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WHAT CRITICS SAY ABOUT THE SISTER FIDELMA MYSTERIES The following opinions would appear to endorse Peter's aspiration about the stories:
"FIDELMANIA - The Sister Fidelma Phenomenon" Livres Hebdo, Paris
Sister Fidelma is listed No 9 in the Top 10 Literary Nuns The Guardian, February 28, 2009
This is historical crime fiction at its best. - Belfast News Letter
Gerry McCarthy in The Sunday Times (2004) points out that crime fiction `has been undergoing a boom in Ireland’, and I think it is important to note that far from being merely a part of this boom, the Fidelma novels were one of the contributing factors that set it in motion – Dr John Scaggs, University of Limerick (Féile Fidelma program booklet, 2006)
(Fidelma) … cannot be categorized as just genre fiction. It is literature. We can compare it to Umberto Eco’s The Name of the Rose. – Luca Crovi, La Libertà, Italy
The most authentically detailed medieval mystery series currently being published. - Booklist (Journal of the American Library Association)
Tremayne's seemless blend of church history
and political squabbles provide meaty background. Fidelma's ability to best
opponents, whether in argument, strategy or audacity, makes her a heroine for
any age. - Publisher's Weekly on The Council of the Cursed Tremayne has created a great
character in Fidelma and brilliantly conjures the world she inhabits… This is
masterly storytelling from an author who breathes fascinating life into the
world he is writing about. - We defy anyone picking up a Sister
Fidelma Mystery not to be hooked on these superbly written historical
thrillers. - RTÉ - Raidio Gaeltacha (Book program) If there is anyone who has emerged
from the crowded field of writers of medieval mysteries to take the place of
the late Ellis Peters it is Peter Tremayne – Denver
Post,
Exquisitely crafted . . .
Tremayne continues to provide a superior brand of medieval mystery... - Margaret Flanagan, Booklist ( Tremayne’s books are a delightful
respite from the mundane offerings that are available today. -
The 7th Century husband-and-wife
detective team of Sister Fidelma and Eadulf have proved a welcome and original
addition to history fiction… finely crafted mysteries… breathing life into the
dustiest corners of history and seasoning his plots with a wealth of cleverly observed
background detail. Fidelma and Eadulf (are) a splendidly entertaining double
act. - What a magnificent read, this was
truly the best historical mystery I have ever read. - Terry Haligan, Eurocrime on The Council of the Cursed I had not come across the Sister
Fidelma mysteries before I had read this one and I could easily become a fan.
What makes these stories is the fast moving plot alongside the authenticity of
the historical background. Those who like detective and historical novels will
love this combination.
- Bill Spence, One of Fidelma’s best, and the
subject of clerical celibacy is particularly relevant today. - Readers who love Middle Ages
whodunits will want to read A Prayer for the Damned (as well
as previous Sister Fidelma titles) as this series is one of the best being
written today. The freshness in Sister Fidelma’s latest inquiry is her doubts
as to whether she should be released from her vows as a religieuse. The power
struggle between Perhaps the most
successful of the island’s ( Rich in historical detail...
Tremayne has produced another winner. - Publishers
Weekly, Faithful fans of Fidelma will enjoy
another chance to immerse themselves in Tremayne's detailed depiction of
medieval The books have it all from action
and suspense to a few moments of levity that will have readers searching for
more of the author’s novels. I am sorry that I did not discover him sooner. - Angel L. Soto, Eurocrime Peter Tremayne sustains a terrific pace from beginning to end in a page-turner second to none. The hostile atmosphere is wonderfully conjured up together with the description of this post-Roman centre with its glorious architecture. Add to this the author's firm grasp of history and it is a recipe for a great read. - Cambria: The National Magazine of Wales
Detective books have covered many
periods in history, none more successfully than (Peter) Tremayne with his much
admired series set in 7th Century
Well written, fast moving and keeps
the reader guessing through myriad twists and turns. – South Tremayne’s formidable mysteries…
provides a fascinating and detailed immersion into a highly sophisti Tremayne writes so authentically
about this remote time period that readers will feel they are there in every
way. His densely plotted stories are a delight. - (Star review of Master of Souls) Library
Fidelma’s world remains a richly
imagined and thoroughly interesting place to spend time. - Yvonne Klein, Eurocrime Tremayne never fails to deliver a
fascinating and intriguing read… For all fans of medieval novels, especially
mysteries, Tremayne’s latest in the Sister Fidelma series is a gratifying read.
Though not necessary to enjoy any of the books, it is helpful timeframe-wise,
to start the series at the beginning. Even so, any one of Tremayne’s (books) is
a delightful respite from the mundane offerings that are available today.
Tremayne is a `Master’ of Mystery. - Talented author Peter Tremayne
guides us back to a time when stepping outside your door was dangerous, when
death could strike for no reason. This is a skillfully woven tale made up of
several subplots guaranteed to hold your interest. Lifelike characters lay false
clues and scatter red herrings across the trails by omission and lies. You’ll
be hard pressed to decide who to believe. A well-written tale I’m pleased to
recommend to anyone who enjoys a really well researched historical story with
intrigue and mystery.
- New Mystery Reader The reader is left with the smug
satisfaction of having digested a fairly erudite volume. There is also the
satisfaction of having enjoyed the book... because of Tremayne's story-telling
abilities and his talent at evoking scenes and atmosphere... - Shots (on A Prayer for the
Damned) I have read most of the Fidelma
Mysteries and Master
of Souls is as fresh as the earlier
books. I did not guess the ending so enjoyed right to the last page. Peter
Tremayne breathes life into 7th Century The 17th novel of historical
detection featuring the marvelous Fidelma and Eadulf (the Dalziel and Pascoe of
their day) is rich in atmosphere, clever in the telling and drips with
authenticity... this is another terrific novel of ancient
Tremayne's pitch-perfect 16th
mystery to feature Fidelma of Cashel... transports the reader to an unfamiliar
time and place with a sure scholarly touch. - Publishers
Weekly Fidelma gathers up all the loose
strings of her investigation and brings the case to a stunning conclusion... (Master of Souls - star review, a star is assigned to books of
unusual merit, determined by the editors) Kirkus
Reviews,
A PRAYER FOR THE DAMNED is a blessing for the millions of Sister Fidelma's devoted fans around
the world. Tremayne's super-sleuth is a vibrant creation, a woman of wit and
courage who would be outstanding in any era, but brings a special sparkle to
the wild beauty of medieval What a concept! A seventh century
Irish Nancy Drew in the guise of a young female cleric who is a trained dálaigh
or legal advo An engrossing plot with the right
blend of problem-solving and action to keep you hooked. What I also enjoyed was
how the period comes alive - Peter Tremayne obviously knows his stuff. - Fidelma's popularity is owed
entirely to Tremayne's story-telling talents. His characters are vividly drawn,
his narrative has pace as well as authority. He may be an expert on the ancient
Celts, the Brehon Law system and 7th Century Irish history, but he also tells
stories that bristle with intrigue and human emotion. Escapist, yes,
well-crafted whodunit, most certainly, but this is also fiction with the ring
of real history about it. - Huddersfield Daily Examiner
The Leper's ... Sister Fidelma is a hugely
well-constructed figment of writer Peter Tremayne's imagination, she is rooted
in the reality of 7th Century There is only one problem with the
series - it's too long between each episode. Keep 'em coming, Tremayne. – The
Sister Fidelma is one of the most
engaging detectives in modern fiction. - Professor Edward J. Rielly (chair of English Dept., St Joseph’s College, Every now and again, you come
across a book that is so uniquely different as it is accurate to its time
period and Peter Tremayne's Sister Fidelma Celtic Mysteries series is just
that.. The lovely thing about Tremayne's books is his attention to detail. Historically,
he keeps it faithfully true without it becoming stale. - Irish World One of the most suspenseful and
intelligent series of historical mysteries ... Tremayne continues to challenge
readers with a compelling combination of church, cultural and legal history,
buttressed by intriguingly complex plots and a superlative cast of sympathetic
characters. - This is a cracking whodunnit that
offers a generous ration of clues, twists and shocks before the final page. -
The Mammoth
Encyclopedia of Modern Crime Fiction, compiled by Mike Ashley, Robinson, Tremayne provides another
authentically detailed installment in his exquisitely crafted Sister Fidelma
series… decidedly literate and intelligent whodunit… - Tremayne delivers a satisfying cozy
with a fascinating historical twist - The Drood Review
of Mystery - on Act of Mercy The world should be most grateful
to Peter Tremayne … The cultural splendor of an age of golden enlightenment in
Ireland, when Europe existed in the dark ages and when students flocked from
all over Europe to be edu The detail of the books is
fascinating, giving us a vivid picture of everyday life at this time… the most
detailed and vivid recreations of ancient Fidelma is straight out of the
sleuth noir mould: dark, handsome, a qualified lawyer, an expert horsewoman ...
Tremayne effortlessly brings forth information on the nitty-gritty of daily
life in Celtic Ireland ... (he) has brought our colorful roots to life with
(this) crime series ... - Irish Times, Dublin Fidelma would put Brother Cadfael
to shame as she shows an uncanny talent for treading the right path amid a
myriad of false trails, dead ends and pitfalls. - Irish News,
This nun will run and run. Sister
Fidelma is no Xena, Warrior Princess - as a lawyer she uses her intelligence
and cunning, rather than brute force to solve mysteries. - Evening Herald,
The death of Ellis Peters may have
put paid to any more Brother Cadfael mysteries. But fans of ecclesiastical
whodunnits can take heart, for the monk detective has a worthy successor in the
shape of Sister Fidelma... Our Lady of Darkness... is a
riveting tale of murder, duplicity, greed ad slavery... Tremayne has created a
great character in Fidelma and brilliantly conjures up the world she inhabits.
I wonder what the chances are of her reaching the small screen like Cadfael? - Tremayne's - wonderful creation,
7th Century Celtic nun Sister Fidelma ... he instantly plunges us into
Fidelma's arcane but totally accessible world. - Publishers Weekly
Our Lady of Death is
one of the best - an excellent mystery with rich helpings of evil and tension. -
Historical Novel Review I like Fidelma. She is intelligent,
assertive and full of vitality. As a fan of the Sister Fidelma series of books,
I was delighted to learn more about her background from the short stories -
Hemlock At Vespers -
Murder Past Tense Tense and gripping . . .
compelling, enjoyable adventures. -
I like Fidelma. She is intelligent,
assertive and full of vitality . . . I look forward to more Celtic mysteries! - Elizabeth M. Penn, Murder: Past Tense I read Our Lady of Darkness which gave me great enjoyment and
interest. It is excellently done, with an admirable balance between intricacy
of plot and persuasive characterization. I wish it every success, and am sure
it will be enthusiastically received. Tremayne . . . has the remarkable
capacity to recreate a society of great interest and complexity so that its
basic assumptions become clear and are an effective operating context for the
characters and the action. It is admirable how he puts the picture together
with such a sure and light touch. Readers with no previous knowledge of the
period will come away entertained; but also, hardly aware of the process,
historically informed. I'm sure it should do a lot here and else where to make
people understand what Ireland is, and is about; and will improve general
comprehension of the problems faced this century by a new nation-state derived
from an ancient and distinctive, repressed but never eliminated, civilization.
- Professor H. David Rankin (author
of Celts in the Classical World &
etc.) It is clear that Peter Tremayne is
thoroughly at home with the period about which he writes. Starting with a
fascinating historical note, the book is crammed with interesting snippets of
information that give the characters credence. His style is racy, his dialogue
sharp and with all the aplomb of a 7th Century Poirot, Fidelma amasses the facts
to reveal the identity of the villain when all are gathered together ... I
really enjoyed this book, Act of Mercy, the 8th in a
series featuring Sister Fidelma. You can almost taste the salt water, feel the
airless crowded conditions aboard ship. The characters are well drawn, each one
with a particular weakness - spite, jealousy, cowardice, that sets them apart
from the rest - and all the time Fidelma has to fight with her own emotions,
resurrected by the presence of the enigmatic Clan. - Janet Mary Tomson, Historical Novel Review The Sister Fidelma books give the
readers a rattling good yarn, but more than that, they bring vividly and
viscerally to life the fascinating lost world of the Celtic Irish. I put down
The Spider's Web with a sense of satisfaction at a good story well told but
also speculating at what modern life might have been like had that civilization
survived. - Ronan Bennett I can well imagine myself becoming
a devotee. The setting is refreshingly different and completely absorbing... a
rich array of characters are very well described. Peter Tremayne... evokes
perfectly the fascination of this distant age. - Maureen Carlyle, Shots Hemlock at Vespers -
this collection is an essential canonical text for Sister Fidelma acolytes.
- Publishers Weekly
In the simultaneously sharp-tongued
and full, womanly figure of Sister Fidelma, Tremayne has created a heroine whom
many readers will willingly follow - Kirkus Reviews
A triumph! Tremayne uses many real
characters and events as background, making it all the more convincing and
fascinating. He succeeds remarkably in bringing the ancient world to life. - Mike Ashley, Mystery Scene The background detail is
brilliantly defined ... Wonderfully evocative - The Times,
The murders keep us on edge but
really the gripping story here is the culture Fidelma represents – Kliatt A brilliant and beguiling heroine.
Immensely appealing, difficult to put down. It is reassuring that Sister
Fidelma and Brother Eadulf will reappear. The intellectual and physical sparks
that are ignited between them light up the pages. - Publishers Weekly
A treat for history buffs and
historical mystery fans who appreciate strong and intelligent female
protagonists –
The Sister Fidelma stories take us
into a world that only an author steeped in Celtic history could recreate so
vividly - and one which no other crime novelist has explored before. Make way
for a unique lady detective going where no one has gone before. - Peter Haining, editor Great Irish Detective Stories I believe I have a tendresse for
Sister Fidelma. Ingeniously plotted... subtly paced ... written with
conviction, a feel for the times, and a chilly air of period authenticity. A
series to cultivate.
- Jack Adrian, editor Great Detective Stories from the Definitely an Ellis Peters'
competitor ... the background detail is marvelous - Evening Standard
One of the most interesting sleuths
to come on the scene in recent years - Ellery Queen
Mystery Magazine
A 4 Star Recommendation - Crime Times
Tremayne's heroine is gutsy. She is
funny. As she outwits the dull-witted and silences the foolish with a quick
comment, the reader is inclined to murmur "Bravo!" The Spider's Web is the fifth book in the series. We can
only hope there will be a dozen more. -
Move over Miss Marple, a new sleuth
is on the case - Hampstead & Highgate Express
Sister Fidelma once again works her
magic upon readers... Tremayne, as always, makes 7th Century
Fast moving - unputdownable! - Irish Democrat A spunky 7th Century heroine... a
picture of a world in transition ... richly detailed - Walnut Creek Times,
Fascinating! If you enjoy a good
mystery and like reading about history, you'll like Shroud for the Archbishop. And I know you'll like the Irish
detective, Sister Fidelma. - Irish
American News A Brother Cadfael on the distaff
side! -
An invigorating and stimulating
jaunt into the world of soluble murder and apparently insoluble church history.
Peter Tremayne creates a seventh century nun who solves murder mysteries in
settings of ecclesiastic grandeur, power bunting and intrigue ... Entertaining,
well paced, interest-sustaining and vivid - Father Des Wilson, Andersontown News
I can easily see the characters
being developed for a television series - South Wales
Evening Post
Tremayne uses his knowledge well...
the books are superbly researched - The Crimson Circle
Absorbing... warmly recommended ...
a good read with evocative atmosphere. - Cross-ties Quite a girl, our Sister Fidelma.
The plots are as clever as Fidelma but the real attraction is Tremayne's feel
for the period; a chill, unforgiving time. -
A credible set of events set
against an authentic Celtic background ... intriguing and compelling whodunnit
which gathers pace to an Agatha Christie-style denouement - Coventry Evening Telegraph
Tremayne spins a rollicking pacy
yarn. - Nuneaton Evening
Sister Fidelma is fast becoming a
world ambassador for ancient Irish culture - Irish Post An outstanding series. - I Love A Mystery The literary successor to Ellis
Peters' Brother Cadfael - Southern Star
A series which shows no sign of
growing tired . . . two well-delineated leading characters - Murder: Past Tense (Historical Mystery Appreciation Society) Strong historical whodunnits, as
sharp as a sword and as colorful as any medieval manuscript - Northern Echo
[Sister Fidelma] does not
disappoint . . . untangling a complex web of intrigue that moves from one
surprising revelation to the next - Publishers Weekly
Firmly set in a wild, dangerous
time . . . this historical teaches as it entertains - Library Journal Tremayne's discriminating sense of
history creates a complex mystery for history-mad readers. - Rich with Irish lore. The Spider's Web introduces readers to Celtic law, religious
and mores in a multilayered search for a cold-blooded killer. - Publishers Weekly
Fidelma displays her usual knack
for uncovering timeless, all too human motives as she solves crimes under the
ancient Brehon law system in For those who haven't read Peter
Tremayne's previous Sister Fidelma Mysteries, be warned, they are compulsive…
Read this and be certain of Tremayne's sure-footedness among the intricacies of
political and religious life in this ancient Celtic land but also of his
certain grasp of atmosphere, of character and place. - Huddersfield Daily Examiner
Tremayne has a great world
following… once again Fidelma's quest for justice across a treacherous Celtic
landscape has a divine authenticity. -
The plot thickens as the story
continues, keeping you guessing throughout with the true solution only revealed
at the very last. A crime reader's delight. - Manx
Independent, IoM Under his real name, the author is
one of the foremost Celtic scholars in the world. His vast knowledge and love
of his subject shows in this well-plotted and well-written story. He vividly
portrays the day-to-day difficulties of a physically demanding and sometimes
harsh life, yet one in which education and knowledge are highly valued. - Mystery Scene (No 93) A powerful complex whodunit, The Council of the Cursed is
a terrific Dark Age mystery. Fidelma is at her best ... The story-line is
fast-paced as Peter Tremayne moves his champion from Ancient Irelansd to France
in a fabulous entry.
There is now an ever-growing massof mass of ardent admirers Sister Fidelma in this country and worldwide… the
series has become hugely popular across the globe and the original hardbacks
are becoming increasingly collectable and sought after. - Richard Dalby, Book & Magazine Collector
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