Atonement of Blood

June 2, 2014
Unimpressive sleuthing and minimal suspense mar Tremayne’s 24th book set in seventh-century Ireland (after 2013’s The Seventh Trumpet). Colgú, King of Muman, has invited his sister, Fidelma, now an advocate in the law courts, and Eadulf, her husband, to a feast in honor of the late Colmán mac Lénine, “a great poet and churchman.” During the festivities, a man in religious garb attacks the monarch, crying “Remember Liamuin!” The assailant manages to stab Colgú before being killed himself. The only clue to his identity and motive is his cryptic exclamation. Fidelma undertakes to determine the reason for the attempt on Colgú’s life, even as her seriously injured brother lies at death’s door. Having characters define Irish words in dialogue (e.g., “When you married our cousin you were accepted as a deorad Dé, an exile of God, with an honour price in your own right”) may strike some readers as clunky. Agent: Charles Schlessiger, Brandt & Hochman.

July 1, 2014

Twenty years ago Tremayne's series debut, Absolution by Murder, introduced readers to seventh-century Ireland and Sister Fidelma, a legally trained scholar and brilliant sleuth. In the 24th book (after The Seventh Trumpet), Fidelma has thrown off her clerical dress but continues to solve crimes. An assassin makes a near fatal attempt on the life of King Colgu, Fidelma's brother. The attacker had gained admission to the court as a representative of an abbey from the conquered territory of Ui Fidgente, so Fidelma and her husband, Eadulf, travel there to discover the source of the attack. It is clear that the conquest of Ui Fidgente and attaching it to the five kingdoms under Colgu have left a legacy of mistrust and hostility. VERDICT Writing as Tremayne, Peter Berresford Ellis is a noted Celtic history scholar, so his mysteries are rich with period detail. The books are also well written and well plotted. Those who enjoy Irish history and a strong woman detective will enjoy following Fidelma as she pursues her inquiries until she gets at the truth.--Cheryl Bryan, Orleans, MA

Copyright 2014 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

June 1, 2014
Fidelma of Cashel, princess, former religieuse, and advocate of the law courts, returns in her twenty-fourth mystery steeped in the religion, law, and culture of seventh-century Ireland. Determined to take a break from their crime-solving routine while enjoying some quality time with their young son, Fidelma and her husband-companion, Eadulf, are swept up into a mystery that hits uncomfortably close to home. After an assassination attempt is made on Fidelma's brother, Colgu, king of Muman, during a celebratory feast, Fidelma and Cashel are compelled to venture into enemy territory to uncover a motive for murder rooted in politics, unrequited love, and misplaced revenge. As usual, Fidelma utilizes a combination of psychology, spirituality, and observation to break the case and expose a treasonous conspiracy. Tremayne and his impeccable cast of characters continue to provide the best of the best in medieval mysteries.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2014, American Library Association.)