Book Review: Hemlock at Vespers

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Hemlock at Vespers     Amazon US PB Amazon UK PB Amazon UK HC Amazon Canada PB
Peter Tremayne
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Historical   Amateur Sleuth   Woman Main Character   Religious Fiction   [Short Stories]
Series: Sister Fidelma # 9
St. Martin’s, Mar 2000, $15.95, 416 pp.

Though Sister Fidelma has appeared in four novels, she has also starred in fifteen short stories that make up this wonderful anthology, HEMLOCK AT VESPERS. Peter Tremayne places his stories in publication date order that allows the audience to observe how much the author and the character have matured. Readers learn why Sister Fidelma changes her references to herself, dissociates from a religious community, and how that impacts the seventh century amateur sleuth.

All the stories in this anthology are well written and self-contained as the essence of the main character comes alive each time while retaining a consistent level of excellent storytelling. That enables the audience to understand and empathize with Sister Fidelma. The stories also provide incredible insight into “Dark Ages” Ireland without slowing down the pacing. Mr. Tremayne is one the leaders of the historical mystery whether the plot is full-length novel (see VALLEY OF THE SHADOW) or a short story.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner