The Monk Who Vanished (Mystery of Ancient Ireland) (Mass Market Paperback)

by Peter Tremayne (Author) "The tall figure of the cowled religieux was hurrying down the darkened corridor..." (more)
Key Phrases: professional archer, noble wolf, abbey gates, Brother Mochta, Brother Bardán, Brother Madagan (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review
'A clever plot, ingeniously resolved...the atmosphere of 7th century Ireland is so well recaptured that it becomes absolutely real.' -- SHOTS --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Description
The seventh book in the Irish medieval mystery series finds Sister Fidelma investigating the disappearance of a kingdom's sacred artifacts-and that of an elderly brother of the order...

"[Sister Fidelma] does not disappoint." (Publishers Weekly)

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Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Signet (June 4, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0451206266
• ISBN-13: 978-0451206268
• Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 4.2 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #181,044 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars They Just Get Better and Better, February 2, 2007

By	J. Chippindale (England) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)

The author Peter Tremayne obviously has a great knowledge of Ireland in the 7th century and also on the Irish Law of the period. His Sister Fidelma book are attracting what can only be described as a cult following, but they are of interest to anyone who likes historical novels or mysteries. This series of books are set in Ireland in the 7th century, a time when there was total equality for women. The lead character is the beguiling Sister Fidelma. She is a brilliant scholar, a leading authority on Irish law and the sister of a king. This is also a period in history when celibacy was not yet a part of religious life.

AD 666, an old monk and a set of relics have disappeared during the night from the Abbey of Imleach. Obviously the monk who has gone missing is of great concern to the Abbey, but the missing relics are of much greater concern. The relics are the political symbol of the entire kingdom and their disappearance threatens to undermine the peace and stability of the land.

While on a visit to the Abbey, Sister Fidelma is asked to investigate the matter and with the help of her friend and companion Brother Eadulf, Fidelma begins slowly but surely to unravel the mystery, but there are people who will stop at nothing, including murder to achieve their way.

5.0 out of 5 stars Love his books, April 18, 2009

By	compulsive shopper (Utah) - See all my reviews

His books are always fun and interesting. The charictors are realistic. You hate the ones u should and want the good guys to win.

4.0 out of 5 stars Political Intrigue., January 8, 2009

By	W. Easley "Opa" (Colorado Rocky Mountains) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

The Monk Who Vanished is the seventh novel in the Sister Fidelma series. Sister Fidelma of Cashel, a town in Ireland, lived in the seventh century A.D. Although most of Europe was suffering the Dark Ages, Ireland was a progressive land where gender discrimination was rare. In Ireland any citizen could aspire to any profession. Sister is a very talented and accomplished woman. Fidlema 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.

This is a tale of political intreague. The story begins with the disappearance of a monk, Brother Mochta, and the holy relics from the Abbey at Imleach. Shortly after the priceless holy relics, symbols of the power of the King, disappear, King Colgu of Cashel and Prince Donennach of the Ui Fedgente are shot in an assassination attempt.
The Ui Fedgente, a longtime enemy of Cashel, accuse Colgu of plotting the assassination, which Colgu denies. A hearing is ordered and Sister Fidlema agrees to investigate.

The case is very complex, the assailants were quickly killed and there were no witnesses to the theft of the holy relics. Fidelma faces further confusion as various organizations and people attempt to influence her. Have the Ui Fedgente plotted this themselves to give them and advantage over Cashel? Did someone in Fidlema's own kingdom devise a plot to unseat their own king? Is there some outside agency or force behind this?

Fidlema conducts the investigation with her usual energy and wit but encounters numerous barriers that interfere with her progress. Many of the people she interviews attempt to control her efforts. Some people lie to Sister, while others avoid her or simply do not answer her questions. Sister is led on false trails. Fidlema becomes suspicious that she is up against an organized resistence.

This is a rousing tale full of action and intrigue. The characters appear to be real people full of doubts, agendas, fears, and flaws. This is a good story that kept me interested. I recommend this book.