raeofbooks's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
informative
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
book_nut's review against another edition
3.0
Not bad. A little too much history and not enough mystery for my taste.
affiknittyreads's review against another edition
3.0
Enjoyed this mystery and learning a little about the Celtic church in the Middle Ages. Will definitely read more in the series.
jbleyle63's review against another edition
5.0
I had enjoyed several short stories in Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine featuring Sister Fidelma. Now that I've read first novel in the series, I am filled with an enthusiasm for a historical mystery series that I haven't felt since reading the first entry in Ellis Peter's Brother Cadfael series.
zombeesknees's review against another edition
4.0
I had this recommended to me by a coworker who knew of my love for the Brother Cadfael series; and while I'll continue to hold the Cadfael series in higher regard, this isn't a shabby cousin to that beloved medieval monk detective.
This series follows Sister Fidelma of Kildare, an Irish nun in 664 AD who also happens to have studied law and is the equivalent of a sheriff or judiciary in her society. There's a heavy focus on the religious turmoil between those who follow the Columba traditions of Ireland and the Celtic world versus those who follow the Roman traditions in Northumbria, and quite a bit about the politics surrounding the high king Oswy and his sons, who are low kings serving beneath him.
Fidelma herself is an interesting character, and her situation shines a light on an area of history I had little previous knowledge of. It was enlightening, learning how in ancient Celtic society women could often hold the same titles, jobs, and command the same respect as men. It was also interesting seeing how much the Church has changed over the centuries, from a time when nuns and monks could cohabit in houses of worship -- even have sexual relationships, marry, and raise their children together in their abbeys -- to the more strict and firmly celibate lifestyle of the religious in more recent times.
The mystery itself is entertaining but not incredibly so; the draw here is definitely the historical commentary, research, and atmosphere evoked by Tremayne. I enjoyed it enough to pick up the second book yesterday, and hope that Fidelma and her Saxon cohort Eadulf will only continue to impress me/endear themselves to me further.
This series follows Sister Fidelma of Kildare, an Irish nun in 664 AD who also happens to have studied law and is the equivalent of a sheriff or judiciary in her society. There's a heavy focus on the religious turmoil between those who follow the Columba traditions of Ireland and the Celtic world versus those who follow the Roman traditions in Northumbria, and quite a bit about the politics surrounding the high king Oswy and his sons, who are low kings serving beneath him.
Fidelma herself is an interesting character, and her situation shines a light on an area of history I had little previous knowledge of. It was enlightening, learning how in ancient Celtic society women could often hold the same titles, jobs, and command the same respect as men. It was also interesting seeing how much the Church has changed over the centuries, from a time when nuns and monks could cohabit in houses of worship -- even have sexual relationships, marry, and raise their children together in their abbeys -- to the more strict and firmly celibate lifestyle of the religious in more recent times.
The mystery itself is entertaining but not incredibly so; the draw here is definitely the historical commentary, research, and atmosphere evoked by Tremayne. I enjoyed it enough to pick up the second book yesterday, and hope that Fidelma and her Saxon cohort Eadulf will only continue to impress me/endear themselves to me further.
19minnie's review against another edition
2.0
Dit boek had mijn aandacht getrokken door de mooie cover. Toen ik de achterflap ging lezen dacht ik wel dat het intressant ging worden. Maar bij het lezen werd ik wat teleurgesteld. Het is een goed verhaal, maar een gewone zoek-de-moordenaar. Niet echt een boek dat ik graag lees.
mactammonty's review against another edition
4.0
As with any work of fiction the "facts" have to be taken with a grain of salt. So I was fascinated by the background of this book. A woman, a nun no less, who is asked by a King to investigate an important death during a major turning point in history.
The historical accuracy was so interesting. There were so many strong women represented in the story. It depicted how different cultures had such variety even then in their treatment of the sexes.
While this did capture my attention the characters were also very vivid. The two main characters played off each other very well.
In the end the murder mystery was really only secondary to me. It was more of a vehicle to explore the political and social dynamics of the time. That being true I still enjoyed the book and look forward to reading more of the main characters.
The historical accuracy was so interesting. There were so many strong women represented in the story. It depicted how different cultures had such variety even then in their treatment of the sexes.
While this did capture my attention the characters were also very vivid. The two main characters played off each other very well.
In the end the murder mystery was really only secondary to me. It was more of a vehicle to explore the political and social dynamics of the time. That being true I still enjoyed the book and look forward to reading more of the main characters.
regorama's review against another edition
3.0
I really like the Fidelma world. I've only read a few of the stories, so I'm making my way through the whole series, now.
vexedfox's review against another edition
dark
informative
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
An interesting exploration into a period and subject I knew little about.
veriditas's review against another edition
2.0
Ah, man. I wanted to like this book, and I will be reading the rest because I like Sister Fidelma.
But.
I knew who the murderer was as soon as she was spoken of by the murder victim.
Not because the author tipped his hand too early, but because the jilted lesbian murderer is stale. Please pick another stereotype...
But.
I knew who the murderer was as soon as she was spoken of by the murder victim.
Not because the author tipped his hand too early, but because the jilted lesbian murderer is stale. Please pick another stereotype...