This is the story of a book that I never would have chosen for myself. A story that begins in my local bookstore, an overstock and remainder shop where you can get new books at a fantastic price. The only problem is that your options are a bit limited, but if you’re up for trying something new, this is a great place to be. The shop owner and I were discussing our reading preferences.

Me: “Mysteries are my favorites, but it’s been a long time since I actually chose a book from the mystery section. I really like the unconventional mysteries I find in the mainstream fiction section, especially those by foreign authors.”

Her: “Like who?”

Me: “Like Tana French.”

Her: “I haven’t heard of her. Where’s she from?”

Me: “She’s Irish.”

Her eyes opened wide and she said, “Oh! I have the perfect author for you. He’s Irish and he writes the best mysteries!”

I was sold. I went home with a copy of “Behold a Pale Horse” by Peter Tremayne knowing only the genre and the author’s country of origin. The first chance I got I opened the book and dove right in. Well. Surprise # 1 was that the book is #22 of a series. Surprise # 2 was that the series takes place in ancient Ireland. This particular novel follows Sister Fidelma, the mystery solving lawyer/religieuse/princess in Northern Italy in the year 664 AD.

Mind blown.

It took me much longer than usual to get through this book. I had to get over #1, my prejudices about the book, #2, the history lesson I was gaining from reading the book, and #3, several small hissy fits that I threw upon having to read something outside of my comfort zone. But after I readjusted my attitude and approached the book as an adventure, I discovered that I actually enjoyed the story. I don’t have the urge to conquer the entire series, but I would spend some more time with Fidelma. Just not any time too soon. My personal rating is a 4, but if an accurate historical piece rich in learning opportunities and mystery is your thing, I’d say this might be a five. ( )

Nothing is more damning than faint praise, eh? Others who know have told me that the research is carefully done but it was difficult to drag myself through these pages. "Confusing" would be the best one word summary. Too many characters who are alike, too much strategy, too little to recommend it.
The heroine says so herself on page 319 "She had nothing to do with the ambitions of the exiled King Perctarit nor those of Grimoald. She cared nothing about them." Neither do I. ( )

This is the 22nd book in the Sister Fidelma mystery series. Set in 664 AD, Sister Fidelma is returning from a trip to Rome. She finds herself on an island where she encounters an old mentor who is dying. But he had stumbled onto something that opened the door to murder, intrigue and conspiracies.

Not speaking the language, Fidelma is limited and manipulated by unknown agents. The story is very well told and compelling to the end. ( )

This is the best Sister Fidelma book I've read in years! I love this series because of its authenticity. This book is set in 664 AD and contrary to other books this book is not sequential. Instead we go back to Fidelma just after she has left Rome after solving a puzzling murder there. She is on her way home from Italy, and makes a detour to go to an abbey to visit her old mentor who is dying. Here she finds that her old mentor is grievously injured, and she uncovers a web of murder and lies tied in with the political upheaval occurring in the beautiful valley of Trebbia. This is an "edge of the seat" thriller with Fidelma alone trying to figure out what's going on. She is at a disadvantage because she does not speak the local language and she doesn't know who to trust. This is a wonderful historical mystery series that just keeps on delivering. No wonder that there is an active international Sister Fidelma society. It's hard not to get drawn in to Mr. Tremayne's wonderful ancient world. ( )

I registered a book at BookCrossing.com!
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/11996750