Shroud for the Archbishop

Sister Fidelma, Book 2

By: Peter Tremayne

Narrated by: Caroline Lennon

Length: 11 hrs and 1 min

Publisher's Summary

Set in a Rome riven by religious and political conflicts, Shroud for the Archbishop is the second compelling novel in Peter Tremayne's gripping Celtic mystery series. 

Wighard, archbishop designate of Canterbury, has been discovered garrotted in his chambers in the Lateran Palace in Rome in the autumn of AD 664. The solution to this terrible crime appears simple as the palace guards have arrested Brother Ronan Ragallach, as he fled from Wighard's chamber. 

Although the Irish monk denies responsibility, Bishop Gelasius is convinced the crime is political and that Wighard was slain in pique at the triumph of the pro-Roman Anglo-Saxon clergy in their debate with the pro-Columba Irish clergy at Whitby. There is also a matter of missing treasure: the goodwill gifts Wighad had brought with him to Rome and the priceless chalices sent for the Holy Father Vitalian's blessings have all been stolen. 

Bishop Gelasius realises that Wighard's murder could lead to war between the Saxon and Irish kingdoms if Ronan is accused without independent evidence. So he invites Sister Fidelma of Kildare and Brother Eadulf to investigate. But more deaths must follow before Fidelma is finally able to put together the strange jigsaw in this tale of evil and vengeance.

©1995 Peter Tremayne (P)2015 Audible, Inc.

Light fiction with some historic depth

If you’re a detective fiction purist then this instalment in the Fidelma series won’t be for you. The plot's a bit ponderous really, but it is still light enough to be entertaining rather than frustrating. The character of Sister Fidelma seems to be getting more pompous and holier-than-thou (pun intended) while advocating the liberal views of her culture over her patrician contemporaries. However, the historical elements of this story are so different and interesting that you forgot the faults in construction of the story.
The narrator’s good.

Amazing historical detail and an original storylin

Another great story from Peter Tremayne: the historical detail of the ancient kingdoms of Ireland and Britain, together with his knowledge of the early Celtic and Roman churches (and their dodgy dealings!) make for a rich tapestry against which his original murder/ mystery storyline twists and turns. Sister Fidelma is a great central character - full of those "I wish I had said that!" moments. Always difficult to hit the Pause button, they are a great listen. I enjoyed reading the novels years ago and I am so glad to be able to enjoy the stories again - almost like new after all these years - as Audible books

Will someone please murder Sister Fidelma

A shame because the story’s not too bad, but Sister Fidelma is a complete omnipotent windbag.