6th in the Sister Fidelma series.[return][return]I have complained in reviews of Tremayne s characterization of Fidelma, which is the really serious flaw in this series. She comes across as a more or less wooden figure when she s not angry. There s almost nothing about her that is likeable, actually because there s no real person there. All the characters are more or less awkward, but she, the star of the series, is the worst portrayed. What has saved the series is the excellent plotting and the setting 7th century Ireland, with it unique system of laws and anything but unique bloody conflicts.[return][return]In this book, thankfully Tremayne does not do much with Fidelma except to have her act, and therefore it s one of the best installments in the series.[return][return]The plot is intriguing. At this point in Ireland s history, the Christian faith has pretty much spread throughout Ireland but naturally, Christians being Christians, there are two sharply different views as to what form that faith should take, and these differences are at times expressed in conflict and murder.[return][return]There are pockets of the Old Faith, however, and Fidelma is sent as her king brother s ambassador to the nearly inaccessible land of one of the sub-chieftains, who wishes to negotiate terms for the construction of a Christian church and school. Nearly at her destination, Fidelma and Brother Eadulf encounter what is clearly a ritual slaughter of 33 young men, arranged in a manner to suggest a pagan rite.[return][return]The ensuing encounter with the chieftain and his Druid counselor, and the hostility of the chieftain s council to the whole idea of bringing in a church and school of the new faith, make fidlema s visit uncomfortable. Then Fidelma is found in a compromising situation that points to her being the murderer of a cleric from the other sect of the Christian faith.[return][return]The plot is well done and moves fast. As usual, there is a great deal of interesting detail about Irish customs, law and the clash between the Roman and Celtic rites of the new Christian faith. [return][return]Unfortunately, Tremayne seems to love the Nero Wolfe style of capturing murderers, since there is the now-standard gathering of all the suspects where Fidlema recounts her investigation and conclusions and then dramatically points out the culprit. Perry Mason without the courtroom scene. Still, it s good.[return][return]This is not my favorite series but this book is one of the better ones in it.
The 6th Sister Fidelma mystery is structurally a carbon copy of the preceding books; sadly these are clever, complicated mysteries but very awkward reads. I agree with the reviewer who commented that Tremayne writes very poorly from the perspective of a female main character - she doesn't feel real, but then neither do the other characters and that's a major letdown.Having read the preceding Sister Fidelma books in rapid succession, suggested by a friend as I enjoyed Ellis Peters' Cadfael mysteries, 'Valley of the Shadow' simply repeats the formula. There is a lot of unnecessary and awkward demonstration of Old Irish culture and one-dimensional characters often defined by their looks/clothing. The mystery is complex but still one which can be undone by pulling on a single thread. There is the 'Perry Mason' denouement, where a smug Fidelma explains everything in a final meeting of everyone involved & the perpetrator gives him/herself away thus proving guilt which could otherwise be avoided … all in the last 5 pages. Tiresome.'Fidelma' is clearly inspired by the 'Cadfael' series but can't convey the depth of humanity so often found in those books. Fidelma herself comes off as an arrogant, cranky, disdainful woman who quotes anyone who's written anything in Latin to justify her theology without ever actually defending it with her own arguments. She can also do everything: she's noble, she's lovely, she's brilliant, she rides beautifully and has a terrific singing voice. Boring.Eadulf exists as a whiny buffoonish foil to Fidelma & has little to recommend him in character or as an intellectual companion: we keep being told that she enjoys theological discussion with him but his demonstrated argument is limited to dedication to Rome for purely personal reasons. In 'Valley of the Shadow' he also suddenly becomes something of a drunkard, for no apparent reason.I became so annoyed midway through that I skipped to the last five pages to the full complexity of the mystery and the culprit, then returned the book to the library. A clever mystery by itself does not make a good novel.Tremayne is actually Peter Beresford Ellis, a scholar of Celtic and Old Irish culture. Definitely read his books written as himself if you're interested in the mythology and social structure of the ancient Celts and late Pagan/early Christian Ireland, they are very accessible to the non-scholar.
What do You think about Valley Of The Shadow (2001)?
I have liked the Sister Fedelma series so far, but I found the story line in this one over complicated, and I'm not keen on the Agatha Chrustie type of sumation at the end, when all the syspects are gathered together for the synopsis. I admit that I have little knowlege of he history of Ireland during this period, and I have had some personal problems whilst reading this book, so my opinion may be somewhat tainted. Perhaps I should read it again at a later date. So far, however, I can only go to 2 stars.
—Gordon Chambers
A celtic mystery set in Ireland in AD 666 - Sister Fidelma and Brother Eadulf travel to a remote valley where the inhabitants still follow the ancient Druidic ways. They come to negotiate for permission to build a Christian church and school.Near the entrance to the valley they encounter a horrific scene - the slain bodies of 33 young men, placed in a sun-wise circle. It is Fidelma's responsibility to uncover the truth behind the gruesome murders. I enjoy the historical depth of these ancient stories as much as the murder mystery aspect. The role of women in these ancient times is interesting - I look forward to reading more in this series.
—Natalie
This the 6th in Peter Tremayne's Sister Fidelma series. All of the books in this series are mysteries that take place in the 7th century Ireland. So far, they have been fun reads. I love the main characters Sister Fidelma and Eadulf. Peter Tremayne brings ancient Ireland to life and I haven't, so far, been able to figure out the "who dunnit" until Sister Fidelma solves the mystery although all of the clues are there. Mystery and History how can you beat that. Would recommend a sister Fidelma mystery.
—Susan
