The Spider's Web

A Sister Fidelma Mystery of Ancient Ireland

By: Peter Tremayne

Narrated by: Caroline Lennon

Length: 11 hrs and 47 mins

Publisher's summary

In the spring of AD 666, Sister Fidelma is summoned to the small Irish village of Araglin. An advocate of the Brehon law courts as well as a religieuse, she is to investigate the murder of the local chieftain. While she is traveling there with her friend, Brother Eadulf, a band of brigands attacks the roadside hostel in which they are staying and attempts to burn them out. While Fidelman and Eadulf manage to beat back their attackers, this incident is only the first in a series that troubles them.

When they arrive at Araglin, they find out the chieftain was murdered in the middle of the night, and next to his body a local deaf-mute man was found, holding the bloody knife that killed him. While everyone else seems convinced that the man's guilt is obvious, sister Fidelma is not so sure. As she investigates she's convinced there is something happening in the seemingly quiet town - something everyone is trying very hard to keep from her. In what may be the most challenging and confusing situation she has yet faced, Fidelma must somehow uncover the truth behind the chieftain's murderer and find out what is really going on beneath the quiet surface of this rural town.

©1997 Peter Tremayne (P)2014 Audible Inc.

Enjoyable, well-paced mystery

The Sister Fidelma mystery series are great reads, and The Spider’s Web is no exception. In this book, Fidelma and Eadulf are called to investigate the death of a local chieftain. They uncover many local secrets, including ones that were longstanding. The book is well-paced and never lags. Tremayne is a concise writer. The mystery was complex, though in the end, I didn’t find the motive for the main murder to be very compelling. But that didn’t detract from the story. I generally like the Fidelma and Eadulf characters, although I do think that Fidelma is too much Tremayne’s “ideal woman” and so she can come across a little wooden at times. All in all though, these are very enjoyable books that provide some interesting historical background with the story.

I love these Stories…

Not only am I feeling like I know the main characters of the book, I am also getting a good understanding of what it would be like to live in Ireland during this time. Getting a good handle of how the Irish legal system worked, compared to the penitentials which we’re bringing pushed by Rome. I also like understanding the difference between Irelands interpretation of their religion versus Romes view. I am learning more about Irish, Catholic, Role and Rule from Ireland during early to mid 900 AC. Enjoy!

Great find!

Loved it!! Twists and turns all the way to the end. I would never have found this one but I am so glad I did. I can't wait to read the next one to find out what is going to happen with these beloved characters. Will it include her riding companion? Onto the next book!!

Caught in the Web

Sister Fidelma and Brother Eodulf are sent to a small town to solve a mystery. The mysteries and the murders multiply until it is hard to keep track of the story, which is both sad and evil. Many old Irish names become bewildering. Never fear: all turns out lawfully, but not quite as comforting in the end. One of the lesser Fidelma mysteries. If you want to read them in order, as I do. Go ahead. Otherwise,you can skip this one.