So, for those who have asked me where to start with this series, (where chronology is quite important), Book One and forward would be my recommendation. I am also impressed by the author’s ability to blow the obscuring dust off the pages of history and reveal events in a way that is well-written and feels completely authentic and natural. It is fitting then that this book of short stories becomes Book Nine in the series.Īgain, I am impressed by the author’s knowledge of the Celtic culture during the 7th Century, and also the legal system, the laws, and how those laws are revised by a council of judges and lawyers every three years to ensure the laws are kept up to date with the changing culture. For those who are interested in the Celtic religion, laws, and way of life during the mid-7th century in Ireland, these fourteen short stories are full of historical fact and many incidents that only a scholar of those times would be able to write.Īlthough four of the stories take place chronologically before Book One of the Sister Fidelma series, the others all fall into chronological line from the beginning of the series through the 8th novel. This book is a superb introduction to the Sister Fidelma series. From those four short stories, the Sister Fidelma series was launched and many other short stories were also written.

These short stories featured Sister Fidelma and brought forward incidents of the time that would illustrate the culture through the eyes and adventures of an interesting character. With degrees in Celtic studies and several books published on Celtic history and events, Peter Tremayne wrote four short stories to demonstrate the role of women in 7th Century Ireland.

Hemlock at Vespers by Peter Tremayne