I received this book for free from the library in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Source: the library
Valley of the Shadow
by
Peter Tremayne
historical mystery in Paperback edition that was published by Signet on July 1, 2001 and has 320 pages.
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Other books by this author which I have reviewed include The Dove of Death, The Chalice of Blood, Murder Most Medieval: Noble Tales of Ignoble Demises, Behold a Pale Horse, The Seventh Trumpet, Atonement of Blood, The Second Death
Sixth in the Sister Fidelma medieval mystery series set in A.D. 666 Ireland.
My Take
A fascinating mystery of plot and counterplot set in mid-7th century Ireland with a backdrop of pagan versus Christian argument using the brilliant and incisive mind of Sister Fidelma who suddenly finds her life depending upon Brother Eadulf’s legal wits to get her out of a deadly jam.
Tremayne had me going back and forth between the obvious and the hidden-in-plain sight with my only objection being how Fidelma could possibly have missed seeing Cruinn’s relationship with one of the characters. Great story if you love a twisty political mystery.
The Story
Fidelma and Eadulf are sent to an isolated mountain kingdom, Gleann Geis, which is subject to Fidelma’s brother, King Colgu. The pagan king of Gleann Geis, Laisre, has suddenly requested a representative from the Catholic Church be sent to his kingdom to negotiate the first Catholic church and school.
Luckily for Colgu, he sends Fidelma, which only begins the unraveling of a plot against Ireland.
