Atonement of Blood: A Mystery of Ancient Ireland

Peter Tremayne

Jul 2014 · Mysteries of Ancient Ireland Book 24 · Sold by Minotaur Books

About this ebook

Winter, 670 AD. King Colgú has invited the leading nobles and chieftains of his kingdom to a feast day. Fidelma and her companion Eadulf are finally home for an extended stay, and have promised their son, Alchú, that they'll be able to spend some time together after months of being on the road, investigating crimes. Fidelma and Eadulf are enjoying the feast when it is interrupted by the entrance of a religieux, who claims he has an important message for the King. He approaches the throne and shouts ‘Remember Liamuin!' and then stabs King Colgú. The assassin is slain, but does enough damage to take out Colgú's bodyguard, and to put the king himself on the verge of death.

As King Colgú lies in recovery, Fidelma, Eadulf, and bodyguard Gormán are tasked with discovering who is behind the assassination attempt, and who Liamuin is. They must journey into the territory of their arch-enemies, the Uí Fidgente, to uncover the secrets in the Abbey of Mungairit, and then venture into the threatening mountain territory ruled by a godless tyrant. Danger and violence are their constant companions until the final devastating revelation.


Atonement of Blood is a mystery of Ancient Ireland from Peter Tremayne.

Ratings and reviews

Some would say Tremayne follows the same formula for all his books. Someone is murdered. Someone is accused of murder and Fidelma investigates. She finds old friend, old enemies, new friends, new enemies, and figures it all out. The most annoying part was the number of times Fidelma had to remind everyone she was a high ranking attorney and sister of the king. Nevertheless, it's Fidelma's grit, intelligence, and the faithful help of her husband Eadulf that wins through to resolve the murder attempt on her own brother. This is the 24th book in the series and while the formula might tried and true like all murder mysteries, Fidelma is never tired, never wants to retire, and she evolves now that she is a mother and wife. Fidelma renounced her vows so she's no longer "Sister". That act alone develops new dynamics and keeps me coming back for more.

Lady Fidelma (as she is now called) did it again with Eadulf's help. Still was good, even though she didn't give a total summation like she usually does in front of a Council, court, etc. It also would have been good to hear about the ambush that the Prince of Ui Fidgente and his men encountered on their way back from Tara!

About the author

PETER TREMAYNE is a pseudonym of Peter Berresford Ellis, a renowned scholar who has written extensively on the ancient Celts and the Irish. As Tremayne, he is best known for mysteries of Ancient Ireland featuring Sister Fidelma of Cashel, beginning with Absolution by Murder. He lives in London.