don't get to experience the pregnancy and birth along with her.
The mystery is a good one, and for a change the killer was not the obvious arrogant male. As usual, I reread the denouement to make sure I understood who did what to whom and to appreciate how all the ends got tied up. I noticed that the author is getting a bit redundant in his plot points: a gold/silver mine, a secret underground passage, mysterious strangers, and Fidelma using her martial arts expertise to thwart an attacker. And a cliff hanger to ensure that I'll want to read the next book in the series.
The mystery is a good one, and for a change the killer was not the obvious arrogant male. As usual, I reread the denouement to make sure I understood who did what to whom and to appreciate how all the ends got tied up. I noticed that the author is getting a bit redundant in his plot points: a gold/silver mine, a secret underground passage, mysterious strangers, and Fidelma using her martial arts expertise to thwart an attacker. And a cliff hanger to ensure that I'll want to read the next book in the series.
July 28, 2011
I picked this for my Kindle without realizing it was the middle of a series. I enjoyed it so thoroughly that I'm going to go back and work my way forward from #1! If you enjoy mystery, strong female characters, all set in a Celtic setting, and some good Church history to boot, try out Sr. Fidelma.
October 13, 2013
I read the first two Sister Fidelma mysteries a few years ago and am glad to pick it up again. If you haven't read these books, Sister Fidelma is indeed a nun in 7th century Ireland, but the Irish Catholic church is quite independent of Rome. Fidelma is allowed to marry and, as a sister of a chieftan, serve as a judge and investigator for Muman (Munster). In this particular case, she travels further southward to assist her cousin Becc, chieftan of the Cinal na Aeda, in unraveling the mystery around the murder of three young women during the so-called "Badger's Moon."
The local people blame the visiting monks from Greece who are under the protection of hospitality at the Abbey Finnbarr. Fidelma discovers that one of them is guilty of transgressing on that hospitality at the behest of Becc's tanist Accobran, but is not guilty of the girls' murders. That crime has been committed by one who is accused by the first victim's father, a fact that Fidelma and her companion (husband) Brother Eadulf do not recognize until much later.
Through all of this, Fidelma and Eadulf are struggling with their own mystery: why is Fidelma unhappy when confined to their home in Cashel with their new baby son Alchu? Eadulf wants answers, but this is a puzzle Fidelma may not be able solve to the satisfaction of either.
The author, Peter Tremayne, is a scholar of Celtic history and always provides a very good overview of the historical circumstances in which Fidelma and Eadulf work. He also provides a pronunciation key to the names of the people and places. This is an incredibly readable and satisfying series for anyone who loves historical mysteries.
The local people blame the visiting monks from Greece who are under the protection of hospitality at the Abbey Finnbarr. Fidelma discovers that one of them is guilty of transgressing on that hospitality at the behest of Becc's tanist Accobran, but is not guilty of the girls' murders. That crime has been committed by one who is accused by the first victim's father, a fact that Fidelma and her companion (husband) Brother Eadulf do not recognize until much later.
Through all of this, Fidelma and Eadulf are struggling with their own mystery: why is Fidelma unhappy when confined to their home in Cashel with their new baby son Alchu? Eadulf wants answers, but this is a puzzle Fidelma may not be able solve to the satisfaction of either.
The author, Peter Tremayne, is a scholar of Celtic history and always provides a very good overview of the historical circumstances in which Fidelma and Eadulf work. He also provides a pronunciation key to the names of the people and places. This is an incredibly readable and satisfying series for anyone who loves historical mysteries.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 8, 2013
Well researched historical fiction. I've had a chance to explore the ruins if Ireland's ancient abbeys so can picture the actual settings of the story. I enjoyed this one a 2nd time. Would recommend it as a good read
November 2, 2021
I figured this one out way too early and spoiled it for myself. I wish Brother Eadulf would become a little stronger in many ways.
January 19, 2016
Fidelma has had her baby between books (phew!) but Eadulf is worried she has postpartum depression and is trying to get her to take St. John's Wort. Yeah, throw in some willow bark while you're at it.
Young women are being killed in what appears to be a full moon ritual. The chieftain of the area has sent for someone to investigate, as his usual brehon has dropped dead. His people demand justice, blaming strangers who are staying at the Abbey. Because they're strangers. And they look different. And they're "not from around here." Whoever is doing it is obsessed with the moon, and there seem to be plenty of those around, including the strangers.
Well, the strangers seem to be up to something, lots of other people seem to be up to something, and the Ui Fidgente seem to be up to something. And Fidelma has to straighten it out, which is more fun than being a mom right now.
I have mixed feelings about the relationship between Fidelma and Eadulf. In many ways they have a Holmes and Watson dynamic going, which is necessarily uneven. Fidelma doesn't explain things to Eadulf (so we don't overhear and the game is given away) making Eadulf look a bit stupid. Also, Eadulf is trained in the apothecary arts, an equivalent to Watson's medical profession. Both of these "sidekicks" are intelligent people, but not compared to the main detective. Watson is appreciated by Holmes for his bravery, loyalty, and probably his trusty revolver. His medical knowledge hardly ever comes into play. Eadulf, at least, gets to use his apothecary training and his knowledge of a number of useful languages - but gets the short end of the helpfulness stick by being a poor rider of horses and having a tendency to blurt things out - unless Fidelma stops him with one of her looks. This gives him a certain amount of goofiness and I'm reluctant to find him a figure of fun.
I wish both sidekicks had opportunities (or perhaps more opportunities) to look as intelligent as they are.
Young women are being killed in what appears to be a full moon ritual. The chieftain of the area has sent for someone to investigate, as his usual brehon has dropped dead. His people demand justice, blaming strangers who are staying at the Abbey. Because they're strangers. And they look different. And they're "not from around here." Whoever is doing it is obsessed with the moon, and there seem to be plenty of those around, including the strangers.
Well, the strangers seem to be up to something, lots of other people seem to be up to something, and the Ui Fidgente seem to be up to something. And Fidelma has to straighten it out, which is more fun than being a mom right now.
I have mixed feelings about the relationship between Fidelma and Eadulf. In many ways they have a Holmes and Watson dynamic going, which is necessarily uneven. Fidelma doesn't explain things to Eadulf (so we don't overhear and the game is given away) making Eadulf look a bit stupid. Also, Eadulf is trained in the apothecary arts, an equivalent to Watson's medical profession. Both of these "sidekicks" are intelligent people, but not compared to the main detective. Watson is appreciated by Holmes for his bravery, loyalty, and probably his trusty revolver. His medical knowledge hardly ever comes into play. Eadulf, at least, gets to use his apothecary training and his knowledge of a number of useful languages - but gets the short end of the helpfulness stick by being a poor rider of horses and having a tendency to blurt things out - unless Fidelma stops him with one of her looks. This gives him a certain amount of goofiness and I'm reluctant to find him a figure of fun.
I wish both sidekicks had opportunities (or perhaps more opportunities) to look as intelligent as they are.
December 5, 2008
I've enjoyed some of Tremayne's early horror novels but this was the first Sister Fidelma story I'd tackled. For those who don't know, the Sister Fidelma books are historical murder mystery novels set in ancient Ireland.
This is a fun read. There's no faulting Tremayne's scholarly approach to the period, which is expertly researched. I like the hints of a werewolf at work before things move into a more realistic domain as we explore warring tribes, ancient gold mines and family rivalry.
The ending is also fun, a courtroom showdown that John Grisham would be proud of. Fidelma is a little cold, but I'm sure she will warm as I read more of these stories. Although slightly dry in places, BADGER'S MOON is a good effort and worth it for fans of the genre.
This is a fun read. There's no faulting Tremayne's scholarly approach to the period, which is expertly researched. I like the hints of a werewolf at work before things move into a more realistic domain as we explore warring tribes, ancient gold mines and family rivalry.
The ending is also fun, a courtroom showdown that John Grisham would be proud of. Fidelma is a little cold, but I'm sure she will warm as I read more of these stories. Although slightly dry in places, BADGER'S MOON is a good effort and worth it for fans of the genre.
February 20, 2016
A really interesting tale of the deaths of three young women close by a long-ago closed gold mine, all apparently during a full moon. Just before the murders started to occur, three dark-skinned religieuse show up in the area and the villager of the Abbey of Finbarr are suspicious that they had something to do with the incidents.
It is up to Fidelma, sister to one of the kings of Ireland, a religious and a law advocate, to ferret out the truth of who is guilty. And the mystery couldn't have come at a more difficult time as Fidelma has become a mother. Yet she jumps at the chance to investigate the killings.
More and more does she find out about the incidents but solid clues are few. Can she solve the mystery before another death.
It is up to Fidelma, sister to one of the kings of Ireland, a religious and a law advocate, to ferret out the truth of who is guilty. And the mystery couldn't have come at a more difficult time as Fidelma has become a mother. Yet she jumps at the chance to investigate the killings.
More and more does she find out about the incidents but solid clues are few. Can she solve the mystery before another death.
October 7, 2010
Once again Peter Tremayne brings us to seventh century Ireland. Some things seem so different and some seem so similiar. Eadwulf and Fidelma are arguing over how to parent their infant son. Fidelma is experiencing post natal depression. While all this is going on, she is asked to solve three murders of young girls. Somehow she straightens out all the clues and discovers who the culprit is. It's hard not to compare our ideas of today with the ideas expressed in the book. Very entertaining.
August 22, 2013
# 5 in the Sister Fidelma series, well-paced mystery with wealth of historical detail about the already well-established Celtic Christian world, it's Celtic cultural references from pre- & post Christian & Roman eras & how it differed from the Roman Christian world forming & attempting reforms in the late 600's. The Brehon law of the Celtic world was way ahead of it's time & contemporaries. We're still catching up!
September 24, 2016
An enjoyable book, good mystery (I can never figure out whodunit though). Its a place and period of time I'm not familiar with and I found that fascinating. The main characters seemed a bit flat, but maybe because I'm missing some background? I've read that you should be able to read these stand alone, but I'm not convinced. I'm pretty sure I'm going to go back and start at the beginning of the series!
September 14, 2013
It's always a comfort to return to the world of Sister Fidelma. This 13th mystery was very rewarding and I only guessed one of the major mystereies. Meanwhile, Fidelma's relationship with Eadulf has reached a critical stage and the next volume promises to bring more adventure and, hopefully, clarity to their tortured love.
April 15, 2015
This book skips forward about 9 months from the last. Fidelma is feeling confined by her new role and so leaps at the chance to solve a mystery for a chieftain cousin. They find three teenage girls grisly murdered. As usual more is going on. Strange happenings come together confusing the puzzle.
July 15, 2018
Someone is using the celebrations of the phases of the moon and what the names for the phases and the time of the year that they occur.
Now can the light shine on the murder?
Is it the shaman?
Is it the leader of the religious sector?
Is it the leader of the clan?
I will not give the answers because I would spoil the story line and the book.
Now can the light shine on the murder?
Is it the shaman?
Is it the leader of the religious sector?
Is it the leader of the clan?
I will not give the answers because I would spoil the story line and the book.
September 2, 2010
Dry, boring, repetitive (how many times can you say that Eadulf isn't a great horseman?), and also... boring. I enjoyed many other books in this series years ago, but now I can't tell if I just had bad taste or if this one is that much worse.
January 19, 2015
This book was fascinating in it's contextual setting -- ancient (667 AD) Ireland, making the mystery secondary (to me). Sister Fidelma of Cashel is the perfect female protagonist: smart, assertive, and compassionate. I will read more of Tremayne's work.
February 10, 2009
Another good Sister Fidelma mystery.
May 30, 2009
Another awesome Sister Fidelma book! I wish I had half the brains of that woman. She puts things together in such a way that the end always comes a s a surprise.
November 11, 2010
I enjoyed it very much. Definitely worth reading.
July 12, 2014
Tremayne's complex plots are always enjoyable and the expert unraveling by Fidelma leaves the reader satisfied and enthralled
August 30, 2011
I enjoyed the book and the teaser at the end makes me want to start the next book in the series ASAP.
July 11, 2012
Really enjoyed the details from a historic perspective - very clever and really well done
June 4, 2017
Arghhh, that's a giant cliff-hanger! Give me the next book!
March 18, 2024
...you would do well to remember that this land is not separated from the rest of the world, but shares the sins of humanity in equal proportion. (137)
These words, uttered by the character of Brother Dangila, are but a sample of the increased depth in this installment of the Sister Fidelma series. Brother Dangila and two of his colleagues are three "strangers" from the Kingdom of Aksum, which reached its greatest power in the sixth century, and had begun to decline in the time of Fidelma. The Kingdom occupied what is now Northern Ethiopia and Eritrea, and parts of modern Sudan, if internet maps are correct. The book (rather gently) brings in themes of racism and xenophobia, and it the quote above is one moment where even Fidelma must confront her implicit biases.
The plot develops rather slowly, but there's a lot more nuance built into Fidelma's character, not only in the way she uses her role as a dálaigh as a coping mechanism as she is experiencing , but also how she really is interrogating her multiple identities as an emblem of jurisprudence, sister to the king, and now, a mother (apologies if you read the series out of order). There are perhaps a few too many characters and families to keep track of, but most intriguing are Liag the apothecary and Conrí, war chief of the Uí Fidgente. And there are, of course, the customary hothead soldiers/warriors that seem to feature in all the books. The plot has many twists and turns, but generally was not enough to hold my interest. Luckily, I was so surprised by the next-level themes in this particular book, that I kept going. The book ends (the epilogue, anyway) on a cliffhanger...the mark of a true and secure serial!
It has been rewarding to read the series in order because one gets the sense that Tremayne is trying things on for size. I hope the greater character development and depth continues to be part of this series.
These words, uttered by the character of Brother Dangila, are but a sample of the increased depth in this installment of the Sister Fidelma series. Brother Dangila and two of his colleagues are three "strangers" from the Kingdom of Aksum, which reached its greatest power in the sixth century, and had begun to decline in the time of Fidelma. The Kingdom occupied what is now Northern Ethiopia and Eritrea, and parts of modern Sudan, if internet maps are correct. The book (rather gently) brings in themes of racism and xenophobia, and it the quote above is one moment where even Fidelma must confront her implicit biases.
The plot develops rather slowly, but there's a lot more nuance built into Fidelma's character, not only in the way she uses her role as a dálaigh as a coping mechanism as she is experiencing , but also how she really is interrogating her multiple identities as an emblem of jurisprudence, sister to the king, and now, a mother (apologies if you read the series out of order). There are perhaps a few too many characters and families to keep track of, but most intriguing are Liag the apothecary and Conrí, war chief of the Uí Fidgente. And there are, of course, the customary hothead soldiers/warriors that seem to feature in all the books. The plot has many twists and turns, but generally was not enough to hold my interest. Luckily, I was so surprised by the next-level themes in this particular book, that I kept going. The book ends (the epilogue, anyway) on a cliffhanger...the mark of a true and secure serial!
It has been rewarding to read the series in order because one gets the sense that Tremayne is trying things on for size. I hope the greater character development and depth continues to be part of this series.
November 2, 2025
As a nun, judge, and sister of the king of Cashel, Sister Fidelma has the bases covered when it comes to authority: she’s hard to say no to. In this, her 13th outing (not counting the short stories), she is called away from her new-born son (there was no pledge of celibacy in the medieval Irish church) to investigate what looks like a case of a serial killer in the south west of Cashel, her brother’s realm.
As is often the case, it’s a tale tangled by local tensions and beliefs. In this the investigation is compounded by the presence of three monks from the Ethiopian church consulting documents in a local archive – which given the centrality of Ireland to Christian thinking in the early middle ages is thoroughly believable – but as strangers and Black they become suspect. What’s more, their story seems suspicious, although more doubtful and complex than false. Alongside the Ethiopian brothers, Fidelma’s investigation is made more complex by reports of warriors from a dissident and rebellious clan in the area, and suspicious locals.
As always she wraps things up, aided by trusty companion (and lover) Brother Eadulf, dispenses justice, and restores order. There is little uncertain about the outcome of the Peter Tremayne/Sister Fidelma story, the joy is in the plot, its twists, and Tremayne’s grasp of medieval Ireland – which just goes to make this thoroughly enjoyable.
As is often the case, it’s a tale tangled by local tensions and beliefs. In this the investigation is compounded by the presence of three monks from the Ethiopian church consulting documents in a local archive – which given the centrality of Ireland to Christian thinking in the early middle ages is thoroughly believable – but as strangers and Black they become suspect. What’s more, their story seems suspicious, although more doubtful and complex than false. Alongside the Ethiopian brothers, Fidelma’s investigation is made more complex by reports of warriors from a dissident and rebellious clan in the area, and suspicious locals.
As always she wraps things up, aided by trusty companion (and lover) Brother Eadulf, dispenses justice, and restores order. There is little uncertain about the outcome of the Peter Tremayne/Sister Fidelma story, the joy is in the plot, its twists, and Tremayne’s grasp of medieval Ireland – which just goes to make this thoroughly enjoyable.
August 21, 2025
Another interesting adventure for Fidelma and Eadulf, this time summoned to ascertain who is killing young women on the night of the full moon.
I like Fidelma a lot, but some of her behavior in this book seemed out of character for her. She was quick to anger, short and almost rude on multiple occasions, even with Eadulf. Her authority was questioned several times, but she's used to that. Maybe, as Eadulf thought, it's some form of post-partum depression? Whatever the cause, I hope she returns to her usual self in the next book.
There were a lot of characters introduced in this story, many who were viable suspects for the murders of the women. The Irish names were once again a stumbling block for me, but I was able to keep most of them straight this time. I thought I had the killer worked out, and I was on the right track, but didn't quite have the suspect nailed down. The motive was easier to figure out once the story reached a certain point.
The next book from this series is part of my audio library, and I hope to read it relatively soon to find out what happens following the last few lines of this book. Talk about a cliffhanger!
I like Fidelma a lot, but some of her behavior in this book seemed out of character for her. She was quick to anger, short and almost rude on multiple occasions, even with Eadulf. Her authority was questioned several times, but she's used to that. Maybe, as Eadulf thought, it's some form of post-partum depression? Whatever the cause, I hope she returns to her usual self in the next book.
There were a lot of characters introduced in this story, many who were viable suspects for the murders of the women. The Irish names were once again a stumbling block for me, but I was able to keep most of them straight this time. I thought I had the killer worked out, and I was on the right track, but didn't quite have the suspect nailed down. The motive was easier to figure out once the story reached a certain point.
The next book from this series is part of my audio library, and I hope to read it relatively soon to find out what happens following the last few lines of this book. Talk about a cliffhanger!
June 10, 2021
Breeding contempt?
Book 13. Unlucky number? This is the first one of the Sister Fidelma Mysteries that I haven’t been enamored with. Fidelma’s self assurance borders on conceit and I see now that her confidence develops from a life of privilege. All she has to do is mention her brother is the king or that she has earned the next to the top position in law and snap! Everyone cow-tows to her. Where’s the growth? The struggle? She isn’t growing in the series—she’s stagnating insufferably.
Maybe it’s her unbelievably callous attitude toward Eadulf that again brings me to the negative. She repeatedly advantage of his concern/love for her — giving very little back to him these adds to my discomfiture with the character at this point. I can empathize with her not being happy to be tied down to a baby, but not with her constant irritation and disregard for her companion.
Much like Agatha Christie claims to have created an insufferable egomaniac in Pirot, I’m worried that as I continue on into the series, I may find Fidelma joins his ranks. Only going on will tell.
Book 13. Unlucky number? This is the first one of the Sister Fidelma Mysteries that I haven’t been enamored with. Fidelma’s self assurance borders on conceit and I see now that her confidence develops from a life of privilege. All she has to do is mention her brother is the king or that she has earned the next to the top position in law and snap! Everyone cow-tows to her. Where’s the growth? The struggle? She isn’t growing in the series—she’s stagnating insufferably.
Maybe it’s her unbelievably callous attitude toward Eadulf that again brings me to the negative. She repeatedly advantage of his concern/love for her — giving very little back to him these adds to my discomfiture with the character at this point. I can empathize with her not being happy to be tied down to a baby, but not with her constant irritation and disregard for her companion.
Much like Agatha Christie claims to have created an insufferable egomaniac in Pirot, I’m worried that as I continue on into the series, I may find Fidelma joins his ranks. Only going on will tell.
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