I was in the mood for another medieval mystery so I read Peter Tremayne’s Absolution By Murder. The novel features the feisty Sister Fidelma of Kildare, Ireland. The King of Northumbria calls a conclave to determine matters of religion. The event is barely underway when one of the principal characters, Abbess Etain, is found murdered. Her throat had been cut. The King asks Sister Fidelma and Brother Eadulf to investigate. More deaths occur as Sister Fidelma and Brother Eadulf uncover a political plot intertwined with the religious controversies. The action is set in 664 A.D. It doesn’t get more medieval than this! GRADE: B
Nice cover and storyline, George. I don’t know if I have read any medieval mysteries but this seems interesting.
George, I’ve enjoyed everything I have read by Tremayne; his range is quite impressive — from mystery and horror to adventure and historicals. Under his own name, he has written extensively on the Celts and on the Cornish language. I’m hoping to get to several of his books on writers (H. Rider Haggard, Bram Stoker, Talbot Mundy, and Biggles creator W. E. Johns) soon.
Prashant, medieval mysteries are an acquired taste. From time to time I feel the need to solve a murder in the Seventh Century.
Jerry, I’ve enjoyed Tremayne’s vampire novels, too. As you say, the guy has an impressive range.
Set you off on a medieval mystery thing, eh? These can be very enjoyable indeed, if written well. I haven’t read any by Tremayne, but this one sounds good.
Rick, if you enjoy Sharan Newman’s medieval mysteries you’ll like Tremayne’s, too. They work in different time periods–Seventh Century vs. Twelfth Century–but the investigations are similar. And fun!
I have read some of his short stories and they were pretty good.
Jeff, I read Tremayne’s vampire novels years ago. I just recently found out about this medieval mysteries series. I plan to read more.