Hemlock at Vespers

Hemlock at Vespers, by Peter Tremayne, presents fifteen short stories of Sister Fidelma mysteries. Sister Fidelma of Kildare, who lives in the seventh century A.D., is a very talented and accomplished Irish woman. Sister has a graduate education where she earned the degree of anruth, similar to a Ph. D. degree today. Fidelma works as a dalaigh, an advocate in the courts. As an advocate she investigates problems and crimes and advises both church and civil authorities. A dalaigh may prosecute, defend, or even serve as judge in a criminal proceeding. As a Sister Fidelma fan will realize, the novels occur in chronological order. This book of short stories fills in events, many of which occurred before the novels. The first few stories relate events the occurred prior to the first novel, Absolution by Murder. Later stories fill in events between the novels. The short stories are very similar to the novels. Each story is complete mystery. In each, Fidelma demonstrates her skill at interviewing witnesses and at solving puzzles. I will reveal a quick hint at some of the cases presented in this book. One involves a man prosecuted for a murder that occurred while the accused was asleep. A second reviews death in a church where a man was killed drinking from a poisoned chalice. Another tale investigates a death that involves the symbolic sword of the high king of Ireland. One explores a murder in a sealed, guarded tomb. Lastly, one tale is about a man who invites his enemies to his death. He provides them a fine meal and entertainment. Then he speaks to the guests by reminding everyone of his sins against them and dies at the end of the speech. Fidelma investigates. These stories are all entertaining. It is fun to watch Fidelma labor to analyze each situation and reveal the answer to each problem. I enjoyed all fifteen stories. This is a good book. If you like historical settings you will love this book. If you enjoy repartee between characters, the interactions among characters will entertain you. If you like a good mystery these tales will satisfy your thirst for intrigue. If you are not yet a Sister Fidelma fan and want to check her out before attempting the seventeen novels, this book is perfect for you.

Peter Tremayne is a pen name of a scholar,expert on Celtic culture, Peter Berresford Ellis. He decided to show what the situation of women was in Ireland during Middle Ages.Very informative, and even if you know that Dark Ages were not so dark in every country, is still great fun to read those fascinating stories featuring highly educated religieuse, sister Fidelma, who solves mysteries using her exceptional wit and knowledge about human nature. Berresford Ellis makes a point to tell the reader that during VII.c women enjoyed in Ireland equal status with men,(also they were judges), and he does good job in presenting the picture of a society which was quite enlightened.He gives an insight into the Brehon Law system, quite interesting. (For ex. there was no capital punishment, while the rest of Europe was on a gory side). Interesting, entertaining and informative book. I highly recommend this a collection of short stories. If you liked The Name of the Rose, you may enjoy this book too, even though the Tremayne is much lighter read, there is a lot of interesting information to enjoy.

Fidelma is an Eognacht princess, sister to the king of Cashel and respected advocate of the ancient Brehon laws, She is called upon to solve dark mysteries and murder most foul for Fidelma is a qualified dálaigh and if you haven't met her yet - then you're in for a very pleasant surprise. She's fiercely intelligent, clear-headed, analytical, stiff-necked, irritable and an all-round gutsy girl !Hemlock at Vespers contains 15 stand-alone stories, perfect for the newcomer and the follower alike. It's the best way to meet the redheaded moody protagonist and dedicated Fidelma fans will love the stories and understand the reasons for her disillusionment with the House of Blessed Brigid

This book is a valuable read to anyone who has read the Sister Fidelma books or would like to. It gives great background and introduces you to her sleuthing style and personality. She is quick witted and clever with a biting tongue. Hers is a likable personality, which Hemlock at Vespers showcases. It's a must have!

Though Sister Fidelma has appeared in four novels, she has also starred in fifteen short stories that make up this wonderful anthology, HEMLOCK AT VESPERS. Peter Tremayne places his stories in order of publication date and allows the audience to observe how much the author and the character have matured. Readers learn why Sister Fidelma changes her references to herself, dissociates from a religious community, and how that impacts the seventh century amateur sleuth.All the stories in this anthology are well written and self-contained as the essence of the main character comes alive each time while retaining a consistent level of excellent storytelling. That enables the audience to understand and empathize with Sister Fidelma. The stories also provide incredible insight into "Dark Ages" Ireland without slowing down the pacing. Mr. Tremayne is one the leaders of the historical mystery whether the plot is full-length novel (see VALLEY OF THE SHADOW) or a short story. Harriet Klausner