Absolution by Murder (Sister Fidelma Mysteries Book 1) - The first twisty tale in a gripping Celtic mystery series (Paperback, New Ed)

The first volume in a projected series featuring Sister Fidelma, a seventh-century nun who is also a dalaigh (or advocate) authorized to practice law in the courts of her native Ireland. The story's set in a climate of religious conflict, brought to a boil when a powerful Northumbrian ruler brings together leaders from the Celtic church and from Rome to determine whose doctrine and practice will hold sway in his kingdom. The murder of an eminent principal in the subsequent debate casts suspicion on both parties and tests the deductive mettle of Fidelma, and of Brother Eadwulf, the handsome young "Romanist" monk who teams up with her to investigate - and, we suspect, to forge a relationship that will be further explored in later volumes. The mystery per se isn't much (the killer's identity is easily guessable early on); the dialogue is straight out of 1950s Hollywood historical "epics"; and Tremayne indulges an annoying habit of conveying bucketsful of period information in every casual conversation. On the other hand, he does keep introducing intriguing new characters virtually throughout the novel. And in the simultaneously sharp-tongued and full womanly figure of Sister Fidelma he's created a heroine whom many readers will willingly follow. Even Brother Cadfael might have tolerated her. (Kirkus Reviews)

ABSOLUTION BY MURDER is the brilliant and evocative first novel in Peter Tremayne's Sister Fidelma series, bringing 7th-century Ireland vividly to life. PRAISE FOR ABSOLUTION BY MURDER: 'In the simultaneously sharp-tongued and full womanly figure of Sister Fidelma, Tremayne has created a heroine whom many readers will willingly follow. Even Brother Cadfael might have tolerated her' Kirkus Reviews As the leading churchmen and women gather at the Synod of Whitby in 664AD to debate the rival merits of the Celtic and Roman Churches, tempers begin to fray. Conspirators plot an assassination, while mysterious, violent death stalks the shadowy cloisters of the Abbey of St Hilda. When the Abbess Etain, a leading speaker for the Celtic Church, is found murdered suspicion inevitably rests on the Roman faction. Attending the Synod is Fidelma, of the community of St Brigid of Kildare. As an advocate of the Brehon Court, she is called on to investigate the murder with Brother Eadulf, of the Roman faction. However, the two are so unlike that their partnership is described as that of a wolf and a fox - but which is which? More gruesome deaths follow and the friction among the clerics could end in civil war. Can the solution to the mysteries avert such a conflict? What readers are saying about ABSOLUTION OF MURDER: 'Superb storytelling from a usually neglected era. Read this and you will certainly want to read the rest of this excellent series' 'I was transported back in time; Peter Tremayne brought the location and characters to life' 'The story moves forward with Fidelma weaving her way through to the end with skill and intelligence. Well worth reading'

General

Imprint:	Headline Book Publishing
Country of origin:	United Kingdom
Series:	Sister Fidelma
Release date:	1995
First published:	1995
Authors:	Peter Tremayne
Dimensions:	178 x 111 x 18mm (L x W x T)
Format:	Paperback - Mass Market
Pages:	274
Edition:	New Ed
ISBN-13:	978-0-7472-4602-2
Categories:	Books > Fiction > Genre fiction > Crime & mystery > General Promotions
LSN:	0-7472-4602-5
Barcode:	9780747246022

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