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