Customer Reviews

Hemlock at Vespers: Fifteen Sister Fidelma Mysteries

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Though Sister Fidelma has appeared in four novels, she has also starred in fifteen short stories that make up this wonderful anthology, HEMLOCK AT VESPERS. Peter Tremayne places his stories in order of publication date and allows the audience to observe how much the author and the character have matured. Readers learn why Sister Fidelma changes her references to herself, dissociates from a religious community, and how that impacts the seventh century amateur sleuth.

All the stories in this anthology are well written and self-contained as the essence of the main character comes alive each time while retaining a consistent level of excellent storytelling. That enables the audience to understand and empathize with Sister Fidelma. The stories also provide incredible insight into "Dark Ages" Ireland without slowing down the pacing. Mr. Tremayne is one the leaders of the historical mystery whether the plot is full-length novel (see VALLEY OF THE SHADOW) or a short story.

Harriet Klausner

Contrary to Dr. Scheibler's charge, Tremayne's Sister Fidelma mysteries accurately reflect the history of mid-7th century Ireland. Tremayne did not have to fictionalize the setting to make it "amenable to 20th century feminists." The Ireland of those years was as he describes it, notwithstanding an occasional minor anachronism. Even some Catholic histories of the saints acknowledge that Brigid was consecrated a bishop, although some also contend that a nervous bishop said the wrong prayer. Nor is there any doubt that Ireland was then an intellectual capital, with a long-established Brehon law system. There was, as Tremayne recounts, a spirited (pardon the pun) debate going on between the Irish and Roman churches. Some Irish religious practices were, indeed, adaptations from the Druidic system that Christianity supplanted. There is also no question that there were religious communities of married couples, as there are today -- I can refer Dr. Scheibler to one if he'd like. He apparently takes such great offense at Tremayne's reconstruction of a period of history with which he's uncomfortable that he has taken leave of his critical judgement. Speaking as a Christian conservative enough to oppose ordination of women, except perhaps as deaconesses, I am nonetheless very impressed with Tremayne's plotting (locked room mysteries, love triangles, even a ghost story) and characterization. Hence, I greatly enjoy the Sister Fidelma series, however much I may disagree with its theology. "Hemlock At Vespers" naturally lacks the depth that the novels can boast, but this anthology is a marvelous introduction to a religiese with the deductive abilities of Holmes. (In the novels, she occasionally has a "Watson" of sorts.) The book begins with a story in which a visitor to Brigid's community in Kildare dies, poisoned during dinner, within everyone's view. The collection concludes with a marvelous story in which Fidelma solves the mystery of the ghost haunting an innkeeper and his wife. One story, set in France, features a very diagreeable abbot whose disdain of married clerics (celibacy was not mandatory for Catholic priests until long after this time) makes him a grudging participant in solving a murder. Another tale is set in Rome, where Fidelma finds that it often fails to live up to its designation as the Holy City. Like Harriet Klausner, I highly recommend "Hemlock at Vespers." I do quibble with her use of the term "Dark Ages" Ireland. As Tremayne notes, this period was rather an "Age of Golden Enlightenment," especially in education. Newcomers will, I think, be fascinated by this young, intelligent and strong-willed advocate of the Brehon courts who has also taken religious vows. Long-time fans of Fidelma will enjoy this collection of snapshots, the short stories that inspired the novels.

I am usually not a fan of short stories. I prefer the longer mystery novels where there is time to develop characters and to embellish plots, but these 15 short stories of Sister Fidelma are well worth the effort. Yes, there is a lot of repetition by way of introduction for each story, but they are intended to be stand-alone stories and not every reader may see all the stories or have read the Sister Fidelma novels. But the stories were interesting because they were set up in the order of creation, and we see Fidelma developing as she goes along. There is such an array of settings, crimes and motives for each story that it keeps the interest of the reader. The descriptions of the countryside in the various seasons were what I enjoyed the most. The last story in the book has the best description of a snow storm that I've read. If you're a Sister Fidelma fan, you really should take the time to read these stories. You will not be disappointed.

This book is a valuable read to anyone who has read the Sister Fidelma books or would like to. It gives great background and introduces you to her sleuthing style and personality. She is quick witted and clever with a biting tongue. Hers is a likable personality, which Hemlock at Vespers showcases. It's a must have!

Fidelma is an Eognacht princess, sister to the king of Cashel and respected advocate of the ancient Brehon laws, She is called upon to solve dark mysteries and murder most foul for Fidelma is a qualified dálaigh and if you haven't met her yet - then you're in for a very pleasant surprise. She's fiercely intelligent, clear-headed, analytical, stiff-necked, irritable and an all-round gutsy girl !

Hemlock at Vespers contains 15 stand-alone stories, perfect for the newcomer and the follower alike. It's the best way to meet the redheaded moody protagonist and dedicated Fidelma fans will love the stories and understand the reasons for her disillusionment with the House of Blessed Brigid

Hemlock at Vespers, by Peter Tremayne, presents fifteen short stories of Sister Fidelma mysteries. 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 Ph. D. 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.

As a Sister Fidelma fan will realize, the novels occur in chronological order. This book of short stories fills in events, many of which occurred before the novels. The first few stories relate events the occurred prior to the first novel, Absolution by Murder. Later stories fill in events between the novels.
The short stories are very similar to the novels. Each story is complete mystery. In each, Fidelma demonstrates her skill at interviewing witnesses and at solving puzzles.

I will reveal a quick hint at some of the cases presented in this book. One involves a man prosecuted for a murder that occurred while the accused was asleep. A second reviews death in a church where a man was killed drinking from a poisoned chalice.
Another tale investigates a death that involves the symbolic sword of the high king of Ireland. One explores a murder in a sealed, guarded tomb. Lastly, one tale is about a man who invites his enemies to his death. He provides them a fine meal and entertainment. Then he speaks to the guests by reminding everyone of his sins against them and dies at the end of the speech. Fidelma investigates.

These stories are all entertaining. It is fun to watch Fidelma labor to analyze each situation and reveal the answer to each problem. I enjoyed all fifteen stories.

This is a good book. If you like historical settings you will love this book. If you enjoy repartee between characters, the interactions among characters will entertain you. If you like a good mystery these tales will satisfy your thirst for intrigue. If you are not yet a Sister Fidelma fan and want to check her out before attempting the seventeen novels, this book is perfect for you.

I enjoyed the short stories collected in "Hemlock at Vespers", which fill out the history of Sister Fidelma and in addition bring early medieval Irish culture, religion, and society to life unclouded by the, shall we say, misconceptions held by the modern Church and its historians. I only wish Tremayne or his editor had removed some of the repetitive features of the stories, such as the description of Sister Fidelma and the list of her qualifications, that would have been necessary when these stories were first published as stand-alone works.

Readers might want to wait until they've read a few Sister Fidelma novels before reading these stories, though: Fidelma's personality is a little cooler, a little less pronounced here than in the novels, and I think she would come across as somewhat priggish to a reader who didn't recognize exactly why she was so formal.

I am still trying to finish this collection so I can move on to novels. In the first story, the author uses the word "mesmerise" 3 times. Dr. Anton Mesmer was not born for several centuries after Sister Fidelma. I find it more than annoying, as it is a big gap, and he is listed as an expert historian. I also find the conversations hard to believe. I will continue, though, and see if the Sister is more believeable by the end of the book.

15 short stories concerning Sister Fidelma of Ireland. I enjoyed these stories, however I did not find them as satisfying as the longer novels. Also, her frequent partner, Brother Eadulf, does not appear in these stories. In several of the stories, his presence is sorely missed.

Great mystery and Irish history is a bonus. I enjoy the Fidelma mysteries and look forward to getting more.