jbleyle63's review against another edition
4.0
Tremayne's Sister Fidelma historical mystery series is fast approaching the appreciation level of Ellis Peter's Brother Cadfael series for me. Who knew Ireland was so enlightened in the mid seventh century AD?
zombeesknees's review against another edition
4.0
A vivid historical mystery with compelling characters and a satisfying series of twists before the dramatic conclusion.
19minnie's review against another edition
2.0
Ja, beetje tegenstrijdig he. Eerst het eerste boek uit de serie afdoen als niet echt mijn ding, maar dan toch het tweede gaan lezen. Dit komt omdat ik deze uit de bieb gehaald had, en het toch wel heel mooie covers zijn. Ik had de stille hoop dat het volgende deel mij wel beter ging liggen, maar dit was niet waar.
ccwray's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
vexedfox's review against another edition
dark
informative
mysterious
tense
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
4.0
moshidesuyo's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
4.0
mimima's review against another edition
2.0
Perhaps I read this too closely to the first one, but the mystery and reveal were nearly the same both times.
morgandhu's review against another edition
3.0
Shroud for the Archbishop, the second volume in the Sister Fidelma mystery series by Peter Tremayne, follows closely on the events of the first volume. After the death of Archbishop Deusdedit of Canterbury, mentioned in the first book, Absolution by Murder, his chosen successor, Wighard, has travelled to Rome to be confirmed in his position by the Pope. As his secretary, Brother Eadulf has naturally accompanied him. And fortuitously, Sister Fidelma has also been ordered to Rome, to present the new Rule of her abbey of Kildare to the Holy Father for approval.
When Wighard is murdered and an Irish monk working in the Vatican’s Foreign Secretariat is arrested as the most likely suspect, the political implications of the case demand an unusual degree of sensitivity. Thanks to their successful unraveling of the murders during the Synod of Whitby, Sister Fidelma and Brother Eadulf are called on to investigate the murder and determine the truth.
Their investigation tajes many twists and turns, as not one, but many crimes, past and present, are found to have come together in a vast sequence of murder, false identity, theft and vengeance. And again, what makes the tale particularly fascinating to me is the wealth of historical detail that includes everything from a discussion of the relics collected by Empress Helena to the fate of the great Library of Alexandria.
A sold mystery, with a wonderful historical setting and a formidable detective. I find myself very much enjoying Sister Fidelma as a character. Her profession, status, and cultural background give her an at tines almost modern feeling, as a woman sure of her abilities and rights. And I’m liking the development if the relationship between Fidelma and Eadulf - which, in a time before celibacy became a requirement for members of religious orders, could develop in so many interesting directions.
When Wighard is murdered and an Irish monk working in the Vatican’s Foreign Secretariat is arrested as the most likely suspect, the political implications of the case demand an unusual degree of sensitivity. Thanks to their successful unraveling of the murders during the Synod of Whitby, Sister Fidelma and Brother Eadulf are called on to investigate the murder and determine the truth.
Their investigation tajes many twists and turns, as not one, but many crimes, past and present, are found to have come together in a vast sequence of murder, false identity, theft and vengeance. And again, what makes the tale particularly fascinating to me is the wealth of historical detail that includes everything from a discussion of the relics collected by Empress Helena to the fate of the great Library of Alexandria.
A sold mystery, with a wonderful historical setting and a formidable detective. I find myself very much enjoying Sister Fidelma as a character. Her profession, status, and cultural background give her an at tines almost modern feeling, as a woman sure of her abilities and rights. And I’m liking the development if the relationship between Fidelma and Eadulf - which, in a time before celibacy became a requirement for members of religious orders, could develop in so many interesting directions.
More...