Fidelma is dalaigh, an advocate of the ancient law courts of Ireland, as well as a nun (at a time when most of the intellectual class were members of religious houses and celibacy and separation of the sexes were not required). Her brother assigns Cass, a trained warrior, to accompany her. On their journey to Ros Ailithir, they come upon a band of men who are slaughtering children and burning an orphanage. Fidelma challenges the leader, and only by using her wits do Fidelma and Cass escape a similar fate. They double back and rescue the few remaining children and the nun who cares for them.

At the abbey, Fidelma finds much about Dacan's death that is suspicious. Her investigation is hampered by a number of residents who seem to be hiding needed information. As time runs out before the meeting of the Great Assembly where the penalty for Dacan's murder will be decided, there are yet more troubling deaths.

This is the third Sister Fidelma mystery, but there are only a few references to the previous books. Readers unfamiliar with the series will not feel handicapped by not having read the first two. The author includes an historical note at the beginning of the book to inform readers of the legal and societal conditions of the time. Unlike many such notes in works of fiction, reading this historical note is essential to understanding the story.

It is unfortunate that the note isn't longer because additional information about the political situation would have been much appreciated. The mystery is intertwined with the political intrigue, and I admit that I was confused by much of the complicated maneuvering by the various parties. The resolution of the mystery requires the interconnection of several seemingly unrelated threads, and the involved relationships make this a tough call for armchair detectives.

The complex historical and political situation also makes this a slow-moving book. The need to keep the ruling and former ruling families and kingdoms straight requires the reader's close attention. There were times when I became bored with the slow pace and wanted Sister Fidelma to get on with it.

Sister Fidelma isn not an easy character to embrace. She is aggressive and convinced of her capabilities – sometimes with tragic results. I appreciate a strong female character as the lead, but the book devotes little time to scenes that would make her a more likeable and sympathetic. As a consequence, a certain emotional distance remains between the reader and the action.

The uncommon time period makes this a distinctive mystery. For readers who prefer a complex mystery in an unusual setting, this may be a good choice.

--Lesley Dunlap