10.30.08
Posted in Historical Fiction, Mysteries, Sister Fidlema at 7:21 am by Easley Wayne
The Spider’s Web by Peter Treymayne
The Spider’s Web is the fifth novel in the Sister Fidelma series. Sister Fidelma of Kildare, who lives in the seventh century A.D., is a very talented and accomplished Irish woman. Sister has a graduate education where she earned the degree of anruth, similar to a masters degree today. Fidelma works as a dalaigh, an advocate in the courts. As an advocate she investigates problems and crimes and advises both church and civil authorities. A dalaigh may prosecute, defend, or even serve as judge in a criminal proceeding.
In this story Sister is commissioned by her brother Colgu, King of Muman, to investigate the murder of a local chieftain named Eber. The community arrested a suspect who was caught at the scene of the crime holding the murder weapon. She soon discovers that events are not as simple as they seem.
Fidelma has several antagonists. Gorman, the local priest, resents her position and her progressive views. Cranat, the wife of the deceased, sees Fidelma as a threat to her influence. Cron, the daughter of the deceased and heir to the chieftain position, resents Sister’s involvement in what she believes is her authority as the heir. Muadnat, a local farmer, blames Sister for a previous case that he lost. Critan, a young warrior, wants to prove himself worthy to be promoted to Colgu’s guard.
The investigation is exciting and suspenseful. The scenes move rapidly, the investigation is fast paced yet offers expansive probing into the life of the entire community. When Sister interrogates witnesses she uses insightful piercing questions. Residents of the community are reluctant to answer Fidelma’s questions, which makes Sister more suspicions. On several occasions Sister must dig for facts without any assistance from community residents. Her solitary efforts become dangerous as other community members are killed and Fidelma barely escapes with her life.
This is a good novel. If you like historical settings, if you enjoy repartee among characters , or if you like a good mystery, get this book.
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