Valley of the Shadow

The author Peter Tremayne obviously has a great knowledge of Ireland in the 7th century and also on the Irish Law of the period. His Sister Fidelma book are attracting what can only be described as a cult following, but they are of interest to anyone who likes historical novels or mysteries. This series of books are set in Ireland in the 7th century, a time when there was total equality for women. The lead character is the beguiling Sister Fidelma. She is a brilliant scholar, a leading authority on Irish law and the sister of a king. This is also a period in history when celibacy was not yet a part of religious life. Sister Fidelma is on a mission for her brother the king. She has been sent to Gleann Geis, the forbidden valley to meet there with the chieftain Laisre. Her mission to to negotiate with the chieftain for permission to build a Christian church and school to replace the Druid sanctuaries. Laisre's people are know to be hostile to the new religion and Fidelma knows that she will have her work cut out to convince the chief and his people of the good that will come of it . . .

Just when I thought I might be finding the Sister Fidelma novels a touch repetitive, I read "Valley of the Shadow" and my faith was restored. Of the first six novels of the series, I have to brand this one my favorite.Although it carries the flavor of the previous novels, it breaks some new ground. Without ruining the suspense, I will intimate that Brother Eaudulf plays his most major role, Fidelma herself makes some wrong assumptions, and the good Sister finds herself in an unaccustomed position for a time. And, for the traditional-spirited, the story carries the usual Celtic lore of the period, delves into the usual intrigue, and has you wondering who done it till the final pages. As I said, I've read them all, and recommend each book of the series, especially this one, to one and all.

I don't have the Sister Fidelma background, nor the Celtic background. I picked it up this book on a whim. It starts out a bit slow, but picks up steadily. I wish there would've been a pronounciation guide for all the Celtic names---they're always a phonetic challenge. As to the story---I thought it was good. I know my fellow reviewers sound pretty unimpressed, but it was a good mystery. I appreciate that it was solved with the main characters, not so much new character crap in the end, or a weird twist at the end that made it implausible. I appreciate that! As to Fidelma and her fellow christian, Eadulf, well, name me one murder slueth who isn't cold and boring? The main characters always seem to be pretty----typical....with the sidekick just a wee bit more interesting. Well, as for the plot and story, etc. Sister Fidelma stumbles upon a grisly murder. Whodunit? Follow her to the intimidating kingdom in the valley and find out....twists and turns, the suspicions, the contempt, the theology, makes for an entertaining read. I'm almost tempted to read the others in the series. Almost..... Isn't it unusual to have a mystery set in 7th century Ireland? Quit complaining and appreciate someone's writing something decent out of the "Dark Ages!"

One of the best things about Peter Tremayne's Sister Fidelma mysteries are the well-drawn plots. This installment certainly lives up to expectations. Valley of the Shadow is a book steeped in Irish history and the different opposing religious and ideological factions that existed in that era. The author combines a deeply textured and fascinating background with multi-dimensional characters and a fast-paced, twisting plot in which you can't guess the solution to the mystery until the very end. I especially found the historical background very interesting. Tremayne has obviously done a great deal of research for this book. I greatly enjoyed reading Valley of the Shadow, and I suggest it as a wonderful read for any history buff or mystery enthusiast out there- and even if you are neither, I think you will find this novel intriguing.

In 666 AD, Chieftain Laisre rules over Gleann Geis, an isolated valley where the people revere Druid Priests. Over the years, many of the villagers married outsiders, which has allowed Christianity to gain a foothold in the area. The Christians demand their own church and school, which forces Laisre to ask his liege, the King of Mumar to negotiate with the Church. The King sends his emissaries, Sister Fidelma and Brother Eadulf to Gleann Geis.However, a few miles from the village, the traveling duo comes across the grim sight of thirty-three dead men laid out according to a pagan death ritual. Sister Fidelma, an advocate of the Ireland law courts, wants to know who executed these people. The villagers swear they know nothing about the abomination. They want the Sister to begin negotiation instead of starting her own investigation. However, Sister Fidelma quickly concludes that an evil lurks in the valley, but before she can prove her charges, another murder occurs. The evidence points towards Sister Fidelma. To clear her name and stop a potential bloody battle from turning a happy valley into the valley of death, Sister Fidelma begins to search for the malfeasance that covets power at all cost to others.VALLEY OF THE SHADOW is a work rich in Irish myths that allows the audience to catch the beauty of seventh century Ireland. The charcaters are well drawn, seem genuine, and make the era appear before the audience,s eyes. The fast moving plot provides a wonderfully designed mystery interwoven inside a meticulously researched history that brings insight into the past. Sub-genre fans will fully enjoy this tale and the other works of artist Peter TremayneHarriet Klausner