While all of the books in Tremayne's Sister Fidelma series are engaging, the earlier works, such as this one, are less developed in terms of Fidelma's psychological profile. Beyond her general chutzpah and quiet love for Brother Eadulf, we don't get the same insight that is revealed in later works such as Act of Mercy (Sister Fidelma Mysteries).
While Tremayne's historical knowledge is to be applauded, the application to the mystery makes the reading a bit arduous. Sometimes the historical lessons are a bit heavy-handed, and I found myself resenting the fact that the mystery's solution was dependent upon a working knowledge of 7th century Old Irish.
That said, this book, like the others in the series, is a solidly fun mystery and an enjoyable read.

The author Peter Tremayne obviously has a great knowledge of Ireland in the 7th century and also on the Irish Law of the period. His Sister Fidelma book are attracting what can only be described as a cult following, but they are of interest to anyone who likes historical novels or mysteries. This series of books are set in Ireland in the 7th century, a time when there was total equality for women. The lead character is the beguiling Sister Fidelma. She is a brilliant scholar, a leading authority on Irish law and the sister of a king. This is also a period in history when celibacy was not yet a part of religious life.

The Irish, unlike the English have always shown a much greater respect and admiration for their womenfolk and this is why, even in an age when most countries treated women with little or no regard, other than for breeding an heir, that Sister Fidelma has risen to the position that she now holds. Although she is the sister of a king, this has little or no bearing on her ability to command respect.

The Venerable Dacan found brutally murdered and Sister Fidelma has been summoned to investigate by Muman's dying king. Her task is not only to solve the mystery of the brutal killing but to prevent a bloody war breaking out between Muman and the kingdom of Laigin.

I don't really know what some of the reviews mean when they say that this book is a bit heavy going unless you're a scholar of this Celtic era. I didn't find that at all. I quite enjoy this series, and find that each book tells me more about the people and the history from these times. But it doesn't feel like a history lesson since the mystery is always good. Sister Fidelma is quite refreshing - an opinionated, and intelligent woman from the seventh century in Ireland. Not what I expected from this time in history, but it's interesting to find out that women were considered equals and allowed to excel in their chosen fields as far back as that. Is that the Dark Ages? It doesn't really seem like it and they were certainly more enlightened than people were in subsequent centuries. This particular story was a heart-rending one since we also saw how cruel and unmindful of human life some of the warriors were then. It was particularly sad because children were involved. The title for this book is certainly appropriate. But, it was a good story, and I look forward to the next one.

This is the first in the series of Sister Fidelma mysteries that I read, and it won't be the last. Set in Ireland in the year 665(!), this story involves not only a number of murders but also a surprisingly detailed glimpse into the legal and political systems of that era. I understand Tremayne is a respected authority on ancient Celtic culture, and his background shows. The plot is complicated and the language strange (how should I pronounce words like "dalaigh" and names like "Mhichil"?), but it is a satisfying mystery with a carefully crafted plot that takes no shortcuts and doesn't leave the reader feeling cheated at the end. Read this if you're interested in experiencing the flavor of a different era (which yet has some strange resemblances to our own) and willing to pay close attention!

i have read the books of almost every historical mystery writer and i find this one book may have the most complicated yet logical plot of any.A superb mystery set in 6th century Ireland with a female heroine.If you like historical novels this is a must read.This is the 3rd in a series but they do not have to be read in order.This is clearly the best in the series.A must read.

this book is a must read for anyone who can. the inter-twining of mystery and philosophy is reminiscent of tom robbins best. the reader goes on a journey with fidelma and cass through the rugged, mysterious, and absolutely beautiful backwoods of Ireland. with every page comes a new clue towards the solving of this brilliantly, written whodunit. this is the first book i have read by tremayne and he is a genius. the way that he teaches as well as excites the reader is extraordinary. this is surely one i will read continuously. BRAVO!!!