I've only read one other Sister Fidelma mystery and feel much the same way about Penance of the Damned as I did about the earlier book--good mystery, excellent history.

Set in Ireland in 671 AD, Fidelma is sent to find out more about the murder of a bishop. What she finds is a friend accused, religious disagreements, disquisitions on Irish law vs the laws of the New Faith, and a locked room mystery.

The first of the novel is a little slow and deals with the recent history between Irish principalities that will effect Fidelma's mission to discover the truth about the bishop's murder. When Fidelma and Eadulf arrive in Prince Donnenach's fortress, however, the story begin to get interesting.

These books are as much (or more) for those interested in ancient Irish history as they are for lovers of historical mysteries. I find the historical elements fascinating, especially conflicts between the New and the Old Faith and the information concerning ancient Irish law.

Peter Berresford Ellis (born 10 March 1943) is a historian, literary biographer, and novelist who has published over 90 books to date either under his own name or his pseudonyms Peter Tremayne and Peter MacAlan. He has also published 95 short stories. His non-fiction books, articles and academic papers have made him acknowledged as an authority on Celtic history and culture. As Peter Tremayne, he is the author of the international bestselling Sister Fidelma mystery series. His work has appeared in 25 languages.

NetGalley/St. Martin's Press

Historical Mystery. July 25, 2017. Print length: 352 pages.

When Segdae, the Abbot of Imleach and adviser to Sister Fidelma's brother, the King, is murdered, she is sent to investigate with her husband Eadulf. Gorman, the head of the King's guards, has been accused of the crime and the Ui Fidgente religious demand ritual execution in accordance with the new rules of the Penitentials, written by the Desert Fathers.

When Sister Fidelma and Eadulf travel intio Ui fidgente territory, they find a can of worms. How can they prove Gorman's innocence when the murder was committed in a locked room and he is seemingly the only one who could be guilty. How do they deal with Abbot Nannid, who is determined to impose the rule of the Penitentials and frightens everyone into submission?

Abbot Segdae's murder sets off a chain of murders and the couple have a difficult time trying to discover the truth of the situation.

Sister Fidelma and Eadulf are very likeable and professional and Celtic law and society are fascinating. Peter Tremayne always tells a great tale, and this is another excellent addition to the Sister Fidelma mysterie

This was a first time to read this author. Fidelma and her husband, Eadulf were sent by her brother, King Colgu, to check out the story that Gorman, the commander of his bodyguard, killed the Abbott but all this happened in a neighboring kingdom. Needless to say, thru a lot of twists and turns, they eventually get to the bottom of everything. I enjoyed the book and the story was marvelous, but I had some trouble with names that I could in no way pronounce. Fidelma, was intelligent and had a mind like a steel trap. Eadulf was her soft side and was a sort of physician. It was interesting to see the different characters, they seemed so real. You could imagine traveling thru the countryside with them. The plot was so complex, it was amazing that Fidelma was able to see her way around all the obstacles. I enjoy the book but I needed more concentration because of the different language used in places. I think the author has a quick mind to just figure out this stuff. by the way, I never realized they had such sophisticated laws, way back then, interesting. But I think anyone who likes an excellent mystery with a twist would love this tale. I highly recommend it and hope you give it a try.

In 671, Ireland when King Colgú learns that his Chief Bishop has been killed in the fortress of the Uí Fidgente, held by his enemy, he sends his sister Fidelma to investigate in what seems to be a locked room mystery.
Took too long for Fidelma and her team to arrive at the fortress that I was already bored, too much extraneous detail, too much Irish history and religion.