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Battle Over Rites

Reviewed in the United States on July 26, 2012

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The Council of the Cursed by Peter Tremayne (pseudonym of historian Peter Berresford Ellis), is an exceptional historical mystery. It is set during the seventh century in Autun (an ancient French city founded by Augustus Caesar). Leodegar, Bishop of Autun, called a council to fulfill Pope Vitalian's request to determine which rules and rites should prevail in the Western European churches.

Before the council can convene, one of the key officials attending the meeting is murdered. The host Bishop decrees that Sister Fidelma investigate the crime so that the council can proceed in peace. Fidelma and Eadulf agree to investigate, on condition they can be seen as neutral and have the Bishop's full authority.

The case is complicated and the plot full of suspense, intrigue, and numerous plot shifts. Each plot shift contributes layers of additional suspense. Fidelma and Eadulf face multiple barriers, reluctance, and even death threats.

About a year before the Council, Leodegar, the host Bishop, decreed that male clerics be celibate, and if already married, they must give up the family, and divorce their wife, or leave "religious life". Many men, especially those without a "civilian skill" are essentially forced to deny their family. The Bishop then cancels the marriage. What did they do with the wives and children? The answer, although historically accurate, is not pleasant.

The Council of the Cursed is an excellent mystery. The major characters are well drawn, the plot is believable, and the intrigue impressive. The final conclusion is realistic and understandable. I highly recommend this novel.

S.

fun read

Reviewed in the United States on May 26, 2018

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Finally another Tremayne book that is worth reading. It has been a while since I enjoyed a Fidelma mystery. An interesting mystery, interesting setting and complicated plot. And Fidelma is much more likable than she was in the last few books! She is finally treating others with respect and has less fits about how much more perfect her country is compared to others.

ARGTop Contributor: Pets

Fidelma unravels the threads and discovers much more than the killer.

Reviewed in the United States on May 24, 2017

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Fidelma and Eadulf journey to a Church Council at Autun in the land of the Franks to advise her brother's abbot at the proceedings. Before they arrive an Irish cleric is killed seemingly in a locked room mystery with a Saxon and Briton cleric dispatched in the same room. Fidelma and Eadulf seem perfect investigators given the nationalities involved but the house doesn't admit women. Soon other mysteries are uncovered. Fidelma unravels the threads and discovers much more than the killer.

Kindle Customer

A Mystery Solved

Reviewed in the United States on February 14, 2019

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Another convoluted story,skillfully solved by our beloved Sister. I continue to be entranced, entertained and educated by Peter Tremayne. enjoy

Joy Ward

Excellent window into history Peter Tremayne is always an excellent ...

Reviewed in the United States on December 3, 2014

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Excellent window into history

Peter Tremayne is always an excellent writer but he REALLy shines when he sheds light on the nastier dark corners of history. In this case, Fidelma uncovers a septic historical period when the Roman Church was allowing local church leaders to do whatever they wished to end marriages and families among the religious. Great mystery that keeps you hanging on through the surprise ending.

Mikki Mac

Fidelma series

Reviewed in the United States on March 5, 2019

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always enjoy this series

Charles Hartley

Tremayne Scores Again

Reviewed in the United States on February 27, 2011

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Fidelma and Eadulf find themselves in a foreign land with foreign customs that challenge their ability to solve what at first appears to be a case of murder caused by anger, but develops into something much more sinister. Danger stalks them as they interact with a collection of openly evil characters as well as others who may not be what them seem. Once again, Fidelma manages to find the solution, but not before she faces an attempt on her life.

Hector E.

A page turner

Reviewed in the United States on February 15, 2017

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I would say that this book is one of the best of the Fidelma series: informative, full of suspense and a great narrative.
It's a great read don't miss it.

Top reviews from other countries

Amazon Customer

Most amazing history told as murder mystery

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 28, 2020

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Sister Fidelma is called to find the murderer of an abbot and gets thrown into a fast twisting story of betrayal, slavery, and murder. A history lesson so entrancing no teacher ever taught before. Unbelievable what went on in early Christian society. Fidelma is looking for murderers and trayters and has to escape several attempts on her life. But the truth will always come out...

Suzie Litton-Wood

Another great read from Peter Tremayne!!

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 4, 2014

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My Irish roots, my Roman Catholic education, my love of history and my fascination with 'Who Dun-its' are all satisfied by Peter's Sister Fidelma books. The heroine, Fidelma of Cashel, sister to King Colgu` of Mumen, is also a highly educated advocate of the courts and a dalaigh of the Brehon Laws (or Laws of the Fenechus) Despite being a woman and a member of the religieuse community, she travels the known world, solving mysteries and murders where ever she goes. Her reputation precedes her, from the shores of her very own 7th Century, Early Medieval Ireland to the heights of St.Hilda's Abbey and the Synod of Whitby to the Pagan Angles & Saxons of the Eastern coast of Britain, the Gauls and Iberians of the New Faith and on to the Centre of the Christian world...Rome! I love to hate those of the deeply religious and bigoted persuasion, who try to thwart our heroine at every twist and turn. I feel great empathy for Brother Eadulf, her long suffering partner as he waits on her every whim, almost oblivious to her sarcasm and feisty wit. I suffer frustration with the other characters whom she consistently keeps in the dark until the very last moment and I admire the writing of Peter Tremayne as he skilfully guides me through the many adventures of his creation...... Sister Fidelma!

Amazon Customer susanafzal

They're all good! Start with Shroud for the Archibishop!

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 18, 2019

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What can I say? I'm reading this series in chronological order. This is how far I've got. Wonderful stuff! From a man who's also a reputable historian. I bought some on Amazon at a bargain price, including this one. Treat yourself. It's well worth the money. He has discovered a niche in the historical crime novel area. The books are original. As far as I'm aware, no one has written about this before.

P. Loveday

A touch of the Irish

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 25, 2020

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Another excellent story of intrigue within the Irish community in early Christian times making for an excellent read.

T. R. Brackstone

All are great with a continuing background story

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 22, 2018

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Only one book of a series. All are great with a continuing background story. This bok is as are all the series a great read.

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