Atonement of Blood

Book 53 - Peter Tremayne - Atonement of Blood - A Sister Fidelma Mystery

I am in a work reading group...as I hit book 53 that may not surprise you....it surprised me...not normally my thing. I tell you this because one of the group suggested I try the Sister Fidelma mysteries. A series of books set in 7th century Ireland about, of all things, a ‘detective’ nun...and you know what ?

It is really good...brilliantly written with astonishingly accurate characters and impeccable research that brings the whole era to life. This one is number 24 in a series that is still going strong.

Did I need to know much about the history or language ? No as there is a brilliant summary and glossary at the beginning that introduces the main show more characters.

As for the story...when the King of the province is badly wounded it is up to Fidelma to sort through the clues and red herrings to not only find the motivation for the attempted assassination but also to stop what could become all out war between the peoples of the region.

I get the feeling I will be returning to the Five Kingdoms of Eireann to see where the characters came from and where they go next...super easy to follow story of a true bygone age. Loved it show less

This is the 24th book in the Sister Fidelma series, and it is truly remarkable that this series stays as fresh and exciting as it still is. I highly recommend this series to anyone who is a fan of historical mysteries which reamain true to the period, and are well-written, well-charactered and well plotted. Mr. Tremayne is an historian of some note, and his knowledge of his era (Ancient Ireland in the First Century AD) is extensive. He is also a talented writer who creates wonderful, believable characters. His books are tightly-paced and exciting to read. This book is set in and around Sister Fidelma and her her husband Eadulf's home in Cashel. An assassin makes an attempt on Fidelma's brother's life, and while the king of Cashel lies show more trying to recover from his grievous wounds, Fidelma and Eadulf set out into the territory of their arch enemies, the Ui Fidgente to determine why this attempt was made. Although the Ui Fidgente is part of King Colgu's five kingdoms there is a lot of unrest and a lot of unhappy and mistrustful citizens. Not everyone in this territory is pleased with the alliance of the five kingdoms. Fidlema and Eadulf uncover a plot of sinister proprotions while they are investigating the attempted killing of her brother. As in all Fidelma books there is lots of danger, unrest, evil and violence, but Fidelma, in her inimitable fashion, purposely follows her enquiries until she gets to the truth. This remains one of my favourite historical mystery series. show less

Author Tremayne creates a very compelling puzzle for Sister Fidelma. With stoic patience and insightful logic, she collects bits of information from many sources and weaves a complex but entertaining solution

Een aanslag op de koning van Muman, de broer van Fidelma, is aanleiding voor een tocht van Fidelma en Eadulf naar het gebied van de Ui Fidgente en de Luachra, die de rechtmatigheid van het koningschap van de familie van Fidelma betwisten en vier jaar geleden verslagen zijn na een opstand. Colgú heeft daarna vrede gesloten met de verliezers, die een nieuwe koning hadden gekozen. Toch zijn er leden van de koninklijke familie van de Ui Fidgente die het niet kunnen verkroppen dat ze verloren hebben en ze beramen een plan om zich van Colgú en hun eigen koning te ontdoen. Daarvoor maken ze gebruik van een ingewikkeld plan met buitgemaakte tekenen van het lidmaatschap van de lijfgarde van Colgú en diens schild. Stap voor stap ontdekken show more Fidelma en Eadulf hoe het allemaal in elkaar steekt en zo voorkomen ze dat weer veel bloed zou worden vergoten. show less