In 671, Ireland when King Colgú learns that his Chief Bishop has been killed in the fortress of the Uí Fidgente, held by his enemy, he sends his sister Fidelma to investigate in what seems to be a locked room mystery.
Took too long for Fidelma and her team to arrive at the fortress that I was already bored, too much extraneous detail, too much Irish history and religion.
A NetGalley Book ( )

Décidément trop bavard, et voulant montrer sa culture du gaëlique et de l'histoire mouvementée de la formation de l'Irlande, l'auteur fatigue avec tous ces termes anciens, ses discussions interminables entre certaines factions religieuses. Un "thriller" se doit d'être un peu plus en mouvement, avec de l'action plutôt que des paroles sans fin, surtout truffées de mots à la prononciation quasi impossible, et surtout, qui n'apporte rien, à mon humble avis, à l'intérêt de l'histoire. ( )

The intricacies and subtleties of Ancient Celtic Laws continue to provide this excellent storyteller with very interesting plots that are compelling. Sent by her brother, King Colgu resolve a concern about a conflict between newly introduced Penitential practices and current law Fidelma finds that the issues are deeper and much more serious. Several murders occur to confound the already difficult task of defending Gorman, who is accused of a murder in a locked room. An evil, crafty abbot and marauding gangs of raiders need to be overcome before she can preset the solution. ( )

In this book Fidelma and Eadulf head back to the land of the Ui Fedgente to investigate because their loyal Chief Bishop from Cashel has been murdered and a soldier from Cashel has been charged with his murder. Ui Fidgente is a land that has no love lost with the subjects of King Colgu, who is Fidelma's brother. So there is lots of danger and intrigue and plenty of murders like any Sister Fidleman mystery. Tremayne's books are set in 1st Century Ireland, and his knowledge of this ancient era comes through on every page of his books. But that was where this book fell short for me. I thought there was entirely too much relgious debate and discourse so it took away from the usual suspense and thrills of a Fidelma book. Also, unlike previous books, I had figured out the perpetrators about halfway through on this one. I was disappointed, but I will read the next one because Fidelma is one of my favourite characters. ( )