Author Tremayne creates a very compelling puzzle for Sister Fidelma. With stoic patience and insightful logic, she collects bits of information from many sources and weaves a complex but entertaining solution ( )

This is the 24th book in the Sister Fidelma series, and it is truly remarkable that this series stays as fresh and exciting as it still is. I highly recommend this series to anyone who is a fan of historical mysteries which reamain true to the period, and are well-written, well-charactered and well plotted. Mr. Tremayne is an historian of some note, and his knowledge of his era (Ancient Ireland in the First Century AD) is extensive. He is also a talented writer who creates wonderful, believable characters. His books are tightly-paced and exciting to read. This book is set in and around Sister Fidelma and her her husband Eadulf's home in Cashel. An assassin makes an attempt on Fidelma's brother's life, and while the king of Cashel lies trying to recover from his grievous wounds, Fidelma and Eadulf set out into the territory of their arch enemies, the Ui Fidgente to determine why this attempt was made. Although the Ui Fidgente is part of King Colgu's five kingdoms there is a lot of unrest and a lot of unhappy and mistrustful citizens. Not everyone in this territory is pleased with the alliance of the five kingdoms. Fidlema and Eadulf uncover a plot of sinister proprotions while they are investigating the attempted killing of her brother. As in all Fidelma books there is lots of danger, unrest, evil and violence, but Fidelma, in her inimitable fashion, purposely follows her enquiries until she gets to the truth. This remains one of my favourite historical mystery series. ( )