Master of Souls: A Mystery of Ancient Ireland

by: Peter Tremayne

Published by: St. Martins

Reviewed by Kathy Perschmann

Tremayne is actually Peter Berresford Ellis, Celtic scholar, and this is his 16th Sister Fidelma mystery.

It is 668 AD, and Fidelma and her husband Eadulf must travel to the far west of Ireland to help solve the murder of Abbess Faife and the kidnapping of six novices. The political situation could be very unstable, as peace has recently been reached with the Ui Fidgente, the warlords of the area. Fidelma's skills as an investigator, her rank as a dalaigh, a sort of ancient legal advocate, and her knowledge as a scholar will be needed desperately.

Once they arrive at Fhearta Abbey, they discover that the scholar Cinaed has been killed--struck down in the chapel.

Was Cinaed killed for his views on marriage among the religious? His views on the trinity? Or was it something he had discovered and written about recently--all his writings are burned shortly after they arrive. Jealousy may be the cause (his wife and mistress hate each other,),and other scholars resent his standing and influence, while deploring his views.

A shipwreck on the coast also figures into the story, as does gold hidden in the ruins of a rebel tower, a sly and duplicitous local warlord, and the "ghost" of a dead rebel, Uaman, who seems to be leading a nasty band of warriors. Fidelma is able to unravel the many strands of this mystery and show how all these are related, and discover who really is the "ghost" and responsible for the many deaths.

Tremayne is able to create seventh century religious life in a Celtic abbey with careful precision and lifelike characters.

Armchair Interviews says: You will truly be swept away into the past.