The Chalice of Blood: A Mystery of Ancient Ireland

Peter Tremayne

Oct 2011 · Mysteries of Ancient Ireland Book 21 · Sold by Minotaur Books

About this ebook

"If there is anyone who has emerged from the crowded field of medieval mysteries to take the place of the late Ellis Peters, it is Peter Tremayne." --Denver Post on Master of Souls

Ireland AD 670: When an eminent scholar is found murdered in his cell in the Abbey of Lios Mor, fear spreads among his brethren. His door was secured from the inside, with no other means of exit. How did the murderer escape? And what was the content of the manuscripts apparently stolen from the scholar's room?

Abbot Iarnla insists on sending for Sister Fidelma and her companion Brother Eadulf to investigate the killing. But even before they reach the abbey walls, there is an attempt on their lives. As the mystery deepens, Fidelma and Eadulf must also wrestle with problems of their own, problems which threaten to separate them forever...

Ratings and reviews

Twenty-first in the Sister Fidelma medieval mystery series revolving around a nun who is a lawyer and the husband who assists her in their detecting. My Take The primary theme here is religious intolerance, so antithetical to what Jesus taught. The negative need to destroy anyone who believes opposite your own beliefs. To burn any books which do not conform to your thoughts. Tremayne makes an excellent point in what he relates about Celsus, the book that is causing such a hurrah in the abbey as Celsus points out that: "...why should Christians put themselves in such a unique relation to their creator as to make him one of them? And why should God come in men in the form of one nationality and of one distinctive faith?" "...that it is more reasonable to accept that each nation, each part of the world, has its own gods, its own prophets and messengers" The separation in effect between Fidelma and Eadulf forces both to reflect upon their own pride and their individual faults and how it affects the other. I'm anxious to know how they decide. One of the recurring themes that I adore in this series is the Irish culture of the seventh century when the law was fair to all, women enjoyed equality, and the Catholic Church was tolerant. Read a few of the books in this series and you too will wish for those "good old days". At least, if we could have someone like Fidelma around! Throughout the story and in her summings up in court, Fidelma always raises interesting issues that get me salivating to do research into religious histories and philosophies. One of particular interest is the translation of adelphos thereby raising the question of Jesus' birth and his siblings. The Story A monk newly returned from a pilgrimage to Jerusalem is much changed in demeanor which excites concern amongst his brothers. Particularly from Brother Lugna, an adherent for Roman rule. Lugna is slowly pushing the abbey to a celibate and Penitential rule much to the consternation of most but Abbot Iarnla has no backing from the lord, er, lady of the land. Lugna certainly does provide Fidelma the opportunities to put him down as he continually interferes in her investigation. Then there are the many accidents on the building site, the attacks on Eadulf and Fidelma, thefts, murders, burnings, and a hijacking all confuse the issue. But in true Fidelma fashion, she sorts it out and sums it up at the end. It always makes such sense when she brings the facts together but I'll never get ahead of this woman! The Characters Sister Fidelma and Brother Eadulf have separated in anger. Eadulf wants to retreat to an abbey community with their son while Fidelma wants to stop being a religieuse and devote herself to the law. Colgú is Fidelma's brother and the King of Muman. Abbot Iarnla has allowed his steward, Brother Lugna, an adherent of the Novatianists, to rule everything in the abbey of Lios Mór; amazing what blackmail will corrupt. Other Brothers include Donnán the librarian; Giolla-na-Naomh, its blacksmith; Máel Eoin the brother in charge of guest rooms; Seachlann, the abbey's physician; Echen the stable keeper; and, the Venerable Bróen. Lady Eithne of the Déisi is the ruler of the lands on which the abbey lies and her wishes must come first including Brother Lugna. It is her son, Brother Donnchad, who was murdered. Lady Eithne has commissioned the replacement of all the wooden buildings of the abbey with stone hiring Glassán as the master builder, a man with a murky past along with Saor, his assistant. Glassán's apprentice, Gúasach, has some insights. Those involved in the more secular plots include Cumscrad, chief of the Fir Maige Féne; his son and the assistant librarian in that city, Cunán; Muirgíos, master of the hijacked barge; Eolann who is one of his crew; Brother Temnen, the librarian at Ard Mór; and, Uallachán, the chief of the Uí Liatháin. --I just love all this talk about libraries! And I'm drooling at the thought of those beautifully

Excellent books that are easy to read

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 his stories and novels featuring Fidelma of Cashel. He lives in London.