Death of a Heretic - (Sister Fidelma Mystery) by Peter Tremayne

About the Book

Ireland. AD 672. When Sister Fidelma is asked to investigate an unfortunate death in a fire at the abbey of Muman, she soon discovers that the victim had been stabbed to death before the fire had even started. As more deaths follow, Fidelma must use her wit and ingenuity to unravel the complexities of this intricate mystery.

Book Synopsis

The suspicious death of a foreign bishop brings trouble to Sister Fidelma and the kingdom of Muman.

Ireland. AD 672. The abbey of Muman at Imleach Iubhair is being renovated when its guests' hostel burns to the ground. There is one fatality: Bishop Brodulf of Luxovium, a distinguished visitor and cousin to the King of Franks. Sister Fidelma is asked by Abbot Cu�n to investigate the unfortunate incident and soon finds that the bishop had been stabbed to death before the fire had even started.

Thrown into a world of treachery and jealousy, where religious beliefs are vehemently disputed, Fidelma and her companions, Eadulf and Enda, face a barrier of deceit. The abbey, a leading ecclesiastical teaching institution as well as a conhospitae, housing both men and women, is divided into factions. Can Abbot Cu�n trust Prioress Suanach, who is in charge of the sisterhood? Can the professors trust each other as well as their students? Moreover, can suspicion be levelled at the builders working on the abbey under their dominant Master Builder, S�tae? As more deaths follow, Fidelma must use her wit and ingenuity to unravel the complexities of this intricate mystery.

From the Back Cover

Ireland. AD 672. The abbey of Muman at Imleach Iubhair is being renovated when its guest house burns to the ground. There is one fatality: Bishop Brodulf of Luxovium, a distinguished visitor and cousin to the King of Franks. Sister Fidelma is asked by Abbot Cu�n to investigate the unfortunate incident and soon finds that the bishop had been stabbed to death before the fire had even started.

Thrown into a world of treachery and jealousy, where religious beliefs are vehemently disputed, Fidelma and her companions, Eadulf and Enda, face a barrier of deceit. The abbey, a leading ecclesiastical teaching institution as well as a conhospitae, housing both men and women, is divided into factions. Can Abbot Cu�n trust Prioress Suanach, who is in charge of the sisterhood? Can the professors trust each other as well as their students? Moreover, can suspicion be levelled at the builders working on the abbey under their dominant Master Builder, S�tae? As more deaths follow, Fidelma must use her wit and ingenuity to unravel the complexities of this intricate mystery.

"A complex, lovingly written mystery notable for its historical detail and strong heroine" Kirkus Reviews on The House of Death

"Tremayne expertly incorporates historical and legal details of the time into the suspenseful plot. This impressive volume bodes well for future series entries" Publishers Weekly Starred Review of The Shapeshifter's Lair

Review Quotes

A complex, lovingly written mystery notable for its historical detail and strong heroine-- "Kirkus Reviews on The House of Death"

A mystery embedded in a revealing look at the violently differing theological views of early Christians-- "Kirkus Reviews"

An impressive achievement-- "Publishers Weekly Starred Review"

Fans of ancient history, myths, and swashbuckling adventures are likely to enjoy this tale set in seventh-century Ireland . . . this is a challenging and unusual but deeply satisfying and enjoyable historical thriller-- "Booklist on The Shapeshifter's Lair"

One of the best cases for the complex, enchanting Fidelma-- "Kirkus Reviews on The Shapeshifter's Lair"

Tremayne expertly incorporates historical and legal details of the time into the suspenseful plot. This impressive volume bodes well for future series entries-- "Publishers Weekly Starred Review of The Shapeshifter's Lair"

Tremayne plays fair with the readers while evoking the period in vivid detail. This long-running series remains as fresh and inventive as ever-- "Publishers Weekly on The House of Death"

About the Author

Peter Tremayne is the pseudonym of a well-known authority on the ancient Celts who has utilised his knowledge of the Brehon law system and seventh-century Irish society to create a new concept in detective fiction. He is the author of thirty previous mysteries featuring Sister Fidelma.