I was surprised to learn in Peter Tremayne’s Introduction that Sister Fidelma made her initial appearance in short stories in 1993. The novels came later.
Tremayne’s Sister Fidelma mysteries are set in the Seventh Century, mostly between 664 and 666 A.D. Sister Fidelma is a member of the Celtic Church (who has conflicts with Rome over theology and rituals) and a dalaigh— an advocate of the law Cours of Ireland. Women could be equal with men in the legal profession of that time.
Sister Fidelma has a talent for investigation and these short stories display her rare ability to solve puzzling crimes. In the title story, “Hemlock at Vespers,” Sister Fidelma probes the death of a man connected to gold mines when he dies of hemlock poisoning.
I also enjoyed “The High King’s Sword” which challenges Sister Fidelma’s skill at solving problems. Politics plays a key role in the theft of the sacred sword.
If you’re a fan of Middle Ages (although these stories are more accurately placed in the Dark Ages) mysteries, I highly recommend Hemlock at Vespers. GRADE: A
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
Introduction — ix
Hemlock at Vespers — 1
The high king’s sword — 35
Murder in repose — 69
Murder by miracle — 97
A canticle for Wulfstan — 127
Abbey Sinister — 167
The poisoned chalice — 203
How dare he use the number 666???
Sorry, butI’m not a horror fan …
Wolf, the Dark Ages was a fairly horrible time, but these stories are clever mysteries.
Well, Wolf, as I am a horror fan, I can suggest this isn’t horror, so much…though I take you as joking. It is an amusing setting…I haven’t yet tried Tremayne’s work.
But Wolf’s jest does echo the Lutheran Xian Democrats he admires, I’m sure, if they were to read these stories! Oddly enough, my SSW entry is also in re: a 1993 story, Joyce Carol Oates having just recirculated through her blog her short “Thanksgiving”…
Todd, “Peter Tremayme” is actually scholar Peter Berresford Ellis who knows a lot about this time period that Sister Fidelma operates in.
After you reviewed a Tremayne novel, I did read the second Sister Fidelma collection, WHISPERS OF THE DEAD, as well as a collection of his non-Fidelma stories. I need to go back and read this collection too. I prefer these historical mysteries in the shorter form, and Tremayne is a master of it.
OK, I ordered a copy for $1.69.
George, prepare for a repeat of Thanksgiving 2006 in New York: low 40s and plenty of rain.
BULLETIN BULLETIN – George, the latest forecast (for what that’s worth) is a little better – 52 for the high rather than 45, still rain, but it looks mostly showery. Still, the Parade should be sloppy.
/END BULLETIN
Jeff, I can’t believe that NBC is negotiating to buy the rights to the Parade for 10 years at three times the present amount–$20 million a year. Is it really worth $60 million a year???
Jeff, snow is in the forecast for tomorrow morning. I’m hoping our 8:30 A.M. won’t be delayed…or canceled!
Jeff, you’re right. Tremayne manages to fit a complete world and plot into exciting and challenging short stories. My respect for Sister Fidelma grows with each case she solves!
Nuns give me the willies!
Bob, I had some contract with nuns when I was a kid. They were ruthless!