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The Dove Of Death (Sister Fidelma, #20) (2010)

by Peter Tremayne(Favorite Author)

3.91 of 5 Votes: 4

ISBN

0755357620 (ISBN13: 9780755357628)

languge

English

genre

Historical Fiction

publisher

Headline

series

Sister Fidelma

review 1: #20 in the Sister Fidelma series. 7th century Ireland had a system of laws that were light years ahead of its time (the Dark Ages). Their provisions concerning women were better than any country (including the U.S.) in 2011. There were protections against domestic abuse, divorce, rape, child molestation, etc. Family bonds were emphasized along with loyalty to one's clan. Succession of clan leadership (and even kingship!) were not based upon the oldest son but rather voted in based on the vote of three levels of family members. These stories deal with these laws and how violations of them were dealt with by the dalaighs (officers of the courts). To gain the best picture of the Irish society of the time and how the laws were administered it is best to start with book #1 and ... moreread them in the correct order. This series (and the author) have received world-wide acclaim and there's even a Sister Fidelma fan club and web site!
review 2: I like Peter Tremayne anyway, and the name is a pseudonym for Peter Berresford Ellis, "a renowned Celtic scholar who has written 30 books on the Ancient Celts and the Irish" (quote from the book jacket). This starts with heavy action on an official ship which has been sent to start and discuss an welcome economic opening between two nations who are rather looking forward to it. Fidelma and Eudalf narrowly escape and are helped by a local monk, and with that beginning the story has well begun with a real bang! It continues with Fidelma in particular feeling she needs to find out what has happened. It is personal with her and her country. Besides being a religious she is a competent lawyer and investigator and a background of high rank and fine education along with the rest of her family. Her brother is the kind of one of what was called The Five Kingdoms. The story as do most of the Sister Fidelma series, go into more a legal thriller as well as investigative, both of which Fidelma is excellent as well as her subtle questioning techniques. The mobile courtroom drama is always excellent and very dramatic. I did figure who the main culprit was, but you learn the broader picture quite gradually. Excellent is the picture of early medieval Ireland. I intend to continue with this series after an absence, looking forward to it. less

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