Saturday, August 26, 2017

Penance of the Damned

Abbott Segae has been murdered.  He was the religious advisor to King Colgu of Cashel.  Colgu has. When invited to visit the site of the murder, but it is in territory, which could be potentially dangerous to him.  So he decides to send his sister Fidelma to investigate.  On the way there Fidelma and her partner Eadulf are informed that it is Gorman, the head of Colgu's bodyguard who has been accused of the murder.

During initial discussions Fidelma is informed that Gorman is either to be turned over to the religious community for execution or left to be judged under the old laws of Ireland.  She comes to the realisation that Gorman has not really been tried, only evidence has been presented.  She calls for a proper trial to be held.

Fidelma's investigation only leads to more questions, and then Gorman escapes his confinement.  Does this prove his guilt?  Can he brought back before a decision has to be made about his guilt?  A decision which could lead to war!

When a young woman is found hanging it is thought that she committed suicide, but Eadulf points to her crushed skull that this is not the case. The rope that hung her belonged to a religious scribe who is missing.  He is found in the river dead from blows to the head.  Who killed them and why?  Is it connected to the death of the abbot?  If so, why?

As they gather more evidence, it appears to point to a conspiracy to overthrow Colgu's neighbour.  Is it possible for the little group to stop the conspiracy?

Author Peter Tremayne's historical murder mystery is full of action and intrigue.  A thoroughly enjoyable read and hard to put down.

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