Publisher's Weekly Review
Set in 672 CE, Tremayne's strong 32nd whodunit featuring Irish law advocate Sister Fidelma (after 2020's The Shapeshifter's Lair) finds Fidelma's brother, Colgú, the king of Muman, preparing for the ceithirfine, "the annual gathering of the seven princes of the Eóganacht." The law allows the princes to hold Colgú to account for how he has ruled; if they agree with his decisions for the previous year, he'll be handed a sacred sword to signify his legitimacy. But murder interferes. Someone smashes the skull of Brother Conchobhar, Fidelma's surrogate father, and steals some sacred relics in the elderly man's care. The timing seems tied to the ceithirfine, as Conchobhar served the king as keeper of the sword, though that ceremonial item wasn't one of the stolen relics. Fidelma investigates, even as her brother faces another threat to his authority--a docked ship carrying people infected with the plague raises concerns that spread of the pestilence will be blamed on Colgú. Tremayne plays fair with the readers while evoking the period in vivid detail. This long-running series remains as fresh and inventive as ever. Agent: Euan Thorneycroft, A.M. Heath (U.K.). (Sept.)
Kirkus Review
The kingship of Sister Fidelma's brother, Colgú of Cashel, hangs by a thread in this fast-moving combination of history, mystery, and fantasy set in seventh-century Ireland. In April of 672, as the Feast of Beltaine approaches, Colgú, King of Muman, awaits the verdict of the council on his kingship and a controversial treaty with a former enemy. When their old friend Brother Conchobhar is murdered and sacred relics in his keeping go missing, Fidelma, acting as her brother's adviser and a widely recognized advocate of the law, takes on an investigation that will require all her gifts to unravel. Several of the visiting princes who are displeased with Colgú's rule may be hatching a plot to discredit him using the missing treasures as an excuse. Only the sacred sword of Nuada is still safe, hanging on a wall that will now be guarded at all times. Adding to the tension is a report that the plague has arrived in Ireland. Cashel's new physician seems both arrogant and useless in the face of impending disaster. Among the many suspects, Sister Ernmas, a mysterious, rarely seen nun, comes to top Fidelma's list as she questions the unhappy princes and their retinues. An attack on Fidelma and more murders make her task increasingly difficult. Could secrets of the old religion being overtaken by Christianity hold the clues to protecting her brother's kingship? A complex, lovingly written mystery notable for its historical detail and strong heroine. Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
