Suffer Little Children: A Sister Fidelma Mystery

Rating:
Summary: Heavy Going?
Review: I don't really know what some of the reviews mean when they say that this book is a bit heavy going unless you're a scholar of this Celtic era. I didn't find that at all. I quite enjoy this series, and find that each book tells me more about the people and the history from these times. But it doesn't feel like a history lesson since the mystery is always good. Sister Fidelma is quite refreshing - an opinionated, and intelligent woman from the seventh century in Ireland. Not what I expected from this time in history, but it's interesting to find out that women were considered equals and allowed to excel in their chosen fields as far back as that. Is that the Dark Ages? It doesn't really seem like it and they were certainly more enlightened than people were in subsequent centuries. This particular story was a heart-rending one since we also saw how cruel and unmindful of human life some of the warriors were then. It was particularly sad because children were involved. The title for this book is certainly appropriate. But, it was a good story, and I look forward to the next one.

Rating:
Summary: Heavy Going?
Review: I don't really know what some of the reviews mean when they say that this book is a bit heavy going unless you're a scholar of this Celtic era. I didn't find that at all. I quite enjoy this series, and find that each book tells me more about the people and the history from these times. But it doesn't feel like a history lesson since the mystery is always good. Sister Fidelma is quite refreshing - an opinionated, and intelligent woman from the seventh century in Ireland. Not what I expected from this time in history, but it's interesting to find out that women were considered equals and allowed to excel in their chosen fields as far back as that. Is that the Dark Ages? It doesn't really seem like it and they were certainly more enlightened than people were in subsequent centuries. This particular story was a heart-rending one since we also saw how cruel and unmindful of human life some of the warriors were then. It was particularly sad because children were involved. The title for this book is certainly appropriate. But, it was a good story, and I look forward to the next one.

Rating:
Summary: the best in a great series
Review: i have read the books of almost every historical mystery writer and i find this one book may have the most complicated yet logical plot of any.A superb mystery set in 6th century Ireland with a female heroine.If you like historical novels this is a must read.This is the 3rd in a series but they do not have to be read in order.This is clearly the best in the series.A must read.

Rating:
Summary: philosophical mystery
Review: this book is a must read for anyone who can. the inter-twining of mystery and philosophy is reminiscent of tom robbins best. the reader goes on a journey with fidelma and cass through the rugged, mysterious, and absolutely beautiful backwoods of Ireland. with every page comes a new clue towards the solving of this brilliantly, written whodunit. this is the first book i have read by tremayne and he is a genius. the way that he teaches as well as excites the reader is extraordinary. this is surely one i will read continuously. BRAVO!!!

Rating:
Summary: A trip into another world
Review: This is the first in the series of Sister Fidelma mysteries that I read, and it won't be the last. Set in Ireland in the year 665(!), this story involves not only a number of murders but also a surprisingly detailed glimpse into the legal and political systems of that era. I understand Tremayne is a respected authority on ancient Celtic culture, and his background shows. The plot is complicated and the language strange (how should I pronounce words like "dalaigh" and names like "Mhichil"?), but it is a satisfying mystery with a carefully crafted plot that takes no shortcuts and doesn't leave the reader feeling cheated at the end. Read this if you're interested in experiencing the flavor of a different era (which yet has some strange resemblances to our own) and willing to pay close attention!

Rating:
Summary: A trip into another world
Review: This is the first in the series of Sister Fidelma mysteries that I read, and it won't be the last. Set in Ireland in the year 665(!), this story involves not only a number of murders but also a surprisingly detailed glimpse into the legal and political systems of that era. I understand Tremayne is a respected authority on ancient Celtic culture, and his background shows. The plot is complicated and the language strange (how should I pronounce words like "dalaigh" and names like "Mhichil"?), but it is a satisfying mystery with a carefully crafted plot that takes no shortcuts and doesn't leave the reader feeling cheated at the end. Read this if you're interested in experiencing the flavor of a different era (which yet has some strange resemblances to our own) and willing to pay close attention!