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rebcamuse's review against another edition
4.0
There is much improved character development for both Fidelma and Eadulf here (in contrast to The Subtle Serpent (Book #4)). Still, there are some issues of editing. The same EXACT sentence is used to describe a woman on two occasions: “face was slightly rounded, almost heart-shaped and not unattractive.” (P.4, then again on 33-34). If not for the big reveal at the end, this might be dismissed as just poor editing, but in light of the conclusion, it is even more aggravating.
Also tiresome is Eadulf’s hangover. The less said about that the better.
While I realize there is an attempt to make each book readable without the series chronology, there are far too many mentions of Fidelma’s status as a dálaigh qualified to the level of anruth, and all that entails. It becomes tiresome over the course of a single book.
Still, the mystery here is bold and complex. The twists and turns wind their way to the edge of our frustration, yet we continue to turn the page in the hopes that it will all make sense when our sleuth unravels the Celtic knot. There is a worthwhile subtext as well, regarding religion, that is as relevant to our current times as it was in 7th-century Ireland. Fans of Fidelma will enjoy the deep shadows and dark secrets, and can swiftly move past the bits of repetition.
Also tiresome is Eadulf’s hangover. The less said about that the better.
While I realize there is an attempt to make each book readable without the series chronology, there are far too many mentions of Fidelma’s status as a dálaigh qualified to the level of anruth, and all that entails. It becomes tiresome over the course of a single book.
Still, the mystery here is bold and complex. The twists and turns wind their way to the edge of our frustration, yet we continue to turn the page in the hopes that it will all make sense when our sleuth unravels the Celtic knot. There is a worthwhile subtext as well, regarding religion, that is as relevant to our current times as it was in 7th-century Ireland. Fans of Fidelma will enjoy the deep shadows and dark secrets, and can swiftly move past the bits of repetition.
katzreads's review against another edition
2.0
The history in the preface was fascinating, but the story didn't hold my interest for long. I tried--I read half the book before giving up. When the main character is accused of a crime she didn't commit, I gave up and skipped to the last chapter. The wrongly accused main character having to defend his or her innocence is a trope I just hate.
roshk99's review against another edition
4.0
A mystery of amazing complexity, Fidelma`s tell-all at the end is always a surprise.
collierkeithj's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
3.75
alesia_charles's review against another edition
2.0
Fascinating historical setting, but I could not get into the characters or plot at all.
morgandhu's review against another edition
3.0
The sixth of Peter Tremayne’s Sister Fidelma mysteries, The Valley of Shadow, finds Fidelma on her way to the remote western mountains of Cruacha Dubha, the homeland of Laisre, chieftain of Gleann Geis. Laisre and his lands remain pagan, but he has recently sent to King Colgu of Muman, Flidelma’s brother, saying he is willing to enter negotiations to allow a priest to come to his chiefdom, to build a church and a school. Colgu has appointed Fidelma as his emissary, thinking her best suited to speak on behalf of both himself and the church, as a princess of Muman, a religieuse, and a dalaigh. Brother Eadulf accompanies her.
But as they approach the mountains, Fidelma and Eadulf are met with a horrific sight. Thirty-three young men, all monks or priests by their tonsures, ritually killed and left by the road into Gleann Geis. Is it a warning? A threat? Despite the danger, Fidelma is determined to carry out her mission, but now she has another task as well - to find out who is responsible for the murder of her brothers in Christ.
This time, Fidelma finds herself in the midst of not only a negotiation over a request that no one but the chieftain appears to want, but an investigation into a horrific mass murder, and a complex plot against her brother’s throne. A solid mystery, with many twists and turns, it’s also an interesting look at Irish temporal and religious political conflicts in the early years of Christianity in Ireland.
But as they approach the mountains, Fidelma and Eadulf are met with a horrific sight. Thirty-three young men, all monks or priests by their tonsures, ritually killed and left by the road into Gleann Geis. Is it a warning? A threat? Despite the danger, Fidelma is determined to carry out her mission, but now she has another task as well - to find out who is responsible for the murder of her brothers in Christ.
This time, Fidelma finds herself in the midst of not only a negotiation over a request that no one but the chieftain appears to want, but an investigation into a horrific mass murder, and a complex plot against her brother’s throne. A solid mystery, with many twists and turns, it’s also an interesting look at Irish temporal and religious political conflicts in the early years of Christianity in Ireland.
smcleish's review against another edition
3.0
Originally published on my blog here in September 1999.
The Sister Fidelma mysteries seem to be beginning to fall into a familiar pattern as the series grows in length. She goes to a remote corner of her brother's kingdom of Muman (better known by its later name of Munster) to a suspicious and insular community. There, murders happen, often linked to a threat to her brother's rule, and Fidelma overcomes local opposition to solve the mystery. The variety of settings used in the earlier books - different parts of Ireland, Whitby, Rome - has disappeared. The character of Fidelma has settled into an opportunity for Tremayne to repeat again and again his point that seventh century Ireland was an immensely civilised place. Her enlightened attitude is always on display, emphasised by the astonishment it causes in those around her - especially her Saxon friend Eadwulf.
None of these criticisms stop the Sister Fidelma mysteries being interesting and entertaining detective novels, but it is perhaps time that Tremayne made a bit more effort again.
The Sister Fidelma mysteries seem to be beginning to fall into a familiar pattern as the series grows in length. She goes to a remote corner of her brother's kingdom of Muman (better known by its later name of Munster) to a suspicious and insular community. There, murders happen, often linked to a threat to her brother's rule, and Fidelma overcomes local opposition to solve the mystery. The variety of settings used in the earlier books - different parts of Ireland, Whitby, Rome - has disappeared. The character of Fidelma has settled into an opportunity for Tremayne to repeat again and again his point that seventh century Ireland was an immensely civilised place. Her enlightened attitude is always on display, emphasised by the astonishment it causes in those around her - especially her Saxon friend Eadwulf.
None of these criticisms stop the Sister Fidelma mysteries being interesting and entertaining detective novels, but it is perhaps time that Tremayne made a bit more effort again.
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