A collection of stories about Sister Fidelma. Inevitably there is a fair amount of repetition when introducing the character in different stories, but I still enjoyed them, especially the last one, “Our Lady of Death“, which was actually quite atmospheric and creepy as a possible ghost story. ( )

Some of these short stories are shorter than others, but the volume as a whole contains something for everybody: unrequited love, medieval Church politics, power trippers, vengeance...etc. Tremayne weaves in medieval superstition ("Our Lady of Death"), religious allegory ("At the Tent of Holofernes"), and politics between the Irish Catholic church and Rome (in the seventh century). Favorites include "Hemlock at Vespers", "The High King's Sword", "The Poisoned Chalice" and the relatively concise "Invitation to a Poisoning." In this collection Tremayne displays the variety of scenarios he manages to invent in Fidelma's world, although Fidelma's character takes a back seat in most of the stories. Most interesting is the personal aspect of "At the Tent of Holofernes", where we get a bit of a look at Fidelma's life in the past. Fans of Brother Eadulf will be disappointed by his absence, but Tremayne explains the chronology in the Foreword, which is helpful for those who follow the series order. ( )

This is a collection of many many short stories of Sister Fidelma. It is one of my least favourite Sister Fidelma stories. Most of these "mysteries" are resolved in as little as 20 pages. Though the situations are different, her deductions are fast and firm. One just gets comfortable with the new situation when "BANG" it is solved. There is little story development in this collection and I got bored with each succeeding story.

I was happy when the last story was finished. ( )

Vijftien korte verhalen waarin Sister Fidelma in allerlei vreemde situaties terechtkomt en de raadsels rond de doden moet oplossen.

Early days for Sister Fidelma,a dalaigh, or judge advocate, in 7th Century Ireland as she demonstrates her legal acumen to solve crimess and resolve conflicts. ( )