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franfernandezarce's review against another edition
2.0
*2.5*
for all intents and purposes, i would not normally worry about carrying on with a series if the first book was less than 3.5 stars. however , i'm feeling lenient. although i don't normally do so (too many books to read, too little time), i feel this series deserves a second chance.
don't get me wrong: even though there's some potential here, this story was nothing out of the ordinary. once again, i must present my quality marker of mystery novels: if i can figure out who the culprit is before it is revealed, the mystery is not good. and just like with [b:In the Woods|2459785|In the Woods (Dublin Murder Squad, #1)|Tana French|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1312518080s/2459785.jpg|3088141], the solution was too obvious to me.
i blame the historical setting. seventh-century britain is a far-removed context for an ordinary reader to be familiar with easily. unlike a victorian novel or even a renaissance one, the gaps between your imagination and your common understanding of the period might be too big for you to bridge them on your own based on sheer popular culture. you need the heavy historical explanations for you to understand what is happening--inevitably, everything else suffers in comparison. this is my explanation, at least, for why the mystery might have been relegated to a secondary role. i admit, not the greatest of strategies when writing a mystery novel--but i am willing to forgive it considering this is a first novel. everyone knows the first book wastes most of its length establishing the stakes and the world of the story; once that has been achieved, the story can be unleashed properly in future installments.
still--the fact that the second book is set in rome, thus making more contextualisation necessary to orient the readers is not the most encouraging of notes but, like i said, i'm feeling lenient. optimistic, even. besides, fidelma is too much of a bamf-character for me to drop so quickly. i need to support my strong women wherever i can find them.
for all intents and purposes, i would not normally worry about carrying on with a series if the first book was less than 3.5 stars. however , i'm feeling lenient. although i don't normally do so (too many books to read, too little time), i feel this series deserves a second chance.
don't get me wrong: even though there's some potential here, this story was nothing out of the ordinary. once again, i must present my quality marker of mystery novels: if i can figure out who the culprit is before it is revealed, the mystery is not good. and just like with [b:In the Woods|2459785|In the Woods (Dublin Murder Squad, #1)|Tana French|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1312518080s/2459785.jpg|3088141], the solution was too obvious to me.
Spoiler
to be honest, you just have to know who sappho was and you're set for it.i blame the historical setting. seventh-century britain is a far-removed context for an ordinary reader to be familiar with easily. unlike a victorian novel or even a renaissance one, the gaps between your imagination and your common understanding of the period might be too big for you to bridge them on your own based on sheer popular culture. you need the heavy historical explanations for you to understand what is happening--inevitably, everything else suffers in comparison. this is my explanation, at least, for why the mystery might have been relegated to a secondary role. i admit, not the greatest of strategies when writing a mystery novel--but i am willing to forgive it considering this is a first novel. everyone knows the first book wastes most of its length establishing the stakes and the world of the story; once that has been achieved, the story can be unleashed properly in future installments.
still--the fact that the second book is set in rome, thus making more contextualisation necessary to orient the readers is not the most encouraging of notes but, like i said, i'm feeling lenient. optimistic, even. besides, fidelma is too much of a bamf-character for me to drop so quickly. i need to support my strong women wherever i can find them.
tlsouthard's review against another edition
3.0
I am hoping that the other books in this series are better. In this first book the author got FAR too carried away with detail and names, names, names, names. And yeah, we get it, Mr. Tremayne, every single thing the Irish did was good, and pure, and holy, and wonderful, and, and, and every single thing that the Saxons (or the Romans!) did was AWFUL and terrible and no good and very bad. Such severe bias that I almost put the book down about 1/3 of the way through.
Perhaps he will loosen up in the next book, now that he's got all that out of his system. The story was not bad, hidden under all the layers. I'd like for the series to be good. But if they are all like this one, I won't have the patience for it.
Perhaps he will loosen up in the next book, now that he's got all that out of his system. The story was not bad, hidden under all the layers. I'd like for the series to be good. But if they are all like this one, I won't have the patience for it.
kiwi_fruit's review against another edition
3.0
A good mystery set in 7th century Northumbria (during the synod of Whitby), but it comes with an info dumping warning. This book is the first in a series so I understand the author's need to set the scene and to present his characters but still the amount of background information offered to the reader was excessive and non essential to the mystery itself.
I felt that the attitudes and actions of the characters were too modern for the times.
I found Sister Fidelma too cool and not particularly likable, moreover the author was a bit too heavy handed when it comes to describing the many virtues of the progressive Irish vs. the barbarian Britons or even the Romans. On the other hand, this novel is only the start of a very popular series, I might try another book in the hope that the best is yet to come. 2.5 stars
I felt that the attitudes and actions of the characters were too modern for the times
Spoiler
(I really dislike modern slang in period novels, what kind of medieval king would utter the words “what the ...”? in a synod of all places!)I found Sister Fidelma too cool and not particularly likable, moreover the author was a bit too heavy handed when it comes to describing the many virtues of the progressive Irish vs. the barbarian Britons or even the Romans. On the other hand, this novel is only the start of a very popular series, I might try another book in the hope that the best is yet to come. 2.5 stars
sallyepp's review against another edition
2.0
Too many historical and ecumenical details! The plot was interesting once it got rolling, but I doubt I’ll read the next one. I ended up skimming about 1/3 of this one.
doriastories's review against another edition
2.0
Murder mysteries are not my favorite genre by any means, but I was curious to read this one, because it is set in medieval Northumbria and concerns the cultural and ethnic divide between Celtic Christians and Roman Catholics at that time, and the eventual historical outcome of those differences.
The writing is good, the setting well drawn, but the preponderance of early Anglo-Saxon names is bewildering and tongue-twisting, making it difficult to keep up with the large and multi-ethnic cast of characters. There are, of course, also Celts of various persuasions—Welsh, Briton and Pictish, thank you very much—and even the odd continental Frank, just in case your mind isn’t sufficiently boggled.
And then there is the book’s content - the plot, and the attitudes which produced it, some medieval and others decidedly twentieth-century. The construction and presentation of this particular crime and its motivation, and its relation to certain of the book’s characters, is steeped in an icky form of gay-panic. It is likely based in the author’s distaste or possible prurient curiosity (or both) regarding gay and non-binary people, and his assumption that his readers will share in his attitudes and thus revel in horrified titillation at the denouement. I suspect that the author banked on his readers not taking account of the existence of queer folk when the killer is revealed; he probably congratulated himself on the shocking surprise lying in wait for his heteronormative readership, ooo la lol. This oh-so dated brand of clever doesn’t play well in 2020.
The author continually finds ways to contrast and juxtapose heterosexual inclinations with homosexual inclinations and modes of expression, always to the detriment of the latter. I found this embedded biased characterization very unpleasant, and it detracted from the book’s better qualities.
The writing is good, the setting well drawn, but the preponderance of early Anglo-Saxon names is bewildering and tongue-twisting, making it difficult to keep up with the large and multi-ethnic cast of characters. There are, of course, also Celts of various persuasions—Welsh, Briton and Pictish, thank you very much—and even the odd continental Frank, just in case your mind isn’t sufficiently boggled.
And then there is the book’s content - the plot, and the attitudes which produced it, some medieval and others decidedly twentieth-century. The construction and presentation of this particular crime and its motivation, and its relation to certain of the book’s characters, is steeped in an icky form of gay-panic. It is likely based in the author’s distaste or possible prurient curiosity (or both) regarding gay and non-binary people, and his assumption that his readers will share in his attitudes and thus revel in horrified titillation at the denouement. I suspect that the author banked on his readers not taking account of the existence of queer folk when the killer is revealed; he probably congratulated himself on the shocking surprise lying in wait for his heteronormative readership, ooo la lol. This oh-so dated brand of clever doesn’t play well in 2020.
The author continually finds ways to contrast and juxtapose heterosexual inclinations with homosexual inclinations and modes of expression, always to the detriment of the latter. I found this embedded biased characterization very unpleasant, and it detracted from the book’s better qualities.
mimima's review against another edition
3.0
I enjoy a good cozy mystery, and found this one to be interesting as it addressed the Council of Whidby, which I've not read a lot about and it captures my interest.
Like others have said, the reveal was pretty obvious throughout, and the characters weren't fabulously well drawn, but I enjoyed the storyline and will look for the next one in this series.
Like others have said, the reveal was pretty obvious throughout, and the characters weren't fabulously well drawn, but I enjoyed the storyline and will look for the next one in this series.
besha's review against another edition
1.0
Any book involving Hilda of Whitby will suffer by comparison to HILD, but I gave this one a fair chance. I stuck it out through “cherubic-like” and “misogynism,” only giving up when I correctly deduced that the solution to the mystery was going to be extremely homophobic.
fleurette's review against another edition
3.0
I haven't read too many historical detective stories, especially those set in such old times. But I must admit that it was a very nice experience.
I admit that I know nearly nothing about this period of British Isles history and the Christian church. Therefore, it is difficult for me to say to what extent the events of the book took place in history and to what extent they correspond to reality. But maybe that's why this story was even more interesting to me. I have some general knowledge about the beginnings of Christianity in Europe and a difference in old rites in comparison to those present. But thanks to this book I learned a lot more.
And here we have a really well told story of the murder of the superior mother. There are many suspects and many wrong clues. And more than enough motives, and each of them casts suspicion on different person. This is definitely a well-written story.
The characters are also interesting. My only complaint regards the amount of characters who are suspicious and have some hidden and wicked intentions. It is a bit unnatural, there are no ordinary simple and nice characters that would naturally balance the potentially evil ones. As for the main characters Fidelma and Eadulf, they are fine. Eadulf's involvement in the investigation could have been a little bigger, though. I was hoping that I could watch him cooperate with Fidelma despite their differences. It was a bit lacking here. In fact, Fidelma could do everything alone if Eadulf was missing from the book.
This is definitely a good story, and I am very happy with the end, although I was not surprised as I suspected this person already for some time. But still, I had a good time. And one day I plan to read other books in this series.
I admit that I know nearly nothing about this period of British Isles history and the Christian church. Therefore, it is difficult for me to say to what extent the events of the book took place in history and to what extent they correspond to reality. But maybe that's why this story was even more interesting to me. I have some general knowledge about the beginnings of Christianity in Europe and a difference in old rites in comparison to those present. But thanks to this book I learned a lot more.
And here we have a really well told story of the murder of the superior mother. There are many suspects and many wrong clues. And more than enough motives, and each of them casts suspicion on different person. This is definitely a well-written story.
The characters are also interesting. My only complaint regards the amount of characters who are suspicious and have some hidden and wicked intentions. It is a bit unnatural, there are no ordinary simple and nice characters that would naturally balance the potentially evil ones. As for the main characters Fidelma and Eadulf, they are fine. Eadulf's involvement in the investigation could have been a little bigger, though. I was hoping that I could watch him cooperate with Fidelma despite their differences. It was a bit lacking here. In fact, Fidelma could do everything alone if Eadulf was missing from the book.
This is definitely a good story, and I am very happy with the end, although I was not surprised as I suspected this person already for some time. But still, I had a good time. And one day I plan to read other books in this series.
natcat's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Solid murder mystery, with a very interesting historical setting! I really enjoyed the portrayal of 7th century Northumbria and the perspectives of characters from different places and different Christian traditions. I will definitely continue this series!
morgandhu's review against another edition
3.0
This week I felt a need for some light but still interesting reading, which brought to my mind a series I’d gotten interested in through reading several short stories, but had not gotten around to reading any of the novels. That series is Peter Tremayne’s Sister Fidelma books, set in the seventh century British Isles (primarily Ireland) and featuring an Irish religieuse and lawyer of noble blood and deep perceptions.
The first novel of the series is set in 664 AD, during the Council of Whitby at the abbey of Streoneshalh, run by Hild (St. Hilda), relative of King Oswy of Northumbria, a powerful woman in her own right. At this time, there was a great deal of antagonism between the Roman and Irish/Ionian churches, which were different in a number of small, and not-so-small ways. The Council of Whitby was convened to present arguments before King Oswy for which church should be given royal sanction in Northumbria. Sister Fidelma is present as an advisor on legal matters to the Irish delegation.
On their way to the abbey, Sister Fidelma’s party encounter a grim sight, the hanged corpse of a fellow brother of an Irish church order, and learn that he was killed because his defense of the Irish church was taken as an insult by the local lord, Wulfric. This violence pales, however, before the crime that Fidelma is called upon to investigate - the murder of Etain, abbess of Kildare, and a major proponent of the Irish church. In order to remove all suggestion of possible investigative bias, due to the politically charged atmosphere surrounding the crime, Fidelma is asked to conduct her investigations jointly with a young Saxon monk of the Roman church, Brother Eadulf.
The book follows the standard format of the mystery/ crime procedural, of course. Fidelma and Eadulf observe the crime scene, arrange for an autopsy, interview witnesses, suspects and other persons of interest, gather clues, develop timetables and theories, and so on. What makes the novel particularly interesting to me is the wealth of research into legal and social conventions, monastic life and the variations of Christian doctrine that Tremayne employs in building the background and atmosphere. Details of clothing and patterns of monastic life, differences between Saxon and Irish law, arguments over the correct way to determine the date of the Paschal feast (which the Saxons call Easter after their goddess Oestre), all these things help to make the characters and situations real and interesting.
Of course, as with all historical fiction, Tremayne has made some creative alterations to the bare accounts of the events of the Synod of Whitby. There are no records of an abbess of Kildare named, but then the early records of Kildare are a little sketchy, and Etain, in the novel, had only been abbess nine months before her death. And since Etain dies before the Synod is opened, there would have ben no record of her presence there if she had existed. The death of Archbishop Deusdedit of Canterbury is another bit of creative supposition. One would have expected Deusdedit to speak at the Synod, but he does not appear in the records. He is known to have died around the time of the Synod, probably of plague. It is within the realm of possibility that he did go to Whitby, but fell ill and died without participating.
I enjoyed the short stories I’d read, and I’ve enjoyed reading this novel. I look forward to the rest of the series.
The first novel of the series is set in 664 AD, during the Council of Whitby at the abbey of Streoneshalh, run by Hild (St. Hilda), relative of King Oswy of Northumbria, a powerful woman in her own right. At this time, there was a great deal of antagonism between the Roman and Irish/Ionian churches, which were different in a number of small, and not-so-small ways. The Council of Whitby was convened to present arguments before King Oswy for which church should be given royal sanction in Northumbria. Sister Fidelma is present as an advisor on legal matters to the Irish delegation.
On their way to the abbey, Sister Fidelma’s party encounter a grim sight, the hanged corpse of a fellow brother of an Irish church order, and learn that he was killed because his defense of the Irish church was taken as an insult by the local lord, Wulfric. This violence pales, however, before the crime that Fidelma is called upon to investigate - the murder of Etain, abbess of Kildare, and a major proponent of the Irish church. In order to remove all suggestion of possible investigative bias, due to the politically charged atmosphere surrounding the crime, Fidelma is asked to conduct her investigations jointly with a young Saxon monk of the Roman church, Brother Eadulf.
The book follows the standard format of the mystery/ crime procedural, of course. Fidelma and Eadulf observe the crime scene, arrange for an autopsy, interview witnesses, suspects and other persons of interest, gather clues, develop timetables and theories, and so on. What makes the novel particularly interesting to me is the wealth of research into legal and social conventions, monastic life and the variations of Christian doctrine that Tremayne employs in building the background and atmosphere. Details of clothing and patterns of monastic life, differences between Saxon and Irish law, arguments over the correct way to determine the date of the Paschal feast (which the Saxons call Easter after their goddess Oestre), all these things help to make the characters and situations real and interesting.
Of course, as with all historical fiction, Tremayne has made some creative alterations to the bare accounts of the events of the Synod of Whitby. There are no records of an abbess of Kildare named, but then the early records of Kildare are a little sketchy, and Etain, in the novel, had only been abbess nine months before her death. And since Etain dies before the Synod is opened, there would have ben no record of her presence there if she had existed. The death of Archbishop Deusdedit of Canterbury is another bit of creative supposition. One would have expected Deusdedit to speak at the Synod, but he does not appear in the records. He is known to have died around the time of the Synod, probably of plague. It is within the realm of possibility that he did go to Whitby, but fell ill and died without participating.
I enjoyed the short stories I’d read, and I’ve enjoyed reading this novel. I look forward to the rest of the series.